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    Holiday Recipes » Thanksgiving Recipes

    Thanksgiving Menu Planner

    Published: Nov 18, 2021 · Modified: Nov 19, 2021 by Marissa Stevens · 8 Comments

    grid of 9 images of thanksgiving dishes with the title Thanksgiving Menu Planner

    Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that brings families together. It's also a great opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. But, between the planning, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and hosting guests, it can be a demanding holiday.

    This Thanksgiving menu planner is here to simplify the process of planning your meal so that you can feel relaxed and spend more time enjoying your time with loved ones. 

    grid of 9 images of thanksgiving dishes with the title Thanksgiving Menu Planner and 6 menus.

    Whether you're serving a big family feast or hosting a small get together, you'll find mouthwatering, approachable recipes for everything from mains, potatoes, breads and sides to vegetables, soups, salads, desserts and cocktails that are sure to delight everyone at the table. 

    You'll also find ideas for breakfast, recipes for leftover turkey, and 6 complete menu options to choose from.

    Jump to:
    • Main Courses
    • Potatoes
    • Sides
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Desserts
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Drinks
    • Appetizers
    • Leftover Turkey Recipes
    • Menu 1 - Traditional Thanksgiving Menu
    • Menu 2 - Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner for 4 to 6 People
    • Menu 3 - Romantic Thanksgiving Menu for 2
    • Menu 4 - Southern Thanksgiving Menu
    • Menu 5 - Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu
    • Menu 6 - Pescatarian Thanksgiving Menu
    • 💬 Comments

    Main Courses

    From the easiest and most delicious roasted turkey you can make (Dry Brine Turkey) or a simple roasted chicken, these are my favorite main course options. 

    • Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb
    • Dry Brine Turkey
    • Turkey Roulade with Garlic and Herbs
    • Herb Roasted Chicken
    More Delicious Mains →

    Potatoes

    What would Thanksgiving dinner be without potatoes? I've got a few takes on classic mashed potatoes and even more creative potato dishes if you're up for trying something new this year.

    • Mashed Red Potatoes
    • Cheesy Potatoes
    • Fondant Potatoes
    • Twice Baked Potatoes
    • Gratin Dauphinois (Potato Gratin)
    • Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes
    • Lyonnaise Potatoes
    • Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
    More Potato Dishes →

    Sides

    How many times have you heard people say that the best part of Thanksgiving dinner is the side dishes? Here is a whole selection of show stealing sides to choose from. 

    • Cornbread Dressing
    • Turkey Gravy without Drippings
    • Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
    • Simple Roasted Fall Vegetables
    • Lemon Garlic Asparagus
    • Rapini with Raisins and Hazelnuts
    • Sweet and Spicy Roasted Acorn Squash Wedges
    • Cornbread Pudding
    More Sides →

    Salads

    Adding a salad to your Thanksgiving menu is a great way to contrast rich, indulgent dishes with fresh, vibrant flavors. Here are some excellent options.

    • Shrimp Salad
    • Arugula Salad
    • Caesar Salad
    • Creamy Cucumber Salad
    More Salads →

    Soups

    Round out your meal with one of these warm and comforting soups.

    • Delicata Squash Soup
    • Potato Leek Soup
    • Vegan Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger

    Desserts

    Everyone looks forward to dessert on Thanksgiving day! Here are a few desserts that for a a delightful finale to your meal.

    • Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
    • Easy Apple Crisp
    • Grandma's Chocolate Rum Pie
    • Lard Pie Crust
    More Pies →

    Breads

    For the main meal, breakfast, snacks and leftovers, breads both savory and sweet are Thanksgiving day essentials. Here is a whole collection to choose from. 

    • Brioche Dinner Rolls
    • Skillet Cornbread
    • Homemade Biscuits
    • Sweet Potato Bread
    More Breads →

    Breakfast

    Don't forget about breakfast on Thanksgiving day! Here are a selection of simple (and make ahead) options to make an easy and satisfying start to the day.

    • Belgian Waffle Recipe
    • Baked Eggs
    • Breakfast Potatoes
    • Breakfast Quiche
    More Breakfast Options →

    Drinks

    Add a festive cocktail or mocktail to your meal plan! Options with and without alcohol below. 

    • Non Alcoholic Sangria
    • Peach Bellini Recipe
    • French 75 Cocktail
    • Campari Spritz
    More Drinks →

    Appetizers

    Bite size appetizers are the best way to kick off your meal and put a smile on everyone's face!

    • Bacon Wrapped Dates
    • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
    • Baked Goat Cheese
    • Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
    More Appetizers →

    Leftover Turkey Recipes

    If you're fortunate enough to have leftover turkey, here are a few ways to make the most of it!

    • Turkey and Rice Soup
    • Turkey Pot Pie Soup
    • Turkey Pot Pie

    Menu 1 - Traditional Thanksgiving Menu

    • Cocktail - Boulevardier Cocktail and/or Non-Alcoholic Sangria
    • Appetizer - Bacon Wrapped Scallops or Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
    • Main - Dry Brine Turkey and Turkey Gravy
    • Potato - Mashed Red Potatoes or Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
    • Salad - Caesar Salad
    • Bread - Brioche Rolls
    • Dessert - Pumpkin Chiffon Pie with a Gingersnap Crust

    Menu 2 - Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner for 4 to 6 People

    • Cocktail - Campari Spritz
    • Appetizer - Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
    • Main - Herb Roasted Chicken or Turkey Roulade for a make ahead option
    • Potato - Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
    • Vegetable - Lemon Garlic Asparagus
    • Dessert - Apple Crisp

    Menu 3 - Romantic Thanksgiving Menu for 2

    • Cocktail - French 75 Cocktail
    • Appetizer - Crab Salad
    • Main - Pan Fried Lamb Chops or Duck Confit
    • Potato- Fondant Potatoes or Mashed Red Potatoes
    • Salad - Arugula Salad
    • Dessert - Chocolate Panna Cotta

    Menu 4 - Southern Thanksgiving Menu

    • Cocktail - The Last Word Cocktail
    • Appetizer - Bacon Wrapped Shrimp or Bacon Wrapped Scallops and/or Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce for dipping
    • Main - Dry Brine Turkey with Turkey Gravy
    • Potato- Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes or Brabant Potatoes
    • Sides - Cornbread Dressing or Cornbread Pudding, Shrimp Remoulade, Homemade Biscuits or Brioche Rolls, Roasted Fall Vegetables
    • Dessert - Chocolate Rum Pie with Lard Pie Crust

    Menu 5 - Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

    • Cocktail - Peach Bellini and/or Cucumber Lemon Mint Water
    • Appetizer - Green Olive Tapenade with Crostini and/or a raw vegetable platter
    • Main - Kale and Quinoa Salad
    • Soup - Delicata Squash Soup
    • Vegetable - Rapini with Raisins and Hazelnuts
    • Dessert - Peach Clafoutis

    Menu 6 - Pescatarian Thanksgiving Menu

    • Cocktail - French 75 Cocktail and/or Non-Alcoholic Sangria
    • Appetizer - Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
    • Main - Slow Roasted Salmon
    • Potato - Lyonnaise Potatoes
    • Salad - Delicata Squash Salad
    • Dessert - Apple Crisp
    « Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
    Mushroom Barley Soup »

    Reader Interactions

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    1. MaryAnn | The Beach House Kitchen says

      November 21, 2021 at 8:19 am

      What a delicious list of holiday dishes Marissa! You've made planning for the holiday season so easy for everyone. I just love the different menus! Thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into this post!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        November 21, 2021 at 2:19 pm

        My pleasure, Mary Ann. Thank you for the sweet comment!

        Reply
    2. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says

      November 19, 2021 at 11:10 am

      I am with Katherine here. Even though we celebrated our Canadian Thanksgiving over a month ago, your menu sounds so delicious that I want to repeat it (And nothing actually stops me because American Thanksgiving is the official beginning of the holiday season to me.) I am particularly partial to all those scrumptious potato recipes!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        November 19, 2021 at 2:29 pm

        Thanks, Ben! I'm with you - potatoes are irresistible!

        Reply
    3. David @ Spiced says

      November 19, 2021 at 4:26 am

      Reading through this post (and looking at those pictures) just made me super excited to start cooking for Thanksgiving! I love how you broke it down into several menu plans, too. Happy Turkey Day to you and your family!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        November 19, 2021 at 2:30 pm

        I love to hear that, David! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!

        Reply
    4. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

      November 18, 2021 at 11:48 am

      Oh Marissa what a great looking menu of delicious dishes! I would love to try each and every one of them - our Thanksgiving has come and gone but your post is making me wish I could do it all over again!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        November 18, 2021 at 2:38 pm

        aww...thank you so much, Katherine!

        Reply

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