17 of Grandma’s Best Thanksgiving Recipes Updated for Today’s Table

Thanksgiving is all about bringing family and friends together over dishes that have stood the test of time. These recipes celebrate the comfort and nostalgia of Grandma’s cooking, with a few modern updates to fit today’s table. You’ll find classics made easier and refreshed for a meal that feels as timeless as it does new. From starters to desserts, these are the dishes that make Thanksgiving gatherings memorable.

Easy Oven Asparagus

A side dish that brings simplicity and freshness to Thanksgiving, this asparagus is a light option that balances out heavier dishes. With minimal preparation, it keeps things easy while adding a satisfying crunch to the table. Guests will appreciate its bright flavor and ease, making it a modern side that Grandma would welcome for today’s Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Cranberry Apple Stuffing

This Cranberry Apple Stuffing brings together the familiar flavors of Thanksgiving with a refreshing addition of apples and cranberries. The combination of tart and sweet creates a memorable side, connecting to the traditional with just the right update. It’s a perfect choice to keep your Thanksgiving table lively with nostalgic flavor and modern charm.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

With a buttermilk brine, this turkey brings a juicy and tender centerpiece that lets the flavor shine without heavy seasoning. This update makes the classic turkey even more moist and flavorful while preserving the heart of Grandma’s traditional dish. Expect guests to appreciate the updated texture and taste, as they come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Parsnip Potato Soup

This Parsnip Potato Soup takes a familiar, cozy potato soup and elevates it with earthy parsnips, creating a rich and creamy starter. Topped with bacon and cheddar, it gives a hearty welcome to your Thanksgiving meal while bringing a fresh touch to a nostalgic dish. It’s bound to be the soup everyone remembers long after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Potato Soup

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Roasted to perfection and topped with a balsamic glaze, these Brussels sprouts blend sweet and savory flavors in a way that’s irresistible. They offer a modern spin on roasted veggies that fits right into a Thanksgiving spread inspired by tradition. These sprouts will have a way of stealing attention from even the most classic dishes.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are as comforting as Grandma’s but take on a deeper flavor with brown butter and garlic, adding a nutty richness. This dish keeps the warmth of traditional mashed potatoes while offering a subtle update that today’s guests will savor. They’ll keep everyone talking about the mashed potatoes instead of the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Spiced Pear Cobbler

Made with juicy, spiced pears and a crumbly topping, this cobbler is a nod to classic fall desserts with a modern twist. It’s easy to make, bringing cozy seasonal flavors to the table in a way that feels like Grandma’s kitchen but freshened up. This dessert will have guests remembering its warmth and flavor long after the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Cobbler

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

This Pomegranate Chicken combines sweet and tangy notes with a hint of walnut for a main course that’s both unique and festive. It brings something different to the Thanksgiving table while remaining in the spirit of family gatherings. Guests may find themselves talking more about this than the turkey itself.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

A Charcuterie and Cheese Board sets the tone for a welcoming Thanksgiving gathering, letting guests enjoy a variety of meats, cheeses, and crackers without feeling too formal. While not traditional, this board captures the essence of Grandma’s warmth with a modern touch that brings everyone to the table before the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

This smooth butternut squash and apple soup creates a cozy start to Thanksgiving, blending seasonal flavors that feel traditional yet updated. It’s a soup that speaks to family gatherings, with a bit of sweetness from apples that adds a touch of fall charm. It’s bound to be the start of many favorite Thanksgiving memories.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

With tart apples and a rich butterscotch sauce, this apple crisp brings a classic Thanksgiving dessert to life with an updated twist. It’s easy to make and adds a comforting sweetness that feels both timeless and new. Expect guests to focus more on this dessert than any pies, with requests for seconds soon following.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

These green beans with fried onions bring all the nostalgia of traditional green bean casserole but with a refreshing update. The garlic and crispy onions add an extra layer of flavor, making this side dish one to remember. Even those who weren’t green bean fans will appreciate this freshened-up classic at the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

This casserole combines the traditional flavors of sweet potatoes and cranberries with the crunch of almonds, creating a stuffing that feels both familiar and exciting. It’s easy to make and brings a colorful addition to the table that stands out while staying true to Thanksgiving’s roots. Guests will appreciate the comforting flavors with a fresh feel.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

Jerusalem Kugel Recipe

This Jerusalem Kugel is a nostalgic addition that adds crispy and chewy textures to the Thanksgiving table. It’s a familiar dish for many but updated here with flavors that offer a memorable experience for all guests. This kugel has a way of keeping conversations focused on family recipes and favorite holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Kugel Recipe

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Combining pumpkin and pecans, this pie brings together two beloved flavors in a dessert that feels traditional but updated. It’s an easy, budget-friendly dessert that offers a memorable take on classic holiday pies. Each bite brings a sense of home, rounding out Thanksgiving with a dessert that will be on repeat for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

These Brussels sprouts take a modern turn with the addition of feta, pomegranate, and balsamic. Prepared quickly in an air fryer, they bring bold, refreshing flavors to the table, making it easy to appreciate a modern twist on a classic ingredient. Even those hesitant about Brussels sprouts will want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

A beautiful lattice top brings a touch of nostalgia to this apple pie, making it look and taste like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. With simple ingredients and a timeless taste, this pie is the perfect dessert for a Thanksgiving inspired by tradition. Each slice will be as loved as the memories it brings back.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie