The 30 Best Things to Cook This November

published Nov 1, 2021

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apple stuffing in baking dish — Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Jesse Szewczyk
Apple Sausage Stuffing

It’s next to impossible to consider cooking (or, at the very least, eating) this month without acknowledging the elephant — er, turkey — in the room. Although it’s just one meal, Thanksgiving takes over hearts and minds (and bellies) this month. And who can blame us? It’s the Super Bowl of cooking!

To help you pre-game for the big day, we’ve got some great Thanksgiving day recipes, including easy ways to cook your turkey, must-make sides, and a twist on pumpkin pie. And we’ve got you covered after the feast, too, with leftover ideas galore: super sandwiches, enchiladas, rich, golden turkey stock. And remember that you can repurpose turkey the same way you’d use leftover chicken, which opens up a whole world of possibilities.

Beyond the holiday, chilly days have us craving cozy casseroles, hearty batches of soup and chili, and comforting bowls of noodles. We’ve got that all here, too. Scroll down for 30 awesome recipes that are sure to make this month way more delicious.

1 / 30

Life-Changing Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Contributing Editor, Patty, has made this easy skillet dinner enough times that she has the method memorized. "These chicken thighs live up to their name — after all, they are tender, juicy, and bathed in golden garlic butter."

2 / 30

Broccoli au Gratin Recipe

Senior Food Editor, Megan, has her sights set on this comforting casserole. "The crispy breadcrumb topping looks so good! Not only would it be great as a Thanksgiving side, but also as the centerpiece of a vegetarian dinner."

3 / 30

Citrus-Herb Roast Turkey

A citrus and fresh herb compound butter flavors this easy roast turkey and also turns the tasty drippings into gravy.

4 / 30

How To Make Turkey Stock

It is the absolute best part about roasting a turkey on Thanksgiving.

5 / 30

Sausage and Apple Stuffing Recipe

This is the tried-and-true stuffing you will find on Studio Food Editor Amelia's Thanksgiving table year after year.

6 / 30

Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Sour cream makes this hashbrown breakfast casserole better than the rest, adding a richness that prevents the eggs from becoming too dry during baking.

7 / 30

Roasted Carrot and Chickpea Salad

This warm roasted carrot and chickpea salad is flavored with cardamom and citrus, and finished with wilted arugula, almonds, and an herb-packed dressing.

8 / 30

Sweet Potato Smash

Twice-baked and tossed in miso brown butter, this is an elevated take on the classic holiday dish we all know and love. It's Copy Chief Lauren's absolute favorite Thanksgiving side dish.

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Chickpea Casserole with Lemon, Herbs & Shallots

Take your pick between serving up this hearty vegetarian casserole as your main course or a side dish.

10 / 30

Ginataan Pancit Canton Noodles with Miso and Pink Peppercorns Recipe

Deputy Food Director Grace has been eyeing these noodles ever since Woldy submitted the recipe. "It's packed with so many of my favorite things (miso! Fresh ginger! Coconut milk!) and comes together quickly, too."

11 / 30

5-Ingredient Baked Potato Soup

This soup never fails to make Production Editor, Tracey, feel like a dinnertime hero (and I bet you'll feel the same, too!). "I love it when I can get a super-satisfying dinner on the table quickly using a frozen grocery item and I don't have to even remember to defrost it!"

12 / 30

Thanksgiving Slaw

When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, this crunchy slaw is a must for Lifestyle Director, Lisa.

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Harissa Lamb Sliders Recipe

Studio Food Editor Jesse was lucky enough to style these lamb sliders and got to taste them. "They are incredible! They are super savory with a bright, herby flavor that keeps them light. They would be the perfect thing to make for friends as a little snack to set out with drinks. I might just make them this weekend!"

14 / 30

Fig Cranberry Sauce

Senior Contributing Food Editor Sheela is hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year, and she's already plotting the menu. "I’ve been eyeing Faith’s cranberry sauce for years, so it’s definitely going to be a part of the spread."

15 / 30

Sour Cream Smashed Potatoes with Fried Shallots

Inspired by potato stuffed pierogi, these sour cream and onion mashed potatoes deserve a spot at your Thanksgiving table.

16 / 30

Ginataan Na Sugpo Recipe (Prawns with Coconut Milk)

One thing is for sure this month: November will not pass by without Assistant Food Editor, Nicole, making this meal.

17 / 30

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash, sage, and apple join forces in this easy Instant Pot soup that celebrates all the flavors of winter and fall.

18 / 30

Grilled Bread Dressing with Cranberries and Leeks

If you really want to up your stuffing game this year, start with grilled bread.

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Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas are one of the best ways to turn leftovers into an easy, flavorful, cozy dinner. Bookmark this recipe now in preparation for your turkey leftovers (just swap out the chicken for turkey).

20 / 30

Simple & Tasty Slow Cooker Chili

If you meal prep just one thing this month, pull out your slow cooker for a batch of meaty chili. Stash it in the fridge for lunches and dinners for the week ahead or pop it in the freezer for future meals.

21 / 30

Dutch Oven Braised Turkey

This one-pot meal is Senior Contributing Food Editor Kelli's favorite solution for a small-scale Thanksgiving. You'll get a few super-juicy turkey thighs, chunks of sweet potato, and tender greens, plus a rich and flavorful braising liquid to spoon over everything.

22 / 30

Pumpkin Black Sesame Pie

If pumpkin pie is a must for your holiday dessert spread, and you want something a little extra this year, this is the pie you've got to make. Nutty black sesame makes this twist on a very traditional pie nothing short of a show-stopper.

23 / 30

Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls with Crispy Chickpeas and Chopped Pesto

You'll find these plant-based bowls on repeat in Lifestyle Editor Mara's meal plan this month. Her smart tip to minimize the prep work? Store-bought pesto.

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Miso-Buttered Mushrooms & Noodles

We all need at least one quick and easy weeknight dinner in our back pocket, and right now this is the one Senior Contributing Food Editor Sheela is leaning on. "I’ve been on a miso kick lately, and there’s something about it’s intense umami-richness that’s so comforting in the colder weather."

25 / 30

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic

Take your standard roasted Brussels sprouts routine (olive oil, salt, pepper) from good to memorable by adding two ingredients you probably already have around: lemon and garlic.

26 / 30

The Easiest Cheese and Vegetable Frittata

Frittatas are one of Senior Contributing Food Editor Kelli's favorite make-ahead breakfasts. "I plan to make this for Thanksgiving morning with whatever veggies, herbs, and cheese are lingering in the fridge."

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The Absolute Easiest 5-Ingredient Sweet Potato Casserole

You know and love sweet potato casserole. Here's how to make it even easier.

28 / 30

Thanksgiving Lentil Salad

From hearty Thanksgiving side to make-ahead lunch that will last all week, this plant-based salad does it all.

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Wild Rice and Kale Casserole

This creamy vegetarian casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main course, or it can work as a side with whatever you're cooking for dinner.

30 / 30

Post-Thanksgiving Turkey Vegetable Soup

The day after Thanksgiving, take your leftovers and turn them into a simple, cozy turkey and vegetable soup.

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