We know this time of the year is meant for friends and family, for food and fun–but we also know that it can be stressful when it comes to putting together that big meal—figuring out how long to smoke a turkey, which sides to serve, when to have everything ready to eat, and the list goes on.

You might find yourself asking questions like “What will the kids eat?” or “How am I going to make sure everyone’s happy with the food?”

When it comes to bringing everyone together, it’s important to provide options upon options for your Thanksgiving meal—and we’re here to help.

Here’s our list of our favorite recipes that we know will add a flare to your Thanksgiving line-up. These BBQ appetizers, sides dishes, and main-course favorites are unique, tasty, and comforting—perfect for a gathering of friends, family, and good food.

How Long to Smoke a Barbecue Turkey

First things first, folks: The turkey. This Oven Baked Barbecue Turkey recipe gives a step-by-step guide to making the best Thanksgiving Turkey you’ve ever tasted—or seen (can you say #ThatHeadCountryGlow?). It’s classic, it’s spicy, and best of it, it’s simple. Dig into the seasoned goodness of this turkey after just a few hours of getting juicy in the oven.

Our other favorite Thanksgiving turkey recipes:
Slow-Smoked Turkey Breast with BBQ Glaze
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Apple Habanero Glaze
Classic Oven-Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

How to Dress Up Easy Barbecue Baked Beans

Everyone knows baked beans are amongst the ultimate BBQ side dishes. Even if you’re not doing a full-on BBQ theme this Thanksgiving, these beans make a warm, comforting, homey side dish for any Thanksgiving spread. Skip the canned baked beans and go for these Head Country BBQ Baked Beans—so easy to make. Simply combine everything on the ingredients list and simmer on the stove.

Some of our other favorite holiday side dishes:
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
BBQ Bacon Scalloped Potatoes
Classic Cheddar Hominy Grits

Why You Should Roasted Your Potatoes for Potato Salad

We love this chopped, chunky BBQ Potato Salad recipe for picnics and Thanksgiving spreads alike. We specify in this recipe to roast your potatoes rather than boil them, and trust us—it’s what makes the magic happen. Roasting creates a crispy, and textured outcome, and it’s divine.

Some of our other favorite sides:
Pull-Apart Chicken Bread
Skillet Southwestern BBQ Chicken Dip
Keto Smoked Cauliflower

Spicy Side Idea: BBQ Chicken and Macaroni Salad

If you’ve never made a loaded BBQ Macaroni Salad, definitely opt for this one. It’s cool, creamy texture is the perfect foil for a smoked turkey, and it plays well with traditional sides like green beans and mashed potatoes.

We love these spicy sides:
Roasted Cauliflower “Mac” & Cheese
Pimento Cheese Dip
Cast Iron Buttermilk Cornbread with Spicy Honey

For Vegetarians This Thanksgiving: Pulled BBQ Carrots

Thanks to Samantha at Go French Yourself, we have a delicious recipe for Pulled BBQ Carrots, a vegetarian offering that can be used in the placed of pulled meat. It’s a genius switch-up, and it’s yummy, too. Serve as a main or as a side.

More great vegetarian options:
Home-baked Dinner Rolls
Smoked Deviled Eggs
Skillet Sweet Potatoes

A Recipe for a Slow-Cooker Thanksgiving Turkey

Since it braises in the slow cooker, this recipe for turkey offers time to work on the other dishes in your spread (or spend time with friends and family—imagine that!). Throw in some rosemary and cranberries for serving on this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, and drizzle it with Apple Habanero Sauce as a final touch.

Refresh A Classic With These Skillet Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes may be a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but as with all classics, they can use a jolt of re-imagination to make them fresh and exciting again. These Skillet Sweet Potatoes are seriously good, and super simple. They take just 15 minutes to fry up, and they’ll be on everybody’s plate. Be sure to make plenty.

Skip the Canned Corn for Thanksgiving, Grill This Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

This buttery, spicy Mexican Street Corn recipe will be a delightful departure from corn on the cob or canned corn. Added bonus: it smells amazing, with an aroma that sets the tone for a party to remember.

Thanksgiving Side-Dish Hero: Cheesy BBQ Bacon Cauliflower

Four words: Cheesy. BBQ. Bacon. Cauliflower. Consider doubling the recipe so there is plenty of this warming, comforting recipe to go ahead—worst-case scenario, you will have leftovers, and we would play those odds any day.

Thanksgiving Dessert Idea: Brown Sugar BBQ Apple Pie (Plus How to Make Pie Crust)

Last but most definitely NOT least, is the pie. And this isn’t just any pie, but a Brown Sugar BBQ Apple Pie. Yes, we put BBQ sauce in a pie—definitely don’t knock it ’til you try it. It’s delicious with whipped cream and cinnamon ice cream.

Have a Happy, Head Country Thanksgiving.

Stock up on your favorite Head Country sauces, seasonings, and marinade before you get cooking this Thanksgiving: shop with us online 24/7, or find your nearest Head Country retailer.