Savour’s Guide to Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving brings a welcome pause to cook, gather and enjoy the season’s best flavours.

From classic favourites to fresh ideas, our Savour Calgary recipe collection has everything you need to plan a meal that feels generous and full of heart. Find inspiration for every course, from the first pour to the last bite of pie.

Thanksgiving is less about perfection and more about gathering around a table with the people who matter most. Whether you’re hosting for the first time or the twentieth, the meal itself should feel like an extension of that warmth – comforting, abundant, and made with care.

We’ve pulled together our favourite recipes from the Savour Calgary archives to help you build a feast that honours tradition while leaving room for a few creative touches. From the first sip of mulled cider to that final bite of pumpkin pie, here’s everything you need to make this weekend memorable.

Start with Drinks

Set the tone before anyone sits down with drinks that welcome guests and warm them from the inside out.

Ginger Mulled Apple Cider – The scent alone will fill your home with fall. Fresh ginger adds depth to this classic spiced cider that’s perfect for greeting guests.
Cranberry Lime Spritz Mocktail – Bright, festive, and alcohol-free, this spritz keeps everyone included in the toast.
The Bee’s Knees – For cocktail enthusiasts, this elegant gin drink with honey and lemon is a sophisticated pre-dinner sipper.
Hy’s Old Fashioned – A classic that never goes out of style, perfect for those who prefer something stronger.

Appetizers to Gather Around

Keep guests satisfied while the turkey roasts with appetizers that set the stage for the meal ahead.

Artichoke Dip – Creamy, warm, and universally loved, this dip is always the first thing to disappear.
Butternut Squash Soup – Start with bowls of silky squash soup that hint at the autumn flavours to come. Or pour into shot glasses for a cute, stunning way to serve soup.
Chai Butternut Squash Soup with Apples – Or try this spiced variation that brings warming chai notes to the table.

The Main Event

The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving table deserves your attention, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Roast Turkey – Our tried-and-true method delivers a golden, juicy bird that’s worthy of the celebration.
Bison Stuffed Turkey Breast – For a smaller gathering or an adventurous twist, this Alberta-raised ground bison stuffing adds rich, local flavor.
Slab Style Tourtière – A nod to French-Canadian tradition, this savory meat pie is perfect for feeding a crowd.

The Supporting Cast

Side dishes are where you can play with tradition, adding your own touches to beloved classics.

Harvest Mashed Potatoes – Fluffy, buttery, and always in demand. These are the mashed potatoes everyone expects.
Harvest Scalloped Potatoes – Or go the creamy, layered route with scalloped potatoes that bake to golden perfection.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Tajin – Crispy pancetta, halloumi, and a hit of Tajin transform these sprouts into something special.
Roasted Butternut Squash – Simple, sweet, and caramelized—roasted squash is autumn on a plate.
Root Vegetable Gratin – Layer root vegetables with cream and cheese for a side dish that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Sauce – Skip the canned stuff and make cranberry sauce that brings both sweetness and a little kick.

Where’s the Gravy

So, you’re all organized — turkey is stuffed, pies are made, Aunt Myrtle’s jelly salad is in the fridge… who’s making the gravy? Oops! Here’s who you call:

Currently out of stock, keep in mind for Christmas or any time you need gravy: Blue Flame Kitchen, Sunterra Market, Valbella Meats

The Vegetarian Centerpieces

For those who prefer plant-based mains or want to offer more options, these dishes deserve a starring role.

Roasted Squash and Greens Pie – A stunning savory pie that vegetarians and omnivores alike will reach for.
Mushroom Risotto – Creamy, earthy, and utterly satisfying, this risotto stands on its own as a main or enriches any plate as a side.
Winter Squash and Oyster Mushroom Risotto with Squash Purée – An elevated take on risotto that brings depth and elegance to the table.

Save Room for Dessert

End the meal with something sweet that keeps everyone lingering at the table just a little longer.

Pumpkin Pie – There’s no Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, and this family recipe delivers every time.
Tarte Tatin – For an elegant twist on apple pie, this upside-down French tart is buttery, caramelized perfection.
Maple Parsnip Panna Cotta with Spiced Cinnamon Carrot Crisps – If you want to surprise your guests with something unexpected, this sophisticated dessert will have them talking long after the weekend ends.

The Day After

Because Thanksgiving doesn’t really end until you’ve made the most of those leftovers.

Leftover Turkey Corn Chowder – Turn yesterday’s turkey into today’s comfort in a bowl.

Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, the recipes here give you a solid foundation to build the kind of meal that feels both effortless and abundant. Mix and match, lean into your favourites, and remember that the best Thanksgiving tables are the ones where everyone feels welcome, including the cook.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Savour Calgary.