Thanksgiving Menu (2026 Thanksgiving Recipes)
Updated Oct 06, 2026
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Planning your Thanksgiving Menu? Find everything you need to create a memorable holiday meal, from traditional favorites to Italian-inspired dishes that bring warmth and comfort to the table. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner with family, this guide has something for everyone.
Choose a few favorites, gather around the table, and enjoy a holiday meal made for sharing.
At a Glance: Your Thanksgiving Menu Guide
- 80+ delicious Thanksgiving recipes to mix and match
- Includes appetizers, mains, sides, breads, salads, and desserts
- Features unique and traditional dishes, plus some with an Italian flair
- Meal planning tips based on guest count
- Creative ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers
- Everything you need for a flavorful, stress-free holiday feast
Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Recipes!
This post isn’t just a roundup of Thanksgiving recipes, although you’ll find plenty of those here! I wanted to create a thoughtful menu planner to help you mix and match dishes, plan ahead, and feel more at ease when it’s time to bring everything to the table.
Whether this is your first Thanksgiving dinner or you’ve hosted for years and are looking for some fresh inspiration, I hope you find something you’ll love. Think of this as planning the meal together, just like we would in the kitchen. Grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine!) and let’s put together a Thanksgiving menu filled with family favorites like lasagna bolognese and seasonal dishes like fresh green bean casserole.
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
- At a Glance: Your Thanksgiving Menu Guide
- Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Recipes!
- How to Build Your Thanksgiving Menu
- Classic Thanksgiving Main Dishes
- Unique Thanksgiving Mains
- Pasta Recipes for Thanksgiving
- Thanksgiving Soups and Salads
- Thanksgiving Appetizers
- Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Delicious Potato Sides for Thanksgiving
- Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes
- Breads for Your Thanksgiving Meal
- Traditional Thanksgiving Pie Recipes
- Thanksgiving Leftovers Ideas
- Thanksgiving Menu FAQs
- Planning Tips
- More Recipe Roundups and Collections
How to Build Your Thanksgiving Menu
A memorable Thanksgiving dinner starts with a well-balanced menu. Whether you’re keeping it classic or adding your own twist, this simple guide will help you decide what to serve and how much to make. Be sure to choose a variety of dishes with different textures and flavors. I try to think of dishes that are creamy, crunchy, fresh, and sweet.
Here’s my go-to formula for planning your Thanksgiving menu:
| Guests | Appetizer | Main Dish | Side Dishes | Salad or Soup | Dessert |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-8 | 1 | 1 | 2-3 | 1 | 1-2 |
| 10-12 | 1-2 | 1 | 3-4 | 1 | 2-3 |
| 14+ | 2-3 | 1 Meat + 1 Vegetarian | 4-5 | 1-2 | 3+ |
Classic Thanksgiving Main Dishes
These traditional main dishes will bring warmth and flavor to your Thanksgiving table. With recipes that combine traditional flavors with a few creative twists, you’re sure to find a main course as memorable as the occasion.
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Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
This foolproof, easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe guarantees a flavorful and juicy turkey every time. With a step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey, you'll create a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress. This will become your go-to turkey recipe for years to come!
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
My Pro Tip
For smaller groups, consider serving a roasted turkey tenderloin or cook a turkey breast with herb butter for turkey instead of a whole turkey.
Baked Ham Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze
The easiest way to bake ham perfectly every time! This delightful recipe yields a succulent ham beautifully infused with a luscious brown sugar and citrus glaze that enhances every bite.
Baked Ham with Glaze
Standing Rib Roast (Prime Rib Roast)
A show-stopping roast that’s tender, juicy, and full of rich flavor! This standing rib roast is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then roasted to perfection for a crisp, caramelized crust and buttery interior. Perfect for Christmas dinner or any special occasion.
Standing Rib Roast
Fresh Ham Roast
Expertly seasoned with herbs, spices, and a touch of brown sugar, this dish results in the juiciest ham roast, complemented by a beautifully crispy outer layer.
Fresh Ham Roast Recipe
Oven Roasted Whole Chicken
This whole roasted chicken recipe consistently provides outstanding results! Enjoy tender meat with irresistibly crispy skin, all requiring minimal effort. It’s an easy, dependable recipe for juicy chicken that will wow your family and guests!
Roasted Chicken Recipe
How to Cook a Small Prime Rib Roast
This small prime rib roast is a flavorful, elegant centerpiece perfect for an intimate holiday gathering. Seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then slow-roasted to juicy perfection, it’s simple to prepare but makes a big impression. Serve with rich pan drippings for a great alternative to turkey for your Thanksgiving meal.
Small Prime Rib Roast
Unique Thanksgiving Mains
These recipes bring bold flavor and elegance to your holiday table. Whether you’re cooking for a smaller group or just want to offer an unexpected centerpiece, these dishes are hearty and absolutely delicious.
Explore more Thanksgiving Main Dishes to find the perfect recipe for your holiday table!
Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
Making tender and juicy oven-baked chicken breast infused with the flavors of Thanksgiving is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving dinner spread, or it can be enjoyed as a main course any night of the week!
Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe (Foolproof and Elegant)
Discover how to prepare the perfect beef tenderloin with a garlic herb butter rub using the sear-then-roast method at 425°F. This exceptionally tender cut of beef is full of flavor! It’s a foolproof beef tenderloin recipe that any home cook can easily master.
Best Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Enjoy perfect flavors, a quick cooking time, and a foolproof method for consistently delivering moist and tender meat! This is the juiciest pork tenderloin you’ll ever prepare, and perfect for any Thanksgiving menu.
Roasted Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Roasted Leg of Lamb
This easy, foolproof recipe requires minimal prep and guarantees excellent results. Ideal for beginners, it features straightforward and precise cooking instructions, ensuring you achieve the best outcome every single time. Pair with Thanksgiving side dishes like sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, green beans, or creamy mashed potatoes to complete your meal.
Roasted Leg Of Lamb
Italian Beef Braciole Recipe
A cozy and comforting meal featuring thinly sliced steak filled with herbs, two types of cheese, prosciutto, and breadcrumbs. The beef roll is slow-cooked in red wine and a rich tomato sauce, showcasing a beloved specialty from Southern Italy. Pair it with Thanksgiving side dishes for a hearty addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
Italian Beef Braciole
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken With Parma Ham
A classic Italian dish that's the perfect addition to your holiday menu. It's a fancy dish that's actually a quick 30-minute meal, all made in one skillet! A drizzle of brown butter would make an ideal finish.
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Oven Baked Salmon Steaks
Salmon offers a great alternative for Thanksgiving dinner that's nutritious and delicious. Even better, it's ready in under 30 minutes! Pair with green bean recipes or your favorite vegetable sides for a balanced meal.
Salmon Steak Recipe
Stuffed Flounder
A delightful seafood dish that showcases tender flounder fillets stuffed with a savory mixture of lump crab meat, shrimp, breadcrumbs, and fresh seasonings. This blend of delicate fish and succulent seafood results in a simple yet elegant meal that will impress for Thanksgiving and holiday meals.
Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Flounder
Pasta Recipes for Thanksgiving
If you love bringing Italian flavors to the table, Thanksgiving is a great time to do it. From hearty pasta dishes to comforting sides, these recipes fit right in alongside your favorite Thanksgiving classics. And honestly, a holiday table is always better with a little pasta.
Looking for more pasta dishes to add to your Thanksgiving menu? Explore more Italian Main Dishes and Authentic Pasta Recipes to get some inspiration!
Classic Pasta Al Forno Recipe
The blend of savory meat sauce, melted cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta results in a baked dish filled with rich comforting flavors that the whole family will adore. Perfect alongside the best Thanksgiving side dishes for an extra special meal.
Pasta al Forno
Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce Recipe
Level up your pumpkin ravioli with this easy and delicious sage brown butter sauce. Serve it at room temperature to bring out all the flavors. This delightful meal comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect cozy dish!
Brown Butter Sage Pumpkin Ravioli
Cheese Sauce for Pasta
This creamy cheese sauce is the ultimate comfort food and a delicious way to dress up your holiday pasta. Rich, smooth, and easy to make, it’s perfect for adding a cozy, indulgent touch to your Thanksgiving menu.
Cheese Sauce for Pasta
Classic Lasagna Bolognese with Bechamel Sauce
Packed with perfectly cooked lasagna pasta, homemade Bolognese and béchamel sauces, mozzarella, and Parmigiano cheeses, creating an incredible classic Italian lasagna. This béchamel lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Lasagna Bolognese
Thanksgiving Soups and Salads
Start your Thanksgiving meal with something fresh and seasonal. These soups and Fall Salad Recipes pair well with the richer dishes on the table.
Fall Harvest Salad Recipe
Experience a vibrant fall harvest salad that captures the essence of the season! This delightful mix features greens, Honeycrisp apples, roasted butternut squash, goat cheese, candied nuts, and a burst of pomegranate seeds, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette. A stunning addition to your holiday table with a hint of nutty flavor!
Harvest Salad
Autumn Squash Soup
This velvety winter squash soup is the perfect start to any autumn or holiday meal. Made with roasted squash, fragrant herbs, and a touch of cream, it’s warm, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor. Serve it as a light first course for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall gathering — it’s simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Autumn Squash Soup
Beet Salad Recipe
This vibrant beet salad with goat cheese, citrus, and balsamic dressing is fresh, elegant, and incredibly easy to make. A must-try!
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Minestrone Soup Recipe
Delicious and fresh Minestrone soup recipe! Full of vegetables in a light broth that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. This is an authentic Italian recipe my family has made for generations!
Minestrone Soup
Pear Gorgonzola Salad
This Pear Gorgonzola Salad is a beautiful blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy — everything you want in a holiday salad. Juicy pears, creamy gorgonzola, toasted nuts, and crisp greens come together with a light vinaigrette for a fresh and flavorful start to your Thanksgiving meal. It’s simple, elegant, and the perfect way to balance out all those hearty holiday dishes.
Pear Gorgonzola Salad Recipe
Thanksgiving Appetizers
Start your Thanksgiving celebration with these Appetizer Recipes. They’re easy to put out while guests arrive and give everyone something to snack on before dinner. For a larger group, I like to make a dip ahead of time and pair it with an easy-to-eat bite.
Easy Crab Cakes
If you adore Maryland-style crab cakes, this recipe is just for you! With minimal filler, jumbo lump crab meat shines as the star ingredient. Infused with lemon, parsley, and Old Bay seasoning, this is the ultimate crab cake recipe! Make them ahead of time, and bake just before you're ready to serve.
Egg-Free Crab Cakes
Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
Dive into creamy perfection with our Jimmy Dean Sausage Dip! Featuring two varieties of sausage, rich cream cheese, and colorful veggies, this dip delivers an unforgettable flavor experience. Use a slow cooker to keep it warm for serving. It's the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer for a crowd!
Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
Italian Stuffed Artichokes
Experience the rich flavors of a savory breadcrumb and Pecorino Romano cheese stuffing, expertly combined with garlic, fresh parsley, and extra-virgin olive oil, all nestled inside a perfectly steamed artichoke! This makes a wonderful plated appetizer to kick off your Thanksgiving menu.
Italian Stuffed Artichokes
Brie Bites Appetizer
These Brie Bites (Easy Holiday Appetizer) combine flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, your favorite jam or cranberry sauce, and garlicky rosemary butter. Each bite bakes until the pastry is golden and crisp while the brie melts into the sweet-savory filling. Ready in about 30 minutes, they make a festive appetizer for holiday gatherings and parties.
View Recipe
Stuffed Clams Recipe
Indulge in a plate of warm, delicious Italian-baked stuffed clams that will whisk your taste buds away to the charming coastal towns of Italy. These perfectly cooked clams are filled with a delightful mixture of crispy breadcrumbs, oregano, fresh parsley, and aromatic garlic. Add them to Thanksgiving menu for an elegant touch.
Baked Stuffed Clams
Stuffed Mushroom Recipe
These delightful bites make a perfect easy appetizer or side dish for Thanksgiving. Made with the delicious earthy flavors of balsamic vinegar, thyme, and garlic, it’s a healthy dish that you’re sure to love! Add a dollop of sour cream on top to make these mushrooms the star of the show at your big day dinner, alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or roast turkey.
Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a spread of Thanksgiving side dishes. Each recipe is crafted to bring warmth and balance to your holiday meal, making it truly unforgettable.
Fresh Cranberry Relish
This homemade, easy fresh cranberry relish offers a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, complemented by a hint of citrus from the orange peel. Adjust the sugar to your preference and customize it with extras like cinnamon or grated ginger for added flavor complexity. Made with just three ingredients in only 10 minutes! It’s a great side dish for any Thanksgiving feast.
Fresh Cranberry Relish
Best Turkey Gravy
Perfectly seasoned and smooth, this turkey gravy will enhance every part of your holiday season dinner, and is the finishing touch for your whole turkey, roasted turkey breast, or turkey tenderloin!
Turkey Gravy Recipe
My Pro Tip
For a slight variation, you can also try my homemade mushroom gravy recipe, completely made from scratch. You can serve it with just about any Thanksgiving main dish, but we love it with beef or chicken.
Vegetarian Stuffing (with Bread)
This delightful vegetarian stuffing casserole is a symphony of flavors, featuring a golden brown crust and tender bread, complemented by a medley of sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs. The perfect stuffing side dish for Thanksgiving.
Vegetarian Stuffing Casserole
Jiffy Corn Casserole
This creamy, savory corn casserole is a beloved holiday classic, and for good reason. Made with Jiffy mix, it’s incredibly easy to throw together, yet delivers rich, comforting flavor that tastes like home. Perfect as a Thanksgiving side, it adds warmth, texture, and just the right touch of sweetness to your holiday table.
Corn Casserole
Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Tender and sweet, these sweet potatoes are glazed to perfection, making them one of the favorite sides for any holiday meal. Try serving this with sweet potato soufflé as dessert!
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Creamy, dreamy, and full of comfort! These are the perfect mashed potatoes for your Thanksgiving feast. Made with Idaho Russets, warm butter and cream, and a touch of sour cream, this family‑favorite recipe delivers a velvety side dish that steals the show alongside turkey, ham or roast.
Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes
My Pro Tip
There’s no end to ways to make mashed potatoes! Try our red skin mashed potatoes, or try these smashed potatoes as an alternative.
Butternut Squash Casserole
Roasted sweet butternut squash paired with chewy wild rice, aromatic leeks, and a medley of savory herbs, and all topped with a layer of melted Gruyere cheese. This vegetarian dish offers a plateful of warmth and elegance in every bite!
Butternut Squash Casserole
Green Bean Casserole
This homemade green bean casserole recipe features tender fresh green beans coated in a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with a delightful crunch of French-fried onions.
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
Delicious Potato Sides for Thanksgiving
No Thanksgiving menu is complete without a good potato dish. Whether you prefer them creamy, crispy, cheesy, or roasted with herbs, these recipes make an easy addition to the holiday table.
Best Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Recipe
The blend of savory herbs, garlic, butter, and maple syrup beautifully enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a crowd-pleasing side dish, and and a nice change to the classic Thanksgiving sweet potato dish.
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Best Twice Baked Potatoes
These twice baked potatoes are a rich, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing side perfect for your Thanksgiving table. Fluffy potato filling is mixed with sour cream and cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. It's a comforting twist on the classic that’s always a hit for the holidays.
Twice Baked Potatoes
Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes Recipe
These oven-roasted potatoes are remarkably simple and utterly delicious—a beloved staple in our home! They’re easy to whip up, and the entire family loves them. Plus, they’re the ideal side dish for a wide range of main courses. Serve them with butternut squash casserole and a classic dinner roll to complete the Thanksgiving meal.
Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes
Au Gratin Potatoes
The velvety sauce infuses tender potatoes with rich, savory flavors, perfectly complemented by melted cheese. With tender, soft potatoes, and slightly crispy edges, this au gratin with cheese recipe boasts a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it one of the delicious recipes your guests will love.
Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes
Easy Cheesy Potatoes
These Easy Cheesy Potatoes (Grandma’s Recipe) are made with tender russet potatoes, a creamy mixture of milk and heavy cream, and plenty of melty Colby Jack cheese. The potatoes are seasoned between layers and baked slowly until tender, then finished uncovered until the cheese is golden and bubbly. This family recipe makes a comforting cheesy potato side dish for holiday dinners, family gatherings, and special meals.
Cheesy Potatoes
Easy Duchess Potatoes Recipe
Transform ordinary mashed potatoes into exquisite Duchess potatoes! This delightful twist on a classic features creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy edges, ensuring they are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The best part is that they’re perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner.
Duchess Potatoes
Party Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy, nostalgic, and made without canned soup. These Party Potatoes or Funeral Potatoes are a Utah classic found at church gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations. This from-scratch version delivers ultimate comfort food flavor, just better. One pan, simple ingredients, and a crunchy topping that everyone fights over.
Party Potatoes
Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes
Add some color and freshness to your Thanksgiving table with these vegetable side dishes. From sautéed vegetables and tender Brussels sprouts, these recipes pair well with the richer dishes on the menu. They’re simple sides that add plenty of flavor without making the meal feel too heavy.
Still on the hunt for more side dishes for this year? Explore my full collection of the best Thanksgiving side dishes.
Italian Green Beans Recipe
The perfect easy and flavorful side dish, ready in just 20 minutes! These vibrant green beans, paired with juicy tomatoes and fragrant garlic, rank among the healthiest, tastiest, and simplest side dishes you can prepare. Serve alongside your Thanksgiving stuffing for a complete meal.
Flat Green Beans Recipe
Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon
These easy-to-prepare roasted green beans are infused with shallots, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest and then roasted to perfection in olive oil. No boiling is required, and they’re ready in just 20 minutes! A baking sheet is all you need to make this simple and delicious side dish for your holiday dinner.
Best Roasted Green Beans
My Pro Tip
Need a quick Thanksgiving dinner side? I love making these easy sauteed frozen green beans when I need something simple to balance out the more complex recipes on my Thanksgiving menu.
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
This creamy spinach dish is a standout complement to your favorite steak or any main course. By skipping all-purpose flour and opting for heavy cream and cheeses, you achieve a rich and indulgent side. This cheesy spinach delight is ready in just 20 minutes and makes for one of those delicious recipes everyone will enjoy.
Creamed Spinach
Vegetable Au Gratin
The stunning golden, bubbly cheese topping paired with vibrant, tender vegetables makes this dish both beautiful and irresistible. It's impressive side dish for Thanksgiving. Try adding a twist by making it with fresh spinach!
Vegetable Au Gratin
Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts are delightfully tender with perfectly crispy edges, offering a beautiful harmony of sweet and spicy flavors that will leave you craving more. Best of all, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them an easy side dish for your Thanksgiving menu.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
My Pro Tip
These Parmesan Brussels sprouts and Brussels sprouts with bacon are other ways to make this classic Thanksgiving vegetable side dish!
Green Beans and Potatoes
This authentic Italian Green Beans and Potatoes recipe combines tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and a homemade Italian vinaigrette for the perfect easy side dish ready in 30 minutes.
Green Beans and Potatoes
Braised Leeks
These French braised leeks are silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, gently simmered in white wine and bay leaf, then finished with whole grain mustard and fresh lemon. A shower of golden lemon breadcrumbs adds the perfect crisp contrast. Elegant enough for a dinner party, simple enough for a weeknight, this is classic French technique made irresistible.
Braised Leeks
Honey Glazed Carrots
Ready in just 30 minutes using a single sheet pan, this quick and delicious dish is one I reach for on the holidays when I need something easy to balance out all the other labor intensive dishes on my menu. Plus, they add a colorful splash to the plate, and everyone loves the sweet flavors.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Savory Roasted Acorn Squash
This seasonal favorite brings a touch of warmth and color to your table and is sure to be a welcome addition to any holiday season gathering.
Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto (Authentic Italian)
Indulge in this creamy risotto prepared the traditional Italian way with an autumn inspired twist. It's rich, flavorful, and perfect as either a side dish or a vegetarian main course for your Thanksgiving table.
Risotto With Butternut Squash
Creamy Brussels Sprouts
Warm, bubbly, and full of flavor, these creamy Brussels sprouts are the ultimate holiday side dish. Tender sprouts are baked in a luscious cream sauce with fresh herbs, Parmesan, and mozzarella until golden and irresistible. It’s comfort food with an elegant touch!
Creamy Brussels Sprouts
Creamed Corn Recipe
This creamed corn is silky, savory, and a little indulgent with that Parmigiano touch. It’s a rustic side dish that feels special enough for holidays, yet easy enough for a weeknight table.
Homemade Creamed Corn
Ciabatta Stuffing with Sausage & Chestnuts
Made with toasted ciabatta, fresh herbs, and a savory broth, this stuffing has an unforgettable flavor, sure to become a favorite among your holiday season new recipes.
Ciabatta Bread Stuffing
Breads for Your Thanksgiving Meal
Warm, freshly baked bread is always a welcome addition to the Thanksgiving table. It’s perfect for soaking up sauces and adding something comforting to the meal.
Sweet Cornbread Recipe
This sweet cornbread is golden, moist, and just the right balance of savory and sweet. Baked to perfection with a tender crumb, it’s a cozy addition to your Thanksgiving bread basket, especially perfect with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Best Sweet Cornbread Recipe
Schiacciata Bread
Golden, crispy edges, a soft airy center, and rich olive oil in every bite – this Tuscan Schiacciata Bread tastes like something straight from a small bakery in Florence. The long overnight fermentation creates incredible flavor, a light chewy texture, and makes the bread easier to digest. In our house, we tear into it warm from the oven with dipping oil, marinated mozzarella, or use for sandwiches. Mangia!
Schiacciata Bread
Easy Focaccia Bread
This easy focaccia is perfect for Thanksgiving; soft inside, lightly crisp outside, and full of rustic flavor. Serve it alongside classic sides like cornbread dressing for a delicious, homemade touch that guests will love.
Homemade Italian Focaccia Bread
Italian Ciabatta Bread
With its crisp crust and airy, chewy interior, this homemade ciabatta is a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table. It’s perfect for mopping up gravy, pairing with cheese boards, or simply enjoying warm with a swipe of butter. Rustic, simple, and satisfying, just the way holiday bread should be.
Homemade Ciabatta Bread
Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe
These buttermilk dinner rolls are the kind of bread that disappears as soon as they hit the table. Soft, fluffy, and golden on top, they’re buttery clouds of goodness with just the right amount of chew. All made in about 3 hours and SO EASY. You'll want to make these often!
Dinner Rolls
Traditional Thanksgiving Pie Recipes
Finish your Thanksgiving meal with something sweet. From Traditional Thanksgiving Pies and fruit-filled desserts to cakes and other holiday favorites, these recipes have something for everyone. Whether you stick with a traditional favorite or try something new, there’s always room for dessert.
Fresh Pumpkin Pie
This pumpkin pie is rich and wonderfully silky smooth, made with freshly roasted pumpkins for a delicate flavor and light texture. This is the only pumpkin pie recipe you'll ever need!
Fresh Pumpkin Pie
Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Bread is moist, bursting with fresh citrus flavor, and topped with a sweet orange glaze. Fresh cranberries bring a tart contrast to the orange-flavored loaf, making it a lovely choice for breakfast, brunch, or holiday gift-giving.
Cranberry Orange Bread
Maple Pecan Pie
This Maple Pecan Pie is a rich, buttery twist on the classic, sweetened with pure maple syrup for extra depth and warmth. With its crisp, flaky crust and gooey, nutty filling, it’s a must-have on any Thanksgiving dessert table. A true crowd-pleaser that feels both traditional and just a little special.
Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup
Pear Cake Recipe
Light, tender, and bursting with fresh pears, this Italian Pear Cake is the perfect sweet moment after a hearty Thanksgiving meal. Made with yogurt and butter for a moist, comforting crumb, you can serve it warm or at room temperature, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Italian Pear Cake
Brown Butter Brownies
These rich, fudgy brown butter brownies are deeply chocolatey with a glossy, crackly top and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Browning the butter adds a nutty depth you won’t find in ordinary brownies. A true chocolate lover’s dessert—easy, luxurious, and unforgettable.
Brown Butter Brownies
Fresh Apple Pie
The brown butter infuses the apple filling with a rich flavor, taking this pie to the next level. Ideal for family gatherings, it's even better on Thanksgiving!
Brown Butter Apple Pie
Pumpkin Banana Muffins
Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, these Pumpkin Banana Muffins combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with rich pumpkin puree for the ultimate cozy treat. Finished with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping and bakery-style muffin tops, they're perfect for breakfast, snacking, or sharing with friends and family.
Pumpkin Banana Muffins
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
This cinnamon-spiced apple cake is the perfect cozy dessert for Thanksgiving. The buttery apples melt into a gooey, decadent layer that’s both sweet and slightly tart — just right for fall. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream after your holiday meal, or enjoy a slice the next morning with coffee while reliving the day’s memories.
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Italian Apple Cake Recipe
Soft, delicious, and incredibly simple—known as torta di mele—is made with creamy yogurt, butter, and fresh apples. It’s perfectly spiced with a hint of cinnamon and a holiday table favorite.
Italian Apple Cake
Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe (Tender and Moist)
This holiday season classic is beloved for a reason! With its tender crumb and irresistible flavor, this quick bread features real pumpkin puree and warm spices. It’s simple to make and truly the best classic pumpkin bread recipe!
Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Ultra-moist Pumpkin Bars with cozy fall spices and a luscious cream cheese frosting are easy to make, impossible to resist. Your new favorite fall treat starts here!
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Thanksgiving Leftovers Ideas
Put those Thanksgiving leftovers to good use with these easy recipes. Turn leftover turkey, vegetables, stuffing, and more into sandwiches, soups, pasta, and other meals for the days after the holiday. They’re a simple way to enjoy those Thanksgiving flavors without eating the same plate twice.
Chicken Pot Pie
This irresistible chicken pot pie casserole features tender chicken chunks, a vibrant mix of vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, all crowned with golden, flaky biscuits. It’s a timeless comfort food that satisfies every time!
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Baked Ham and Cheese Pasta
This delightful baked ham and cheese pasta, enveloped in a rich, creamy white sauce, embodies the ultimate in cheesy comfort and warmth! It’s the ideal dish for chilly days, guaranteed to please the entire family.
Baked Ham and Cheese Pasta
Easy Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious meal with these easy leftover turkey tacos! This simple and tasty recipe delivers the best-ever tacos, all ready in under 30 minutes. We love to pair them with our fresh cranberry relish for an extra burst of flavor!
Leftover Turkey Tacos
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
This easy Leftover Turkey Soup is a perfect blend of comfort and nourishment. The rich broth, infused with savory turkey and aromatic herbs, creates a warming, satisfying bowl. Simple, wholesome, and utterly comforting, this soup turns leftovers into a meal that satisfies and nurtures you.
Leftover Turkey Soup recipe
Easy Leftover Pot Roast Casserole
The shredded pot roast infuses the dish with a rich, savory flavor, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that takes leftovers to a whole new level.
Leftover Pot Roast Casserole
Leftover Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Recipe
A delightful medley of flavors. Savory pork pairs beautifully with sweet Honey Crisp apples, creamy Gouda cheese, peppery arugula, and zesty garlic lemon aioli, resulting in a satisfying and delicious taste sensation. This sandwich will also work with leftover turkey!
Leftover Pork Sandwich
Prime Rib Sandwich
This exceptional leftover prime rib sandwich transforms your prime rib roast into a mouthwatering meal. Nestled in a warm ciabatta roll and topped with sweet caramelized onions, zesty horseradish mayo, and peppery fresh arugula, this is sure to become your go-to recipe for enjoying prime rib leftovers!
Leftover Prime Rib Sandwich
Thanksgiving Menu FAQs
What can I serve besides turkey for Thanksgiving?
While turkey is the traditional option for Thanksgiving, you can easily choose another showstopping meat dish instead. A few options include cooking a small prime rib roast, baking a fresh ham, or, for smaller groups, you can opt for a Thanksgiving chicken instead of turkey.
What Thanksgiving recipes are good to include for vegetarians?
While many side dishes are often vegetarian, it’s a thoughtful gesture to make sure you’ve got a main dish alternative as well so your vegetarian guests don’t feel left out. Some of my favorites are a baked rotini pasta or meatless baked ziti. For a showstopping dish, consider stuffing whole roasted butternut squash or acorn squash with a vegetarian stuffing or rice mixture as a main dish.
What Thanksgiving recipes can I make ahead and freeze?
Having a few dishes you can make a week or so ahead and freeze until the day before your dinner is a great way to make your holiday less stressful. Dishes like pies, cookies, soups, and casseroles are some of my favorites to make ahead.
My Pro Tips
Planning Tips
- Plan your menu at least 1–2 weeks ahead to give yourself time to shop and prep.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring a dish. Most people love bringing something!
- Make ahead what you can. Pies, cranberry sauce, casseroles, and even chopped vegetables can easily be prepped in advance. Some can even be prepped weeks in advance and stored in the freezer until you need them.
- Write out a cooking timeline based on your recipes and their cook times. This keeps the day flowing smoothly.
- Lay out and label your serving dishes the day before to save time and reduce stress during plating.
I hope this Thanksgiving menu and recipe guide helps you create a holiday meal that’s full of flavor, comfort, and joy. Whether you’re cooking a traditional feast or adding your own twist with Italian-inspired dishes, the most important ingredient is always the love you put into it. Wishing you a table full of delicious food, laughter, and moments to cherish with the ones you love. Buon appetito and Happy Thanksgiving!
