33 Top Thanksgiving Menu Ideas For All Tastes in 2024

A great Thanksgiving menu satisfies both the stomach and the heart. While it’s almost impossible to narrow down the Top 20 Thanksgiving foods, this list features only the best Turkey-Day-inspired ingredients.

Each installment provides a sample Thanksgiving menu for you to replicate! If you're stuck wondering what should be on a Thanksgiving menu? What are the top 10 Thanksgiving dishes? What is a traditional list for Thanksgiving dinner? From helping you build a Thanksgiving menu template to exploring a global world of Thanksgiving flavor, this list of Thanksgiving food ideas will help prepare for a festive, but stressful, time of the year. 

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• What To Include in Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Basic Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
• Traditional Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
• Best Thanksgiving Menus
• Quick & Easy Thanksgiving Menus

What To Include in Your Thanksgiving Menu

From Thanksgiving appetizers to Thanksgiving desserts, these Thanksgiving menu ideas provide four options for each course — starters, entrées, sides and desserts, so that you don't have too spend too much time thinking about what to include in your Thanksgiving menu. This way, you can spend more time on the Thanksgiving activities that truly matter like spending time loved ones. At the end of the day, the best Thanksgiving menus always leave time for what's important, friends and family. 

A great Thanksgiving menu template is well-rounded, including a variety of dishes that encompass your family's holiday spirit. From a Thanksgiving breakfast to the main dinner, there's loads of food to be had. Your neighbor's Thanksgiving menu may look totally different from your and that's to be celebrated!

What happens if Turkey just isn't your thing? Just because it's tradition doesn't mean you have to like it! There are plenty of alternative Thanksgiving meals to try, so why not start your own traditions?

You may be wondering, what is in a Thanksgiving dinner checklist? Well, no matter the culinary inspirations and traditions behind your feast, a great Thanksgiving menu sets the tone with starters before moving on to the entree complemented by an array of sides and Thanksgiving salads, and finally, serves up a delicious dessert. If you can check off these four elements, then you've got a feast on your hands! This could be a much nicer choice than exploring all the restaurants open on Thanksgiving. 

Basic Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

1. Farm-to-Table

A farm-to-table Thanksgiving menu is not only delicious, but a great representation of the holiday’s themes: community and sharing. Support local farms and businesses by featuring their products throughout your Thanksgiving feast, paying homage to the resources and work it takes to eat in harmony with each other and the natural world. A farm-to-table Thanksgiving menu is both sustainable and fresh. 

• Starters: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sage, Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad, Local Artisan Cheese and Fruit Platter
• Entrées: Herb Roasted Free-Range Turkey, Braised Short Ribs, Pumpkin Risotto
• Sides: Chive Mashed Potatoes, Braised Collard Greens, Maple-glazed roasted carrots
• Dessert: Dulce de Leche Cheesecake with Fuji Apples, Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream 

2. A Veggie Feast

When creating a basic Thanksgiving menu, it’s important to always keep your guests in mind when conceptualizing. For some, there’s nothing more enticing than a menu full of farm-fresh vegetables. So, keep it crisp and flavorful with a Thanksgiving menu full of Mother Nature’s favorite snacks. 

• Starters: Apple Cider Vinaigrette Harvest Salad with Walnuts, Crispy Polenta Bites, Caramelized Onion Tart 
• Entrées: Quinoa and Cranberry Stuffed Roasted Acorn Squash, Pumpkin Ravioli, Vegetable Pot Pie 
• Sides: Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Lemon and Almond Sauteed Brussel Sprouts, Sautéed Swiss Chard
• Desserts: Pumpkin Pie with a Pecan Crust, Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies, Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

3. A Vegan Fest

A vibrant and warm vegan Thanksgiving menu offers a rich and diverse spread that showcases the versatility of plant-based dishes. Deliver the robust flavors of Thanksgiving in a manner that all can enjoy! 

• Starters: Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic Soup, Beet and Arugula Salad, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas 
• Entrées: Lentil and Mushroom Wellington, Vegan Shepherd's Pie, Eggplant Rollatini
• Sides: Sweet Potato Casserole, Balsamic Brussel Sprouts, Citrus and Fennel Salad
• Desserts: Spiced Apple and Cranberry Crumble, Chocolate Avocado Mousse, Vegan Cheesecake 

4. Gluten-Free

Bask in the comfort of the holiday season without compromising flavor or dietary restrictions with a gluten-free Thanksgiving menu. Each menu item below may be free of gluten, but they still pack a flavorful lunch, encapsulating the sweet, salty and savory notes we love and adore in a traditional Thanksgiving menu. Celebrate the bounty of the season with a gluten-free spread that promises a memorable and inclusive feast. 

• Starters: Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers, Mixed Green Salad in a Mustard Vinaigrette, Cucumber Cups with Mango Salsa
• Entrées: Mushroom and Lentil Loaf, Grilled Mushroom Steaks, Zucchini Noodles with Pesto 
• Sides: Thyme Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry and Orange Relish, Gluten-Free Cornbread 
• Desserts: Almond Flour Apple Crisp, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Pumpkin Mouse

5. Thanksgiving Buffet

If you’re hosting a holiday event and you’re expecting quite the crowd, consider going buffet style! Luckily, most of your favorite Thanksgiving staples still taste great in larger portions, making it easier to feed your family and friends without having to spend the entire evening in the kitchen! 

• Starters: Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, Deviled Eggs with Avocado and Smoked Paprika, Gluten-Free Crostini 
• Entrées: Herb-Roasted Turkey Carving Station, Honey-Glazed Ham, Roasted Salmon Filets
• Sides: Green Bean Almondine, Wild Rice and Cranberry Pilaf, Maple Sweet Potatoes
• Dessert: Chocolate Torte, Cranberry Sheet Cake

6. Thanksgiving for Two

If you and your partner find yourselves alone for Thanksgiving, give yourselves over to the holiday spirit and melt away under the warm candles of a romantic dinner for two. A basic Thanksgiving menu is much easier to prepare when you only have two place settings, so use this opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone! Explore the culinary world, try a new skill or break out that appliance you’ve always wanted to try. Or keep it simple so that you can spend more time cuddling up away from the dinner table. 

• Starters: Arugula and Pear Salad, Carrot and Ginger Soup, Creamy Parsnip Soup
• Entrées: Cornish Game Hens, Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon and Dill, Seared Scallops 
• Sides: Butternut Squash Risotto, Parsnip Mash, Honey-Roasted Rainbow Carrots
• Dessert: Poached Pears in Red Wine, Chocolate Ports de Creme, Gingerbread Crème Brûlée 

7. Feast of Leftovers

The best part about Thanksgiving is by far the leftovers. So throw a Friendsgiving spectacle with the bounty of the previous night's meal with a leftover Thanksgiving menu. This idea incorporates all your favorite bits of Thanksgiving while tailoring it to a smaller crowd, ensuring that nothing goes to waste, creating a special moment.

• Starters: Turkey and Cranberry Sliders, Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms, Sweet Potato Croquettes
• Entrées: Turkey Pot Pie, Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole, Turkey and Vegetable Soup
• Sides: Mashed Potato Pancakes, Cranberry Sauce and Brie Bites, Roasted Vegetable Hash
• Desserts: Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes, Pecan Pie Trifle, Apple Crisp Parfaits

8. Picnic Thanksgiving

If you’re looking for Friendsgiving food ideas, a romantic Thanksgiving idea or an idea to enjoy on your own, this versatile Thanksgiving menu is great for any occasion. Break out the picnic blanket and tupperware for a Thanksgiving feast beneath the autumn sun. Savor every bite of this portable Thanksgiving menu.

• Starters: Spiced Pumpkin Hummus, Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears with Arugula, Stuffed Mini Peppers
• Entrées: Turkey and Cranberry Sandwiches, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Wraps, Lentil Salad
• Sides: Pomegranate and Mint Quinoa Salad, Cornbread Muffins, Roasted Potatoe Wedges 
• Dessert: Cranberry-Orange Almond Cookies, Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies, Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

9. Make-Ahead Thanksgiving

There’s nothing worse than a list of last-minute stresses right before a busy holiday event. You want to spend time with loved ones and focus your attention on forging a memorable experience, but instead, you end up busy from dawn to feast. This year, try out a make-ahead menu designed to help you feed the masses without any rush. 

• Starters: Chilled Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Crostini with Air Fried Maple Oranges
• Entrées: Braised Turkey Thighs in White Wine, Slow-Cooked Short Ribs
• Sides: Roasted Mushroom Creamy Polenta, Sweet Potato Gratin, Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds
• Desserts: Apple and Cranberry Crumble, Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars, Pumpkin Cheesecake 

Traditional Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

10. Classic American

This classic American Thanksgiving menu showcases the traditional holiday flavors that have graced family dinner tables for centuries. This menu conjures a warmth and comfort reminiscent of home. At the end of the day, some traditions are just too tasty to change, and this traditional Thanksgiving menu is one of them. 

• Starters: Shrimp Cocktails, Butternut Squash Soup, Deviled Eggs
• Entrées: Herb-Roasted Turkey with Gravy, Rosemary Whole Chicken, Honey-Glazed Ham
• Sides: Bread Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Desserts: Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Apple Pie

11. Wine Pairing Menu

Your favorite Thanksgiving eats will meet their match in these Thanksgiving menu ideas. Elevate any holiday singing experience by simply pairing each menu item with a wine consort. Sip and savor the night away as you appreciate the finer things in life: family and vino. 

• Starters: Brut Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay balance with a cheese platter, several cured meets and crackers
• Entrées: Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chenin Blanc go well with herb-crusted turkey dishes
• Sides: Zinfandel, Viognier balance with anything rich, buttery and creamy
• Desserts: Gewurztraminer, Tawny Port, Ice Wine are all sweet wines that pair well with most desserts, or can be desserts in themselves!

12. Thanksgiving Tapas

There are so many Thanksgiving options and they all sound so tasty, so how do you choose what to make for your loved ones? Well, you can always make them all. This Thanksgiving tapas menu is full of bite-sized delights that may be small, but pack a punch full of flavor. Perfect for sampling, these Thanksgiving menu ideas opens up a world of opportunity for trying and sharing new foods in small packages.

• Starters: Mini Crab Cakes, Spinach and Parmesan Stuffed Button Mushrooms, Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
• Entrées: Turkey and Cranberry Meatballs, Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese Tartlets, Duck Breast and Fig Jam Crostini 
• Sides: Bacon Brussel Sprouts, Roasted Carrot Skewers, Truffle Mashed Potato Bites
• Desserts: Pumpkin Pie Bites, Mini Pecan Tarts, Apple and Brit Phyllo Cups

13. Thanksgiving Potluck

This Thanksgiving menu caters to big families and gatherings where everyone gets a chance to pitch in and put something on the table for all to enjoy. Share in the love and deliciousness of each other's favorite dishes with a Thanksgiving potluck! Thanksgiving should be a team effort, so get together with the best team of all to create a winning feast. 

• Starters: Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board, Roasted Vegetable Platter, Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
• Entrées: Pineapple Glazed Pork Tenderloin, Slow Cooked Turkey Chili, Vegetable and Wild Rice Casserole 
• Sides: Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower, Brown Butter Squash, Broccoli and Cheddar Gratin
• Desserts: Pumpkin Spice Trifle, Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

14. Rustic Thanksgiving

This traditional Thanksgiving menu pays homage to the cozy charm of the countryside. A rustic Thanksgiving menu is hearty and wholesome, full of fresh and earthy flavors. It’s simple and warm and even more fun to enjoy in front of a crackling fireplace. Get your Thanksgiving nails done in the same rustic seasonal colors for an extra touch of holiday calm.

• Starters: Roasted Garlic and Herb Spread, Smokey Pumpkin and Sage Soup, Charred Brussel Sprouts in Lemon Aioli
• Entrées: Thyme-Crusted Rack of Lamb, Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder, Root Vegetable Pot Pie
• Sides: Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Maple Parsnips, Sauteed Kale with Pine Nuts
• Desserts: Pear Galette, Apple Bread Pudding, Spiced Pumpkin Custard

15. Thanksgiving Brunch

Autumnal flavors are front and center in this Thanksgiving menu that is sure to help you kick off the day. A Thanksgiving brunch is simply a delicious morning spread that incorporates the flavors of Thanksgiving in a delightfully fresh and soft manner. Greet the morning sun with excitement as you rise, shine and dine with the ones you love the most. 

• Starters: Butternut Squash and Sage Frittata, Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel Bites
• Entrées: Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash, Stuffed French Toast with Cranberry Compote, Sausage and Apple Breakfast Casserole
• Sides: Maple Bacon, Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potato Salad, Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits 
• Desserts: Apple Cider donuts, Cranberry Orange Scones, Pecan Pie Muffins 

16. Gourmet Thanksgiving

Create a Michelin-starred menu from the comfort of your own home, leveling up Thanksgiving traditions and satisfying the palettes of your guests. A gourmet Thanksgiving menu showcases sophisticated flavors by incorporating luxurious ingredients you might not normally come across throughout the weekly meal cycle. This Thanksgiving menu creates more than a simple holiday meal, it becomes a true culinary experience.

• Starters: Lobster Bisque, Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Tartlets, Seared Scallops with Pumpkin Puree
• Entrées: Truffle Butter Roasted Turkey, Sous Vide Duck Breast with Cherry Port Reduction, Rack of Lamb with Red Wine Jus
• Sides: Wild Mushroom Risotto, Honey and Thyme Roasted Root Vegetables, Pancetta Asparagus
• Desserts: Chocolate Fondant with Raspberry Coulis, Pistachio Crusted Pumpkin Cheesecake, Poached Pears in Saffron and White Wine

17. Sweet and Savory

Sweet and savory are the twin flames of the culinary world and this Thanksgiving menu is crafted for those who can’t decide between the two. Sweet and savory come together to create a dance of contrasts that makes an unforgettable holiday meal. Each bite is a delightful surprise to the taste buds. 

• Starters: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Candied Pecans, Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry
• Entrées: Honey and Mustard Glazed Ham, Roasted Turkey with Spiced Apple Compote, Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pork Tenderloin
• Sides: Brown Sugar and Garlic Roasted Carrots, Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping, Cranberry and Orange Glazed Green Beans
• Desserts: Salted Caramel Apple Pie, Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Chocolate-Dipped Candied Bacon

Best Thanksgiving Menus

18. Southern Comfort

If you’re from the South then you already know this is one of the best Thanksgiving menus, in fact, it’s a staple for many. But for others, you may have never experienced the warmth and flavor of a Southern comfort menu. It’s all about creating dishes that wrap you up in a cozy hug with each bite. The food is hearty and the spirits are warm at any table serving a Southern comfort Thanksgiving menu.

• Starters: Fried Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese Dip with Crackers, Chicken and Waffle Bites 
• Entrées: Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Slow Cooked Pulled Pork, Smoked Turkey with Bourbon Glaze
• Sides: Cheesy Grits with Shrimp, Collard Greens with Ham Hocks, Cornbread Dressing with Sausage
• Desserts: Pecan Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream, Sweet Potato Pie, Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

19. Italian Thanksgiving

An Italian Thanksgiving menu puts an exciting twist on tradition, inviting the flavors of Italy to your Thanksgiving table. This Thanksgiving menu is yet another celebration of regional inspiration. From heart starters to decadent desserts, an Italian Thanksgiving menu is a tribute to the culinary heritage of Italy. 

• Starters: Antipasto Platter with Cured Meats, Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage, Bruschetta with a Balsamic Glaze
• Entrées: Roast Turkey with Italian Herb Rub, Lasagna with Béchamel and Meat Sauce, Braised Veal Shanks
• Sides: Garlic and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Pecorino, Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushrooms
• Desserts: Tiramisu, Cannoli with Ricotta and Chocolate Chips, Panettone Bread Pudding with Amaretto Sauce 

20. New England Thanksgiving

Experience the charm of a seaside village through the flavors of the Northeast with a New England Thanksgiving menu. With a harvest bounty full of coastal delights, this Thanksgiving menu provides a touch of salt with a lot of heart. It celebrates the rich history and traditions of the New England region. 

• Starters: Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, Oysters Rockefeller
• Entrées: Herb-Crusted Roast Turkey, Cornbeef With Cabbage, Maple-Glazed Salmon
• Sides: Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest, Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese, Roasted Root Vegetables with Thyme
• Desserts: Cranberry Walnut Pie, Boston Cream Pie, Blueberry Grunt 

21. Thanksgiving in France

Enjoy Thanksgiving with a French dish by adding a bit of European elegance to your holiday experience. The dishes of a French Thanksgiving menu are both refined and delicious, greeting your palette with vibrant, rich and bold flavors. So, bon appetit! 

• Starters: French Onion Soup with Gruyère, Duck Pate with Cornichons and Baguettes, Scallops in Cream Sauce
• Entrées: Roast Suck with Cherry Reduction, Turkey Roulade with Truffle and Mushroom Stuffing, Beef Bourguignon
• Sides: Creamy Potatoes, Hericots Verts with Almonds and Shallots, Ratatouille
• Desserts: Caramelized Apple Tart, Chocolate Soufflé, Crème brûlée

22. Seafood Thanksgiving 

Leave the land-dwelling traditions behind and dive into a feast of the sea. Incorporate a coastal twist into your Thanksgiving menu by focusing on seafood instead of turkey. Set sail on a culinary adventure and enjoy the fresh, buttery flavors of a seafood medley. 

• Starters: Shrimp Cocktail, Crabcakes with Lemon Aïoli, Smoked Salmon Crostini with Dill Cream Cheese
• Entrées: Spanish-Style Paella, Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter, Seared Scallops with Brown Butter
• Sides: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Safron Rice Pilaf, Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
• Desserts: Keylime Pie, Lemon Sorbet with Fresh Berries, Coconut Cream Pie

23. Mediterranean Inspired

Venture to the Mediterranean with this Thanksgiving menu that’s full of vibrant flavors. With special attention to fresh ingredients, this feast is both healthy and delicious inspired by the coasts of Greece, Italy, and beyond, this Thanksgiving menu has all the Mediterranean flare you could hope for.

• Starters: Hummus with Pita and Fresh Vegetables, Spanakopita, Babaghanoush with Pomegranate Seeds
• Entrées: Lemon Chicken, Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce, Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Lamb and Rice
• Sides: Couscous with Dried Fruits and Almonds, Tabbouleh Salad with Parsley, and Tomatoes, Roasted Eggplant with Tahini Sauce
• Desserts: Baklava with Honey and Nuts, Ricotta and Honey Cheesecake, Fig and Almond Tart

24. Tex-Mex Thanksgiving

Bold and festive, the Tex-Mex fusion is sure to provide a zesty element to your evening, making it one of the best Thanksgiving menus. The dishes on this menu combine the best of Thanksgiving with the vibrant tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine. This Thanksgiving menu may be far from traditional, but it is sure to satisfy any crowd.

• Starters: Queso Fundido with Chorizo, Jalapeno Poppers with Cream Cheese and Bacon, Guacamole with Lime and Cilantro
• Entrées: Turkey Enchiladas with Green Chile Sauce, Chili-Rubbed Brisket with Cilantro Lime Rice, Grilled Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
• Sides: Elote, Black Bean and Corn Salad, Chipotle Sweet Potato Mash
• Desserts: Cinnamon Sugar Churros, Tres Leches Cake, Chocolate Flan

25. Thanksgiving in Scandinavia

Eat as though you were dining in a cozy Nordic cabin with this Thanksgiving menu. A Scandinavian Thanksgiving menu is all about clean, simple, and fresh ingredients. These dishes shine with an understated elegance that promotes good eating and great flavor.

• Starters: Cured Salmon with Mustard Sauce, Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Sauce, Rye Bread with Smoked Fish
• Entrées: Roast Pork with Apple Sauce, Whole Roasted Arctic Char, Swedish Roast Goose with Red Cabbage
• Sides: Hasselback Potatoes, Pickled Beets and Cucumber Salad, Creamy Celeriac Puree
• Desserts: Rice Pudding with Cherry Sauce, Cardamom-Spiced Almond Cake, Lingonberry Tart

26. Middle Eastern Fusion

Explore the spices of the Middle East with this Thanksgiving menu. This fusion feast combines the best of Middle Eastern cuisine with the traditional flavors of an American Thanksgiving. It is both rich in tradition and rich in taste.

• Starters: Falafel with Tahini Sauce, Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip, Stuffed Bulgur and Meat Croquettes
• Entrées: Roast Turkey with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze, Lamb Tagine with Apricots, Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce
• Sides: Roasted Carrots with Harissa and Yogurt, Jeweled Rice with Saffron and Dried Fruits, Fattoush Salad with Sumac and Pita Croutons
• Desserts: Baklava, Semolina Cake with Orange Blossom, Date and Walnut Rolls

27. Greek Inspired Thanksgiving

Focus on a culinary region that has brought fame to the Mediterranean, this Greek Thanksgiving menu is full of fresh, healthy ingredients to create a feast that’s just as jovial as a Greek dance. Enjoy Thanksgiving with a side of feta and olive oil because this year we’re headed to Greece.

• Starters: Stuffed Grape Leaves (known as Dolmas), Fried Cheese with Lemon, Tzatziki with Pita Bread
• Entrées: Roast Leg of Lamb, Moussaka, Lemon-Herb Turkey with Orzo Stuffing
• Sides: Spinach and Rice Pilaf, Greek Roasted Potatoes with Lemon, Baked Giant Beans
• Desserts: Custard-Filled Phyllo Pastry, Greek Honey Donuts, Baklava

Quick & Easy Thanksgiving Menus

28. For the Love of Cranberry

For some families, the cranberry goes untouched. But for others, they can’t get enough of the tart, tangy flavor of cranberry. For those who love the sweet and tart, red berry, this Thanksgiving menu was made for you. Each dish highlights this seasonal berry.

• Starters: Cranberry and Brie Tartlets, Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs, Spinach Salad with Cranberries and Feta
• Entrées: Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Breast, Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Chutney, Cranberry and Maple Salmon
• Sides: Cranberry and Wild Rice Pilaf, Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Cranberry and Pecans, Cranberry and Orange Relish
• Desserts: Cranberry Upside-Down Cake, White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, Cranberry Sorbet

29. Minimalistic Menu

A minimalistic Thanksgiving menu is all about keeping it simple so that you can play all your party games for Thanksgiving in a stress-free way. In other words quality over quantity. If you prefer a paired-down approach over a lavish spread with easy-to-prepare dishes, consider crafting a minimalistic Thanksgiving menu. Forget about the fuss and savor the moment because more often than not, less is more.

• Starters: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Simple Green Salad, Garlic Breadsticks
• Entrées: Herb-Roasted Chicken Breast, Baked Salmon with Dill, Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Sides: Steamed Green Beans, Butter Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables
• Desserts: Fruit Salad with Mint, Vanilla Ice Cream with Berries, Shortbread Cookies

30. Finger-food Thanksgiving

If you’re hosting a large Thanksgiving event or you need to prepare a more family-friendly Thanksgiving menu, try out a finger food Thanksgiving menu. Forget about the forks! Throw out the knives! Create a feast that only requires plates and napkins. This Thanksgiving menu focuses on casual, fun dining in a sort of grab-and-go fashion that’s perfect for a laid-back celebration with friends and family. Don’t forget to roll up your sleeves!

• Starters: Caprese Skewers, Pickled Mushrooms, Deviled Eggs
• Entrées: Turkey Sliders, Meatloaf Muffins, Pulled Pork Sliders
• Sides: Sweet Potato Fries, Mac and Cheese Bites, Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
• Desserts: Mini Pumpkin Pies, White-Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Pecan Pie Bars

31. Sheet Pan Thanksgiving

One way to make the holiday season a little less stressful is to simplify your holiday prep and a sheet pan Thanksgiving menu does just that. Both prep and cleanup are a whole lot easier when everything cooks together. This menu creates the ultimate no-fuss Thanksgiving feast.

• Starters: Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Roasted Caprese Salad, Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
• Entrées: Herb-Roasted Turkey, Glazed Salmon with Panko Topping, Pork Tenderloin with Sage
• Sides: Potato Wedged with Maple Glaze, Cauliflower Gratin, Cauliflower Steaks
• Desserts: Chocolate Cookie Bars, Berry Cobbler, Apple Slab Pie

32. Casserole Thanksgiving

Casseroles are a symbol of comfort, and in this Thanksgiving menu, cozy is the name of the game. From starter to dessert every dish is packed with a hardy delight that’s perfect for sharing. Invite your friends and family to bring a casserole dish of their own and dig into a feast that’s bubbling with flavor.

• Starters: Bacon and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole, Cornbread and Sausage Bites, Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Casserole
• Entrées: Turkey and Wild rice Casserole, Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta, Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
• Sides: Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Corn Pudding Casserole
• Desserts: Apple Crumble Casserole, Chocolate Bread Pudding Casserole, Pumpkin Spice Latte Casserole

33. Slow Cooker Thanksgiving

You only have to do a quarter of the work with this Thanksgiving menu. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, promoting low effort and high flavor. Just because you’re a host doesn’t mean your life isn’t busy. So if you’d rather relax during the holiday season this Thanksgiving menu is all about setting and forgetting until it’s time to feast. As they say, slow and steady wins the race.

• Starters: Buffalo Chicken dip, French Onion Dip, Cranberry Meatballs
• Entrées: Turkey with Herb Butter, Beef Bourguignon, Pot Roast
• Sides: Creamed Corn, Cheesy Cauliflower, BBQ Baked Beans
• Desserts: Pumpkin Pie Pudding, Cinnamon Apples, Chocolate Fudge Cake

Now that you’ve tackled the Thanksgiving menu template, it’s time to start planning other activities like Thanksgiving crafts or Thanksgiving gifts.

For even more fun Thanksgiving ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!