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.
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.
Hi, I’m Maggie Culp, the founder of PartyVibesFun.com, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, United States! With a passion for creating unforgettable celebrations, I specialize in turning any event into a fun and vibrant experience. From birthday parties to themed gatherings, I’m here to help you bring your party ideas to life with ease and excitement. Whether you’re looking for unique games, creative themes, or party planning tips, I’m dedicated to making sure every moment of your event is filled with joy. Let’s create memories together and make your next party the talk of the town!