Hosting Thanksgiving this year? Whether you have a full house or are limiting it to just your family members, this full Thanksgiving Dinner Menu and Recipe Guide is here to make planning and cooking on the biggest food day of the year a breeze.

These are some of the star dishes I plan on serving on Turkey Day, and I hope you do, too!

thanksgiving menu and recipe image guide

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    Why Should You Plan Your Thanksgiving Menu Ahead of Time?

    Like any holiday, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of family, good food, and cheer. But it can also be stressful — especially if you’re hosting.

    Taking the time to plan ahead will make your job as host easier and allow you to enjoy the days leading up to Thanksgiving as well as Thanksgiving day, even if you spend most of it in the kitchen.

    Below are my go to dishes to serve during the holidays! They are all very easy to make an include step by step pictures as well as variations to make it your own!

    Thanksgiving Courses

    • Cocktail hour: Get everyone in high spirits for the big meal with drinks like my Pomegranate Cranberry Champagne Punch! You can also leave out the alcohol and make mocktails for anyone who wants one.
    • Appetizers/finger foods: Quick and easy appetizers to make ahead of time and snack on while dinner is being prepped!
    • Entree: It’s not Thanksgiving without a roasted turkey! We’ve perfected our recipe to yield a juicy, tender, crispy-skinned bird that will be the star of your holiday meal.
    • Sides: Some argue that the best part of Thanksgiving is the sides, and we won’t hate it! We’ve included some of our favorite side dishes like homemade cranberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes that will round out your holiday spread.
    • Breads: You need some sort of bread on your Thanksgiving plate to sop up all of that goodness from your meal!
    • Dessert: No feast is complete without something sweet at the end. These recipes are sure to leave your family smiling and content after such a delicious meal!

    Cocktails

    resized image of red wine sangria recipe

    Red Sangria Recipe: Simple and Fruity, this Red Sangria Recipe is perfect for sharing! Made with fresh fruit, red wine, brandy, and pomegranate juice, this delicious cocktail can be doubled or tripled to make entertaining a breeze!

    cranberry margaritas

    Cranberry Margaritas: These vibrant Cranberry Margaritas are the perfect marriage of tart and sweet.

    white wine sangria in wine glass with lime slice

    White wine sangria: Made with strawberries, peaches, and mango juice. It’s perfectly sweet (thanks to the fruit) with a hint of citrus from the limes and oranges.

    Appetizers

    deviled eggs on the white plate

    Deviled Eggs: Made in the Instant Pot! These eggs couldn’t be easier and peeling them is a breeze!

    baked blt dip in casserole dish

    Baked BLT Dip: A creamy dip made with sour cream, mayonnaise and cream cheese. Topped with lettuce, tomato and bacon!

    a white bowl filled with this caramelized onion dip and the author taking a scoop of it out with a potato chip

    Caramelized Onion Dip: It’s packed with savory and sweet caramelized onions, sour cream, cream cheese and balsamic vinegar.

    Entree

    roasted turkey on large serving tray with thanksgiving sides

    Roast Turkey: You can’t have a Thanksgiving Menu without the turkey! This homemade roasted turkey is juicy, tender, flavorful with a crispy-skin — what everyone wants in a Thanksgiving bird!

    gluten free turkey gravy

    Gluten Free Turkey Gravy: Made with no flour, butter or oil! Just veggies and leftover turkey drippings!

    Sides

    mashed sweet potatoes

    Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Your Thanksgiving Menu won’t be complete without mashed sweet potatoes! Made with butter and cream to make them super rich! I’ve included two fun variations below to serve these potatoes: A sweet option and a savory option!

    corn pudding in baking dish

    Creamy Corn Pudding: Made from scratch with brown butter, heavy cream and corn. No boxed jiffy corn mix or canned corn needed!

    sausage stuffing in casserole dish

    Easy Sausage Stuffing: Loaded with fresh herbs, carrots, celery, onions and garlic. The perfect side dish to go with your Thanksgiving meal!

    close up shot of broccoli cheese rice casserole

    Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe: Is made with a rich cheese sauce and loaded with tender broccoli then topped with melty cheddar cheese. This casserole is great on it’s own as a main course or as a stellar side dish.

    green bean casserole with crunchy Panko topping

    Homemade Green Bean Casserole: With a homemade mushroom cream sauce and crunchy panko onion topping! No canned mushroom soup needed!

    sweet potato casserole topped with streusel pecan topping

    The BEST Sweet Potato Casserole: Creamy sweet potatoes baked with a crunchy pecan streusel topping! The perfect easy side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

    creamy mashed potatoes in bowl topped with melted butter and herbs

    Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Make the perfect side dish to go with any meal! Loaded with sour cream, butter, heavy cream AND milk these potatoes are rich, creamy and fluffy!

    thanksgiving side dish creamed corn in pan

    Creamed Corn: Skip the can and make delicious, flavorful creamed corn at home with a few pantry staples. Trust me, you’ll never go back to the pre-made stuff after you try this recipe! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.

    honey roasted glazed carrots on large plate with a silver spoon

    Honey Roasted Carrots: Only 3 Ingredients and made with brown butter and honey then roasted until golden brown. The perfect side dish!

    pumpkin mac and cheese in bowl with silver spoon

    Creamy Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese: Made with canned pumpkin puree! This creamy Mac and cheese is actually healthy! It’s made with half the amount of butter, flour, milk and cheese!

    homemade cranberry sauce with orange in a white bowl

    Cranberry Sauce: Fresh cranberries are cooked with orange zest, orange juice, and brown sugar to create a thick, colorful, sweet, delicious fruit reduction that your guests are sure to love.

    Breads

    buttery homemade rolls on white plate for thanksgiving

    Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls: They are buttery, flakey and perfectly golden brown on the outside. They are the perfect roll to serve alongside your holiday meals, soups or favorite dinners!

    corn muffins with a bite out of them on white plate

    Corn Muffins: Perfect grab and go corn muffins. Soft and buttery on the inside with a crisp exterior! Perfect alongside soups and main courses.

    overhead shot of focaccia sprinkled with Parmesan Cheese and herbs

    One Hour Focaccia Bread: This no-knead focaccia bread recipe comes out soft and fluffy on the inside and golden and crisp on the outside. It’s the perfect bread to serve alongside your Thanksgiving table.

    Desserts

    bite of pumpkin cheesecake bar on a white plate topped with whipped cream for thanksgiving menu

    Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Made with graham crackers and crushed up gingersnap cookies. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it is the perfect dessert for fall!

    spooning apple crisp out of a white casserole dish

    Apple Crisp: Topped with a crunchy oat streusel and filled with fresh baked apples, this is sure to be your favorite fall-inspired dessert!

    serving coffee cake close up with hand for thanksgiving menu

    Pumpkin Coffee Cake: Tender spiced cake topped with a thick buttery streusel topping. Perfect for dessert or for a snack!

    pecan pie squares on white cutting board

    Pecan Pie Bars: Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey maple pecan filling.

    Planning to make any of these recipes this Thanksgiving? I’d love to see them! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram, and then post them on your feed with me tagged. I can’t wait to see what everyone makes this holiday season!