PREV
Thanksgiving Menu
A breakdown of my most popular Thanksgiving recipes! From appetizers, mains, delicious sides, cocktails and desserts, I got you covered.
Thanksgiving has officially snuck up on us! There is nothing that gets me more fired up than planning a Thanksgiving menu and helping you all feel proud of what you’re serving to your loved ones. I’ve compiled a list of favorite recipes that I think would make an absolutely killer Thanksgiving menu, and many that I am making myself this year.
I will also include some shopping links for some tools that will make your life easier and you’ll be able to use year after year. As always, let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. Happy cooking!!
To Start
Brie Pull Apart Bread: Rosemary, Garlic + Honey: One of my all time favorite holiday appetizers. What could be better than melty brie and bread? Top it with some garlic, rosemary and honey and I am all in! Definitely a crowd pleaser and it’s too simple to make.
Greek Yogurt Dip With Sizzling Scallions: A dip that never fails you! And a major plus because it takes 10 minutes to make.
Burrata & Prosciutto Crostini: Everyone loves burrata + prosciutto. It’s a no fail classic that works year round. I serve these with and without prosciutto in case anyone is vegetarian.
Bacon Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese & Honey: My dad requests these every year and I’m not mad about it. There’s a reason why bacon wrapped dates are so popular and the goat cheese stuffed in there just really takes them over the top. Don’t forget the honey drizzle too! Yum.
Cranberry Jalapeño Relish Cream Cheese Dip: When you can throw a bunch of ingredients in a food processor and pour it over a block of cream cheese and call it an appetizer >. But this is actually one of my favorites: sweet, spicy and super creamy. A great make ahead app to save some time the day of. Just keep the relish separate from the cream cheese until ready to serce.
The Perfect Holiday Charcuterie Board: If you’re ready to show off your hostess skills a massive charcuterie board will definitely do the trick to impress your guests. Find all of my tips and tricks to make sure your board has it all!
Addicting Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed mushrooms are extremely underrated. They are one of the best holiday apps and are perfectly poppable for entertaining guests. I can’t get enough!
Sticky Apricot BBQ Turkey Meatballs: A dairy optional app that is lighter than most, but doesn’t lack in flavor. They’re perfect for keeping your guests satisfied, but still making sure they’re hungry for dinner. The sticky sauce is to die for!
Butternut Squash Soup: A creamy dairy-free butternut squash soup is the perfect start to any holiday meal. You can make this up to 3 days ahead of time and then just warm and serve when you’re ready! It’s always a hit.
Sriracha Deviled Eggs: A little spicy twist on the classic. My family is obsessed with deviled eggs and I love making these for any family gathering around the holidays. I always double the batch because they go quick!
Main Event
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey: Look, I’m a sides girl through and through, but this turkey is quite delicious. There’s some tips and tricks to make sure your turkey doesn’t suck, like dry brining your bird and using a butter soaked cheese cloth to ensure it doesn’t dry out. It’s really quite simple, especially if you have all of the right equipment. I’ve linked everything you need here!
Quick Easy Gravy: What’s turkey and mashed potatoes without a river of gravy?! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep. It comes out amazing every time. Use the turkey drippings or some chicken stock if you need!
Spatchcock Roast Chicken: If you’re hosting a smaller gathering or just treating yourself to a festive dinner, this is the perfect main! I love a roast chicken (dare I say it’s a better option than a turkey…) and it gives you all the same holiday feels as a turkey!
Garlic Herb Prime Rib: For an untraditional main, this prime rib comes out so perfectly every time. It also makes great leftovers for sandwiches. It’s so easy to make and seriously impressive! Just make sure you have a meat thermometer to get that temperature perfect.
Sides
Honey Butter House Rolls: I don’t want to be annoying but these rolls will actually change your life. Yeast can be annoying so definitely use a thermometer to make sure your warm water is the right temp, but I swear that’s the only tricky part. They are SO worth it!!!
Cheddar Cheese Whipped Potatoes: Cheesy potatoes are a must on my Thanksgiving table. These whipped potatoes are always a hit and super simple to make. So delish!
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese: I’m giving you two options for your Thanksgiving mac & cheese because I honestly alternate between this recipe and the millionaire mac (below) every year. Don’t make me pick a favorite because I can’t! They’re both perfect.
Gluten Free Stuffing: Stuffing is one of my favorite things to eat on Thanksgiving. You either love it or you hate it! This recipe uses gluten free bread, but feel free to use whatever bread you’d like. The breakfast sausage is a must though!
Honey Roasted Carrots: These carrots are so easy to make, but have an elevated feel from the crushed pistachios, crumbled goat cheese and fresh parsley on top. They’re the perfect veggie side.
Citrus Avocado Salad: I originally developed this recipe for a backyard BBQ, but I think it’s a great, easy salad to throw together for the holidays. It uses lots of citrus and bright ingredients that are a great balance to the heavier food on the table. Plus it’s just so pretty!
5 Minute Spinach & Pomegranate Salad: If we’re being realistic, I’m usually throwing together a salad last minute if I’m cooking a big Thanksgiving feast. This recipe requires no chopping and only about 5 minutes of your time. It’s not the main character, but still tasty and festive!
Green Bean Casserole: If you’ve only had green bean casserole with canned mushroom soup and canned green beans, you won’t even believe how much better this version is. My recipe uses fresh, clean ingredients and you can really taste the difference. You’re going to love it!
Millionaire Mac & Cheese: I kind of ruined every other mac & cheese recipe with this one. It is so freaking delicious and I know so many of you make this on the reg. It’s just perfection.
Jalapeno Bacon Corn Casserole: This incredible recipe makes an amazing side dish or even appetizer served with some tortilla chips. It’s creamy, slightly spicy and the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad: If you want to go all out for your Thanksgiving salad, this is the recipe for you. It has crispy prosciutto, sharp white cheddar and a delicious honey mustard dressing. This is your ticket to really impress even if you’re just on salad duty.
Sweet Potato Casserole: I’m not sure why sweet potato casserole is loaded with sugar, but I personally think my healthier recipe tastes 1000x better than the original. You’ll never go back.
The Best Roasted Broccoli: With all the brown food we serve on Thanksgiving, this roasted broccoli is a great way to add some green to your plates without ruining the vibe.
Whipped Goat Cheese Citrus Beet Salad: Another impressive salad with some light citrusy flavors to balance out a heavy meal. Works as an appetizer as well!
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: I personally think scalloped potatoes are more of a Christmas dish but I want to make sure you all have plenty of cheesy potato options so I’m including these for good measure. They are insanely good.
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: If you’re not a green bean casserole person, I get it. It’s not for everyone. These green beans, however, are for everyone. They’re fresh and delicious, plus very easy to make!
Fall Chopped Salad: Another fantastic salad that everyone will love! It takes a bit more effort, so I recommend prepping this the day before and keeping the dressing separate. It’s also perfect if you’re on salad duty and want to pull out all the stops!
Peas With Shallots & Bacon: No one will be upset if you bring this side dish to Thanksgiving. It’s so flavorful, easy to make and has bacon… you can’t get much better than that.
Desserts
No Bake Cranberry Curd Pie: I love a tangy dessert more than anything so I created a pie that gives holiday vibes, but isn’t overly sweet like the rest of the desserts normally served on Thanksgiving. Plus it’s no bake and better made the day before. Win!
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic recipe of mine that never ever gets old. I personally don’t love pumpkin pie, so this is always my alternative. It’s SO good.
Pumpkin Layer Cheesecake With Sea Salt Caramel: I always forget how good cheesecake is until I’m actually eating it, and then I’m like why don’t I eat this more often?! If you’re in charge of dessert and want to leave a lasting impression, here you go! Everyone will be obsessed with dessert.
Pumpkin Pie Snickerdoodles: Everyone loves fresh cookies! Make the dough the day before and just pop them in the oven after dinner. Voila! Dessert is served.
Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Maple Butter: This works for a Thanksgiving dessert or even breakfast! The cinnamon maple butter really takes it over the top. So delicious!
To Sip
Cinnamon Sugar Tequila Sour: These are so fun and festive! Probably my all time favorite holiday cocktail. I just love tequila.
Campari Gin Fizz: These are not only delicious, but so pretty! Gin is so holiday coded to me and this is a great drinkable cocktail to loosen everyone up before dinner. Plus Campari is an apertif so this helps settle your stomach too.
Spiced Apple Cider Margarita: I developed this recipe specifically with Broccolini Friendsgivings in mind. I just knew you guys would love it, plus it’s so pretty! Careful, it’s hard to just have one…
The Carajillo: If you’re someone who has a hard time staying awake after Thanksgiving dinner, this after dinner cocktail is a must. It’s so simple to make and everyone will be obsessed!
Hot Toddy: Cuddling up near the fireplace with a hot toddy is such a vibe. This is the perfect cocktail for a chilly evening!
Spiked Hot Chocolate: My nieces always want hot chocolate around the holidays and this spiked hot chocolate is a great way to enjoy a cup with them with an added buzz. It’s so chocolatey and delicious!
I hope you find some recipes you love! Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message if you have any questions. I’m here to help! Happy Thanksgiving! xx
