Thanksgiving. It’s a time to gather with family and friends and to, well, be thankful! Of course, we can (and should be!) thankful every day, but we have one day each year that is actually set aside as a national holiday for sharing gratitude, and, of course, indulging in delicious food.

But what do you do when you’ve been invited to a Thanksgiving get-together and have NO idea what to bring? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! We’ve all been there. So, whether you’re looking for a tried-and-true side dish or a show-stopping dessert, these recipes will make you the star of the potluck table.

From the comforting nostalgia of Green Bean Casserole to the irresistible sweetness of Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, these choices are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. And the best part: they are simple enough for beginners but still delicious enough to impress those picky eaters in your family. So grab your apron, and let’s make this Thanksgiving meal unforgettable!

Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1 tsp soy sauce

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Boil green beans in salted water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

• In a large bowl, mix soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper. Add green beans and half the fried onions. Stir to combine.

• Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.

• Top with the remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Ingredients (Sweet Potatoes):

• 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 1/3 cup milk

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients (Topping):

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup melted butter

• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash.

• Mix mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Spread into a greased baking dish.

• In a bowl, mix topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over sweet potatoes.

• Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Thanksgiving Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Stir in pecans and pour into the pie crust.

4. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the filling is set. Cool before serving.

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients (Crust):

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 1/4 cup sugar

Ingredients (Filling):

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.

• Mix crust ingredients and press into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.

• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Pour over crust.

• Bake for 35-40 minutes until set. Cool completely, then chill for at least 3 hours before slicing.
  

Of course, Thanksgiving is about more than just the food; it’s about creating memories around the table with the people who matter most. Whether you opt for a savory side or a sweet dessert, your dish will be sure to please.

From all of us at Live Love Arkansas, we wish you and your loved ones a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with laughter, love, and delicious food. May your homes be filled with happiness and your hearts with gratitude.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to serving you in the future!