These Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas Are Chock-Full of Inspiration

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Holiday season is here, and if it's November, that means you're getting ready for Thanksgiving! As usual, it falls on the fourth Thursday in November, and this year that's the 28th. (You can learn why we do that right here.)

If you're hosting, that can mean spending practically the entire month beforehand getting ready, from figuring out the table settings and the centerpiece to getting the seasonal decorations out and up, to thinking up fun craft ideas for the kids (and possibly more craft ideas for adults...).

Oh yeah, and there's a meal to make too!

Some parts of a Thanksgiving meal are staples. Unless everyone's a vegetarian, there's going to be a turkey. And there'll probably also be some version of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad, and casserole. And pumpkin pie, for dessert.

But within that structure, there's actually lots of room to play. If you're hosting a smaller Thanksgiving, or just don't want the hassle of an entire bird, consider making turkey roulades! Or, spice up the sides with horseradish mashed potatoes! Get a little British spirit with a traditional plum pudding for dessert. Or go full-on American, break out the weber, and grill that turkey!

If you want to rethink your whole Thanksgiving menu, from soup to nuts (or rather, from spiced-nuts to custard pie) then check out our array of more than 20 different complete Thanksgiving menus, below! We've got ideas for super-simple slow-cooker Thanksgivings, classic Southern Thanksgivings, well prepared make-ahead Thanksgivings, and more. With countless recipes on this list, you can pick and choose a few new ones to toss into the mix, or try an entirely new menu! We're confident that whatever you do, the food will be a hit!

A Ranch Style Thanksgiving

Here's an unfussy, flavor-first Thanksgiving meal that eschews a little bit of tradition for a whole lot of fun.

Turkey roulades are the big centerpiece: Instead of arguing over light vs dark meat, guests get to help themselves to perfectly tender boneless coins of turkey wrapped around homemade stuffing (which is the best part anyway).

The wine is mulled—but it's a white wine, with a bright, cranberry flavor. The sides include creamy herb biscuits, spicy mashed potatoes, a colorful gratin, and a big crunchy salad.

And for dessert? Take your pick of stunning pies!

Starters

• Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans

• Cranberry Mulled White Wine

Main Course

• Turkey Roulades with Sourdough Pancetta Stuffing and Gravy
  

Side Dishes

• Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits
  

• Easy Root Vegetable Gratin
  

• Horseradish Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

• Big Green Winter Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
  

• Sweet-and-Sour Onions
  

Desserts

• Braided Cranberry-Orange Pie
  

• Brown Butter Apple Pie
  

• German Chocolate Pie
  

• Peanut-Salted Caramel Slab Pie
  

A "British Christmas" Thanksgiving

Fun fact: The big turkey-centric meal we all eat has its origins in England, where a winter feast has, for centuries, included a big bird (turkey or duck), side dishes, plenty of wine, and pie.

But they don't celebrate Thanksgiving in England; The feast is usually served at Christmas. And a traditional British Christmas feast makes an excellent Thanksgiving meal!

To do it right you want classic stuffing, spiced cabbage with cranberries, an herby roast turkey, and a classic plum pudding! (Extra points if you score some crackers to pull before the meal.)

Drinks

• Champagne or sparkling wine is traditional. We highly recommend Nyetimber if you can get it, but any good sparkling will do.

• Mulled wine is also a fine option.

Main Course

• Rosemary Roast Turkey with homemade gravy

Sides

• Pork-and-Sage Stuffing

• Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Lardons and Chestnuts

• Spiced Red Cabbage and Cranberries in Cider

Dessert

• Christmas Plum Pudding — though it doesn't take long to assemble, you'll want to do it at least a week, and as much as a month, ahead, to let the flavors meld.

A Chesapeake Coastal Thanksgiving

Fourth-Generation oyster famers and cousins Travis and Ryan Croxton of the Rappahannock Oyster Co. cook a menu of simple Southern-costal fare—with lots of local oysters, of course. The family menu has deep roots. "It predate[s] any of us" says Ryan. If it's already outstanding, what is there to improve upon?

Drinks

• The Croxtons like a cold sparkling wine or brut Champagne with their feast. If you can splurge, try a bottle or two of Nyetimber or just get your favorite bubbly.

Main Course:

• Simple Herbed Turkey with Easiest Ever Gravy—loads of butter keep the meat moist, and handfuls of flavorful fresh herbs keep it simple and tasty.

Sides:

• Oyster Pie

• Crab Cakes

• Oyster Stuffing with Bacon-Scallion Cream Sauce

• Bourbon Yams

• Lima Bean and Corn Succotash

• Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding

Dessert

• Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Bars

A Grilled Thanksgiving Menu

If you love the smokey-charred flavor of foods hot off the grill, and you want to make a Thanksgiving dinner that tastes like no other, then heat up some coals or open up the propane tank.

Grill tending in November is a whole different experience than summertime grilling. You don't have to worry about bugs, or sweat. You can warm your hands while you check on the food! And you can free up the oven and stove for a whole bevy of Thanksgiving sides. How great is that?

Cocktail:

• Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned

Main Course:

• Grilled Citrus-and-Spice Turkey

Sides:

• Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Citrus-Maple Vinaigrette

• Cast-Iron Hasselback Potatoes

• Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter

Desserts:

• Salted Caramel-Apple Slab Pie

• Ginger Pumpkin Pie

• Brioche Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Butterscotch Sauce

A Classic Thanksgiving Menu

If you're a traditionalist, this menu has everything you want: Namely, the entrées, starters, and sides you've been looking forward to since, well, last Thanksgiving! It's chock full of tried-and-true favorites, all of which have been upgraded a touch to ensure maximum flavor and deliciousness. Let's just say we'd be surprised if your family doesn't fall hard and fast for these Thanksgiving menu ideas.

Main Course:

• Seasoned Roasted Turkey with

• White Wine and Rosemary Gravy

Sides:

• Fresh Herb Stuffing

• Corn Salad With Bacon and Honey

• Composed Waldorf Salad

• Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin

• Sweet Potato Casserole with Homemade Marshmallow

• Parker House Rolls

Dessert:

• Pecan Slab Pie

• Fruit and Nut Trifle

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving is about gathering together, not exclusion. Why not welcome everyone to the table with a decadent Thanksgiving dinner that everyone can enjoy? Ditch the meat and opt for these classic vegetarian dishes instead.

Starters:

• Corn Fritters

• Ricotta and Strawberry Toast

Main Courses:

• Roasted Beet and Squash Salad

• Bibb-and-Citrus Salad

• Orange Carrots with Yogurt-Parsley Dressing

• Baked Two-Cheese Rigatoni

• Fresh Herb Spoon Rolls

• Spicy Lemon Cauliflower

• Fresh Cranberry-Apple Relish

• Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Dessert:

• Apple Blossom Tart

• Fall Apple Cranberry Pie

Traditional American Thanksgiving Menu

When it comes to his Thanksgiving menu, Joe Randall—the coauthor of A Taste of Heritage: The New African-American Cuisine in Savannah—doesn't mess with tradition.

Main Course:

• Butter-Roasted Turkey with Giblet Pan Gravy

Side Dishes:

• Cornbread Dressing with Sage and Pork Sausage

• Mom Pan's Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Sun-Dried Cranberry Salsa

• Southern-Style Green Beans

Vegan Thanksgiving Menu

If you (or family/friends) are not only meat, but animal-product free, our vegan menu ensures everyone at the table can fill up on delicious (truly delicious) foods.

Starters:

• Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

• Thanksgiving Harvest Salad

Main Course:

• Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Sides:

• Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes

• Vegan Mac and Cheese

Dessert:

• Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Friendsgiving Menu

If you're not visiting relations this year, it doesn't mean Thanksgiving has to be a solo affair. Host a laid-back feast with your community. This BYOCACD ("Bring Your Own Chair and Covered Dish") party, courtesy of Home Town's Erin and Ben Napier features plenty of delicious sides that everyone can share. Assign recipes out to each friend—or go generous, and make it all yourself!

Main Course:

• Red Chile and Orange-Glazed Turkey

Sides:

• Erin Napier's Skillet Cornbread

• Grape Salad

• Cheesy Rice

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Squash Casserole

• Braised Greens

• Bourbon-Pecan Pie

Easy Thanksgiving Menu

This year, do yourself a favor and keep it simple. These blessedly easy low-lift recipes deliver on flavor while still allowing you time to, say, sneak a nip of bourbon with grandpa. Want to make guests think it was harder than it was? Wow them with one of these elegant (but also easy) table settings.

Main Course:

• Turkey Roulade Three Ways

Sides:

• Rosemary Monkey Bread Stuffing

• Brussels Sprouts Gratin

• Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

• Sweet Potato-and-Cauliflower Salad

Desserts:

• Sweet Potato Snickerdoodles

• Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cookie Crust

• Grape Slab Pie

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Menu

Whether you have a gluten intolerance or have decided to give it up for other reasons, these recipes show you don't need wheat to have a delicious Thanksgiving.

Starters:

• Feta-Stuffed Peppers

• Roasted Mushrooms and Radicchio

Main Course:

• The Perfect Roast Turkey

Sides:

• Crispy Garlic Smashed Baby Potatoes

• Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls

• Green Bean Casserole
  

• Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries

Desserts:

• Pumpkin Roll

• Maple Pumpkin Pie

Southern Thanksgiving Menu

South Carolina baker Carrie Morey doesn't hoard her family's best recipes. She spreads the love—and tweaks the traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Find even more delicious recipes in her book, Callie's Biscuits and Southern Traditions: Heirloom Recipes from Our Family Kitchen.

Appetizers:

• Collard and Brussels-Sprout Salad

Main Course:

• Sage-Butter Roasted Turkey

Sides:

• Cornbread Dressing

• Citrus-Cranberry Sauce

• Caramelized-Onion Galette

• Skillet Green Beans

• Potato Gratin

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots

• Buttermilk Biscuits

Dessert:

• Pecan Pie

All-American Thanksgiving Menu

From grits to bacon, this menu is chock full of delicious comfort food.

Main Course:

• Perfect Roast Turkey

Side Dishes:

• Cheese Grits and Corn Pudding

• Roasted Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline

• Marvin Woods's Brussels Sprouts, Red Pepper, and Avocado Salad

• Potato and Celery Root Gratin

• Green Beans with Bacon

• Cracked Pepper Dinner Rolls

Desserts:

• All-American Apple Pie

• Pumpkin Pie with Walnut Crust

Spicy Thanksgiving Menu

Tim Love, the owner and executive chef of Lonesome Dove Western Bistro and Love Shack, both in Fort Worth, Texas, gives his turkey flavor from the outside in by using a spicy game rub, then covering the bird in prosciutto.

Main Course:

• Spice-Rubbed Turkey Wrapped in Prosciutto

Side Dishes:

• French-Bread Stuffing with Oysters, Bacon, and Chipotle

• Fried Sugar-Poached New Potatoes

• Chile-Spiked Cranberry Relish

• Roasted Wild Mushrooms with Garlic and Shallots

The Beekman Boys' Family Thanksgiving Menu

Reality stars Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell take old family recipes in a decadent new direction with their fresh approach to Thanksgiving.

Main Course:

• Butter-and-Herb Roast Turkey

Side Dishes:

• Buttermilk Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage

• Leek and Potato Gratin

• Green Bean Salad with Red Onions

• Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Roasted Chestnuts

• Sweet Potatoes with Ancho-Maple Glaze

• Cranberry and Dried-Cherry Sauce

• Pumpkin Cheese Bread

Desserts:

• Apple Pie with Rosemary and Honey

• Sour Cream-Sweet Potato Pie

• Pumpkin Goat Cheese Cheesecake

Creative Thanksgiving Menu

In their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, cookbook authors (and brothers) Matt and Ted Lee serve up an annual holiday menu that remains true to tradition while putting a fresh spin on classic recipes.

Starter:

• Buttermilk Fresh Cheese with Spiced Figs, Pickled Fennel, and Pistachio

Main Course:

• Butter-and-Herb Roast Turkey

Side Dishes:

• Lemon-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

• Corn Bread and Sausage Stuffing

• Pimento-Cheese Potato Gratin

• Cold Brussels Sprout Slaw with Toasted Benne Seeds

• Cranberry-Ginger Sauce

Dessert:

• Sweet-Potato Pie with

• Buttermilk Ice Cream

Drink:

• Low Country Pousse-Rapière

Autumnal Thanksgiving Menu

This old-fashioned menu features earthy potatoes and turnips with smoky bacon and rosemary as an appetizing alternative to mashed potatoes.

Starter:

• Butternut Squash Soup

Main Course:

• Pear-Thyme Brined Turkey

Side Dishes:

• Pickled Vegetables

• Potato Clover Dinner Rolls

• Creamed Pearl Onions

• Roasted Potatoes and Turnips

• Sourdough Mushroom Stuffing

• Spiced Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Spiced Cranberry Sauce with Orange

Desserts:

• Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

• Red Wine-Poached Pears

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Menu

Chef Tom Valenti's strategy for this menu? The stuffing can be made in advance, as well as the soup, the compote, and the desserts. Here's the timetable:
One to two weeks ahead: make grocery lists, order specialty foods including capon for delivery 1 week before the dinner. Make compote and soup. Freeze soup and refrigerate the compote. Wrap everything tightly. Make sure you have any other inventory.
Three days ahead: Thaw capon. Make stuffing (but do not bake). Bake the cheesecake.
The day before: Chop potatoes and refrigerate submerged in cold water. Thaw soup. Make trifle custard: slice the pound cake and roast the pears.
Thanksgiving Day: Roast the capon. Assemble appetizers: Set up
cheese board: chill white wines. Set up buffet. Cook potatoes and the kale. Bake or warm all prepped dishes and assemble desserts. Then enjoy!

Starters:

• Artisanal cheese plate, olive bread, French baguette

• Roasted Parsnip Soup

Main Course:

• Roast Capon with

• Traditional Gravy

Side Dishes:

• Chestnut and Sausage Stuffing

• Spiced Apricot, Cranberry, and Golden Raisin Compote

• Tom's Perfect Mashed Potatoes

• Sauteed Kale with Garlic and Red Onions

Desserts:

• Roasted Pear and Maple Cream Trifle

• Pumpkin-Goat Cheese Cheesecake

No-Stress Southern Thanksgiving Menu

Serving a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast can be an exciting prospect, especially with a menu like this one that includes country-inspired dishes.

Starters:

• Cheese Grits and Corn Pudding

• Shrimp Bisque with Bourbon

Main Course:

• Simple Herbed Turkey with Easiest-Ever Gravy

Side Dishes:

• Wild-Rice, Corn Bread, and Pecan Stuffing
  

• Southern Vegetable Saute

• Candied Yams with Apples

Dessert:

• Pumpkin Cream Tarts with Candied Raspberries

Napa Valley Thanksgiving Menu

For celebrated chef and cookbook author Michael Chiarello, Thanksgiving is a way to honor his Italian and California heritage by cooking with seasonal organic products featured in this menu.

Starters:

Olives, salami, cheese

Main Course:

• Spice-Rubbed Whole-Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Gravy

Side Dishes:

• Panettone Stuffing

• Cauliflower alla Parmigiana

• Pumpkin Risotto with Pumpkin Butter

• Honey-Roasted Applesauce

• Cranberry Citrus Relish

Desserts:

• Harvest Focaccia

• Assorted Pies

A Family Thanksgiving Menu

This menu puts an emphasis on tradition, using simple and classic recipes.

Starters:

• Cheese plate with nuts and dried fruits

Main Course:

• Rosemary-Sage Roast Turkey

Side Dishes:

• Cornbread and Apple Dressing

• Cranberry Sauce

• Fresh Green Bean Casserole

• Glazed Pearl Onions and Shallots

• Oven-Roasted Beets

Desserts:

• Pumpkin Mousse

• Cinnamon and Vanilla Fruit Compote

• Assorted Pies

Country Farmhouse Thanksgiving Menu

The lush color and rich harvest of autumn fruit—persimmons, pomegranates, and quinces—are incorporated in this menu.

Starters:

• Roasted Lemon Dip

Main Course:

• Roast Turkey with Pomegranate Sauce

Side Dishes:

• Cornbread, Quince, and Pecan Stuffing

• Double-Stuffed Potatoes

• Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Desserts:

• Hot Pomegranate-Apple Cider

• Quince Mince Pie

• Persimmon Crème Brûleé

Drink:

• Pomegranate-Champagne Cocktails

Trisha Yearwood's Family Thanksgiving Menu

Country singer Trisha Yearwood fills her Thanksgiving menu with Southern comfort foods, like pecan pie and buttermilk cornbread.

Starter:

• Cheese Straws

Main Course:

• No Baste, No Bother Roasted Turkey

Side Dishes:

• Grandma Lizzie's Cornbread Dressing

• Buttermilk Cornbread

• Daddy's Biscuits

Dessert:

• Pecan Pie

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