33 Complete Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas for Every Family
We have over 250 recipes divided up into different menus for you!
Want to build out a whole Thanksgiving dinner menu, and know it'll all taste good together? We've packed this list with nearly three dozen complete Thanksgiving menu ideas, totaling over 250 recipes. You can follow along with a whole menu, or mix and match and see what happens!
We've got ideas and inspiration from all corners of the country, (and even across the pond!)so you can go as elegant — or as simple — as you want, and still have a very successful Thanksgiving feast. (Need some wine recommendations? We got 'em right here!)
Tried some of these recipes? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
A Ranch Style Thanksgiving
"No Thanksgiving is complete without a food hangover," says designer Lela Rose of her unapologetically indulgent approach to the holiday.
That more-is-more mentality is likely why there’s no shortage of standouts on the sideboard at her annual Texas gathering, which merges a mix of family mainstays with new interpretations.
Starters
Main Course
Side Dishes
- Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits
- Easy Root Vegetable Gratin
- Big Green Winter Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Sweet-and-Sour Onions
Desserts
A "British Christmas" Thanksgiving
In England, where they don't celebrate Thanksgiving, turkey is traditionally served at Christmas. As such, a traditional British Christmas spread makes an excellent Thanksgiving feast! All the standards are there — stuffing, sprouts, etc. And the dessert is stunning!
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
- Pork-and-Sage Stuffing
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Lardons and Chestnuts
- Spiced Red Cabbage and Cranberries in Cider
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—that "predate[s] any of us" says Ryan. After all, 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:
- Oyster Pie
- Crab Cakes
- Oyster Stuffing with Bacon-Scallion Cream Sauce
- Bourbon Yams
- Lima Bean and Corn Succotash
- Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding
Dessert
A Grill-Lover's Thanksgiving Menu
Grilling isn't just for warm-weather get-togethers. In fact, Thanksgiving may be the perfect time to break out the Weber: Wood chips will impart incredible flavor to turkey meat, and it frees up valuable oven space for making a variety of delicious sides, such as potatoes and cornbread.
Cocktail:
Main Course:
Sides:
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Citrus-Maple Vinaigrette
- Cast-Iron Hasselback Potatoes
- Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter
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.
Main Course:
Sides:
- Fresh Herb Stuffing
- Corn Salad With Bacon and Honey
- Composed Waldorf Salad
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Homemade Marshmallow
- Parker House Rolls
Dessert:
Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Menu
Believe it or not, you can make almost every Thanksgiving course in your trusty slow cooker (along with dozens of every-day recipes). You can even cook the turkey! Just use an extra large slow cooker, and our herbed chicken recipe, below. Save yourself time and effort by letting a few of these dishes cook while you work on other recipes.
Main Course:
Sides:
Dessert:
Decadent Thanksgiving Menu
Thanksgiving only comes once a year—so you can afford to stop skimping on butter, cheese, and hearty sides, y'all. This menu incorporates the most seasonal flavors in the heartiest ways. From an amped-up squash dish with goat cheese and tangy poached cranberries to a Hasselback potato gratin that's simply bursting with flavor in every bite (and every crevice!), your guests are bound to leave the table with a few buttons undone.
Starter:
Main Course:
Sides:
- Scalloped Oysters
- Brussels Sprouts with Pickled Shallots and Hazelnuts
- Roasted Squash with Goat Cheese and Poached Cranberries
- Hasselback Potato Gratin
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:
- Roasted Beet and Squash Salad
- Bibb-and-Citrus Salad
- Orange Carrots with Yogurt-Parsley Dressing
- Baked Two-Cheese Rigatoni
- Fresh Herb Spoon Rolls
- Spicy Lemon Cauliflower
- Fresh Cranberry-Apple Relish
- Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
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!
Main Course:
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.
Main Course:
Sides:
- Rosemary Monkey Bread Stuffing
- Brussels Sprouts Gratin
- Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Sweet Potato-and-Cauliflower Salad
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.
Starters:
Main Course:
Sides:
- Crispy Garlic Smashed Baby Potatoes
- Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
- Green Bean Casserole
- Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries
Desserts:
Grandma's Vintage Thanksgiving Menu
Pull out the vintage china! We added a few fresh twists to time-tested staples, from green bean casserole to cranberry sauce, for a retro meal rooted in nostalgia. Oh, and don't forget to queue up an old-school playlist to match.
Main Course:
Sides:
- Apple-Walnut Stuffing
- Maple Meringue Sweet Potato Casserole
- Green Bean Casserole with Fried Shallots
- Rosemary-Port Cranberry Sauce
Desserts:
Rustic Thanksgiving Menu
This down-home gathering has a hint of Texas twang (deep-fried turkey! cranberry salsa!) and is perfect for the casual, potluck kind of crowd. Opt for simple dishes (serve the chili spoonbread straight out of the cast iron skillet!) and use wood slices instead of chargers.
Main Course:
- Pickled Peach-and-Cranberry Salsa
- Jalapeño-Green Chili Spoonbread
- Baked Kale Gratin
- Sorghum-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Desserts:
Elegant Thanksgiving Menu
This spread celebrates the season's bounty with crowd favorites taken up a notch. A simple white table runner and fresh flowers set the scene beautifully.
Main Course:
Sides:
- Buttermilk-Boursin Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Bacon Drizzle
- French Green Beans with Garlicky Almond Breadcrumbs
- Shaved Brussels Sprout-and-Chestnut Salad
Desserts:
Over-the-Top Thanksgiving Menu
This rich menu will guarantee every single guest experiences a post-dinner food coma.
Appetizer:
Main Course:
Sides:
- Fresh Herb Spoon Rolls
- Apricot-Wild Rice Stuffing
- Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Baked Two-Cheese Rigatoni
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:
- Cornbread Dressing
- Citrus-Cranberry Sauce
- Caramelized-Onion Galette
- Skillet Green Beans
- Potato Gratin
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots
- Buttermilk Biscuits
Dessert:
Extra-Flavorful Thanksgiving Menu
This menu has all our most flavorful recipes, such as cranberry sauce with a hint of orange, dressing with bay leaf and sage, and salad with slightly bitter chicory.
Main Course:
Sides:
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce with Orange Star Anise
- Wild Rice and Basmati Dressing with Sausage and Sage
- Edyth Newman's Matzo Stuffing
- Ruby Red Grapefruit and Chicory Salad
- Light and Fluffy Carrot Soufflé
Desserts:
All-American Thanksgiving Menu
From grits to bacon, this menu is chock full of delicious comfort food.
Main Course:
Side Dishes:
- Cheese Grits and Corn Pudding
- Roasted Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline
- Marvin Woods's Brussels Sprouts, Red Pepper, and Avocado Salad
- Potato and Celery Root Gratin
- Green Beans with Bacon
- Cracked Pepper Dinner Rolls
Desserts: