Thanksgiving is just a few days away! Whether it’s your first-time cooking Thanksgiving dinner or you’ve done it a thousand times before, cooking a big dinner for a lot of people can be very intimidating. Luckily for us, Colorado food bloggers have created hundreds of easy-to-follow recipes so that you can prepare a meal that is sure to impress your guests—without all of the stress. 

Below we’ve rounded up some seasonal recipes from our favorite bloggers to give you inspiration and some step-by-step guides on cooking your entire meal. Enjoy! 

 

Main Dishes 

Maple Roasted Turkey with Bacon and Sage 

Via Creative Culinary 

If you’re looking to do something a bit different with your turkey this year—or are just looking for a delicious turkey recipe—don’t miss this one from Creative Culinary! Featuring fresh sage, pure maple syrup and high-quality bacon, this is one main dish that is sure to please all of your dinner guests.  
 

Oven Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast 

Via Cooking on the Ranch 
For those cooking for a smaller crowd this year, here is a recipe from Cooking on the Ranch for a simple oven roasted turkey breast. This recipe is very simple, but results in a succulent turkey breast basted with butter and white wine that will serve up to eight people.  
 

Vegetarian Brussels Sprout Bake with Parmesan and Pomegranates 

Via The Curious Plate 
Thanksgiving isn’t often a vegetarian’s best friend. But if you’re on the hunt for a veggie-forward dish to replace the turkey this year, Lauren Grier from The Curious Plate has you covered! Her recipe for a Vegetarian Brussels Sprout Bake with Parmesan and Pomegranates works perfectly as a side dish or as the main course. 
 

Side Dishes 

Pumpernickel and Rye Dressing with Bourbon 

Via Creative Culinary 
For a unique and interesting side dish, try this Pumpernickel and Rye Dressing with Bourbon from Creative Culinary! The recipe features thick-cut bacon, some onion, celery, garlic, rosemary, pumpernickel and rye bread, thyme, sage leaves, pecans and, of course, a good quality bourbon whiskey.  
 

Sour Cream Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe with Panko Parmesan Topping 

Via Cooking on the Ranch 

Even if you love plain mashed potatoes just the way they are, we still think you’ll love this Sour Cream Mashed Potato Casserole recipe from Cooking on the Ranch. Not only can it be made ahead of time, but it’s also a crowd pleaser, featuring butter, sour cream, chives and a delicious Panko Parmesan topping.  

 

Chunky Sweet Potato Casserole 

Via Plant Based Cooking with Diane Smith 

While we’re usually partial to the classic sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows, if you’re looking to cut down on sugar this year, we don’t blame you if you want to try something a bit different. This Chunky Sweet Potato Casserole from Plant Based Cooking with Diane Smith doesn’t have any added sugar and features pomegranate juice, fresh cranberries, pistachios and plenty of seasonal spices.  

 

Potato Clover Leaf Rolls 

Via Spice Roots 

While these Potato Clover Leaf Rolls from Spice Roots were originally created for Saint Patrick’s Day, we think they’ll work perfectly for your Thanksgiving feast! The easy-to-follow recipe results in fluffy, potato rolls that are delicious cold or served warm with a little butter.  

 

Balsamic Roasted Fall Vegetables with Sumac 

Via Boulder Locavore 

Sometimes the best side dishes are the most simplistic ones. That’s why we love this easy and simple veggie sheet pan from Boulder Locavore! The recipe will have you roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots, butternut squash, onions and beets to add a colorful and healthy selection to your Thanksgiving spread.  

 

Green Bean Casserole 

Via Dinners, Dishes & Desserts 

Always a crowd pleaser, green bean casserole is a favorite side dish for many on Thanksgiving. We love this recipe from Dinners, Dishes & Desserts that has plenty of butter, nutmeg and crispy fried onions.  

 

Smoked Apple Walnut Macaroni and Cheese 

Via The Curious Plate 

Thanksgiving Recipes

Photo courtesy of The Curious Plate 

Smoked apples and walnut flavored mac and cheese? Yes please! We love this recipe from The Curious Plate, that includes unique sauce made with shredded Smoked Apple & Walnut Cheese and a Panko breadcrumb topping. 

 

Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pear Sauce with Ginger 

Via Boulder Locavore 

Who needs the stuff from the can when delicious, sweet and homemade cranberry sauce only needs a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker? This easy-peasy Cranberry-Pear Sauce recipe from Boulder Locavore features cranberries, pear, ginger root, cardamom and port wine to create a sauce that tastes good on everything.  

 

Paleo Herb Gravy 

Via Elana’s Pantry 

It just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the gravy! For a simple, paleo take on gravy, check out Elana’s Pantry’s recipe. It features onions, chicken stock, pan drippings, Celtic sea salt and plenty of fresh thyme.  

 

Dessert 

Pumpkin Roll 

Via Spice Roots 

Do pumpkin differently this year by making this delicious Pumpkin Roll cake from Spice Roots! This beautiful jelly roll features a sweet, soft pumpkin cake and a scrumptious maple cream cheese filling.  

 

Pumpkin Pecan Pie 

Via Dough-eyed 

When you just can’t choose between pumpkin and pecan pie—combine the two with this handy recipe from Dough-eyed! It features a pumpkin base with a crunchy, sweet pecan topping and a spectacular homemade crust that is sure to wow.  

 

Paleo Apple Tart 

Via Elana’s Pantry 

For those who are trying to keep Thanksgiving a healthy affair this year, try this Paleo Apple Tart from Elana’s Pantry! This recipe, which features a pecan crust and Jonagold apples, is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.  

 

What’s Cooking? 

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving recipes? Share them with us and our readers in the comments below!