26 Recipes for Hosting Canadian Thanksgiving This Weekend

Holiday gatherings call for food that feels generous, comforting, and made for sharing. And these recipes give you plenty of make-ahead and oven-friendly choices, along with familiar flavors. With a little planning, you can put together a generous spread without spending the whole holiday rushing around the kitchen.

Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon pieces on a white plate, served with a metal spoon. — Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Roasted Brussels sprouts become caramelized and tender with a sweet maple and tangy balsamic finish, while bacon adds savory richness. This colorful side brings plenty of flavor to a traditional Thanksgiving spread without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Juicy Spatchcock Turkey Breast for the Holiday Table

Sliced roasted turkey breast on a plate with stuffing and a fork. — Juicy Spatchcock Turkey Breast. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Spatchcocking helps the turkey cook more evenly while keeping the meat juicy and the skin beautifully crisp. This streamlined approach is ideal when you want a flavorful centerpiece without a long roasting time.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Spatchcock Turkey Breast for the Holiday Table

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries

Roasted butternut squash with cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese in a white dish with a wooden spoon. — Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Tender roasted squash gets a sweet-savory finish from maple, bright cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy goat cheese. The combination brings beautiful color and seasonal flavor to a Canadian Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries

Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes and Ham with Gruyere

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham with Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Thin potatoes and savory ham are layered with creamy sauce and Gruyere for a rich, bubbling casserole. It is hearty enough for a holiday crowd and especially comforting alongside roasted turkey.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes and Ham with Gruyere

Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Streusel

Apple crumble pie in a glass dish, surrounded by apples, cinnamon sticks, and utensils on a grey surface. — Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Streusel. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Spiced apples and buttery streusel nestle into a crisp graham cracker crust for an easy twist on classic apple pie. The comforting combination makes a lovely alternative or companion to pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Streusel

Authentic Canadian Butter Tarts for the Holiday Table

anadian Butter Tarts. Photo credit: The Foreign Fork.

These iconic Canadian treats feature a rich, gooey filling baked into individual pastry shells. Their small size makes them perfect for passing around after dinner or adding to a festive dessert platter.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Canadian Butter Tarts for the Holiday Table

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream

Oval dish of mashed potatoes topped with pats of butter and sprinkled with chopped chives. — Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Rich, creamy mashed potatoes can be prepared days ahead, giving you one less task to handle when guests arrive. They are an especially useful Thanksgiving side when you want a smooth, comforting dish ready for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Cream

Parmesan Baked Rutabaga with Fresh Herbs

Parmesan Baked Rutabaga. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Rutabaga becomes tender and golden in the oven with a savory Parmesan and herb topping. This cozy vegetable side offers a delicious change of pace from the usual Thanksgiving potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Baked Rutabaga with Fresh Herbs

Festive Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

Squares of cheesecake with raspberry swirls arranged in a grid on parchment paper, one piece partially removed. — Cranberry Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Creamy cheesecake and tart cranberries come together in these colorful bars with a pleasing contrast of textures. They are easy to portion and make a cheerful addition to a holiday dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Festive Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

Easy Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

A slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream on a plate. — Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Creamy pumpkin filling and warm spices pair with a crisp graham cracker crust in this wonderfully simple holiday dessert. It is a convenient choice for busy hosts who still want a classic Thanksgiving pie on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Juicy pork chops pair with a vibrant blackberry applesauce flavored with apple, orange zest, ginger, and rosemary. The sweet-tart fruit sauce makes this an elegant choice for a Thanksgiving weekend dinner or Sunday supper.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of creamy orange soup garnished with fresh herbs, served with slices of toasted bread. — Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Roasted squash and red pepper create a naturally sweet and savory soup with warming spices and a creamy finish. Serve it as a welcoming first course when you want your Thanksgiving meal to begin with something cozy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup

Easy Cranberry Cheese Log for Holiday Entertaining

Cranberry Cheese Log. Photo credit: The Cozy Fork.

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Creamy cheese gets a festive coating of cranberries and pistachios for a colorful appetizer that is easy to slice and share. Set it out with crackers before dinner for a welcoming bite while guests gather around the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Cheese Log for Holiday Entertaining

Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup

Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Fresh green beans, savory bacon, and crisp fried onions create a from-scratch version of a holiday classic. The creamy casserole makes a comforting addition to Thanksgiving without relying on canned mushroom soup.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup

Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk for Thanksgiving

Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Creamy sweet potato filling, warm spices, and vanilla make this pie a cozy finale for a holiday meal. Sweetened condensed milk gives the filling a particularly smooth and rich texture beneath the crust.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk for Thanksgiving

Cranberry Apple Stuffing for Thanksgiving

Cranberry Apple Stuffing. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Sweet apples and tart cranberries bring bright seasonal flavor to a savory stuffing that belongs beside the turkey. Baked in a casserole dish, it makes a generous side for family-style holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing for Thanksgiving

Oven-Roasted Cajun Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving

Oven-Roasted Cajun Turkey Breast. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Juicy turkey breast develops crisp skin and bold Cajun seasoning in the oven for a flavorful holiday centerpiece. It is a practical choice when you want a smaller Thanksgiving turkey that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Roasted Cajun Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving

Mini Sweet Potato Pies for the Thanksgiving Table

Mini Sweet Potato Pies. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

These petite pies feature creamy spiced sweet potato filling in a convenient individual size. They are especially useful for a holiday dessert buffet when guests want a small treat alongside the other sweets.
Get the Recipe: Mini Sweet Potato Pies for the Thanksgiving Table

Cast Iron Skillet Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel

Warm caramelized apples bake beneath a generous oat streusel until the topping is golden and crisp. Served warm from the skillet, this cozy dessert is a relaxed way to finish a festive family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel

Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon for a Holiday Dinner

Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: The Foreign Fork.

Tender beef, red wine, bacon, mushrooms, carrots, and onions come together in a deeply savory French-inspired stew. The Instant Pot shortens the traditional cooking process, making this an appealing alternative to turkey for a special holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon for a Holiday Dinner

Easy 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls

Sweet Potato Rolls. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Sweet potato and self-rising flour create tender homemade rolls with surprisingly little effort. They are a handy addition to a busy Thanksgiving menu when you want warm bread without a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Easy 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls

Saskatoon Berry Pie with Rich Homemade Filling

Saskatoon Berry Pie. Photo credit: Food Meanderings.

Saskatoon berries cook into a thick, flavorful filling with a subtle almond note that gives this pie its distinctive character. The prepared filling can also be enjoyed in other desserts, making it a versatile addition to a Canadian Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Saskatoon Berry Pie with Rich Homemade Filling

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake with Holiday Flavor

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Creamy pumpkin cheesecake meets a gooey pecan topping for a dessert that brings two favorite holiday flavors together. Its rich texture and festive finish make it a memorable choice for the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake with Holiday Flavor

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate

Thinly shaved Brussels sprouts stay crisp beneath a bright poppy seed vinaigrette and bursts of pomegranate. It is a refreshing contrast to richer holiday dishes and adds a festive touch to the table.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate

Easy Apple Cider Turkey Brine for Thanksgiving

Apple Cider Turkey Brine. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Apple cider gives this turkey brine a subtle sweet-tart character while helping the meat stay tender and juicy. Prepare it ahead to give your holiday bird an extra layer of flavor before it reaches the oven.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Cider Turkey Brine for Thanksgiving

Cranberry Brie Bites with Golden Puff Pastry

Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Creamy Brie and tart cranberry filling are wrapped in flaky puff pastry for elegant little bites that look impressive on the appetizer table. They can be prepared ahead, making them especially helpful when you are hosting a busy Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites with Golden Puff Pastry