21 sauces, spreads, and toppings your Thanksgiving table needs

Sauces, spreads, and toppings hold some wild holiday magic, and the surprises hit fast. Each one brings a must-see twist that grabs attention right away. This collection feels almost unreal for Thanksgiving fans!

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce in a white bowl garnished with orange zest and star anise pods. — Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Holiday tables always need a bright, easy condiment that cuts through all the richer dishes. That is where Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce fits in with its simple, no-hassle style. It’s a quick way to keep everything balanced on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Low Carb Sausage Gravy

Keto Sausage Gravy inside metal bowl. — Low Carb Sausage Gravy. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Big Thanksgiving spreads benefit from something hearty that still feels manageable. That’s why Low Carb Sausage Gravy shows up as a smart pick for biscuits, potatoes, or stuffing. It keeps things cozy without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sausage Gravy

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Holiday rolls and breads hit differently with something sweet on the side. Slow Cooker Apple Butter adds a simple comfort that guests always gravitate toward. It works especially well during the earlier part of the day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Chicken Gravy Without Drippings

A bowl of gravy with a spoon next to it. — Chicken Gravy Without Drippings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Large gatherings run smoother when you have a gravy that doesn’t rely on timing or drippings. Chicken Gravy Without Drippings solves that problem and keeps the meal moving. It’s an easy backup that works with almost everything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gravy Without Drippings

Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce in a glass container. — Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Many guests appreciate a lighter option that still keeps the holiday vibe. Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce does that while staying close to the classic version everyone recognizes. It works well for anyone who prefers things on the simpler side.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Brown Gravy Without Drippings

A spoon full of gravy in a white bowl. — Homemade Brown Gravy Without Drippings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Big plates of potatoes and turkey always benefit from one more gravy option. Homemade Brown Gravy Without Drippings steps in when you want something smooth without relying on pan juices. It keeps the flavor steady across the whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Brown Gravy Without Drippings

Vegan White Cashew Gravy

Holiday tables work best when everyone has something they can enjoy. Vegan White Cashew Gravy makes that easier by giving plant-based guests a creamy option. It pairs well with vegetables, stuffing, and potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan White Cashew Gravy

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Some Thanksgiving cooks prefer set-and-forget dishes that still feel classic. That’s where Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe slots in with almost no effort. It delivers a familiar flavor without needing attention.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Guinness Gravy

Some holiday tables call for a deeper, richer-style gravy that stands out a bit. That’s where Guinness Gravy adds a nice change of pace without clashing with classic dishes. It’s a solid match for turkey and hearty sides.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Gravy

Easy Instant Pot Gravy

A person pours brown gravy from a glass container over shredded beef on a white plate. An electric pressure cooker is visible in the background on a white countertop. — Easy Instant Pot Gravy. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Large meals move faster when the gravy doesn’t slow you down. Easy Instant Pot Gravy steps in as a quick, smooth solution during the rush. It keeps things steady while everything else finishes cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Gravy

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Slow cooker cranberry sauce with orange and cinnamon. — 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Busy kitchens appreciate anything that frees up space and time. That’s why 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce fits so nicely into Thanksgiving prep. It handles itself while you focus on everything else.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Mutabal Recipe (The Creamiest Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip)

Thanksgiving appetizers can use a smooth dip that doesn’t overshadow the main dishes. Mutabal Recipe (The Creamiest Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip) covers that need with a mellow flavor that pairs well with bread. It keeps things relaxed while guests wait for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mutabal Recipe (The Creamiest Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip)

Homemade Cinnamon Butter

Rolls, muffins, and cornbread all get a quick upgrade with a flavored spread. Homemade Cinnamon Butter adds just enough sweetness to make bread feel special on a holiday plate. It disappears fast once people taste it.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Butter

Vegan Cashew Cheese Spread

Every Thanksgiving needs a dip or spread that works for nearly everyone. Vegan Cashew Cheese Spread fills that role with a smooth texture that pairs well with vegetables and crackers. It rounds out the appetizer lineup without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cashew Cheese Spread

Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Holiday spreads often benefit from something with a little personality. Bourbon Cranberry Sauce brings that energy while still fitting the Thanksgiving theme. It pairs well with turkey and sandwiches the next day.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip

Zaalouk in a white plate with spoon and napkin. — Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Appetizer boards benefit from something earthy and comforting during colder months. Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip brings that tone and fits right in with fall flavors. It’s a solid choice for bread or vegetable platters.
Get the Recipe: Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip

Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip

Fall menus often rely on simple, roasted flavors that feel seasonal. Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip brings that style to the appetizer table without feeling heavy. It works well with bread or as part of a veggie board.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip

The BEST Baked Artichoke Dip Appetizer

Friends and family always gather around a warm dip during the holidays. The BEST Baked Artichoke Dip Appetizer creates that moment quickly and consistently. It fits right in before the main meal comes out.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Baked Artichoke Dip Appetizer

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This photo shows a hand scooping out baking spinach artichoke dip from a white casserole dish. — Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Guests often look for something warm and creamy as they snack. Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip fills that role and matches well with crackers or toasted bread. It fits naturally into a holiday appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spiced Cranberry Orange Jam

Cheese boards and turkey plates both benefit from something with a bright pop. Spiced Cranberry Orange Jam does that without clashing with the rest of the meal. It brings a small spark that fits the season.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Cranberry Orange Jam

Whipped Feta Spread

Tables packed with rich holiday food benefit from something light and tangy. Whipped Feta Spread adds that touch and works well with vegetables and breads. It keeps things interesting without overpowering the rest of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta Spread