Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas – Thanksgiving dinner is all about gathering with loved ones to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal that reflects the season’s harvest and warmth. The centerpiece is often a beautifully roasted turkey, prepared with herbs and spices for maximum flavor, and served with classic accompaniments like savory stuffing made from bread, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Mashed potatoes are a staple, whipped smooth and creamy, often topped with a rich gravy.
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Alongside, roasted vegetables—such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes—add color and depth, seasoned simply or with maple syrup and spices for added warmth. Cranberry sauce offers a sweet, tangy contrast to the savory dishes, while cornbread or dinner rolls complete the spread with a comforting, home-baked touch. For dessert, traditional pies like pumpkin, apple, or pecan are popular, their warm spices and flaky crusts ending the meal on a sweet note.
Many also add a unique twist, such as a seasonal salad with nuts and fruits, or creative side dishes like green bean casseroles or roasted squash. Thanksgiving dinner, with its blend of classic dishes and personal touches, is a time to indulge in flavorful, comforting foods while celebrating gratitude and togetherness.
Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Here’s a list of 50+ Thanksgiving dinner ideas (Thanksgiving Menu Ideas) that bring traditional flavors with some creative twists:
- Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter
- Maple-Glazed Ham
- Prime Rib Roast
- Herb-Stuffed Turkey Breast
- Cornbread Stuffing
- Sausage and Apple Stuffing
- Classic Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Honey-Glazed Carrots
- Green Bean Casserole
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Creamed Spinach
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Pumpkin Soup
- Cranberry Sauce
- Orange-Cranberry Relish
- Gravy with Giblets
- Mushroom Gravy
- Corn Pudding
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Roasted Acorn Squash
- Glazed Pearl Onions
- Baked Artichoke Dip
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
- Pecan Pie
- Pumpkin Pie
- Apple Pie
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Cranberry Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Chocolate Cream Pie
- Classic Dinner Rolls
- Cornbread
- Garlic Knots
- Roasted Chestnuts
- Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes
- Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
- Wild Rice Pilaf
- Roasted Beet Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Waldorf Salad
- Spinach and Strawberry Salad
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Deviled Eggs
- Charcuterie Board
- Turkey Pot Pie
- Roasted Parsnip and Carrot Medley
- Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
- Jalapeño Cornbread
- Pumpkin Bread
- Brie and Cranberry Pastries
- Mulled Cider
These Thanksgiving Dinner dishes Ideas can mix and match to create a festive and memorable Thanksgiving feast!
How to make these foods for Thanksgiving Dinner
1. Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter
Description: A classic centerpiece, this turkey is enveloped in a rich herb-infused butter, ensuring juicy meat and crispy skin. How to Cook:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley), garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the turkey dry and rub the herb butter under the skin and over the surface.
- Stuff the cavity with onions, garlic, and herbs.
- Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
2. Maple-Glazed Ham
Description: A sweet and savory ham glazed with maple syrup, mustard, and brown sugar, providing a caramelized exterior. How to Cook:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar, then brush over the ham.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound, uncovering the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
3. Prime Rib Roast
Description: A luxurious cut of beef, perfectly roasted to achieve a crusty exterior and tender, juicy interior. How to Cook:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Season the prime rib with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Roast for 30 minutes, then lower the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, about 1.5 hours more.
- Let rest before slicing.
4. Herb-Stuffed Turkey Breast
Description: A boneless turkey breast filled with a savory herb stuffing, perfect for smaller gatherings. How to Cook:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, celery, and herbs for the stuffing.
- Butterfly the turkey breast, fill it with stuffing, roll it up, and secure with kitchen twine.
- Roast for about 1.5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Cornbread Stuffing
Description: A moist and flavorful stuffing made from crumbled cornbread, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for turkey. How to Cook:
- Sauté onions, celery, and garlic in butter until soft.
- Combine with crumbled cornbread, chicken broth, and herbs (sage, thyme).
- Bake in a greased dish at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until golden on top.
6. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Description: A hearty stuffing combining savory sausage and sweet apples for a delightful flavor balance. How to Cook:
- Brown sausage in a skillet, then add chopped apples, celery, and onion.
- Mix with bread cubes, chicken broth, and sage, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.
7. Classic Mashed Potatoes
Description: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes, a quintessential comfort food for Thanksgiving. How to Cook:
- Boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
8. Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes
Description: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these red potatoes are flavored with garlic and herbs. How to Cook:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut red potatoes into quarters, toss with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy.
9. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Description: A sweet and creamy casserole topped with toasted marshmallows for a delightful contrast. How to Cook:
- Boil and mash sweet potatoes, then mix with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla.
- Spread in a baking dish, top with marshmallows, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and marshmallows are golden.
10. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Description: Sweet, tender carrots glazed with honey and butter for a vibrant side dish. How to Cook:
- Boil sliced carrots until tender, then drain.
- In a skillet, melt butter with honey, add the carrots, and sauté until glazed and heated through.
11. Green Bean Casserole
Description: A creamy green bean dish topped with crispy fried onions, a classic comfort food. How to Cook:
- Mix cooked green beans with cream of mushroom soup, milk, and pepper.
- Pour into a baking dish, top with fried onions, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly.
12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Description: Crispy Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon for a savory, rich side dish. How to Cook:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve Brussels sprouts and toss with chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
13. Creamed Spinach
Description: A rich and creamy spinach dish, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to the dinner table. How to Cook:
- Sauté onions in butter, add fresh spinach until wilted.
- Stir in cream, cheese, and seasonings, cooking until thickened.
14. Scalloped Potatoes
Description: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, cheesy and comforting. How to Cook:
- Layer sliced potatoes in a greased dish, pouring a mixture of cream, cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper between layers.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1-1.5 hours until golden and bubbly.
15. Butternut Squash Soup
Description: A silky soup made from roasted butternut squash, blended with spices for warmth and depth. How to Cook:
- Roast butternut squash cubes until tender.
- Sauté onions and garlic, then combine with squash, vegetable broth, and spices.
- Blend until smooth, adding cream for richness.
16. Pumpkin Soup
Description: A creamy, spiced pumpkin soup that embodies the flavors of fall. How to Cook:
- Cook pumpkin puree with sautéed onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and spices.
- Blend until smooth, and finish with a swirl of cream.
17. Cranberry Sauce
Description: A tart and sweet sauce made from fresh cranberries, perfect for complementing turkey. How to Cook:
- Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they burst and thicken, about 10-15 minutes.
18. Orange-Cranberry Relish
Description: A refreshing relish combining cranberries with the zest of oranges for a bright flavor. How to Cook:
- Process fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
- Chill before serving.’
19. Gravy with Giblets
Description: A savory gravy made from turkey drippings and giblets, perfect for pouring over turkey and mashed potatoes. How to Cook:
- Cook giblets in broth, then sauté flour in turkey drippings.
- Whisk in broth and giblets, simmer until thickened.
20. Mushroom Gravy
Description: A rich, earthy gravy made from sautéed mushrooms, perfect for vegetarian options.
How to Cook:
- Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in butter, then stir in flour.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, cooking until thickened.
21. Corn Pudding
Description: A creamy, custard-like dish with sweet corn, a delightful addition to the Thanksgiving table.
How to Cook:
- Mix corn kernels, eggs, milk, sugar, and cornstarch, then pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until set, about 45 minutes.
22. Macaroni and Cheese
Description: A comfort food classic, baked with creamy cheese sauce and a crispy topping.
How to Cook:
- Cook macaroni, make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese.
- Combine, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden.
23. Roasted Acorn Squash
Description: Sweet and tender acorn squash roasted until caramelized, an elegant side dish.
How to Cook:
- Halve acorn squash, scoop out seeds, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes.
24. Glazed Pearl Onions
Description: Sweet pearl onions cooked in a glaze, a delightful addition to any holiday spread.
How to Cook:
- Blanch pearl onions, then sauté in butter and sugar until caramelized.
- Add broth and simmer until tender.
25. Baked Artichoke Dip
Description: A creamy and cheesy dip with a touch of artichoke, perfect for starting the meal.
How to Cook:
- Mix chopped artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.
26. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Description: A comforting side made from roasted cauliflower smothered in a creamy cheese sauce.
How to Cook:
- Roast cauliflower florets until tender, mix with a cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese, then bake until golden.
27. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Description: Tender asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon, combining savory and fresh flavors.
How to Cook:
- Wrap asparagus with bacon slices, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until bacon is crispy.
28. Pecan Pie
Description: A classic dessert with a gooey filling made of pecans, sugar, and corn syrup, encased in a flaky crust.
How to Cook:
- Prepare a pie crust, mix eggs, corn syrup, sugar, vanilla, and chopped pecans, pour into crust, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until set.
29. Pumpkin Pie
Description: A spiced pumpkin custard pie, a Thanksgiving staple that embodies the flavors of fall.
How to Cook:
- Prepare a pie crust, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, cream, sugar, and spices, pour into crust, and bake at 425°F (220°C) until set.
30. Apple Pie
Description: A warm, spiced apple filling encased in a buttery crust, a beloved Thanksgiving dessert.
How to Cook:
- Prepare a pie crust, fill with sliced apples mixed with sugar and cinnamon, cover with a top crust, and bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden.
31. Sweet Potato Pie
Description: A creamy pie made from sweet potatoes and warm spices, offering a different take on traditional pumpkin pie.
How to Cook:
- Prepare a pie crust, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, and spices, pour into crust, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until set.
32. Cranberry Cheesecake
Description: A rich cheesecake swirled with tangy cranberry sauce, a festive twist on a classic dessert.
How to Cook:
- Prepare a graham cracker crust, blend cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, pour into crust, swirl in cranberry sauce, and bake at 325°F (160°C).
33. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Description: A creamy cheesecake with the flavors of pumpkin and spice, perfect for Thanksgiving.
How to Cook:
- Prepare a crust with graham crackers, mix cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and spices, pour into crust, and bake at 325°F (160°C).
34. Chocolate Cream Pie
Description: A luscious chocolate pie topped with whipped cream, a decadent end to the meal.
How to Cook:
- Prepare a pie crust, make a chocolate pudding filling, pour into crust, chill, and top with whipped cream before serving.
35. Classic Dinner Rolls
Description: Soft and fluffy rolls that are perfect for soaking up gravy, a must-have on any Thanksgiving table.
How to Cook:
- Make a dough with flour, yeast, sugar, milk, and butter, let rise, shape into rolls, let rise again, and bake at 375°F (190°C).
36. Cornbread
Description: A slightly sweet, crumbly bread that complements savory dishes wonderfully.
How to Cook:
- Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs, and melted butter, then bake in a greased pan at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
37. Garlic Knots
Description: Chewy, buttery knots of dough brushed with garlic and herbs, a delightful addition to the table.
How to Cook:
- Prepare pizza dough, shape into knots, bake at 375°F (190°C), and toss with melted butter, garlic, and parsley after baking.
38. Roasted Chestnuts
Description: Sweet and tender roasted chestnuts, a festive treat often associated with the holiday season.
How to Cook:
- Score the chestnuts, roast in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-30 minutes until the skins burst and the nuts are tender.
39. Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes
Description: Flavorful potatoes roasted with garlic and fresh rosemary, creating a crispy exterior and tender interior.
How to Cook:
- Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 30-40 minutes.
40. Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Description: A juicy pork tenderloin coated with herbs, perfect for a twist on traditional turkey.
How to Cook:
- Rub pork tenderloin with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs (thyme, rosemary).
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
41. Wild Rice Pilaf
Description: A nutty, hearty side made with wild rice, vegetables, and herbs.
How to Cook:
- Sauté onions and celery in butter, add wild rice and broth, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender.
42. Roasted Beet Salad
Description: Earthy roasted beets served on a bed of greens with goat cheese and nuts for added flavor.
How to Cook:
- Roast beets wrapped in foil at 400°F (200°C) until tender, peel, and slice.
- Serve over mixed greens with goat cheese, walnuts, and vinaigrette.
43. Caesar Salad
Description: A crisp salad of romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, dressed with creamy Caesar dressing.
How to Cook:
- Toss romaine with croutons, shaved Parmesan, and Caesar dressing, and top with cracked black pepper.
44. Waldorf Salad
Description: A refreshing salad of apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts, dressed in a creamy dressing.
How to Cook:
- Combine diced apples, celery, and grapes in a bowl, add chopped walnuts, and mix with mayonnaise and lemon juice.
45. Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Description: A vibrant salad featuring fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and a tangy dressing.
How to Cook:
- Toss baby spinach with sliced strawberries, feta cheese, and walnuts.
- Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette.
46. Shrimp Cocktail
Description: Chilled shrimp served with a zesty cocktail sauce, an elegant appetizer.
How to Cook:
- Boil shrimp until pink, then chill.
- Serve with cocktail sauce made from ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice.
47. Deviled Eggs
Description: Hard-boiled eggs filled with a creamy yolk mixture, a classic finger food.
How to Cook:
- Boil eggs, peel, and halve.
- Mix yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and paprika, then pipe back into the whites.
48. Charcuterie Board
Description: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts, perfect for grazing.
How to Cook:
- Arrange sliced meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers on a board for a visually appealing presentation.
49. Turkey Pot Pie
Description: A comforting dish featuring leftover turkey in a creamy sauce, encased in a flaky crust.
How to Cook:
- Sauté vegetables, add cooked turkey and a cream sauce, pour into a pie crust, and top with another crust.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden.
50. Roasted Parsnip and Carrot Medley
Description: Sweet and earthy roasted vegetables, adding color and flavor to the table.
How to Cook:
- Toss peeled and chopped parsnips and carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until tender.