29 Thanksgiving Main Ideas You’ll Want in Next Year’s Lineup

Celebrations always improve once any of these 29 main ideas fill out the Thanksgiving lineup for guests who come ready for real comfort. Every recipe adds a fresh option to share while plates turn into new traditions people request every single year. Richer flavors join classic favorites so the meal never feels repetitive.

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Hearty Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini . Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.
Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rich layers set uplifting expectations before the first bite lands on anyone’s plate. Feedback about Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini always brings up gentle texture and mellow comfort with each serving. The tetrazzini recipe collects positive remarks from guests filled with gratitude. Lively stories about this dish continue after the meal is gone.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

A close-up of a slice of potato casserole with layers of potatoes, ham, and creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley on a plate.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Golden trays arrive ready to spark sharing at tables crowded with hungry guests. Comments start buzzing for Scalloped Potatoes and Ham as the tender structure and hearty finish turns heads. Potato and ham casseroles hold the spotlight longer than most sides. The memory of this dish lasts beyond the evening.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Buzz picks up once bubbling pans show up for reliable flavor amid busy holiday plates. Interest always circles back to Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole thanks to gentle richness and soft bite. Messages usually arrive after the event asking for the recipe. Friends mention this casserole for next year’s invitation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Sheet pan meal with sliced roasted chicken breast, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, garnished with herbs.
Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Busy hosts find relief in trays that feed big groups without losing the festive mood for sharing. Praise flows in for Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner because of gentle finish and balanced servings. Sheet pan dinners get requested at gatherings all year. Comments remain strong after the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Classic Shepherds Pie

A baked shepherd's pie with a golden mashed potato topping, partially served to reveal ground meat, peas, carrots, and gravy in a white dish.
Classic Shepherds Pie. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Deep comfort stands out after the main event with bowls full of slow-building flavor. Reviews often center on Classic Shepherds Pie for rich topping and soft structure. The recipe sees frequent requests from returning guests.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shepherds Pie

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Velvet layers lift the energy on busy days with trays that help the meal move forward. People comment on Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole for gentle filling and smooth finish at every gathering. The dish always receives feedback for second servings. Requests arrive in stories from more than one guest.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Classic Meatloaf

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Classic Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tradition walks back into the room with slices holding comfort for everyone at the table. Guests review Classic Meatloaf for soft layers and mellow seasoning after every plate is cleared. It takes pride of place in shared memories. Hosts often add it to their annual menu.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatloaf

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

A bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, topped with grated cheese, pumpkin seeds, and sprinkled with herbs.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Lively flavors deliver unexpected warmth with each twirl of holiday pasta. Conversations highlight Creamy Pumpkin Pasta while guests mention gentle sauce and velvet texture. This pasta finds new devoted fans each season. The dish stands out among traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Impressive main attractions spark energy when unique servings catch attention. Compliments arrive for Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower as its gentle charm and solid texture provide a festive display. Cauliflower draws conversation even after the meal ends. Requests carry on into future gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Crockpot Turkey Breast

Sliced roasted turkey breast topped with a fruit-based sauce, being drizzled with additional sauce from a spoon.
Crockpot Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Low-fuss mains make busy feasts shine by bringing heart to the table with less stress. People speak highly of Crockpot Turkey Breast when juicy texture and easy serving make memories. Crockpot turkey keeps stories positive throughout the event. The simplicity becomes popular in messages sent after Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast

Ham Steaks

A cooked pork chop with brown sauce is served on a white plate alongside steamed asparagus spears.
Ham Steaks. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple servings anchor every dining event with dependable flavor that never lets parties down. Feedback on Ham Steaks circles around soft bite and mild notes at every celebration. Steaks find their way into favorite lists often. Guests hope to see the dish again next year.
Get the Recipe: Ham Steaks

Roasted Turkey Legs

Three cooked turkey legs with herbs and chopped onions are arranged on a white oval platter, garnished with a sprig of parsley.
Roasted Turkey Legs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Carved slices command attention for diners ready to celebrate together over hearty servings. Compliments for Roasted Turkey Legs focus on tender finish and comfort built into every bite. It wins strong feedback in annual reviews. Returning guests often hope for second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey Legs

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Close-up of stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs.
Hearty Stuffed Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Generous rolls make every guest feel welcome once plates move around the table. Interest always rises for Hearty Stuffed Cabbage because of richness and soft filling inside each serving. It gains a following quickly in group conversations. Requests for this recipe surface before the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Comforting Turkey Casserole

Close-up of a plate of creamy turkey casserole topped with bread crumbs and garnished with fresh basil leaves, reminiscent of a comforting turkey casserole.
Comforting Turkey Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hosts win praise when trays full of layered comfort take center stage at the holiday meal. People talk about Comforting Turkey Casserole for gentle bite and cozy structure that leaves nobody hungry. This casserole finds its way onto favorite lists rapidly. Positive comments always arrive after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Casserole

Tender Roast Beef

Sliced roast beef served on a bed of mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh rosemary.
Tender Roast Beef. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Slicing into classic favorites makes celebrations memorable for every guest enjoying a special meal. Arguments about best flavor lean towards Tender Roast Beef as rich depth and mellow chew receive strong reviews. It often gets repeat requests. Stories about this dish remain common at future events.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roast Beef

Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Close-up of sliced glazed turkey breast with visible seasoning.
Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Aromas fill the air for gatherings prepared to impress hungry crowds with tender servings. Discussion circles back to Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast for soft bite and gentle sweetness. Guests mention turkey breast in their follow-up notes. The main dish always earns fresh reviews in tradition.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning.
Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Green sides deliver positive energy once trays fill up with vibrant options for sharing plates. People praise Tender Roasted Broccoli for gentle texture and solid warmth with every serving. It remains on favorite lists each year. This dish writes new stories for returning guests.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Classic Turkey Meatloaf

Close-up view of sliced turkey meatloaf with a browned crust on top, revealing a moist and textured interior. The meatloaf appears to contain pieces of onions and possibly sun-dried tomatoes.
Classic Turkey Meatloaf. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tradition springs to life as familiar flavors guide guests through a memorable meal. Comments highlight Classic Turkey Meatloaf for gentle filling and smooth texture at busy tables. Meatloaf remains a steady favorite for large gatherings. Feedback never slows down year after year.
Get the Recipe: Classic Turkey Meatloaf

Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rich mains seal the deal for comfort food lovers who expect more than one round at the table. Stories focus on Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast for hearty portion and soft finish. Pot roast becomes a must-have in every review. Guests ask for the dish in future celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling.
Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Baked flavors build up the atmosphere before the meal transitions to big servings for the main plates. Talk around Easy Cornbread Casserole centers on mellow crumb and gentle touch in every portion. It receives regular applause in potluck conversations. Enjoyment of this dish lasts until the final bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Close-up of sliced roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with herbs.
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Eye-catching mains command the room once golden slices leave the carving board for eager guests. Reviews of Perfect Spatchcock Turkey always cover juicy finish and solid structure from first bite to last. The spatchcock meal winds up becoming a showstopper. Friends suggest this idea next year.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

A golden brown Thanksgiving casserole of baked stuffing garnished with fresh herbs.
Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rich layers bring excitement to the lineup as tables fill with trays packed with comfort. Feedback always highlights Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole as every scoop offers mellow flavor and gentle texture. The casserole holds interest longer than most dishes. Guests request it before the evening concludes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

A roasted turkey stuffed with vegetables is served on a platter, surrounded by various side dishes including rolls, salad, and stuffing.
Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Plated slices take their turn as guests opt for classic main attractions in celebration. Guests always mention Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing for tender serving and warm notes beside the stuffing. Turkey with cranberry steps up for big gatherings. Popularity remains high for the holiday event.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

Elegant Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington sliced on a wooden board with a side salad in the background.
Elegant Beef Wellington. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Special events feel upgraded when pastry-wrapped mains open up new conversations at the party. Comments about Elegant Beef Wellington focus on solid finish and tender filling in every slice. Wellington earns strong positive reviews each year. The dish is held in high regard during main course discussions.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Beef Wellington

Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Flaky Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Golden layers help fill the gap between old favorites and new ideas for holiday celebrations packed with comfort. Feedback about Flaky Chicken Pot Pie routinely highlights gentle bite and warm layers after every fork. Pot pie remains the classic solution for a memorable gathering. Requests show up quickly before dessert.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

Golden Roasted Turkey

A roasted turkey garnished with herbs, boasting a golden brown, crispy skin, presented on a gleaming glass platter.
Golden Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Centerpieces always impress guests gathered for big servings among familiar favorites. People talk about Golden Roasted Turkey for juicy layers and rich structure every time. Traditional turkey reviews stay strong in holiday notes. Clean plates signal the main dish’s success.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Turkey

Crispy Pork Belly

Sliced roast pork with crispy, golden-brown skin on a wooden surface.
Crispy Pork Belly. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crackling bites add interest once bold flavors catch attention at the gathering’s main table. Focus moves to Crispy Pork Belly with comments about gentle finish and solid crunch in each serving. It climbs the list of memorable mains. Requests for this dish often pop up in party chat.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Belly

Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

A close-up of meatballs in a creamy sauce with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a side of white rice, with a fork picking up one meatball.
Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mini entrees build feedback during sharing with guests eager for repeat servings from the main spread. Buzz begins about Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs for soft texture and mellow taste. These meatballs stay popular long after the event finishes. Comments appear the next day for another round.
Get the Recipe: Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Hearty Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Hearty Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Wrapping up the lineup with bold comfort means every guest leaves with a new memory to share. Feedback for Hearty Turkey Chili collects praise for gentle finish and mellow warmth through each serving. It remains in demand from returning guests. Requests for the recipe are always heard after Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Chili

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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