With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’ve been thinking about food a lot lately! Is anyone else already getting hungry just thinking about it? There's something so comforting about a hearty Thanksgiving meal. Over the years, I’ve found that the true joy of the holiday isn't just in the food itself but in preparing and sharing it with loved ones. It’s one of my favorite times of year to cook for others and contribute to a special meal that everyone can enjoy.

In my family, we do Thanksgiving potluck style, where everyone signs up to bring a dish. It’s a fun way to mix things up, and we even rotate who brings what each year. We stick to the essentials—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and pumpkin pie—but we also like to add in some unique dishes that make our meal a little different from the norm. I’ve come to appreciate how diverse and personal Thanksgiving meals can be, depending on family traditions and tastes. Not every table looks the same, and that’s part of what makes the holiday so special.

So, I thought I’d share my top 5 Thanksgiving dishes that I look forward to every year—and I’d love to hear what your family’s favorites are too!

1. Pecan Crusted Sweet Potato Casserole

This is the dish I can’t live without at Thanksgiving. I discovered it at a local restaurant, and after making it myself, it became an instant family favorite. The combination of the soft, sweet potatoes and the crunchy, buttery pecan topping is a showstopper. It’s the most requested recipe by far when it comes to our potluck.

2. Glazed Ham

I know turkey is the traditional star of the show, but for me, glazed ham is where it’s at. There’s something about the salty-sweet flavor and tender texture that just makes it a perfect holiday dish. Plus, leftovers are amazing! 

3. Macaroni & Cheese

I’m a sucker for a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, especially if it’s baked and topped with a crunchy golden crust. I love using corkscrew noodles because they hold on to the cheese sauce so well—every bite is a cheesy, savory delight.

4. Cherry Yum Yum

I’ll admit it—this dessert is one of my guilty pleasures! It’s a sweet, layered dessert with a graham cracker crust, a mix of whipped cream and cream cheese, and a generous topping of cherry pie filling. It's like a no-bake cheesecake but even easier to make and just as delicious.

5. Oven Roasted Carrots

Simple, but so satisfying. I love roasting carrots with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. The natural sweetness of the carrots really comes out when they’re roasted, and they add a beautiful pop of color to the table. Plus, it’s an easy side dish that everyone can enjoy.

I know Thanksgiving meals can vary greatly from family to family. Some people stick to the classics, while others have fun experimenting with new flavors and traditions. So, what’s on your Thanksgiving table? What dishes do you absolutely love, or maybe something unique your family makes that’s a must-have every year? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about the foods that make your holiday special!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!