If you’re looking for an easy way to get a complete Thanksgiving dinner on the table without the usual chaos, this Sheet-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe is a total game-changer. I absolutely love how this recipe brings turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and green beans all together on one pan—it saves so much time and cleanup, which means more moments around the table with your loved ones. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or just want a simple but festive meal, this recipe delivers traditional flavors with minimal fuss.
When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the turkey stayed juicy and tender even roasting alongside the vegetables and stuffing. You’ll find that layering the flavors carefully and using a parchment-lined pan really helps everything cook evenly without burning or drying out. Plus, it’s perfect for anyone who wants that classic Thanksgiving vibe without spending hours in the kitchen, so you can focus on the company instead of the cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Convenience: Roast turkey, veggies, and stuffing on a single pan to save time and cleanup.
- Moist, Flavorful Turkey: Butter under the skin locks in moisture and infuses every bite.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet potatoes with garam masala and orange zest add a surprising twist.
- Perfect for Busy Hosts: Less stress, more family time — ideal for small gatherings or quick holiday dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sheet-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe brings together the classics in a way that feels fresh and easy. Each ingredient plays a role—from the herb-seasoned stuffing cubes to the fragrant garam masala on the sweet potatoes, every piece contributes to that authentic cozy holiday feeling.
- Egg: Helps bind the stuffing together for that perfect texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory moisture without overpowering the stuffing.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the stuffing with a fresh herb note.
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce: Deepens umami flavor subtly—don’t skip it!
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Key for richness in turkey, stuffing, and green beans.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the stuffing base.
- Celery: Classic stuffing crunch and flavor, chopped finely.
- Herb-seasoned stuffing cubes: Quick shortcut with plenty of flavor.
- Dried cranberries: Give a sweet tartness that contrasts perfectly with savory elements.
- Dried poultry seasoning: The quintessential turkey seasoning mix.
- Garlic powder & smoked paprika: Add warm smoky notes to the turkey butter.
- Split turkey breast: Easier to cook evenly on a sheet pan than whole bird.
- Sweet potatoes: Either peeled or not—both work great and roast up tender.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: For roasting vegetables and brightening flavors.
- Garam masala or pumpkin pie spice: Adds fall-inspired warmth to sweet potatoes.
- Green beans: Fresh and trimmed for a quick roast.
- Crimini mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they complement the green beans beautifully.
- Parmesan: Adds savory sharpness to the green beans topping.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Aromatic herb for green beans and overall flavor layering.
- Orange zest and juice: Bring a fresh citrus pop that livens up the dish.
- Crispy fried onions: For that amazing crunch on green beans—totally worth it.
- Chopped toasted pecans: Add buttery crunch to sweet potatoes, enhancing textures.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
I love how flexible this Sheet-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative or swap in your favorites—I’ve found a few easy ways to switch things up below.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace turkey with thick slices of roasted cauliflower steaks and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth in the stuffing—I tried this for my veggie-loving cousin and it was a hit.
- Spice Swap: If pumpkin pie spice isn’t your thing, ginger and cinnamon mix nicely with the sweet potatoes for a different warm flavor profile.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit pecans and use toasted breadcrumbs on sweet potatoes for crunch instead.
- Extra Herbaceous Boost: Add fresh rosemary or sage to the turkey butter mix for a more traditional herbal aroma.
How to Make Sheet-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Stuffing Liquid and Sauté Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms, whisk together the egg, chicken broth, fresh parsley, and soy sauce in a large measuring cup. Season generously with salt and pepper—this liquid is the magic that keeps your stuffing moist and flavorful. Next, melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the chopped yellow onion and celery. Cook these until they’re crisp-tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, which builds the savory base of the stuffing.
Step 2: Combine Stuffing Ingredients and Prep the Turkey
After removing the pot from heat, stir in the herb-seasoned stuffing cubes and dried cranberries. Pour the broth mixture over everything and gently mix so the cubes soak it all up. Now it’s time to prep the turkey breast: soften butter and mix it with dried poultry seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat your turkey dry, then gently loosen the skin with your fingers. Spread half the seasoned butter under the skin and the rest on top—this technique is what I learned keeps the turkey juicy and perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Assemble Stuffing, Turkey, and Sweet Potatoes on the Pan
Give the stuffing a quick stir and spread it on one half of a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the buttered turkey breast right on top—this layering helps keep the turkey extra moist while the stuffing crisps underneath. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Arrange these on one quarter of the baking sheet. Pop everything into the oven and roast for 40 minutes.
Step 4: Add Green Beans and Finish Roasting
While the initial roasting goes on, toss the green beans and sliced crimini mushrooms with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, mix Parmesan, softened butter, fresh thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. When the turkey has roasted 40 minutes, add the green beans to the last quarter of your baking sheet, topping with the Parmesan mixture. Continue roasting for another 25 to 35 minutes until the green beans are tender and an instant-read thermometer in the turkey breast reads 155°F. Tent turkey with foil and let it rest 10 minutes—this resting is what really seals in the juices.
Step 5: Final Touches with Citrus and Crunch
While the turkey rests, whisk together orange zest, fresh orange juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss the roasted green beans gently to coat with the Parmesan mixture, then sprinkle with crispy fried onions for that irresistible crunch. Toss the sweet potatoes with the orange mixture and finish with toasted pecans for a buttery nutty finish—this last step adds a lovely brightness and texture contrast I always look forward to.
Pro Tips for Making Sheet-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe
- Prepping Ahead: Chop onions, celery, and sweet potatoes the day before to speed up assembly.
- Check Turkey Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid drying out your turkey breast.
- Layer Flavors: Don’t skip butter under the turkey skin—it locks in moisture and adds rich flavor.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
How to Serve Sheet-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
I always like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds that fresh green pop and makes it look festive. The crisp fried onions on the green beans also double as a crunchy garnish that everyone gravitates toward. Sometimes I add a few extra toasted pecans around the serving platter for a touch of elegance and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This sheet-pan recipe covers a lot, but if I’m craving even more variety, I’ll add a simple cranberry sauce on the side or a fresh green salad with a tart vinaigrette. For a bit of indulgence, mashed potatoes or a soft dinner roll are always crowd-pleasers that complement the texture of the sweet potatoes and stuffing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to carve the turkey breast into thick slices and fan them out over the stuffing on a large wooden platter. Arranging the sweet potatoes and green beans in colorful clusters around the edges adds a rustic, inviting look. Adding orange slices or herbs around the plate brings a pretty pop of color that makes the meal feel extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in airtight containers and keep the turkey separate from the veggies to maintain the best texture. The stuffing sometimes soaks up extra juices overnight, so I like to reheat it gently covered in the oven to keep it moist without getting soggy.
Freezing
If I have leftovers I want to save for later, I freeze portions individually in freezer-safe containers. The turkey freezes well if wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn, and the veggies keep their flavor nicely too. Just remember to thaw completely in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers by warming them in a 325°F oven, covered with foil to keep moisture in—this method really recaptures the fresh-from-the-oven texture better than the microwave. Adding a splash of broth to the stuffing before reheating also helps bring back that soft, fluffy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a whole turkey instead of a split turkey breast for this sheet-pan recipe?
While this Sheet-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe is designed for a split turkey breast for even cooking on one pan, you could use smaller cuts like turkey legs or thighs, but a whole turkey would be too large and cook unevenly on a sheet pan. If you want to cook a whole bird, a roasting pan is a better choice.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chopping vegetables and mixing your seasoning butter can be done a day ahead. Stuffing can also be assembled and refrigerated, then baked together with turkey and veggies on the day you plan to serve.
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What if I don’t have garam masala—can I use something else?
Definitely! Pumpkin pie spice is a great substitute with similar fall flavors, or you can mix ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to approximate the warmth of garam masala.
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How do I know when the turkey is done?
The best way is with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey breast—it should register 155°F when done. Remember to tent it with foil and let it rest; the internal temperature will rise to the safe 165°F as it rests.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sheet-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe enough for anyone looking to simplify their holiday cooking without sacrificing that comforting, homemade feel. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and never fails to impress family and friends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe year after year—plus you’ll actually get to enjoy the holiday instead of stressing over multiple dishes.
PrintSheet-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe
This Sheet-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner recipe offers a convenient, all-in-one meal featuring a flavorful split turkey breast roasted alongside herb-seasoned stuffing, spiced sweet potatoes, and Parmesan-topped green beans with mushrooms. It’s a simple, balanced, and delicious holiday feast prepared entirely on one baking sheet, making cleanup easy and meal presentation attractive.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs
- Yield: 4 serving(s)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Stuffing
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 (12-oz.) bag herb-seasoned stuffing cubes
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Turkey
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp. dried poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (3- to 3 1/2-lb.) split turkey breast
Sweet Potatoes
- 1 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, cut into 1″ cubes
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp. garam masala or pumpkin pie spice
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Green Beans & Assembly
- 12 oz. green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup sliced crimini mushrooms
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- Zest of 1 orange, plus 2 Tbsp. fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup store-bought crispy fried onions
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Stuffing: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large measuring cup, whisk together the egg, low-sodium chicken broth, chopped parsley, and reduced-sodium soy sauce. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cook Vegetables for Stuffing: Melt unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and celery, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are crisp-tender, approximately 5 minutes. Remove the pot from heat.
- Combine Stuffing Ingredients: Add the herb-seasoned stuffing cubes and dried cranberries to the pot with cooked vegetables. Pour in the broth mixture and gently stir until the stuffing absorbs the broth.
- Prepare the Turkey Butter Rub: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with dried poultry seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a seasoned butter.
- Butter the Turkey: Pat the split turkey breast dry. Gently loosen the skin with your fingers. Spread half of the seasoned butter underneath the skin, then evenly spread the remaining butter over the skin’s surface.
- Assemble Stuffing and Turkey on Baking Sheet: Stir the stuffing gently once more and spread it evenly on one half of a parchment-lined large baking sheet. Place the prepared turkey breast on top of the stuffing.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with extra-virgin olive oil and garam masala (or pumpkin pie spice). Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the sweet potatoes on one quarter of the baking sheet.
- Roast Turkey, Stuffing, and Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheet with turkey, stuffing, and sweet potatoes in the oven. Roast for 40 minutes at 375°F.
- Prepare Green Beans Mixture: In a medium bowl, toss trimmed green beans, sliced crimini mushrooms, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Parmesan Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine finely grated Parmesan, softened unsalted butter, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add Green Beans and Topping to Baking Sheet: Arrange the green bean and mushroom mixture on the remaining quarter of the baking sheet. Evenly distribute the Parmesan butter mixture on top of the green beans.
- Continue Roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast until the green beans are tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey reads 155°F, about 25 to 35 minutes more. Remove the turkey and tent with foil, letting it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare Orange Dressing: Meanwhile, whisk together orange zest, fresh orange juice, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish Green Beans and Potatoes: Toss the roasted green beans gently to coat with the Parmesan butter mixture and top them with crispy fried onions. Toss the roasted sweet potatoes with the orange zest dressing and sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans for added crunch.
- Serve: Carve the rested turkey and serve alongside the stuffing, sweet potatoes, and green bean medley for a festive and hearty Thanksgiving meal cooked entirely on one sheet pan.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Raising the turkey breast on stuffing helps keep it moist and infuses flavors.
- Garam masala adds warmth and complexity; pumpkin pie spice is a delicious alternative if unavailable.
- Resting the turkey after roasting allows juices to redistribute for tender slices.
- This recipe can be doubled using a larger baking sheet or two pans but watch cooking time accordingly.
- Leftover stuffing can be baked separately to refresh texture before serving.
- To toast pecans, dry sauté them in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned.
