These Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas Are Chock-Full of Inspiration
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Holiday season is here, and if it's November, that means you're getting ready for Thanksgiving! As usual, it falls on the fourth Thursday in November, and this year that's the 28th. (You can learn why we do that right here.)
If you're hosting, that can mean spending practically the entire month beforehand getting ready, from figuring out the table settings and the centerpiece to getting the seasonal decorations out and up, to thinking up fun craft ideas for the kids (and possibly more craft ideas for adults...).
Oh yeah, and there's a meal to make too!
Some parts of a Thanksgiving meal are staples. Unless everyone's a vegetarian, there's going to be a turkey. And there'll probably also be some version of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad, and casserole. And pumpkin pie, for dessert.
But within that structure, there's actually lots of room to play. If you're hosting a smaller Thanksgiving, or just don't want the hassle of an entire bird, consider making turkey roulades! Or, spice up the sides with horseradish mashed potatoes! Get a little British spirit with a traditional plum pudding for dessert. Or go full-on American, break out the weber, and grill that turkey!
If you want to rethink your whole Thanksgiving menu, from soup to nuts (or rather, from spiced-nuts to custard pie) then check out our array of more than 20 different complete Thanksgiving menus, below! We've got ideas for super-simple slow-cooker Thanksgivings, classic Southern Thanksgivings, well prepared make-ahead Thanksgivings, and more. With countless recipes on this list, you can pick and choose a few new ones to toss into the mix, or try an entirely new menu! We're confident that whatever you do, the food will be a hit!
A Ranch Style Thanksgiving
Here's an unfussy, flavor-first Thanksgiving meal that eschews a little bit of tradition for a whole lot of fun.
Turkey roulades are the big centerpiece: Instead of arguing over light vs dark meat, guests get to help themselves to perfectly tender boneless coins of turkey wrapped around homemade stuffing (which is the best part anyway).
The wine is mulled—but it's a white wine, with a bright, cranberry flavor. The sides include creamy herb biscuits, spicy mashed potatoes, a colorful gratin, and a big crunchy salad.
And for dessert? Take your pick of stunning pies!
Starters
Main Course
Side Dishes
Desserts
A "British Christmas" Thanksgiving
Fun fact: The big turkey-centric meal we all eat has its origins in England, where a winter feast has, for centuries, included a big bird (turkey or duck), side dishes, plenty of wine, and pie.
But they don't celebrate Thanksgiving in England; The feast is usually served at Christmas. And a traditional British Christmas feast makes an excellent Thanksgiving meal!
To do it right you want classic stuffing, spiced cabbage with cranberries, an herby roast turkey, and a classic plum pudding! (Extra points if you score some crackers to pull before the meal.)
Drinks
Champagne or sparkling wine is traditional. We highly recommend Nyetimber if you can get it, but any good sparkling will do.
Mulled wine is also a fine option.
Main Course
Rosemary Roast Turkey with homemade gravy
Sides
Dessert
Christmas Plum Pudding — though it doesn't take long to assemble, you'll want to do it at least a week, and as much as a month, ahead, to let the flavors meld.
A Chesapeake Coastal Thanksgiving
Fourth-Generation oyster famers and cousins Travis and Ryan Croxton of the Rappahannock Oyster Co. cook a menu of simple Southern-costal fare—with lots of local oysters, of course. The family menu has deep roots. "It predate[s] any of us" says Ryan. If it's already outstanding, what is there to improve upon?
Drinks
The Croxtons like a cold sparkling wine or brut Champagne with their feast. If you can splurge, try a bottle or two of Nyetimber or just get your favorite bubbly.
Main Course:
Simple Herbed Turkey with Easiest Ever Gravy—loads of butter keep the meat moist, and handfuls of flavorful fresh herbs keep it simple and tasty.
Sides:
Dessert
A Grilled Thanksgiving Menu
If you love the smokey-charred flavor of foods hot off the grill, and you want to make a Thanksgiving dinner that tastes like no other, then heat up some coals or open up the propane tank.
Grill tending in November is a whole different experience than summertime grilling. You don't have to worry about bugs, or sweat. You can warm your hands while you check on the food! And you can free up the oven and stove for a whole bevy of Thanksgiving sides. How great is that?
Cocktail:
Main Course:
Sides:
Desserts:
A Classic Thanksgiving Menu
If you're a traditionalist, this menu has everything you want: Namely, the entrées, starters, and sides you've been looking forward to since, well, last Thanksgiving! It's chock full of tried-and-true favorites, all of which have been upgraded a touch to ensure maximum flavor and deliciousness. Let's just say we'd be surprised if your family doesn't fall hard and fast for these Thanksgiving menu ideas.
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Sides:
Dessert:
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu
Thanksgiving is about gathering together, not exclusion. Why not welcome everyone to the table with a decadent Thanksgiving dinner that everyone can enjoy? Ditch the meat and opt for these classic vegetarian dishes instead.
Starters:
Main Courses:
Dessert:
Traditional American Thanksgiving Menu
When it comes to his Thanksgiving menu, Joe Randall—the coauthor of A Taste of Heritage: The New African-American Cuisine in Savannah—doesn't mess with tradition.
Main Course:
Side Dishes:
Vegan Thanksgiving Menu
If you (or family/friends) are not only meat, but animal-product free, our vegan menu ensures everyone at the table can fill up on delicious (truly delicious) foods.
Starters:
Main Course:
Sides:
Dessert:
Friendsgiving Menu
If you're not visiting relations this year, it doesn't mean Thanksgiving has to be a solo affair. Host a laid-back feast with your community. This BYOCACD ("Bring Your Own Chair and Covered Dish") party, courtesy of Home Town's Erin and Ben Napier features plenty of delicious sides that everyone can share. Assign recipes out to each friend—or go generous, and make it all yourself!
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Sides:
Easy Thanksgiving Menu
This year, do yourself a favor and keep it simple. These blessedly easy low-lift recipes deliver on flavor while still allowing you time to, say, sneak a nip of bourbon with grandpa. Want to make guests think it was harder than it was? Wow them with one of these elegant (but also easy) table settings.
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Sides:
Desserts:
Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Menu
Whether you have a gluten intolerance or have decided to give it up for other reasons, these recipes show you don't need wheat to have a delicious Thanksgiving.
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Main Course:
Sides:
Desserts:
Southern Thanksgiving Menu
South Carolina baker Carrie Morey doesn't hoard her family's best recipes. She spreads the love—and tweaks the traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Find even more delicious recipes in her book, Callie's Biscuits and Southern Traditions: Heirloom Recipes from Our Family Kitchen.
Appetizers:
Main Course:
Sides:
Dessert:
All-American Thanksgiving Menu
From grits to bacon, this menu is chock full of delicious comfort food.
Main Course:
Side Dishes:
Desserts:
From grits to bacon, this menu is chock full of delicious comfort food.
Main Course:
Perfect Roast Turkey
Spicy Thanksgiving Menu
Tim Love, the owner and executive chef of Lonesome Dove Western Bistro and Love Shack, both in Fort Worth, Texas, gives his turkey flavor from the outside in by using a spicy game rub, then covering the bird in prosciutto.
Main Course:
Side Dishes:
The Beekman Boys' Family Thanksgiving Menu
Reality stars Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell take old family recipes in a decadent new direction with their fresh approach to Thanksgiving.
Main Course:
Side Dishes:
Desserts:
Creative Thanksgiving Menu
In their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, cookbook authors (and brothers) Matt and Ted Lee serve up an annual holiday menu that remains true to tradition while putting a fresh spin on classic recipes.
Starter:
Main Course:
Side Dishes:
Dessert:
Drink:
Autumnal Thanksgiving Menu
This old-fashioned menu features earthy potatoes and turnips with smoky bacon and rosemary as an appetizing alternative to mashed potatoes.
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Desserts:
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Menu
Chef Tom Valenti's strategy for this menu? The stuffing can be made in advance, as well as the soup, the compote, and the desserts. Here's the timetable:
One to two weeks ahead: make grocery lists, order specialty foods including capon for delivery 1 week before the dinner. Make compote and soup. Freeze soup and refrigerate the compote. Wrap everything tightly. Make sure you have any other inventory.
Three days ahead: Thaw capon. Make stuffing (but do not bake). Bake the cheesecake.
The day before: Chop potatoes and refrigerate submerged in cold water. Thaw soup. Make trifle custard: slice the pound cake and roast the pears.
Thanksgiving Day: Roast the capon. Assemble appetizers: Set up
cheese board: chill white wines. Set up buffet. Cook potatoes and the kale. Bake or warm all prepped dishes and assemble desserts. Then enjoy!
Starters:
Artisanal cheese plate, olive bread, French baguette
Main Course:
Side Dishes:
Desserts:
No-Stress Southern Thanksgiving Menu
Serving a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast can be an exciting prospect, especially with a menu like this one that includes country-inspired dishes.
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Main Course:
Side Dishes:
Dessert:
Napa Valley Thanksgiving Menu
For celebrated chef and cookbook author Michael Chiarello, Thanksgiving is a way to honor his Italian and California heritage by cooking with seasonal organic products featured in this menu.
Starters:
Olives, salami, cheese
Main Course:
Side Dishes:
Desserts:
A Family Thanksgiving Menu
This menu puts an emphasis on tradition, using simple and classic recipes.
Starters:
Cheese plate with nuts and dried fruits
Main Course:
Side Dishes:
Desserts:
Country Farmhouse Thanksgiving Menu
The lush color and rich harvest of autumn fruit—persimmons, pomegranates, and quinces—are incorporated in this menu.
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Side Dishes:
Desserts:
Drink:
Trisha Yearwood's Family Thanksgiving Menu
Country singer Trisha Yearwood fills her Thanksgiving menu with Southern comfort foods, like pecan pie and buttermilk cornbread.
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Side Dishes:
Dessert:
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