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Looking for the best Thanksgiving meals to serve your guests? Look no further, for this list will give you ideas on what to prepare for the upcoming holiday. With this list, feel fully equipped to put together the best feast ever this year with our easy Thanksgiving menu ideas. From vegan ideas to make-ahead menus and traditional Thanksgiving dinners, there's something for everyone, no matter what flavors you crave.
1. Classic Thanksgiving Menu
This classic Thanksgiving menu has all the entrées, starters, and sides you've been looking forward to since, well, the dawn of time. This menu is full of true favorites, all of which have been upgraded to ensure maximum flavor and deliciousness.
Main Course:
Seasoned Roasted Turkey with White Wine and Rosemary Gravy
Sides:
Fresh Herb Stuffing
Composed Waldorf Salad
Scalloped Oysters
Corn Salad With Bacon and Honey
Sweet Potato Casserole with Homemade Marshmallow
Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin
Parker House Rolls
Dessert:
Pecan Slab Pie
Double-Crust Apple-Cheddar Pie
2. Vegan Thanksgiving Menu
Perfect for guests who are vegetarians, but still want a delectable taste of Thanksgiving.
Starters:
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
Thanksgiving Harvest Salad
Main Course:
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Sides:
Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Dessert:
Vegan Pumpkin Pie
3. Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu
You don’t need to cook some delicious turkey for Thanksgiving! You can ditch the meat and opt for these meat-free dishes instead.
Starters:
Corn Fritters
Ricotta and Strawberry Toast
Main Course:
Tofurkey Roast
Mushroom Herb Gravy
Sides:
Asparagus, Peas, and Tomato with Herb Butter
Anchor Steam Mac and Cheese
Pepper Jack Corn Muffins
Ricotta Mashed Potatoes
Dessert:
Apple Blossom Tart
Fall Apple Cranberry Pie
4. Rustic Thanksgiving Menu
This menu is perfect for the casual, potluck kind of crowd. Tip: use wooden plates and/or utensils to finish the rustic vibe!
Main Course:
Fried Turkey
Sides:
Pickled Peach-and-Cranberry Salsa
Jalapeño-Green Chili Spoonbread
Baked Kale Gratin
Sorghum-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Desserts:
Apple Crostata
Maple Granola Pecan Pie
5. Chinese-Inspired Thanksgiving Menu
This year, you can try some Asian flavors for a change! Try these delectable and flavorful dishes to serve to your guests.
Main Course:
Roast Turkey with Hoisin Gravy
Side Dishes:
Sticky Rice Dressing with Chinese Sausage, Edamame, and Chestnuts
Pureed Yams with Ginger, Star Anise, and Cinnamon
Cranberry Sauce with Dried Orange Peel
Dessert:
Pecan Pie with Salted Egg Yolks
6. Spicy Thanksgiving Menu
Spicy food lovers, all rise! This year, gather all your spicy food lovers as you munch in an all-spicy meal throughout the night!
Main Course:
Spice-Rubbed Turkey Wrapped in Prosciutto
Side Dishes:
French-Bread Stuffing with Oysters, Bacon, and Chipotle
Fried Sugar-Poached New Potatoes
Chile-Spiked Cranberry Relish
Roasted Wild Mushrooms with Garlic and Shallots
7. Creative Thanksgiving Menu
The classic Thanksgiving meal shouldn’t be boring. Get creative on your dishes while putting a fresh spin on these classic dishes.
Starter:
Buttermilk Fresh Cheese with Spiced Figs, Pickled Fennel, and Pistachio Crust
Main Course:
Smoked-Paprika-Rubbed Turkey with Madeira and Shallot Gravy
Side Dishes:
Lemon-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing
Pimento-Cheese Potato Gratin
Cold Brussels Sprout Slaw with Toasted Benne Seeds
Cranberry-Ginger Sauce
Dessert:
Sweet-Potato Pie with Buttermilk Ice Cream
Drink:
Low Country Pousse-Rapière
8. Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Menu
Busy preparing other stuff for Thanksgiving? Well, you’re in luck! You can now make dishes in advance with this recipe!
Starters:
Artisanal cheese plate, olive bread, French baguette
Roasted Parsnip Soup
Main Course:
Roast Capon
Side Dishes:
Chestnut and Sausage Stuffing
Spiced Apricot, Cranberry, and Golden Raisin Compote
Tom's Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Sauteed Kale with Garlic and Red Onions
Desserts:
Roasted Pear and Maple Cream Trifle
Pumpkin-Goat Cheese Cheesecake
9. No-Stress Southern Thanksgiving Menu
Serving a Thanksgiving feast can be exciting, especially with a menu that includes country-inspired dishes.
Starters:
Cheese Grits and Corn Pudding
Shrimp Bisque with Bourbon
Main Course:
Roast Turkey with White Wine and Rosemary
Side Dishes:
Wild-Rice, Corn Bread, and Pecan Stuffing
Southern Vegetable Saute
Candied Yams with Apples
Dessert:
Pumpkin Cream Tarts with Candied Raspberries
10. A Family Thanksgiving Menu
This menu puts emphasis on family culture and tradition. Nothing beats eating Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
Starters:
Cheese plate with nuts and dried fruits
Main Course:
Rosemary-Sage Roast Turkey
Side Dishes:
Cornbread and Apple Dressing
Cranberry Sauce
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
Glazed Pearl Onions and Shallots
Oven-Roasted Beets
Desserts:
Pumpkin Mousse
Cinnamon and Vanilla Fruit Compote
Assorted Pies
11. Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Menu
Save yourself some time and effort by letting a few of these dishes cook while you work on other recipes.
Main Course:
Herbed Chicken With Beets and Brussels
Sides:
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Stuffing
Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Dessert:
Slow-Cooker Pecan Bread Pudding
12. Friendsgiving Menu
Celebrating Thanksgiving with your besties? This menu might help! Tip: let your friends bring their own side dish so that everyone can share.
Main Course:
Red Chile and Orange-Glazed Turkey
Sides:
Erin Napier's Skillet Cornbread
Grape Salad
Cheesy Rice
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Squash Casserole
Braised Greens
Dessert:
Bourbon-Pecan Pie