Turkey Day Menu Ideas: Perfect Dishes for Thanksgiving

Turkey Day menu ideas are all about celebrating the warmth and comfort of a traditional Thanksgiving feast, filled with hearty, flavorful dishes that bring family and friends together. The star of the meal is, of course, the turkey, which can be roasted, smoked, or deep-fried, often accompanied by rich stuffing or dressing, prepared with herbs, vegetables, and sometimes sausage or cranberries. Side dishes like mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean almondine, and roasted Brussels sprouts add variety and color to the spread.

Cranberry sauce offers a refreshing, tart contrast to the richness of the other dishes, while dinner rolls or cornbread provide the perfect way to soak up all the delicious flavors. For dessert, classics like pumpkin pie, apple pie, or pecan pie steal the show, often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These Turkey Day menu ideas create a festive and satisfying spread that captures the spirit of gratitude and indulgence, making your Thanksgiving meal a memorable one.

Turkey Day Menu Ideas

Here’s a list of 100+ Turkey Day Menu Ideas, covering appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts to make your Thanksgiving celebration unforgettable:

Appetizers

1. Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
2. Cranberry Brie Bites
3. Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips
4. Sweet Potato Crostini with Goat Cheese
5. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
6. Mini Sausage Stuffing Bites
7. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
8. Shrimp Cocktail with Spicy Sauce
9. Roasted Garlic and Herb Cheese Board
10. Butternut Squash Soup Shooters
11. Cranberry Meatballs
12. Turkey and Cranberry Sliders
13. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
14. Apple and Brie Tartlets
15. Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli
16. Glazed Cocktail Weenies
17. Pecan-Crusted Cheese Balls
18. Veggie Platter with Dill Dip
19. Stuffed Mushrooms with Sage and Breadcrumbs
20. Maple-Glazed Bacon Skewers

Main Dishes

21. Herb-Roasted Turkey
22. Cajun-Spiced Turkey
23. Deep-Fried Turkey
24. Garlic Butter Turkey Breast
25. Slow-Cooked Turkey Legs
26. Maple-Glazed Ham
27. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib
28. Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
29. Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
30. Vegan Lentil Loaf
31. Roasted Duck with Orange Sauce
32. Pesto-Crusted Rack of Lamb
33. Mushroom and Spinach Wellington
34. Roast Chicken with Lemon and Thyme
35. Pork Tenderloin with Apple Chutney

Side Dishes

36. Classic Mashed Potatoes
37. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
38. Green Bean Almondine
39. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
40. Cornbread Dressing
41. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
42. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
43. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
44. Honey Glazed Carrots
45. Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
46. Balsamic Glazed Beets
47. Creamy Mushroom Gravy
48. Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries
49. Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan
50. Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
51. Creamed Spinach
52. Cheddar Biscuits
53. Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots
54. Corn Pudding
55. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
56. Candied Yams
57. Zucchini Gratin
58. Roasted Garlic Mashed Turnips
59. Cranberry-Apple Coleslaw
60. Herb-Infused Gravy

Desserts

61. Classic Pumpkin Pie
62. Pecan Pie Bars
63. Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
64. Sweet Potato Pie
65. Chocolate Silk Pie
66. Maple Bourbon Bread Pudding
67. Mini Cheesecakes with Cranberry Sauce
68. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
69. Pumpkin Cheesecake
70. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
71. Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
72. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
73. Pear and Almond Tart
74. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
75. Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
76. Flourless Chocolate Cake
77. Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits
78. Gingerbread Cookies
79. Maple Walnut Ice Cream
80. Cinnamon Roasted Pears

Drinks

81. Spiced Apple Cider
82. Cranberry Margaritas
83. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
84. Hot Buttered Rum
85. Mulled Wine
86. Maple Bourbon Smash
87. Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail
88. Eggnog with Nutmeg
89. Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
90. Pear and Ginger Sangria
91. Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
92. Pumpkin Pie Martini
93. Cranberry Moscow Mule
94. Spiced Rum Punch
95. Vanilla Chai Latte
96. Sparkling Apple Cider
97. Honey Lemon Tea
98. Mulled Cranberry Juice
99. Maple Pecan Coffee
100. Pumpkin Ale

These Turkey Day ideas span all categories to ensure everyone at your Thanksgiving table is satisfied!

Recipes

Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs, hard-boiled
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 50g smoked salmon, cut into small strips
• Optional garnish: capers, dill sprigs

Instructions:

1. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks.
2. Mash yolks in a bowl with mayonnaise, mustard, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
4. Top each egg with a small piece of smoked salmon and optional garnish.

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 wheel of brie cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/3 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Cut puff pastry into 2-inch squares and press into each muffin cup.
3. Place a cube of brie in each pastry, add 1 tsp cranberry sauce, and sprinkle nuts on top.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish with rosemary.

Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pita chips for serving

Instructions:

1. Blend chickpeas, pumpkin, tahini, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth.
2. Serve in a bowl, drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.

Sweet Potato Crostini with Goat Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup goat cheese
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange sweet potato slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Roast for 15-20 minutes.
2. Spread goat cheese on each slice, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with pecans, and garnish with thyme.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings in a bowl.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Mini Sausage Stuffing Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage (ground or links, casings removed)
• 2 cups stuffing mix
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced onion

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage, celery, and onion in a skillet. Combine with stuffing mix and chicken broth.
2. Form into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 pitted Medjool dates
• 12 whole almonds or a small cube of blue cheese
• 6 strips of bacon, halved

Instructions:

1. Stuff dates with almonds or cheese.
2. Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, halved
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Pat turkey dry and rub with butter mixed with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff cavity with lemon halves and additional herbs.
4. Roast for 3-4 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

Cajun-Spiced Turkey Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey
• 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Rub the turkey with Cajun seasoning mixed with butter and olive oil.
2. Roast or deep fry according to your preferred method.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Brush over salmon fillets.
2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until flaky.

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (6-pound) bone-in prime rib
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator 2 hours before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
2. Herb Mixture: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the Roast: Rub the herb mixture generously all over the prime rib.
4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
5. Roast: Place the prime rib in a roasting pan with a rack. Roast for 20 minutes at 450°F, then reduce the heat to 325°F (165°C) and roast until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
6. Rest: Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes.
7. Gravy: In the same pan, heat beef broth and red wine, scraping up brown bits. Simmer for 5 minutes. Serve alongside the prime rib.

Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle squash halves with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes or until tender.
2. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, cranberries, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, feta (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the Squash: Fill each squash half with the quinoa mixture.
4. Bake: Return to the oven for 10 minutes.
5. Serve: Serve warm as a hearty vegetarian main dish.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat Salmon: Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet and brush with the honey mustard glaze.
4. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges and serve warm.

Vegan Lentil Loaf Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Flax Egg: Mix flaxseed meal and water in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine lentils, oats, walnuts, onion, carrots, flax egg, tomato paste, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Form Loaf: Grease a loaf pan and press the mixture into it.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 minutes, then spread ketchup on top and bake for another 10–15 minutes.
5. Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Roasted Duck with Orange Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (5-6 pounds)
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Duck: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse and pat dry the duck. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Stuff with Oranges: Stuff the cavity with orange slices.
3. Roast: Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 1.5–2 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices.
4. Make Sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Simmer until thickened.
5. Glaze Duck: During the last 15 minutes of roasting, brush the duck with the orange glaze.
6. Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Pesto-Crusted Rack of Lamb Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of lamb (8 ribs)
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season Lamb: Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned.
3. Prepare Crust: Mix pesto, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
4. Coat Lamb: Spread the pesto mixture over the lamb.
5. Roast: Place the lamb on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes for medium-rare.
6. Rest: Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing.