Thanksgiving Menu Recipe Ideas: Appetizers, Mains, Sides, Desserts
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Plan your Thanksgiving menu in parts instead of one long list. Start with a main, then choose 3 sides that do different jobs: one fresh and crunchy, one cozy and creamy and one bright or tart.
Add one or two small-bite appetizers to keep guests nibbling while the oven finishes its work, then choose a dessert you can make ahead.
Aim for something that can be chilled or stored at room temperature until you are ready to serve. Mix make-ahead dishes with slow cooker, air fryer and stovetop recipes so the oven stays free for the main.
Appetizers
Mushroom Galette
Homemade buttery pastry filled with sautéed mushrooms and baked to perfection. Serve it either warm or cold. Can be made a day in advance!
Cheese Board
A balanced selection of soft, aged and blue cheeses with fruit, nuts and crackers. Keep the cuts simple and add a spoonful of hot honey or chutney right before serving.
Warm Spinach and Feta Dip
Creamy and savory from feta with plenty of spinach. Assemble ahead, chill and bake just before guests arrive so it hits the table hot.
Mango Chicken Puffs
Puff pastry bites with tender chicken and a light mango sweetness. A tasty appetizer that can be easily made ahead.
Deviled Eggs with Olives
Perfectly seasoned yolks finished with briny olive slices. Pipe the filling in the morning and chill so they are ready when you are.
Turkey Cheese Board
A fun edible centerpiece arranged in a turkey shape, something to nibble on before Thanksgiving dinner is ready.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Mini pastry cups with soft brie and a spoon of cranberry sauce. These mini puff pastry appetizers are delicious warm or cold!
Mains
Thanksgiving Turkey
Straightforward roast turkey for a small gathering. Bacon, herb butter and lots of veggies make this a tasty main that everyone will talk about.
Baked Pork Tenderloin
Oven-roasted pork seasoned simply so it stays juicy. Sear first if you want extra color, then finish to an exact internal temperature.
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Tenderpork wrapped in bacon and roasted until the bacon is crisp. Wrap and chill ahead, then roast and rest before slicing.
Duck Breast Confit
Slow-cooked duck with fork-tender meat without a hassle. Goes well with stuffing, baked apples and onions.
Sides
Sautéed Green Beans
Bright, tender beans that will become everyone’s favorite. Blanch first, then finish in a hot pan and toss with parmesan, cranberries and lemon.
Cranberry Stuffing
Savory bread stuffing with tart cranberries, apples and pine nuts. You can make it ahead and crisp it up right before serving, if needed.
Homemade Stovetop Stuffing
All done on the stove, this recipe uses bacon and a generous amount of aromatics for the best results. Adjust the broth to your preferred texture and keep warm over low heat.
Roasted Fall Vegetables
A sheet pan of caramelized seasonal vegetables including Brussels sprouts with browned edges. Don’t overcrowd the pan, season well and roast hot for a delightful Thanksgiving side.
Vegan Stuffing
Meatless take on a classic stuffing recipe using mushrooms, pomegranate and crispy apple for the crunch. Seasoned well with herbs, this is a must-try side dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy sweet potatoes topped with oats and pecans. This recipe does not contain eggs. Plus, you don’t need an oven to make it. Simply use your slow cooker.
Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Savory sausage, sweet apple and herbs baked to a crisp top. Easy pairing with turkey or chicken.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad
Warm sprouts tossed with prosciutto, pomegranate and Feta cheese. A tasty side dish is not only for Thanksgiving.
Cranberry Sauce
Tart-sweet sauce made with dried cranberries. Make it days ahead and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Colcannon
Creamy mashed potatoes folded with cabbage and scallions. Finish with a pat of butter on top so it melts in.
Desserts
Cranberry Panna Cotta
Silky set cream topped with a cranberry layer for a festive finish. The perfect make-ahead dessert for Thanksgiving that is not a pie!
Apple Pie
Homemade buttery crust with tender spiced apples. Serve with a dollop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Pie
Made in 10 minutes, this is one of the easiest dessert ideas when you are short on time or need a last-minute pie recipe.
Chocolate Pear Galette
This rustic pie made with homemade chocolate-flavored pastry and pears is best served slightly warm with vanilla ice cream.
Pear Crisp
Cinnamon pears under a crunchy, nutty topping that stays crisp as it cools. Bake while you eat dinner and bring it to the table bubbling.
If you decide to try a recipe or a combo from this list of Thanksgiving recipes, let me know how you liked it and what you paired it with.