Cooking a new recipe for Thanksgiving is a risk. An uncle might complain. An aunt might forbid it. The recipe could take longer than expected. Chaos ensues. Straying from tradition can also feel emotionally loaded. But it's worth it to try something new, especially if you're a first-time host looking for your own version of Thanksgiving. Here are our Food staff's tried-and-true Thanksgiving keepers. With these recipes, you're in good hands.
Dolly Parton has always loved whipping up feasts of Southern comfort food for her loved ones, including her goddaughter Miley Cyrus. She also loves cooking with her family, even releasing a cookbook with her sister Rachel Parton George in 2024. "Good Lookin' Cookin': A Year of Meals" features a section dedicated to Thanksgiving dishes. When I saw the Parton sisters had their own sweet potato casserole, I knew I had to make it for Friendsgiving. Here's how it went.