Hosting a big Thanksgiving is exciting, but feeding a houseful of hungry guests takes planning. These 25 Thanksgiving recipes for a crowd give you a complete holiday menu, from juicy turkey and crowd-pleasing appetizers to classic sides, warm rolls, and easy desserts. Many are made in the air fryer or Instant Pot, which frees up your oven and helps everything land on the table hot at the same time.
The Main Event: Turkey
1. Juicy Air Fryer Whole Turkey
A mayonnaise and herb rub gives this turkey golden, buttery skin and juicy meat. It works best with a smaller bird, so pair it with a second main if you’re feeding a very large group.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Air Fryer Whole Turkey
2. Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast Roast
Rubbed with olive oil, rosemary, and Herbes de Provence, this boneless roast turns out tender and easy to slice. Make two for a big crowd, or serve it alongside a whole bird for guests who prefer white meat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast Roast
3. Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
Lean turkey tenderloin gets a simple garlic-and-herb rub and cooks up juicy in the air fryer. It’s a smart backup main that cooks quickly if you need extra turkey.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers
4. Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
Creamy brie and cranberry sauce in crispy wonton cups taste like the holidays in one bite. They freeze well, so you can make a big batch ahead.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
5. Easy Air Fryer Crab Dip
This hot, cheesy crab dip is an easy way to feed a group while the turkey rests. Set out plenty of crackers and let guests help themselves.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Crab Dip
6. Air Fryer Ranch Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Flaky puff pastry spirals filled with ham, cheddar, and ranch are easy to make in large batches. They’re kid-friendly and simple to grab from a platter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ranch Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
7. Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet dates, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon make a three-ingredient appetizer that disappears fast. Assemble them the day before and cook when guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
Classic Sides for a Big Table
8. Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
Sweet cornbread and savory sausage make a hearty stuffing that feeds a crowd. The top gets crispy while the inside stays tender.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
9. Air Fryer Southern Dressing
Leeks, celery, and thyme flavor this Southern-style dressing made with cornbread or sourdough. It’s a comforting classic for any big family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Dressing
10. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are ready in under 20 minutes without taking up a burner. Double the batch for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
11. Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams
Canned yams keep this holiday favorite quick and budget-friendly, which matters when you’re cooking for many. Top with pecans and toasted marshmallows.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams
12. Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
Rich, creamy baked mac and cheese is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults. It’s one of the first dishes to empty at any big gathering.
Get the Recipe: Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
13. Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes
Two sides in one basket saves time and dishes. Seasoned green beans and golden potatoes roast together for an easy, hearty side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes
14. Air Fryer Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
Crispy sprouts tossed in garlic butter win over even the pickiest eaters. Cook them in batches and keep them warm in a low oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
15. Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots with caramelized edges add color and sweetness to a crowded holiday plate. They’re simple to scale up.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Breads & Rolls
16. Air Fryer Cornbread
Golden cornbread is a Thanksgiving staple, and extras can be turned into stuffing. Bake a couple of batches for a big crowd.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread
17. Bob Evans Dinner Rolls
Frozen rolls brushed with herb butter make a bakery-style basket with almost no effort. It’s the ultimate shortcut for a large group.
Get the Recipe: Bob Evans Dinner Rolls
18. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread
Biscuit dough tossed with garlic, butter, and Parmesan bakes into a shareable loaf. Guests can pull off pieces right at the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread
Easy Desserts for a Crowd
19. Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Squares
Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are easier to slice and serve than pie when you have a lot of guests. They can be made a day ahead.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Squares
20. Air Fryer Apple Pie Dump Cake
Apple pie filling, cake mix, and butter create a gooey, crumbly dessert with almost no work. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Pie Dump Cake
21. Air Fryer Pecan Pie Tarts
Bite-size pecan pie tarts bake in minutes and let guests grab their own serving. They’re perfect for a dessert buffet.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pecan Pie Tarts
22. Air Fryer Mini Muffin Tin Apple Pies
Individual lattice-topped apple pies mean no slicing and no mess. They’re easy to make in big batches.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mini Muffin Tin Apple Pies
23. Air Fryer Easy Pumpkin Pie Egg Rolls
Pumpkin pie filling wrapped in crispy egg roll wrappers and dusted with cinnamon sugar makes a fun, handheld dessert. Kids love them.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Easy Pumpkin Pie Egg Rolls
24. Golden Corral Bread Pudding
This buffet-style copycat is warm, comforting, and easy to portion into ramekins or one large dish. It’s a nice alternative for guests who aren’t pie fans.
Get the Recipe: Golden Corral Bread Pudding
Bonus: For the Leftovers
25. Air Fryer Turkey Croquettes
Leftover turkey, stuffing, and potatoes become crispy, golden croquettes. They’re a fun way to feed everyone who sticks around the next day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Croquettes
How Much Food Do You Need for a Thanksgiving Crowd?
A common rule of thumb is about 1 to 1½ pounds of whole turkey per person, or about ½ to ¾ pound of boneless turkey breast, which accounts for bones and gives you some leftovers. For sides, plan on roughly ½ cup of each side per guest, and make extra of the favorites like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and mac and cheese. For dessert, figure on one pie (or a pan of bars) for every 8 guests.
Tips for Cooking Thanksgiving for a Crowd
Use every appliance. Put the main turkey in the oven and let the air fryer, Instant Pot, and stovetop handle sides, rolls, and desserts. Many air fryer recipes cook in batches, so plan extra time or double up if you have two.
Make ahead wherever you can. Pumpkin pie squares, dips, pinwheels, and bacon-wrapped dates can be prepped a day early. Sweet potato casserole and stuffing can be assembled the night before and cooked on Thanksgiving Day.
Keep food warm. Hold finished dishes in a 200°F oven, or use slow cookers on the warm setting for mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Serve buffet-style. For a big group, a buffet line is easier than passing dishes. Put plates at the start, then turkey, sides, and rolls, with gravy at the end.
Ask guests to bring something. Assign appetizers, rolls, or desserts to guests so you can focus on the turkey and main sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I feed 20 people on Thanksgiving?
Plan on about 20 to 30 pounds of whole turkey (or a combination of a whole turkey and a boneless breast), 3 to 4 appetizers, 6 to 8 sides, rolls, and 3 desserts. Buffet-style serving and make-ahead dishes make it much more manageable.
What are the easiest Thanksgiving dishes for a crowd?
Casseroles, dump cakes, pull-apart breads, bar desserts, and dips are easy to make in large quantities and simple for guests to serve themselves.
What Thanksgiving recipes can I make ahead for a crowd?
Pumpkin pie squares, pecan tarts, pinwheels, bacon-wrapped dates, sweet potato casserole, and stuffing can all be prepped a day ahead, which frees up time on Thanksgiving Day.
Can I cook Thanksgiving dinner in the air fryer?
Yes. A smaller turkey, a turkey breast, and most sides, rolls, and desserts cook well in the air fryer. For a large crowd, use it alongside your oven to keep everything moving.
Final Thoughts
Cooking for a big group doesn’t have to be stressful. With these Thanksgiving recipes for a crowd, you have a complete menu from appetizers to dessert, plus make-ahead tips to keep the day running smoothly. Pin this post and use it as your go-to guide for hosting the biggest, most delicious Thanksgiving yet!
