A Classic Thanksgiving Menu From Turkey to Dessert With Recipes (2024)

01 of 11

Turkey

The roast turkey is the quintessential main dish for Thanksgiving feasts. Remember that no matter what you choose to make, the key to a successful dinner is having a turkey large enough to feed everybody – and to have some leftovers for yourself. Try these recommendations for the star of the show:

• This roast turkey recipe includes directions for defrosting, stuffing, trussing, seasoning, and roasting. It also gives you the instructions for how to bake the turkey if you prefer to leave it unstuffed.
• A roast turkey with bacon will be a crowd-pleaser. The bacon helps keep the moisture on the turkey meat, giving it a smoky flavor and a juicy finish.
• For sweeter palates, think of a balsamic and honey roast turkey, enhanced by thyme and oranges. Simple and flavorful.

02 of 11

Stuffings and Dressings

Stuffing and dressing are alike but not the same. The main difference is that stuffing is cooked inside of the bird and dressing is cooked and served separately. But this distinction is less strict nowadays with the growing preference for cooking turkeys with no stuffing inside (increasing information about food safety shows how stuffing inside the turkey can soak in uncooked poultry juices contaminated with salmonella).

Stay on the safe side and cook these beautiful sides, well, on the side:

• This fragrant, moist bread dressing is a Thanksgiving classic. You can add chopped nuts, raisins, diced apples, or dried cranberries depending on your preferences.
• Our old-fashioned, Southern-style cornbread dressing has cornbread and soft breadcrumbs along with chopped vegetables and herbs.
• If you have any gluten-free guests at your table, this stuffing is definitely a good option for them to have an equally filling and hearty meal.
• A chicken and dressing casserole is an easy dish that doesn't take hours of prep.

03 of 11

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes and gravy are one of the favorite combinations on Thanksgiving plates. Our suggested recipes have different flavorings and cooking options so you can choose the one that works best:

• These extra-special garlic mashed potatoes are loaded with flavor. Butter and milk help with the creamy texture but feel free to replace them for dairy-free beverages and margarine if there are dietary needs at your table.
• If your stovetop is covered with other dishes and the oven isn't an option, make these Instant Pot mashed potatoes. Cooked in a fraction of the time, you can forget about them and work on other things.
• For a vegan option, try this extra-creamy vegan mashed potatoes recipe.

04 of 11

Turkey Gravy

For many, the gravy is as important as the turkey. Our suggestions are quick and simple, letting the main flavors shine. Your gravy should be thick and as flavorful as your roast and these recipes do exactly that:

• This classic Southern turkey gravy is rich and delicious. Pan drippings from turkey (or chicken) provide the flavor.
• A dripping-less gravy is a smart solution if you aren't cooking a turkey. Lard and chicken or beef make this a rich and silky gravy.
• This 24-hour gravy isn't for the faint of heart. It's for the true flavor seeker: the home chef for whom humble pan drippings are simply not enough.

05 of 11

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce has a lot of variations, and can easily take on citrus flavoring, liqueur, or spices without losing its character. Our collection of cranberry recipes offers quick and flavorful preparations that will compliment your turkey roast or ham:

• Cranberry sauce in the Instant Pot takes 15 minutes. Use vanilla, cinnamon, orange, and maple syrup to bring a piece of fall into your saucer.
• For this quick cranberry sauce, you need 4 ingredients and 15 minutes. It's a last-minute addition to your menu that you can also use like jam, or cake or cupcake filling.
• A simple mixture of fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and water can be easily transformed into this delicious jellied cranberry sauce. You do have to wait while it chills before serving though!

06 of 11

Sweet Potato and Yam Sides

Sweet potatoes and yams are mistakenly thought of as the same thing. Despite both being root vegetables, they're not the same, nor are the flavor and texture they bring to your holiday table. Both are a must-have on Thanksgiving but many families have a favorite. Pick yours and follow our suggestions:

• A traditional side dish for many, this sweet potato casserole is an incredibly delicious choice. And this sweet potato soufflé is a stunner.
• For the lighter side of sweet potatoes, try our sauteed take on the holiday classic: less sugar and more crunch.
• For yam lovers, candied yams with marshmallows are a popular way to enjoy this sweet root vegetable. You can also make a delicious sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.

07 of 11

Vegetable Sides (Cooked)

Vegetable sides are as varied as there are vegetables. There is no standard menu when it comes to veggies so our recommendations offer many different flavors and texture:

• Brussels sprouts are definitely a holiday favorite. This Brussels sprouts dill slaw is topped with finely chopped roasted almonds, which complements the sharp crunch of shaved Brussels sprouts.
• A nice change from the traditional green bean casserole is this green bean dish made with sour cream, cheese, and a variety of herbs.
• Glazed carrots are so easy to make. Adding just water, butter, and sugar, you have a side dish ready in 30 minutes.
• Serve your guests a little Southern flavor with this mustard greens with bacon recipe. Simmering the greens with bacon, onions, and pepper gives you comforting flavors.

08 of 11

Salads

Salads have taken over holiday tables and the options are so numerous and flavorful that it's hard just to pick a few that best complement your mains. We suggest a few autumn-inspired dishes filled with fall flavors, crunchy nuts, and seasonal fruits, and two fruit-based creations to offset the saltiness and richness of other holiday dishes:

• This Moroccan beetroot salad recipe nestles cooked beets over a bed of spinach and tops it with a creamy garlic and cumin yogurt dressing; the fresh mint and cilantro give the dish a Moroccan flare.
• Juicy, sweet-tart grapefruit is balanced by peppery arugula, creamy avocado, and crisp, aromatic fennel.
• This is another inviting colorful autumn salad of dried fruits, bacon, and goat cheese tossed with baby spinach and romaine with a balsamic and shallot dressing.

09 of 11

Rolls

Even if your dinner menu is already a bounty of dishes, rolls have a key part to play in Thanksgiving dinner. They are a beautiful and soft vehicle to clean your plate and are sought after because of the buttery and flaky texture. Try these bready suggestions:

• Homemade dinner rolls are surprisingly easy, and the taste is far superior to anything from a store. Few things make your kitchen smell as wonderful as fresh dinner rolls.
• For a vibrant, colorful roll basket, make cloverleaf rolls, flavorful and crunchy thanks to the pepitas on top.
• If you want to go the extra mile, make brioche dough for these french miniature rolls.

10 of 11

Apple Pie

Homemade apple pie is a staple on Thanksgiving tables. You can't skip it, but you can browse our suggestions to find the one that you like most:

• Our classic apple pie uses cinnamon and nutmeg to perfume tart apples. You can serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• This Granny Smith apple pie is exactly what you picture when you hear the words "apple pie." The crust is buttery with a crackly sugar topping, and the filling is full of sweet-tart, juicy apples.
• This apple pie takes the classic and makes it even more tantalizing with a salty, sweet caramel that oozes out of each bite.

11 of 11

Classic Autumn Pumpkin Pie

Like apple pie, pumpkin pie is a dessert you absolutely can't skip. Most people have one slice of each!

Some of our recommendations have interesting plays on the pumpkin flavor but others are simple and traditional:

• This classic pumpkin pie contains just the right blend of spices and creaminess; sprinkle cinnamon before serving, or whip some cream to top it.
• Try a creamy rich baked pudding as a softer and more unique alternative to the ubiquitous pumpkin pie. It tastes very similar, just without the crust.
• To finish your dinner with a kick of spices, go for this cardamom pumpkin pie, also perfumed with ginger and nutmeg.