Today I’m sharing some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes in case you haven’t finalized your menu or are still trying to come up with a side dish to take to your family or friend’s house. For me, Thanksgiving has always been more about the side dishes and less about the turkey. And, of course, there are plenty of delicious dessert options!

Appetizers

Southwest Cheesecake

This baked cream cheese spread includes green chiles, taco seasoning and salsa. It’s always a hit at parties!

Ranch House Cheese Spread

This creamy cheese has a touch of horseradish, which gives it an addicting kick.

Curried Cashews

These can easily be made a couple of days in advance and also make great hostess gifts when put inside a pretty package for the holidays.

Parmesan Truffle Popcorn

We usually double this recipe when making it because it always disappears so quickly!

Creamy Pimento Cheese Spread

This is a thicker version of a traditional pimento cheese spread, which tastes amazing on pretty much everything.

Creamy Curry Chip Dip

This may be one of the most simple, yet most popular appetizers I make. There’s something about the combination of curry powder and cream cheese that is absolutely delicious!

Side Dishes

Lightened-up Corn Casserole

Traditional corn casserole gets lightened up with the help of egg whites and Greek yogurt. The result is a delicious, rich side dish that tastes just as good as the original.

Cheesy Garlic Kale

This cheesy garlic kale is sautéed on the stovetop, leaving precious oven space open for other holiday dishes. It takes only ten minutes to throw together!

Grandma’s Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

This is my absolute favorite holiday dish. My grandmother’s recipe is a spin on classic green bean casserole, with the addition of cheese and homemade croutons. For me, it tastes like home.

Honey Oat Bread

My dad made this bread frequently when I was growing up and I love the chewy texture the oats give it, along with the slight sweetness from the honey. While rolls or biscuits are common on many Thanksgiving tables, your family or friends will gobble this loaf up!

Everyday Salad With Homemade Croutons

I always like to have some veggies that aren’t drenched in butter or cheese for our holiday meals. It’s all about balance, right? This salad is so easy to throw together but delicious.

Desserts

Maple-Walnut Cranberry Pie with Whiskey Whipped Cream

This is my all-time favorite pie! It’s like a grown-up version of pecan pie that uses walnuts instead. The cranberries and whiskey whipped cream provide the perfect, tart balance to the maple syrup, making for a delicious dessert that isn’t overly sweet.

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Bars

These pumpkin bars have a yellow cake crust and a creamy, pumpkin filling. They’re the perfect cross between cake and pie — who says you have to have one or the other?!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are super soft and full of the best fall flavors. Hints of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon make them a delicious seasonal treat.

Pumpkin Ale Ice Cream

If you have some pumpkin beer hiding in the back of your fridge, this is the best way to use it. This ice cream needs to be made at least one day in advance, but it’s so worth the extra effort!

White Texas Sheet Cake

If you’re pressed for time but trying to feed a crowd, this is the perfect dessert. The cake is frosted while warm, which means you can have this out of the oven and at your Thanksgiving feast in under an hour.

Coconut-citrus Upside Down Cake

If you really want to impress people with the beauty and taste of a dessert, this upside down cake won’t disappoint. While it doesn’t include traditional Thanksgiving flavors, it’s a welcome, light dessert compared to some of the heavier, traditional holiday foods.

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I know lots of people head to picnics, potlucks and cookouts to celebrate Independence Day, so I’m rounding up some of my favorite recipes that you can easily whip up for your get together. When it comes to any holiday, I favor food I can make the night before the event or throw in the crockpot the morning of. Holidays should be about relaxing and savoring time with family and friends — not slaving away all day in the kitchen. Here are some simple but delicious dishes to take along to your July 4th gathering:

Snacks

Prosciutto + Melon Crostini

Pimento Cheese Spread

Two-Ingredient Creamy Salsa Dip

Parmesan Truffle Popcorn

Homemade Salsa

Ranch House Cheese Spread

Curried Cashews

Entrees

Campside Crockpot Carnitas

Slow-Cooker Dry Rubbed Pulled Pork

Lightened-Up Beer Chicken Enchiladas

Desserts

Lemon White Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

The Best Banana Cookies

Drinks

Layered Cream and Crimson Margaritas

Summertime Sangria

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