A traditional Thanksgiving doesn’t have any surprises. You’ll find a turkey, potatoes, some vegetables, and (if you’re lucky) a pie. In this guide, we’ll explore Thanksgiving dish ideas so you can curate a menu that you’re proud of.
You’ll want to curate your menu at least a week before Thanksgiving so you can get your shopping done and tell your guests what they can bring to add to the feast.
Thanksgiving Menu Outline
Let’s start with a basic menu outline that includes appetizers and snacks, turkey, potatoes, salad, vegetables, savory sides, and dessert.
Appetizers + Snacks
While your guests arrive, you’ll want something for them to snack on while they wait for the turkey to be ready.
You’re going to be eating a lot of food, so keep your appetizers and snacks on the lighter side. If you’re looking to delegate some dishes, appetizers are an easy dish for your guests to bring.
Appetizer + Snack Ideas
- Charcuterie board with meat, cheese, jam, and crackers
- Focaccia bread and high-quality olive oil seasoned with Italian dipping spices
- Baked Brie with Apples
- A warm dip like this Stovetop Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Melon Wrapped with Prosciutto
The Turkey
The turkey is the star of the show. The tried and true recipe I’ve followed for the last five years is Bon Appétit’s Expertly Spiced and Glazed Roast Turkey. In this recipe, you’ll break down the bird and cook it in pieces to get the most flavor out of it. Because the truth is: turkey isn’t meant to be cooked whole.
You can find helpful info on buying and defrosting your turkey in this blog post.
Turkey Alternative Ideas
If turkey isn’t your thing, these dishes are worthy of a spot at your Thanksgiving table.
- Duck Breast With Blackberry Sauce
- Baked Whole Fish
- Molly Baz’s Steak Au Poivre (this is video!)
- Orange-Honey Glazed Ham
- Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb
The Potatoes
A starch, like mashed potatoes, is a staple at a Thanksgiving table. My favorite mashed potato recipe is Bon Appétit’s Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, but the truth is, you can make any mashed potato ahead of time.
Mashed Potato Alternative Ideas
There are plenty of other potato and non-potato recipes to serve as your starchy side on Thanksgiving. I’ve attended Thanksgiving with three different types of potatoes. Pick one and do it really well. Here are some ideas:
- Smashed and Roasted Red Baby Potatoes
- Cinnamon Sweet Potato Mash
- Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Tri-Color Pearl Couscous
- Herb Roasted Potatoes
The Salad
Salad deserves a spot at the Thanksgiving table. You’re going to need some greens on the table to balance to cut through all the rich food. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to make seasonal fall produce shine like squash, pomegranates, and Brussels sprouts. You can add warmth to your salad by roasting ingredients like delicata squash, pumpkin seeds, and thinly shaved Brussels sprouts.
For something more light and bright, try an arugula salad tossed with lemon, parmesan shavings, and a light vinaigrette. This Fig Arugula Salad with Balsamic Tahini Dressing would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table but without the figs since they won’t be season.
Salad Ideas
- Arugula Salad (make this one without the figs)
- Warm Kale Salad
- Chopped Autumn Salad
- Autumn Caesar Salad
Fall Brussels Sprout Salad
Vegetables
A simple roasted or sautéed veggie goes a long way on Thanksgiving. Here are some ideas for easy veggies to quickly prepare the day of. My favorite is Bon Appétit’s Greens Beans and Mushrooms with Crispy Shallots.
Vegetable Side Ideas
- Green Beans and Mushrooms with Crispy Shallots
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Cauliflower and Broccoli Florets
- Roasted Root Vegetables
Savory SIDES
You might be wondering, “Where’s the cornbread or green bean casserole?” Well, we’re ditching the casserole this Thanksgiving. Casseroles are filling, taking up more space in your oven and your stomach. Here are some ideas that go beyond the traditional casserole:
Casserole Alternatives
- Skillet Cornbread
- Southern Macaroni and Cheese
- Ratatouille
- Wild Rice With Butternut Squash
- Butternut Squash and Mushroom Stuffing
Dessert
There’s always room for a slice of apple pie after a big Thanksgiving meal. If you want to switch it up this year, there are plenty of non-pie desserts you can make.
Dessert is another great dish to delegate to a guest if sweets aren’t your specialty.
Pro tip: Keep ice cream and whipped cream in your fridge for guests to add to their dessert.
Pie Ideas
Non-Pie Ideas
After choosing one or two options from each category, you’ll have a Thanksgiving menu and game plan.
Are you hosting your first Thanksgiving? Check out this guide for tips and tricks on how to make your turkey day run smoothly.
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