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If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving Dinner Menu and how to plan for the big day, this guide will show you what you need to do to prepare for the big feast and includes some of our favorite recipes! Thanksgiving is known as a family-bonding holiday, but the cooks in the family (i.e. me!) spend most of it stuck in the kitchen. Rather than taking the entire day to prepare one meal, you can prepare a number of Thanksgiving recipes in advance to serve or reheat the next day.
Table of Contents
- 2024 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
- 2023 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
- 2022 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
- 2021 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
- Must-have Gadgets for Thanksgiving Dinner
- Thanksgiving Cooking Timeline & Tips
- Other Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
- What to Have for Breakfast on Thanksgiving
- How to Keep Food Warm
- How to Store Thanksgiving Leftovers
Get ready for Thanksgiving with my brand new 2024 menu, plus access to my menus from 2023, 2022, and 2021! Each year’s menu features a delicious main, a variety of sides including a potato, salad, and veggie, as well as a beverage and dessert. The best part? You can mix and match dishes from each year to create a personalized meal that fits your family’s tastes perfectly.
In addition to the menus, I’ve included extra dinner and breakfast recipe ideas for Thanksgiving Day. To make things easier, this post is all about preparing Thanksgiving dinner in advance. I’ve broken it down into a three-week timeline to help you prepare and plan. That way, you can make recipes ahead of time and avoid cooking and prepping everything on Thanksgiving Day. Let’s get organized and make this Thanksgiving your easiest one yet! But first, check out the latest Thanksgiving dinner menu for 2024!
2024 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Healthy Mashed Potatoes
- Fall Harvest Salad
- Smashed Brussel Sprouts
- Homemade Mac & Cheese
- Cranberry Salsa
- Mushroom Stuffing
- Cauliflower Au Gratin
- Classic Cheesecake
- Pomegranate Mocktail
2023 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
This year’s menu is a little different because I’m skipping the turkey and replacing it with a roasted prime rib instead. You can even feature both if you have a big gathering! I host my friends every year for a Friendsgiving meal that features the menu and I will be adding the Lentil Shepard’s Pie (recipe coming soon!) for one of my vegan friends.
Entree, Main Course, Main Dish
Garlic and Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast
The easy Garlic & Herb Crusted Prime Rib recipe is a perfect mid-rare and super easy to make! The oven does all the work and you get all the credit!
1 day 23 hours 30 minutes
Sauces, Tutorial
How to Make Au Jus
Learn how to make a savory au jus by simmering beef drippings, broth, and seasonings. Ideal for enhancing the taste of your roast beef or prime rib!
30 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Massaged Kale Salad
The trick to this Massaged Kale Salad is rubbing the leaves with dressing until they soften and darken, turning bitterness into deliciousness!
10 minutes
Main Course, Side Dish
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a lightened version of the recipe but with added servings of vegetables and less cheese – it's creamy and comforting!
30 minutes
Side, Side Dish
Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
These easy oven-roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts are so good! With a honey and garlic glaze in addition to the balsamic, it makes for a delicious flavor combination.
35 minutes
Side, Side Dish
Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes
Try mixing Greek yogurt into your mashed potatoes for a creamier, tangy flavor. It's a simple way to make your potatoes extra delicious.
30 minutes
Side Dish
Green Beans with Almonds
If you’re looking for something lighter than green bean casserole for Thanksgiving, try my pan-roasted crisp and tender Green Beans with Almonds side dish!
15 minutes
Side, Side Dish
French Bread Rolls
French bread rolls have a perfect balance of textures, with a golden-brown crust that delicately crackles and gives way to a pillowy-soft interior.
1 hour 42 minutes
Dessert
Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
Vegan sweet potato pie is a rich, creamy dessert made with coconut milk and warm fall spices. It's a lighter take on a classic dessert and perfect for the holidays!
5 hours 40 minutes
Beverages
Cranberry Mocktail
For a refreshing twist on a holiday drink, try this sweet-tart Cranberry Mocktail made with the perfect blend of cranberry juice, fresh orange juice, and club soda!
5 minutes
2022 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
Pick and choose a few of these well-thought-out Thanksgiving recipes, from the sides to desserts, and the pièce de résistance, a beautifully roasted turkey breast, great for a smaller crowd or when you don’t want to fuss with a whole bird.
Entree
Dry Brine Turkey Breast
This dry brine, bone-in, skin-on turkey breast is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! If you haven't tried dry brining your bird I highly recommended it!
1 day 2 hours 40 minutes
Side Dish
Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Crispy smashed sweet potatoes roasted in the oven with savory spices and parmesan cheese! A way to cook sweet potatoes that actually yields a crispy outside!
55 minutes
Sauces, Side Dish
Vegan Mushroom Gravy
Easy, Vegan Mushroom Gravy. Made from scratch with caramelized mushrooms & onions and fresh herbs. Learn how to make it for a versatile gravy option!
30 minutes
Side Dish
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The best, most garlicky garlic mashed potatoes you'll ever eat! These roasted garlic mashed potatoes use two whole heads of garlic! You've got to try them!
1 hour 20 minutes
Salads
Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts
This kale and pear salad is topped with dried cranberries, candied walnuts, and tangy blue cheese. It's a great fall salad for kale and pear lovers alike!
10 minutes
Side Dish
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Homemade Thanksgiving stuffing with sourdough bread, fresh herbs and veggies. This is a vegetarian stuffing made outside the turkey everyone will enjoy!
1 hour 5 minutes
Side Dish
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts are an easy sheet pan side dish. They're simplistic in flavor with garlic, salt & pepper, letting the sprouts shine through!
35 minutes
Entree, Side Dish
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is easy to make & topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. It’s a kid favorite but sophisticated enough for adults!
45 minutes
Side Dish
Cranberry Orange Sauce/Relish
Homemade cranberry orange sauce/relish! Fresh cranberries, orange juice, and zest make up an amazing sauce for Thanksgiving turkey, duck, and even lamb!
22 minutes
2021 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
With this menu, you can serve up classics like Thanksgiving turkey, gravy, and made-from-scratch green bean casserole. But you’ll also find tasty twists like in cranberry relish and mashed potatoes made with olive oil. This menu has the best of both worlds.
Entree
Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
If you're looking for a fail-proof turkey roasting method, try this Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for a perfectly cooked bird with no fuss!
3 hours 10 minutes
Condiments, Tutorial
How to Make Gravy
Learn how to make gravy from scratch with your turkey drippings this Thanksgiving. Quick and easy, you can make it while your turkey is resting.
10 minutes
Side Dish
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
These olive oil mashed potatoes are an easy and delicious side dish. Quick to prepare, it's a great vegan recipe to make all year long!
25 minutes
Side Dish
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
Made from scratch with a homemade mushroom soup, this green bean casserole is healthier and lighter but still big on flavor for Thanksgiving!
35 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
This Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad is a seasonal recipe that is perfect for holiday gatherings and Thanksgiving- bursting with color & flavor
1 hour
Side Dish
Cauliflower Casserole
This cheesy Cauliflower casserole with potatoes is a delicious side dish that's quick and easy – pair it with weeknight dinners or Thanksgiving turkey!
1 hour
Side Dish
Baked Cranberry Sauce
This Baked Cranberry Sauce is a great thanksgiving side dish that practically makes itself in the oven! Leftovers can be used like jam after!
1 hour 2 minutes
Dessert
Mini Pumpkin Pies
These Mini Pumpkin Pies are individualized portions of pumpkin pie, which are perfect for serving for Thanksgiving or during the holidays!
45 minutes
Must-have Gadgets for Thanksgiving Dinner
From baking and cooking wares and items to make serving easy and painless to common and super helpful gadgets for prepping, here are some of my go-to Thanksgiving day kitchen and serving items!
Cookware & Bakeware
Tableware
Gadgets & Tools for Prep
Thanksgiving Cooking Timeline & Tips
Below are a few tips that will help you organize your Thanksgiving dinner with a menu to choose from and an action plan, whether you plan a large or small celebration with the Thanksgiving recipes you’ll need…desserts included!
Three Weeks Ahead
I know you just put away the Halloween decorations, but now is the time to get a jump on planning the next holiday menu. Time to get a jump on Thanksgiving.
- Count your people: This year might be slightly larger than last year’s more intimate gathering. Whether it’s just your immediate family or a larger bubble, the first step is nailing down your number.
- Plan a menu: Peruse your recipe collection and draw up a menu. Think about balancing your Thanksgiving dinner’s flavors, colors, and textures to provide pops of color like orange squash and green veggies among the beige turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes.
- Delegate: If guests are expecting, figure out what you want them to bring. Ask the less culinarily inclined to bring nuts, olives, a cheese platter, a bakery treat, or bottled drinks.
- Start shopping: Stock up on non-perishables like drinks, canned pumpkin puree, baking supplies, canned stock, or anything you can freeze ahead of time. Choose your seasonal produce to add to the list, too.
- Order up: If you order your turkey and or pies or rolls from a specific source, now is the time to make sure you are first on the list.
- Cook or bake ahead: Lots of things, like homemade cranberry sauce or chicken stock (for gravy) and pie crust or even whole pies, can be made ahead and frozen. Refer to your particular recipes for guidance.
- Check your non-food items: Did you shatter your gravy boat during last year’s Thanksgiving dinner? Do you have enough chairs, plates, glasses, and flatware? A reliable meat thermometer and a roasting pan? Want an excuse to order new placemats? Now is the time to buy or borrow whatever you might need.
One Week Before Thanksgiving Dinner
- Buy the food: At this point, you can purchase all but the most perishable fresh foods.
- Schedule your defrosting: Did you buy a frozen turkey or freeze something substantial like a casserole or pie? Determine how long it needs to defrost and make room in the fridge. This chart gives tons of great turkey info, including defrosting times for turkeys based on weight.
- Make gravy, pie dough, or cranberry sauce: If you haven’t made any of these very keepable items, get busy. Even gravy, if you aren’t wedded to making it the day of from pan drippings, can be made three to four days out with separately roasted turkey or chicken parts.
- Get the kids involved: Literally, nothing is cuter than those turkeys that kids make by tracing their tiny hands. Use the drawings for place cards for the Thanksgiving dinner. Get out the googly eyes and pinecones, too. Can they help you with any baking projects? Check out my guide on tips for cooking with children.
- Plan your pickups: Especially this year, with some restrictions happening around crowds, picking up pre-ordered items may be more time-consuming than usual. Plan ahead.
Two Days Ahead
- Re-assess: Figure out what needs to be done and try and delegate anything you can, such as picking up extra drinks, ice, or ordering an extra pie.
- Go through your recipes: Add any missing ingredients to your last-minute Thanksgiving dinner shopping list.
- Pick up your fresh turkey: And other perishables you have waited on.
- Brine away: If you subscribe to these methods, wet or dry, brine your bird.
- Assemble serving ware: If you have room, haul out everything you need.
- Set the table: If you have a separate dining room that is not in heavy use, consider starting to set the table or enlist your kids to do it.
One Day Ahead
- Breathe: You are probably in good shape!
- Bake: If you haven’t baked ahead, the night before is a great time to do it.
- Wash, chop, and prep: Which recipes are you making tomorrow, that you can prep ingredients tonight? Wash herbs, chop onions, dice squash, etc., to save time. Some dishes like dressing might be able to be fully assembled and refrigerated, ready to dress the salad the next day.
- Create a schedule: It’s your stove’s busiest day of the year! Do a rough estimate of what needs to cook and when. Remember, slow cookers and Instant Pots can be deployed as extra burners to keep side dishes or soups warm!
- Order pizza: Or another takeout, because it is hard to prep and cook a regular dinner, too.
Thanksgiving Dinner Day 🦃
- Put final touches on recipes: This is the time to assemble everything that was washed, chopped, and prepped the day before.
- Follow your schedule: You took the time to create a schedule, so follow it to keep it cool. This is especially important for the oven.
- Enjoy and be grateful! 🙂
Other Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
Pick and choose from an array of Thanksgiving recipes to build the perfect dinner menu with starters, soup and salad ideas, the main dish, sides, and desserts. I’ve included a few breakfast ideas to get your holiday morning started off right.
And if you’re looking to save some time on Thanksgiving day, consider making some of these dishes ahead of time. They can take a load off on the big day, and some actually taste better that way! Here’s a full list of Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes for you to narrow down your menu.
Starters for Thanksgiving
Appetizer
Baked Brie Cranberry in Bread Bowl
For your Thanksgiving, Christmas and any holiday parties, try this elegant easy 3 ingredient baked brie cranberry in a pull-apart bread bowl for dipping!
25 minutes
Appetizer, Snacks
Mushroom Tartlets
These cheesy mushroom tartlets are the perfect appetizer for holiday parties – made with onions, mushrooms and cheese on top of a buttery flaky mini pastry!
35 minutes
Appetizer
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
These Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms are perfect to serve as appetizers at your next holiday gathering. They are flavorful, cheesy crowd pleasing finger foods
25 minutes
Appetizer
Cream Cheese Spinach Dip
This Cream Cheese Spinach Dip is a rich creamy dip that is a made with greek yogurt instead of sour cream – great with bread and crackers!
25 minutes
Appetizer
Artichoke Tahini Dip
Loaded with flavor, this spinach and artichoke tahini dip is a crowd pleasing appetizer. Baked in the oven; best served with pita or crackers!
40 minutes
Appetizer, Tutorial
Charcuterie Board
Check out my step-by-step guide for How to Make a Cheese Board. All you need is a few ingredients and 15 mins to create a beautiful platter for entertaining
15 minutes
Appetizer
Butter Board
Need a butter board recipe that's sweeter for breakfast or brunch? I've got you covered! Fresh berries, honey & nuts atop softened butter with bread. Yum!
10 minutes
Appetizer
Baked Brie Appetizer
This Baked Brie appetizer is a cheese platter that will leave your guest speechless. Served on a Charcuterie board with apples, nuts, and crackers!
20 minutes
Tutorial
How to Make Candied Walnuts
Learn how to make candied walnuts from scratch with egg white, spices and of course sugar. Baked in the oven for a crunchy, caramelized coating!
50 minutes
Soups and Salads for Thanksgiving
Soup
Pumpkin Soup
This roasted pumpkin soup is a delicious and easy recipe that the whole family will love. Simple to make and packed with veggies for a healthy vegan meal.
1 hour 15 minutes
Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This roasted butternut squash soup is healthy, vegan, and comforting! The coconut milk adds an additional depth of flavor and creaminess.
1 hour 5 minutes
Soup
Acorn Squash Soup
Creamy, hearty and filling, this roasted acorn squash soup is one delicious fall recipe. Made with yogurt, it's a great healthy option the whole family will love.
1 hour
Soup
Wild Mushroom Rice Soup
Warming and hearty, this wild rice mushroom soup is simple and easy to make. Made with a medley of mushrooms, this vegan one pot meal is full of flavor.
1 hour 10 minutes
Salads, Side Dish
Fall Harvest Salad
This Fall Harvest Salad is inspired by the seasonal veggies that are popular in autumn – including kale, sweet potatoes and apples tossed in a tahini dressing!
55 minutes
Salad
Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted Beet Salad is made with two types of seasonal beets and served over a bed or arugula; it's a fresh, light and nutritious summer salad
35 minutes
Salad
Brussels Sprout & Sweet Potato Salad
No more boring salads! Easy to make, this Brussel Sprout Sweet Potato Salad is full of flavor, color and texture – pairs with many main dishes
40 minutes
Salad
Apple Walnut Salad
This Apple Walnut Salad is a flavor and ingredient loaded fall-inspired salad that's vegan, nutrient dense and vibrant – perfect as a meal or side salad!
10 minutes
Salad
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe is quick to prepare and only requires a lemon and olive oil dressing, tossed with raisins, pecans and Parmesan.
15 minutes
Thanksgiving Dinner Mains
Looking for a Thanksgiving main that’s not turkey? Try one of my chicken recipes or switch it up completely with salmon or lamb!
Main Course
Roasted Chicken with Garlic & Herbs
Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, this whole roasted chicken is cooked with garlic and herbs for a flavorful family meal.
1 hour 15 minutes
Entree, Main Dish
Lemon Rosemary Roasted Whole Chicken
This Lemon Rosemary Roasted Whole Chicken has the best crispy, buttery skin and juicy meat cooked over shallots for an easy chicken dinner prepared in one pan.
2 hours 20 minutes
Entree, Main Dish
Roasted Salmon in Butter
Simple, yet full of flavor this oven roasted salmon is baked in a butter herb sauce with asparagus. It's ready in under 20 and sure to be a winner!
20 minutes
Dinner, Entree
Roasted Leg of Lamb
Made with a fresh herb and garlic paste, this delicious roasted leg of lamb is rich with Mediterranean flavors you're sure to love.
2 hours 40 minutes
Entree
Baked Lamb Chops
Tender, oven-baked lamb chops marinated in rosemary, garlic, olive oil with just a hint of lemon. Roasted lamb chops are perfect for elegant dinner parties.
1 hour 15 minutes
Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas
Side Dish
Melting Sweet Potatoes
Melting Sweet Potatoes are a lighter version of candied sweet potatoes! They are "just right" in the sweet department without losing the caramelization!
50 minutes
Side Dish
Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
These crispy oven-roasted parmesan potatoes are easy to make & taste amazing. The butter, parmesan, and spices soak right in while crisping up the outside!
45 minutes
Side Dish
Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are similar to a casserole but without the sugary topping. It's a lightened up savory recipe that pairs well with any protein!
20 minutes
Side Dish
Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes are a best of both worlds recipe – mashed and roasted potatoes! They are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside
50 minutes
Side Dish
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes with gouda and parmesan cheese seasoned with fresh thyme and garlic. This is one potato side dish everyone is sure to love!
1 hour 40 minutes
Side, Side Dish
Potato Galette
Potato galette layers thinly sliced potatoes coated with roasted garlic ghee and herbs that are pressed and baked for a golden, crispy crust.
2 hours 40 minutes
Appetizer, Side Dish
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
It's so quick and easy to cook Brussel Sprouts in the air fryer! Ready to serve in 15 minutes, they have perfectly crispy edges and they are perfect to serve with so many meals.
20 minutes
Side Dish
Creamed Corn
This vegetarian homemade creamed corn recipe is an easy 15 minutes side dish that works with so many meals and made quickly on the stovetop!
15 minutes
Side Dish
Sweet Potato Bites
These sweet potato rounds with marshmallows are similar to sweet potato casserole but only bite-sized – definitely a crowd pleasing dish for Thanksgiving!
30 minutes
Side Dish
Parmesan Crusted Brussel Sprouts
Roasted to perfection, Parmesan Crusted Brussel Sprouts are crispy and buttery, making them the ultimate side dish for any meal.
50 minutes
Side Dish
Vegetarian Stuffing
Vegetarian stuffing is perfect to serve with your turkey for Thanksgiving. Made with roasted vegetables and fresh herbs, it is also dairy free and vegan.
2 hours
Side Dish
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Simple and easy to make, for non bakers, these classic homemade dinner rolls are made from scratch and come out perfectly light and fluffy!
2 hours 45 minutes
Desserts
Dessert
Baked Apple Slices
These cinnamon brown sugar baked apple slices are made with a secret ingredient – ginger! Perfect as-is, topped with ice cream, or baked in a crisp!
55 minutes
Dessert
Easy Apple Pie
This easy apple pie is a quintessential fall recipe that you can make with pre-made pie dough and basic ingredients- perfect for Thanksgiving
2 hours
Dessert
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
This easy no-bake pumpkin pie cheesecake is creamy and delicious. If you love pumpkin pie and cheesecake, this recipe is for you!
20 minutes
Dessert
Apple Bread Pudding
Apple bread pudding is an easy fail-proof dessert to enjoy during colder months – made with french bread, a creamy custard and fresh apples!
1 hour
Dessert
Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Cups
These No Bake Cheesecake Cups are a lightened up recipe of the classic dessert that is light on calories and fat; easy to make and perfect for entertaining!
20 minutes
Dessert
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy and moist—the perfect treat for fall! Be sure to make a double batch because they will disappear fast!
15 minutes
Dessert
Easy Apple Crisp
For a quick and cozy treat, try this easy Apple Crisp recipe – the perfect fall dessert made with juicy apples, cinnamon and an oat topping!
50 minutes
Dessert
Vegan Pumpkin Pie
This vegan pumpkin pie is the best! An easy dump coconut cream & pumpkin filling makes it the perfect dairy-free pumpkin dessert to serve at Thanksgiving.
1 hour 5 minutes
Dessert
Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
This pumpkin pie with a graham cracker crust is the ultimate fall dessert. It's creamy, filled with all the flavors of fall, and perfectly spiced.
2 hours 15 minutes