This healthy easy Thanksgiving recipe roundup is proof that there is a way to make simple and healthy takes on classic Thanksgiving recipes.
We are getting so close to Thanksgiving and I am getting SO excited about all of the good food. I feel like it is that one holiday where you can completely just unbutton your pants and go to town on everything.
And all of the food is so unique - I mean we don't ever have stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, or pecan pie on a regular basis. I wish we did because it is some of my most favorite foods, but I think it makes Thanksgiving that much more special.
While I'm all for indulging on the holidays and eating whatever your body wants, the whole basis of my blog is create healthier recipes, so I took great pride in making some amazingly delicious Thanksgiving favorites. We've got side dishes and desserts, and it is all so delicious.
These healthy easy Thanksgiving recipes are all must haves for your big kitchen table and I would love to see you sharing these with your family and friends like I am sharing with mine!
A Drink to Kick-off Thanksgiving
My fall sangria recipe transforms a summertime classic into an autumnal dream; it’s made with cinnamon sticks, apple cider, and fresh seasonal fruit. Whip up a pitcher in just minutes and savor its fresh, lightly spiced flavors.
Enjoy the first flavors of fall with Apple Cider Margaritas. Made with only 4 ingredients and requiring hardly any prep time, they’re a must-try this season! Make a batch and cozy on up with your favorite blanket to enjoy the taste of autumn!
Nothing cools you down quite like a tart and tangy ice-cold beverage. On a hot summer day, this Apple Cider Spritz is just what the heat ordered! Made with apple cider, vanilla vodka, lemon juice, and prosecco, this beverage hits the spot and provides a cozy edge. It’s great for enjoying through the summer and into autumn!
Celebrate autumn with the delicious fall flavors of this Pumpkin Espresso Martini. Made with classic ingredients like vodka and Kahlua, we’re taking things up a notch by adding creamer, maple syrup, pumpkin, and more pumpkin!
Cool down with this refreshing Gold Rush Bourbon Cocktail made with only four ingredients and completed with a rich and delicious homemade honey ginger syrup.
Enjoy a tasty drink made with apple cider, bourbon, and ginger beer, and garnished with cocktail cherries, apple slices, and cinnamon!
Appetizers to make on Thanksgiving that everyone will love!
Want to try a new crowd-pleasing appetizer? Dip into my fig Boursin cheese dip. This easy recipe is made with creamy Boursin cheese, sweet fig jam, and salted pistachios for a tasty crunch. Top with hot honey and sea salt for an unreal flavor profile.
This holiday season, serve up a dish guests will remember and crave for years to come! These Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are flavorful and easy to prepare. Equally yummy for kids and adults alike, they’re undoubtedly a must try!
Dive into a blend of savory and sweet flavors with this incredible Baked Hot Honey Feta Dip recipe. Made with feta, cream cheese, hot honey, pistachios, and chives, it’s perfect for game day or enjoying as a flavorful appetizer!
Grab your crostini and pita chips and dig into this Whipped Feta with Hot Honey recipe! Made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and scallions, it’s the perfect refreshing dip.
Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Recipe
Whip up this sweet and salty Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Recipe made with sweet potatoes, sage, and pomegranate arils! Serve with crostini, veggies, chips, and more.
Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
Enjoy sweet, savory, and tart flavors all in one with this Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip. It’s made with all of your favorites – cream cheese, maple syrup, and cheddar!
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
An easy, three-ingredient appetizer that is perfect for all your football watch parties and upcoming holiday gatherings! These bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese are the idea combination of sweet, salty, and creamy. I promise, they’re impossible to resist.
Main Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner
Mashed Potato Casserole
My mashed potato casserole recipe is loaded with rich goodness, including butter, sour cream, and cream cheese. Seasoned with garlic and thyme, this dish makes for a perfectly indulgent side – aka, the star of any holiday spread!
Green Bean Almondine
Get ready for Green Bean Almondine to become your new favorite side! Simple and delicious, these green beans are coated in butter and garlic, and then topped with almond slivers for the perfect crunch.
Sausage Stuffing Muffins with Cranberry Sauce
Looking for a new twist on an old favorite? Sausage stuffing muffins are the perfect bite-sized snacks or appetizers for the holidays. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also packed with flavor and a touch of festive cheer. Pair with your favorite cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory combo that’ll have everyone grabbing seconds!
Pear and Blue Cheese Walnut Salad
Dig into this fresh pear and blue cheese salad, made with chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and a mouthwatering honey mustard dressing. This salad is easy to make, ultra-flavorful, and perfect for serving.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Learn how to make my butternut squash mac and cheese recipe. It’s made with layers of gouda, cheddar, and parmesan cheese for an incredibly delicious concoction. Plus, butternut squash packs a punch, making this classic dish more complex and nutritious!
Cheesy Carrot Casserole
Cozy on up with this delicious Cheesy Carrot Casserole! Made with carrots, butter, onion, garlic, and more, it’s a delicious side dish that pairs well with any main.
Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Upgrade your mashed potatoes with this mouth watering Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes recipe. With 16 heaping servings, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a crowd!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans
Add this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows to your holiday table for a sweet favorite. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans will have folks scraping their plates and begging for seconds (who could blame them?).
Bring the flavor of Thanksgiving to your dinner table a little bit early with this candied yams recipe. This deliciously sweet and savory dish is made with a blend of sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, and plenty of spices. Whether enjoying it as a side dish or dessert, it’s sure to become a favorite in your house.
Spinach Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese
Embrace the cozy vibes of fall with a delightful spinach quinoa salad with feta cheese. This hearty salad celebrates the earthy flavors of the harvest season, combining the nutty texture of quinoa, the tangy crumble of feta, and the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. Tossed in a homemade quinoa salad dressing, each bite is a burst of robust flavors!
Nothing is cozier than this Corn Pudding Recipe! Made with multiple types of corn, delicious Jiffy muffin mix, and butter on butter, this cozy recipe hits the spot on any chilly fall evening! Pair it with your favorite main course for a complete meal, or enjoy a serving as a snack!
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Indulge in savory garlic and parmesan flavors with these delicious Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. Made with only four main ingredients plus seasonings and ready in under an hour, they make the perfect side dish for any main course!
A full-bodied, tangy bourbon cranberry sauce is just what your holiday table needs. It tastes and looks gourmet but is refreshingly effortless.
Pair any main course with the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe for a side that everyone will enjoy! Made with butter, milk, and sour cream for an ultimate creamy texture and rich flavor.
Pair your main course with this salty and sweet side of Glazed Sweet Potatoes. This recipe yields 10 servings and is made with maple syrup, coconut sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon for maximum flavor!
This cornbread sausage stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that will remind you of traditional holiday dinners, surrounded by family and good food!
Best Classic Mac And Cheese Recipe
Try this staple recipe for the ultimate comforting side dish! Made with two types of cheese and a whole lot of spice, this is the Best Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe you’ll make all year!
Ditch your old recipe and upgrade with Healthy Green Bean Casserole. Made with mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and garlic, it’s a flavor-rich dish that compliments any main course!
Glaze up your carrots with this delicious Oven Roasted Honey Carrots recipe made with honey, garlic, and parsley!
Upgrade your normal mashed potatoes with this Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe. We’re using a mix of butter, Greek yogurt, and various spices to create a well-seasoned, fluffy bowl of potato deliciousness!
It’s time to ditch the canned stuff! This homemade Healthy Cranberry Sauce is made with fresh cranberries and orange juice and sweetened naturally with only maple syrup. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu!
Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
You’ll never say no to Brussels sprouts again with this Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprouts recipe. Perfected in a balsamic glaze and topped with pecans, cranberries, and turkey bacon, this is a recipe you won’t want to miss.
Give green beans an upgrade with this Garlic Sesame Green Beans recipe. Sautéed in oil and garlic and coated in toasted cashews and sesame seeds, this dish pairs perfectly with any main course.
Give your mashed potatoes a healthy upgrade with cauliflower. Made with lots of seasonings and even Greek yogurt, these Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes are a special treat.
Indulge in something satisfying and filling with this Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin. Made with sweet potatoes, loads of spices, almond milk, and gruyere cheese, it’s a cozy and delightful dish that’s perfect as a side or a main course.
Enjoy Easy Skillet Cornbread, a lightened up twist on the classic dish made with Greek yogurt, almond milk, and actual corn! It’s light, fluffy, and just as delicious as it should be.
Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole
Dive into Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole for a lightened version of the Thanksgiving classic. Made with oats, pecans, and maple syrup, it’s complete with a crispy crumble topping and flavors that are to die for!
Healthier Apple Sausage Stuffing
The best parts of Thanksgiving are all the classic side dishes! Serve this homemade healthier apple sausage stuffing and feel free to indulge in family-favorite comfort food.
Desserts for After Dinner
Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies
Introducing my brown butter pumpkin blondies, made with slow-browned butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla bean paste. These pumpkin blondies are warm, sweet, and perfect for fall. Don’t forget the white chocolate chips!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
You need to try my pumpkin cinnamon rolls! They’re pillowy soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with a decadent cream cheese icing.
Pumpkin Donut Holes
My pumpkin donut holes are coated in buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness for a delightful fall treat. They’re made with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for the perfect texture and warm flavor.
Apple Cider Donut Cookies
These apple cider cookies are beyond scrumptious, whipped together with an apple cider reduction, cinnamon sugar coating, and sweet glaze. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice enhance the apple for the perfect flavor combination.
Simple Pecan Pie Recipe
Complete your fall recipe lineup with this delicious, flavorful Simple Pecan Pie Recipe. Made with brown sugar, butter, pecans, and even bourbon (optional), this pie is sure to wow guests and serve as a highlight of the season!
Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
Dig into my decadent pumpkin swirl cheesecake, made with pumpkin puree, gingersnap cookies, and a to-die-for salted caramel topping.
Easy Pumpkin Roll
Whip out your baking tools and give this Easy Pumpkin Roll a try. Made with the best pumpkin ingredients, your entire family will love this sweet autumn treat!
Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipes
Jump into fall with this delicious and Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Recipe. Made with regular baking ingredients plus pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree, these cookies are packed with flavor in every single bite!
Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
‘Tis the season for all of the pumpkin treats! These Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are easy to make and will ease you into the fall festivities. Made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and of course, chocolate chips.
Apple Crumble Pie
Dig in to the flavors of the season with this delicious Apple Crumble Pie recipe. Both a pie and a crumble, it combines the best of both worlds and tastes absolutely incredible!
Whip out your bread pan and let’s make this incredible Pumpkin Streusel Bread! Made with maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice, it’s the perfect recipe for the season. Oh, and did we mention that it’s also topped with pumpkin streusel and an incredible pumpkin glaze?!
Bring the warm and cozy flavors of the season into your home with this magnificent and delicious Apple Crumble Cheesecake. It’s made in four parts and filled with the most flavorful ingredients, like cream cheese, lots of brown sugar, graham crackers, apples, cinnamon, and caramel!
Dive into the fall season with delicious Pumpkin Pie Bars made with gingersnaps, pumpkin, and plenty of great flavor! These bars make a fabulous grab-and-go dessert.
Are you ready for the ultimate fall treat? You should try making these delicious apple cinnamon rolls! Made with homemade cinnamon roll dough and filled with a brown sugar apple pie filling, these sweet treats are sure to be a hit for breakfast or dessert.
Indulge in a refreshingly sweet Easy Apple Galette for the perfect summer dessert. Bake with a variety of apples for a more robust flavor!
Lightened Up Pumpkin Cheesecake
Up level your dessert with this Lightened Up Pumpkin Cheesecake. The perfect recipe for the family or a fancy dinner, made with cream cheese, coconut sugar, and more.
Even desserts can be good for you! This pumpkin pie crisp is packed with fiber, nutrients, and heart-healthy whole grains. Your body will love this as much as your tastebuds do!
Dive into pumpkin season with this delicious Easy Pumpkin Pie Dip. It pairs with pretzels, wafers, apples, and more, and it’s perfect for your next charcuterie board!
A healthy paleo-friendly pumpkin pie recipe that is easy to make, healthier than the traditional recipe, and is made gluten-free and dairy-free with an almond flour crust and fresh pumpkin filling! This simple pie is quick to make and is the perfect thanksgiving dessert!
Indulge in something a little sweet with these Healthy Apple Pie Bars. Made with an almond butter crumble, ripe honeycrisp apples, and a delicious glaze, these bars are the perfect autumn-inspired treat!
With Mini Pecan Pies, everyone gets their own little treat. Made with an almond flour and maple syrup crust and a yummy pecan and coconut filling, this is the fall dessert to end all fall desserts!
This healthy mini apple pies recipe is a deliciously easy dessert made with a homemade cookie crust. These mini pies are made with almond flour, making them both gluten-free and low carb!
Healthy Pecan Pie Bars are paleo, vegan, gluten free, and taste exactly like real pecan pie! They’re simple to make, have a delicious pecan filling on top, and only require 15 minutes of prep time.
Healthy Apple Cobbler is easy to make from scratch and is the perfect for dessert! Made gluten-free and with no refined sugar, this dessert features fresh juicy apples and lots of naturally sweet flavor. Add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top, and you’re set!
A combination of my two favorite desserts: pecan pie and brownies! These pecan pie bars are the perfect fall dessert! They are dairy-free and refined sugar free, perfectly sweet, and will be the highlight of your fall gatherings.
I hope everyone has an amazing Thanksgiving and please let me know if you make any of these healthy easy Thanksgiving recipes!
Recipes by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa, Moriah Sawtelle, and Quarter Soul Crisis
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