Ree Drummond's Best Thanksgiving Recipes

Updated by Melissa Girimonte on September 28, 2018

From buttery whipped potatoes to getting the juiciest bird on the block, here are 40 delicious reasons to do Thanksgiving Pioneer Woman style.

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Mashed Potatoes, Two Ways

 <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-pioneer-womans-creamy-mashed-potatoes/15602/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mashed potatoes</a> are a favourite side dish on most dinner tables, and Ree serves up a pair of recipes demonstrating how easy it is to whip up a flavourful batch of creamy potatoes ahead of time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mashed-potatoes-two-ways/17571/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Mashed Potatoes, Two Ways</a>
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Cranberry Sauce

This four-ingredient cranberry sauce is so easy, you’ll never look at the canned version again. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cranberry-sauce/15009/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Cranberry Sauce</a>
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Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Mushrooms

 Able to serve up to 16, a mixture of bread and fresh-baked cornbread forms the base of this scrumptious dish made with pork sausage, cremini mushrooms and Granny Smith apples. If you're looking for more one-pot wonders, here are <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/thanksgiving/photos/instant-pot-recipes-for-thanksgiving/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instant Pot recipes your Thanksgiving menu needs</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cornbread-dressing-with-sausage-apples-and-mushrooms/15008/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Mushrooms</a>
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Dressing with Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash

Three traditional holiday sides, roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/photos/simply-delicious-stuffing-recipes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">hearty stuffing</a>, come together to create one epic holiday dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/dressing-with-brussels-sprouts-and-butternut-squash/15621/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Dressing with Brussels Sprouts and Squash</a>
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Roasted Green Beans

You'll know this succulent side is ready when the bacon is sizzling and the beans just start to brown. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-green-beans/15578/" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Roasted Green Beans</a>.
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Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Cranberries

Your holiday dinner won't be complete without these roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with a glossy balsamic glaze and tossed with a bunch of tart-and-sweet dried cranberries. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/brussels-sprouts-with-balsamic-and-cranberries/15027/" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Cranberries</a>
thepioneerwoman.com

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Sweet Roasted Rosemary Acorn Squash Wedges

The secret to transforming regular acorn squash into a holiday-worthy side dish is to roast them in a sauce of butter, brown sugar and lots of fresh rosemary. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-roasted-rosemary-acorn-squash-wedges/15015/" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Roasted Acorn Squash Wedges.</a>
thepioneerwoman.com

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Kale Citrus Salad

Shredded kale, jalapeños and clementine segments get tossed in a garlicky, orange juice and yogurt dressing, and topped with crumbled goat cheese in this gorgeous salad. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/kale-citrus-salad/15594/" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Kale Citrus Salad</a>.
thepioneerwoman.com

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My Favourite Turkey Brine

Before your Thanksgiving turkey goes near an oven, brine it in a salty solution long enough for it to infiltrate the turkey and alter the molecular structure of the meat. This mixture combines the juice and peels of an orange, rosemary, peppercorns, bay leaves, brown sugar and salt, resulting in a juicy, fantastic turkey every time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/my-favourite-turkey-brine/15012" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's My Favourite Turkey Brine</a>.
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Whiskey Glazed Carrots

Sliced carrots get a shiny glaze thanks to an intoxicating mixture of butter, brown sugar, whiskey and fresh chives in this delicious side. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/whiskey-glazed-carrots/15560/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Whiskey Glazed Carrots</a>
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Perfect Potatoes au Gratin

 There is no such thing as a bad gratin, but this cheesy version is exceptionally tasty, thanks to chunky sliced Russet potatoes, loads of garlic and sharp cheddar cheese. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/perfect-potatoes-au-gratin/17092/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Perfect Potatoes au Gratin</a>
thepioneerwoman.com

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Duchess Potatoes

The holidays are the perfect time to make these egg yolk-infused duchess potatoes, that while are all fancy and frilly, still have that yummy comfort-food factor we all crave. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/duchess-potatoes/15030/" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Duchess Potatoes</a>.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Despite the butter, cream cheese and heavy cream, the best part about these mashed potatoes just might be the fact that they can be made in advance and simply warmed in the oven just before serving. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/creamy-mashed-potatoes/15010/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Creamy Mashed Potatoes</a>
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Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole

Sauteed mushrooms, carrots, celery and onions are stirred into a cream sauce tossed with steamed broccoli and wild rice, then poured into a baking dish and topped with crunchy panko crumbs. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/broccoli-wild-rice-casserole/15619/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole</a>
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No-Knead Cloverleaf Rolls

 These plump, easy-to-grab dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up all that excess ham juice and other various sauces. But how do you get that pretty cloverleaf shape? Each one of these festive rolls is made up of three individual balls stuffed together into a muffin tin. Go ahead, give it a try! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/no-knead-cloverleaf-rolls/15618/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's No-Knead Cloverleaf Rolls</a>
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Herb-Roasted Prime Rib

This prime rib roast gets an all-star Thanksgiving treatment thanks to a fresh herb purée of rosemary, sage and thyme. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/herb-roasted-prime-rib/15557/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ree Drummond's Herb-Roasted Prime Rib</a>
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Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

This gorgeously-golden bird stays moist with a pre-roast citrus brine and a serious rub-down of rosemary-citrus butter. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-thanksgiving-turkey/15014/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey</a>
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Butterscotch Pudding

If you’ve got brown sugar, whole milk and eggs, you’re on your way to this decadent, chocolate cookie-topped dessert that’s a cinch to make. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-pioneer-womans-butterscotch-pudding/16504/" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Butterscotch Pudding</a>
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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin-infused dough combined with melted butter, brown sugar and chopped pecans get topped with a cream cheese frosting in this decadent dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/15615/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls</a>
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Caramel Apple Pie

There’s nothing ordinary about an apple pie that could make all of our pie and candy apple dreams come true. Tart and firm Granny Smith apples are baked off before getting topped with chopped pecans and a drizzle of sweet and sticky caramel sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/caramel-apple-pie/15614/" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Caramel Apple Pie</a>
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Leftover Thanksgiving Panini

The best part about Thanksgiving dinner is all those fantastic leftovers that let us extend the gluttonous celebration well past the big get together. This cranberry and Swiss cheese panini is stuffed with leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberries and even a little gravy for good measure. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-thanksgiving-panini/17094/" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Leftover Thanksgiving Panini</a>.
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Apple Dumplings

Sticky, sweet and oh, so comforting, these apple pie-like dumplings are straight from Ree Drummond's mom's recipe book! Try your hand at this one-dish wonder at your next family dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apple-dumplings/21310/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings </a>
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Mini Pecan Pies

When preparing an elaborate spread, you deserve to take a few shortcuts. Ready in 45 minutes, Ree's mini pies are made with prepared tart shells and filled with a sweet maple pecan filling. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mini-pecan-pies/21319/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Mini Pecan Pies</a>
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Leek and Potato Casserole

 Casseroles are a natural fit when it comes to dinners that can be prepared ahead of time, and this savoury sensation — flavoured with leeks and topped with Fontina cheese — is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leek-and-potato-casserole/20071/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Leek and Potato Casserole</a>
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad

We’ll never complain about eating our greens again with this warm and delicious salad. Roasted Brussels sprouts and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/10-best-ways-to-cook-kale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> crispy kale</a> are served with a generous helping of fresh Parmesan and a citrusy dressing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-brussels-sprouts-and-kale/20072/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad</a>
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Butternut Squash Soup

The quintessential taste of fall, this earthy and comforting soup is also a cinch to make. Replace the creamy topping with thick Greek-style yogurt or a squeeze of lemon for an even lighter version. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/butternut-squash-soup/20641/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman’s Butternut Squash Soup</a>
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Roasted Carrots

Sweet roasted carrots get livened up with a punchy vinaigrette made with Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar and fresh herbs. Serve as an elegant roasted side or refrigerate it to be eaten as a cold salad. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-carrots-with-vinaigrette/20736/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Roasted Carrots</a>
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Hasselback Potatoes

 Move over, mash; there’s a new potato at the table. Fun and crispy, these sliced beauties are just waiting to be filled with gravy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/hasselback-potatoes/18341/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Hasselback Potatoes</a>
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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

 These soft, creamy Yukon Gold potatoes are mashed with roasted garlic and whipped until smooth for a side dish that doesn't require gravy to be lip-smackingly delicious. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/roasted-garlic-mashed-potatoes/19147/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes</a>
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Escalloped Cabbage Casserole

Similar to scalloped potatoes, this satisfying casserole filled with green cabbage is covered in a cheesy sauce and studded with sliced jalapeños, then baked until gooey and bubbling. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/escalloped-cabbage-casserole/17692/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Escalloped Cabbage Casserole</a>
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Buttered Rosemary Rolls

Ree's buttery bites of bread start with frozen, unbaked, unrisen dough. Once they've risen, she brushes them with melted butter and sprinkles them with chopped rosemary and sea salt before baking in a skillet. Serve the rolls hot, straight from the oven. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/buttered-rosemary-rolls/20836/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Buttered Rosemary Rolls</a>
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The Best Green Beans Ever

What exactly makes Ree's Best Green Beans Ever so great? She skips the butter and cooks the beans in bacon grease, giving them a smoky taste. Chicken broth, caramelized onion and red pepper, and fragrant garlic also elevate the flavour of this side dish. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-best-green-beans-ever/21605/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Best Green Beans Ever</a>
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Chocolate Marshmallow Pumpkin Pie

Your guests will think you were baking all day with this chocolate and marshmallow-topped pumpkin pie. Little will they know that you hacked a store-bought pie with a homemade ganache and marshmallow whipped cream. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/chocolate-marshmallow-pumpkin-pie/22007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Marshmallow Pumpkin Pie</a>
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Delicious Doctored Dressing

Packaged stuffing mix is a great base for a baked dressing packed with the flavours of fall. Ree doctors this dish with chicken broth and caramelized root vegetables like turnip, parsnip and celery root. It can be assembled in advance and popped in the oven an hour before dinner is served. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/delicious-doctored-dressing/22008/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Delicious Doctored Dressing</a>
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Gussied Up Gravy

Take some of the stress out of making a Thanksgiving dinner with this shortcut from Ree Drummond. She takes jarred, store-bought gravy and adds special touches like drippings from your turkey, fresh herbs, chicken broth and chopped egg for a rich, delicious topping. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/gussied-up-gravy/22009/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Gussied Up Gravy</a>
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Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey

 Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones with this turkey hack from Ree Drummond. Have your butcher cut the turkey into six large sections, which speeds up the roasting time. Prepare it the day before your <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/thanksgiving/photos/make-ahead-thanksgiving-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thanksgiving dinner</a> or any social gathering, and roast for an additional hour before serving. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/make-ahead-thanksgiving-turkey/22001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey</a>
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Herby Butter Dinner Rolls

Frozen unbaked dinner rolls are dressed up with an herbed butter mixture and baked in muffin tins until they're a rich, golden brown. Serve warm with more of the butter brushed on top. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/herby-butter-dinner-rolls/22004/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Herby Butter Dinner Rolls</a>
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Make-Ahead Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Get a head start on your holiday dinner prep by trying out these make-ahead mashed potatoes that can be prepared up to two days in advance. In addition to butter and cream, add a dollop of cream cheese for an extra silky side dish. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/make-ahead-creamy-mashed-potatoes/22096/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Make-Ahead Creamy Mashed Potatoes</a>
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Spiked Cranberry Sauce

Make canned cranberry sauce exciting by spiking it with port wine, maple syrup, orange and thyme. Your guests will love how beautifully the flavours pair with roasted turkey or even chicken. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/spiked-cranberry-sauce/22005/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Spiked Cranberry Sauce</a>
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Turkey Roulade

If you're hosting a smaller group for the holidays, a turkey roulade is a great alternative to a whole roasted bird. Turkey breast is stuffed with a mixture of pork sausage, herbs and vegetables before roasting, and served sliced with homemade gravy. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-roulade/20075/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Turkey Roulade</a>
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Roasted Sprouts and Onions

If your supermarket's produce section is bare before the holidays, head to the freezer for the perfect side dish. Frozen Brussels sprouts and pearl onions are roasted with olive oil to a caramelized finish, and topped with parsley before serving. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/roasted-sprouts-and-onions/22006/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Roasted Sprouts and Onions</a>
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