The Ultimate Thanksgiving Menu Recipes You Need
Stressed about what to cook for Thanksgiving this year?
I’ve been there—standing in the kitchen, scrolling through endless recipes, trying to figure out how to make everything come together perfectly.
But with a little planning (and a lot of flavor), I finally created the ultimate Thanksgiving menu that makes hosting feel effortless and fun.
To me, a Thanksgiving feast isn’t just about the turkey – it’s about the appetizers that kick off the meal, the grazing board everyone gathers around, and those irresistible desserts that bring the night to a sweet finish.
Each dish adds something special to the day, and when everything flows together, it feels like magic.
If planning your Thanksgiving dinner feels overwhelming, don’t worry.
Below is a lineup of my favorite Thanksgiving appetizers, grazing board ideas, and the best thanksgiving desserts that will make your table unforgettable.
Whether you’re cooking for two or ten, these recipes will help you craft a spread that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing.
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Thanksgiving Menu
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
This golden beauty is the star of the table – juicy turkey brushed with rich herb butter that seeps into every bite, giving it that perfect crisp skin and tender, flavorful meat that melts in your mouth.
From @acedarspoon, it’s the kind of show-stopping main dish that makes the whole house smell incredible and has everyone thinking you’ve mastered holiday cooking (even if you were just winging it).
The best part? The leftovers taste just as good, layered in sandwiches, tossed into casseroles, or mixed into pasta for cozy post-holiday meals.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Now, if there’s one side dish that never fails to steal the spotlight, it’s creamy mashed potatoes. Soft, buttery, and perfectly smooth, they’re the ultimate comfort food that pairs beautifully with a good roast or slow-cooked stew.
These mashed potatoes are simple yet rich in flavor, making them a staple on every dinner table.
Any leftovers? Just fry them up the next morning for a crispy, golden breakfast treat that tastes just as good as the night before.
Cinnamon Air Fried Apples
I bet you’ve had baked apples before, but have you tried making them in the air fryer? These cinnamon fried apples come out perfectly soft and caramelized in just 10 minutes.
You can coat them in a brown sugar and cinnamon mix that melts into a sweet glaze as they cook.
For an extra treat, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over them.
They’re quick, easy, and make your kitchen smell like a cozy fall afternoon.
Pineapple Ham
Here’s a flavorful way to make your holiday meal extra special. Pineapple ham combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the tang of juicy pineapple for the perfect balance of flavors.
Start by layering pineapple rings over your ham and brushing it with a brown sugar glaze for that caramelized golden finish.
As it bakes, the pineapple juice seeps into the meat, keeping it moist and tender while adding a tropical touch.
For extra flair, sprinkle a bit of ground cloves or drizzle some honey on top before serving. This show-stopping main dish is guaranteed to impress every guest at your table.
Related: 50 Quick & Easy Family Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that tastes like fall in every bite, Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is the perfect choice. It’s creamy, buttery, and sweet in all the right ways.
Start by mashing tender sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon for that warm, comforting flavor.
Then, top it with a crunchy mix of pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter for the ultimate texture contrast.
Bake until golden and bubbling, and you’ll have a dish that steals the spotlight at any Thanksgiving table. Everyone will be asking for seconds—and the recipe!
French Onion Green Bean Casserole
This French Onion Green Bean Casserole is a cozy twist on a classic favorite. It combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with the creamy comfort of green bean casserole.
Start by caramelizing onions until they’re soft, golden, and bursting with flavor. This step takes time but adds incredible depth to the dish.
Next, toss tender green beans in a creamy sauce, then layer them with the caramelized onions and melty gruyere cheese.
Top it all off with buttery croutons for that perfect crunch.
Bake until bubbly and golden brown, and you’ll have a side dish that feels elegant, hearty, and totally irresistible for the holidays.
Related: 30 Delicious Gluten-Free Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings!
Butternut Squash Soup
I love making butternut squash soup when the weather turns chilly because it’s the kind of cozy meal that instantly warms you up. The creamy texture and the perfect blend of herbs and spices make it incredibly satisfying.
You can serve it as a comforting starter or a light dinner with a slice of crusty bread.
What I like most is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. Make a big batch on the weekend, and you’ll have delicious leftovers ready to reheat for busy days.
It also freezes beautifully, so you can always have a bowl of homemade comfort waiting in your freezer for those nights when you just need something warm and wholesome.
My Go To Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese has a way of feeling like home, no matter where you are.
When I first moved to Canada, I was working at a restaurant that introduced me to this rich, creamy, and ridiculously cheesy version, and honestly, it changed everything.
This recipe has become one of my all-time favorites. The gooey cheese sauce, the tender pasta, and the added sautéed mushrooms and broccoli make it feel hearty and satisfying.
I usually throw in some cauliflower too because it adds a nice texture and soaks up all that cheesy goodness.
But the best part is that you can easily tweak it to match your taste. It’s comfort food done right, cozy, flavorful, and totally irresistible.
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
You can’t host a dinner or holiday party without mentioning these garlic butter dinner rolls.
They’re the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight every single time.
Soft, fluffy, and brushed with rich, golden garlic butter, they’re the best appetizer for any party or gathering.
I love how they pair perfectly with soups, pasta, or a Thanksgiving spread, adding that warm, comforting touch everyone craves.
You can serve them straight from the oven for that irresistible buttery aroma that fills the whole room.
These rolls aren’t just a side, they’re the kind of treat people come back for seconds (and thirds) every time.
The Great Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is one of those desserts that never goes out of style, especially during the holidays. The smooth, creamy filling paired with a buttery homemade crust makes it an instant crowd favorite.
You can elevate it even more by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream and a handful of sugared cranberries for that festive touch.
If you want to add a little twist, try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top before baking. It gives the pie a beautiful golden finish and an extra layer of flavor.
It’s simple, classic, and the perfect way to end a cozy Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by family and friends.
Related: Cinnamon Roll in a Mug – Warm, Gooey, and Ready in Minutes!
Apple Crisp
You might think apple crisp takes hours to make like apple pie, but it’s actually one of the easiest fall desserts ever. With its gooey cinnamon apples and crunchy oat topping, it’s pure cozy perfection.
Start by slicing baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp and tossing them in a mix of sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice.
Next, prepare the topping with oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle it over the apples and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert that tastes like fall in every bite.
Pecan Pie Bars
For a dessert that feels like pure comfort, Pecan Pie Bars are a must-try. They’ve got all the goodness of a classic pecan pie but in an easier, hand-held form that’s perfect for sharing.
Start with a buttery shortbread crust that sets the stage for the rich, gooey filling.
Then, pour over a luscious mix of maple syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans for that irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor.
Once baked, the top turns golden and crisp while the inside stays perfectly soft and chewy.
These bars are the ultimate holiday indulgence that are simple to make, beautiful to serve.
