Thanksgiving Recipes: Turkey, Sides, and Desserts

Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

We host Thanksgiving every year and often prepare two birds: one smoked on the Traeger and one roasted in the oven. If you’re juggling multiple pans and casserole dishes, using the pellet grill can free up oven racks and simplify timing.

For me, the best part of the meal is the sides. If forced to choose between turkey and mashed potatoes, the potatoes win every time. This menu emphasizes flavorful sides, many of which are ideal for the grill so you don’t have to rely solely on oven space.

NOTE: All Traeger recipes can also be finished in a conventional oven using the same temperatures and approximate times, so feel free to adapt them to your equipment.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Menu

• Mostly Tested Here – Most recipes come from our kitchen and blog, with a few guest recipes to round out the spread.
• Complete Meal In One Place – Mains, sides, bread, appetizers, desserts and leftover ideas are all featured on this page.
• Smart Use Of Oven Space – Many sides and mains can be cooked on the Traeger so you won’t be fighting for oven room.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing and select desserts can be prepared ahead of time.
• Scalable For Any Table – Smaller options like roasted chicken, turkey breast or Cornish hens make this menu suitable for intimate gatherings.

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

If you’re not sure where to begin, choose a main dish first and then build sides that balance textures and flavors. Below are three curated menus drawn from recipes on this page; each recipe is linked in its section.

The Traeger Menu

• Main: Traeger Smoked Turkey
• Sides: Traeger Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Traeger Thanksgiving Dressing, Roasted Broccoli Casserole, and Traeger Cranberry Sauce
• Bread: Traeger Grilled Milk Rolls
• Appetizer: Traeger Apple Crisp Smoked Brie
• Dessert: Traeger Pumpkin Pie

The Smaller Table Menu

• Main: Thanksgiving Chicken Dinner
• Sides: Traeger Cranberry Sauce
• Bread: Traeger Grilled Milk Rolls
• Dessert: Traeger Apple Crisp

The Ham & Casserole Menu

• Main: Pineapple-Glazed Double Smoked Ham
• Sides: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Traeger Corn Casserole, and Cheesy Traeger Broccoli Au Gratin
• Bread: Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
• Dessert: Mocha Mousse

A few things that help any menu come together

• Start with the main. Choose the centerpiece first and pick sides that complement it.
• Cover the essentials. Plan for a potato, a stuffing or dressing, a vegetable, cranberry sauce, bread and dessert.
• Balance richness. If you serve multiple cheesy sides, include at least one simple vegetable to cut the richness.
• Split the cooking. Use the Traeger for one or two dishes and the oven for the rest.
• Bring something travel-friendly. Casseroles like funeral potatoes, corn casserole and broccoli casserole transport well for potlucks.

Thanksgiving Dinner Timeline

Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26. Use this timeline as a guide and adjust for your serving time.

• 1–2 weeks out — Finalize your menu and guest count. Estimate 1½ pounds of whole turkey per person for minimal leftovers, or 2 pounds per person if you want leftovers. Order your main and buy fresh or frozen cranberries for sauce.
• Sunday — If your turkey is frozen, transfer it to the fridge. Follow USDA thawing guidelines: roughly 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds.
• Monday–Tuesday — Make cranberry sauce. It improves after a day and stores up to five days in the fridge.
• Wednesday — Chop vegetables, cook grains, and assemble casseroles that reheat well. Make pies and desserts that need chilling, such as mocha mousse.
• Thanksgiving morning — Put the turkey on the Traeger early if you’re smoking it. A 10–13 lb bird often starts at 250°F and finishes at 325°F; cook to an internal temperature of 165°F rather than relying on time alone.
• While the turkey rests — Let it rest 15–20 minutes before carving. Use this window to finish sides in the oven or on the grill.
• Just before serving — Keep stuffing and mashed potatoes warm in a 200°F oven, covered. Keep gravy on low heat and whisk before serving.

Traeger Smoked Turkey

This smoked whole turkey starts on the Traeger at a low temperature and finishes hotter for crisp skin and tender meat. It’s a reliable method when you want smoky flavor and to free up the oven.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

Spatchcocking a turkey flattens it for even cooking and faster grill time, producing juicy meat and consistently crisp skin—an excellent choice for the Traeger.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

Double Smoked Pulled Ham

This double-smoked ham is shredded and served like pulled pork—smoky, tender and great for sandwiches or a buffet main.

Recipe: Double Smoked Pulled Ham

Spiked Honey Baked Ham Glaze

A sweet honey glaze with a boozy twist adds depth and shine to a baked ham—perfect for holiday gatherings when you want something a bit different.

Recipe: Spiked Honey Baked Ham Glaze

Double Smoked Picnic Ham

Start with a smoked picnic shoulder, smoke it again on the Traeger, then finish in a slow cooker or Instant Pot until it falls apart—ideal for pulled ham sandwiches.

Recipe: Double Smoked Picnic Ham

Thanksgiving Chicken Dinner

A complete small-table option: roasted chicken with wild rice and mushroom stuffing, pan gravy and mashed potatoes, all timed to come out hot together using one oven.

Recipe: Thanksgiving Chicken Dinner

Traeger Smoked Cornish Hens

Cornish hens are an elegant small-table alternative to a turkey. They cook quickly and offer the same smoky flavor when prepared on the Traeger.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Cornish Hens

Traeger Prime Rib Roast

If someone prefers beef over turkey, a wood-fired prime rib is a spectacular centerpiece with deep, smoky flavor.

Recipe: Traeger Prime Rib Roast

Traeger Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Smoked garlic elevates these mashed potatoes, giving them a deep, savory flavor beyond butter and cream—ideal if you want a standout potato dish.

Recipe: Traeger Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Smoked Boursin Mashed Potatoes

Boursin cheese and a touch of smoke make these mashed potatoes rich and elegant—perfect when you want something a bit more refined.

Recipe: Smoked Boursin Mashed Potatoes

Loaded Smoked Mashed Potatoes

A loaded version with smoky flavor, cheese and bacon for guests who want their potatoes extra indulgent.

Recipe: Loaded Smoked Mashed Potatoes

Smoked Scalloped Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce on the pellet grill pick up a subtle wood-fire flavor you won’t get from the oven alone.

Recipe: Smoked Scalloped Potatoes

Traeger Funeral Potatoes

A creamy, cheesy potato casserole that disappears fast at holiday trays and ships well if you’re contributing to someone else’s meal.

Recipe: Traeger Funeral Potatoes

Traeger Smoked Smashed Potatoes

Crispy smashed potatoes finished on the pellet grill for a crunchy exterior and tender center—an excellent side with a smoky edge.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Smashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

A large, make-ahead casserole with cream, sour cream and cheddar—half the cheese mixed in and the rest browned on top for a beautiful finish.

Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Traeger Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Simple, smoky and naturally sweet—these sweet potatoes are an easy side that pairs well with both turkey and ham.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Traeger Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Grilling brings out the caramelized sweetness—serve whole, sliced or mashed depending on your preference.

Recipe: Traeger Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Broccoli Casserole

Roasted broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce topped with buttery crackers—our go-to vegetable casserole that even broccoli skeptics enjoy.

Recipe: Roasted Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Traeger Broccoli Au Gratin

A creamy, cheesy broccoli bake finished on the Traeger for added depth of flavor—an excellent option for cheese lovers.

Recipe: Cheesy Traeger Broccoli Au Gratin

Grilled Butternut Squash

Butternut squash roasted with brown sugar and butter—serve scooped from the shell or mashed as an alternative to potatoes.

Recipe: Grilled Butternut Squash

Traeger Grilled Carrots

Carrots finished with browned butter and herbs—simple to prepare and attractive on the holiday table.

Recipe: Traeger Grilled Carrots

Traeger Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Crisp Brussels sprouts tossed with bacon for a vegetable side that isn’t drowned in cheese but still feels indulgent.

Recipe: Traeger Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Traeger Thanksgiving Dressing

A smoky take on classic dressing, cooked on the pellet grill for a subtle wood-fired flavor that complements turkey and ham.

Recipe: Traeger Thanksgiving Dressing

Wild Rice Mushroom Stuffing

Wild rice and mushrooms create a hearty, earthy stuffing that’s a nice alternative to traditional bread-based versions.

Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Stuffing

Traeger Grilled Milk Rolls

Milk makes these rolls richer and softer than standard dinner rolls. They bake on the grill so your oven stays available for other dishes.

Recipe: Traeger Grilled Milk Rolls

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins studded with jalapeño and cheddar—hearty enough to stand up to a loaded plate and great in place of rolls.

Recipe: Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese

Classic mac and cheese finished on the Traeger for a smoky layer of flavor that turns comfort food into something special.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese

Traeger Corn Casserole

Corn casserole blends canned corn, creamed corn, cornbread mix and cheese for a sweet-savory side that can be mixed ahead and baked in either the grill or oven.

Recipe: Traeger Corn Casserole

Traeger Cranberry Sauce

Made with frozen cranberries, this sauce starts on the stove and finishes gently on the Traeger for a bright, make-ahead condiment that improves with time.

Recipe: Traeger Cranberry Sauce

Traeger Smoked Turkey Wings

Smoked turkey wings offer bold flavor and a fun alternative to traditional wing recipes—great for sharing or as a secondary protein.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey Wings

Traeger Grilled Turkey Wings

Grilled turkey wings deliver a smoky, slightly lighter take on traditional fried wings—an approachable appetizer or main course addition.

Recipe: Traeger Grilled Turkey Wings

Traeger Smoked Turkey Legs

Smoked turkey legs are hearty, flavorful and perfect for a festive presentation—think fairground-style flavor on your holiday table.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey Legs

Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese

Creamy whipped goat cheese topped with a honey-sweetened cranberry layer; smoke the cheese briefly for a subtle wood-fired note.

Recipe: Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese

Blueberry Balsamic Smoked Goat Cheese

Smoked goat cheese paired with a blueberry-balsamic glaze creates a sophisticated appetizer with balanced sweet-tart flavors.

Recipe: Blueberry Balsamic Smoked Goat Cheese

Smoked Goat Cheese

A simple smoked goat cheese spread that’s creamy, flavorful and easy to serve with crackers or bread.

Recipe: Smoked Goat Cheese

Smoked Red Pepper Hummus

Smoky roasted red pepper hummus adds a lively, savory dip to your appetizer selection and pairs well with vegetables and pita.

Recipe: Smoked Red Pepper Hummus

Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels

Flaky puff pastry wrapped around smoky artichoke dip for a finger-friendly appetizer that’s both elegant and easy to serve.

Recipe: Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels

Warm Marinated Olives

A Mediterranean-inspired mix of olives warmed with herbs and a flavorful oil-vinegar marinade—simple, attractive and great for grazing.

Recipe: Warm Marinated Olives

Smoked Whipped Feta Dip

Whipped feta with a hint of smoke—creamier than a standard spread and excellent with vegetables or crackers.

Recipe: Smoked Whipped Feta Dip

Traeger Fall Butter Board

A seasonal butter board featuring flavored butters and toppings—an easy, eye-catching way to start a meal or snack table.

Recipe: Traeger Fall Butter Board

Traeger Apple Crisp Smoked Brie

Smoked brie topped with an apple-crisp finish—sweet, savory and perfect for sharing at the start of your gathering.

Recipe: Traeger Apple Crisp Smoked Brie

Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip

A luxurious, smoky crab dip that’s rich and crowd-pleasing—perfect for seafood lovers at your holiday table.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip

Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

Sweet grape jelly and smoky meatballs combine for a surprising, crowd-pleasing appetizer that travels well to parties.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs

Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese

Garlic-infused smoked goat cheese offers a bold, creamy appetizer that pairs well with crusty bread or crackers.

Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese

Smoked Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with a hint of smoke add an unexpected layer of flavor to a familiar classic—an intriguing appetizer for your spread.

Recipe: Smoked Deviled Eggs

Cheesy Artichoke Dip

Creamy, cheesy and comforting—this artichoke dip is a dependable crowd-pleaser that pairs with bread, crackers or veggies.

Recipe: Cheesy Artichoke Dip

Coconut Shrimp

Crispy coconut-breaded shrimp with a sweet-tangy dipping sauce—bright and a little tropical for contrast among heavier holiday foods.

Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

Smoked Salmon Dip

A rich smoked salmon spread that’s ideal for breakfast-for-dinner leftovers or as an elegant appetizer at your gathering.

Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip

Traeger Banana Cake

Moist banana cake with a subtle smoky note and cream cheese frosting—an approachable dessert that pairs well with coffee or after-dinner drinks.

Recipe: Traeger Banana Cake

Butterfinger Fluff Pie

Crunchy Butterfinger candy folds into a fluffy, peanut-butter-forward pie filling for a playful, nostalgic dessert.

Recipe: Butterfinger Fluff Pie

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

A scratch-made version of the classic chocolate cupcake with creamy filling and glossy icing—fun to make and always popular with kids and adults alike.

Recipe: Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Traeger Pumpkin Pie

A classic pumpkin pie finished on the Traeger for a subtle smoky undertone—perfect for autumn gatherings.

Recipe: Traeger Pumpkin Pie

Banana Coffee Cake

A cross between banana bread and coffee cake—moist, tender and excellent for morning-after brunches.

Recipe: Banana Coffee Cake

Traeger Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

Eggnog flavor meets creamy cheesecake for a festive dessert that’s rich and memorable.

Recipe: Traeger Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe

Mocha Mousse

A silky chocolate-and-coffee mousse that’s light but indulgent—an elegant finish to a heavy meal.

Recipe: Mocha Mousse

Traeger Apple Crisp

Classic apple crisp with a smoky finish from the Traeger—warm, comforting and perfect with vanilla ice cream.

Recipe: Traeger Apple Crisp

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Hawaiian rolls layered with leftover turkey, cranberry sauce and Swiss, topped with a buttery poppy seed glaze and baked—an easy, crowd-pleasing leftover makeover.

Recipe: Turkey Cranberry Sliders

20 Leftover Turkey Recipes

From soups and casseroles to tacos and sandwiches, this collection turns leftover turkey into a variety of satisfying meals—many recipes also work with rotisserie chicken.

Recipes: Leftover Turkey Recipes