50 Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas for Turkey Day
Fill up your plate with traditional foods like mashed potatoes, pies and more!
Building your ultimate Thanksgiving menu can be a daunting task. But these Thanksgiving dinner ideas — from classic Thanksgiving turkey recipes to beloved Thanksgiving side dishes — will satisfy all your guests. We picked classic and simple dishes as well as unique options and vegetarian mains to make sure every single family member is well fed.
Don’t worry: We didn’t leave out any of the Turkey Day staples. After all, what is Thanksgiving food without a side of creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce or plenty of stuffing recipes? But, if you’re looking to switch it up this year, we’ve got you covered. With creative variations on classic veggie sides to new ways to present your favorite dishes, this spread will be your most impressive yet.
From rich, decadent dishes to healthy Thanksgiving sides and Thanksgiving salads, there are ideas here to please each and every appetite. If Thanksgiving prep seems a bit overwhelming — no stress! Quick and easy recipes (including make-ahead dishes and under 30-minute sides) will keep your holiday as stress-free as possible. Or, go the no-cook route completely and order Thanksgiving dinner to-go.
Whether you stick to the basics or love to get creative with your holiday fare, these recipes will ensure this year’s Thanksgiving dinner is truly unforgettable. Don’t forget to make use of extras with our favorite Thanksgiving leftover recipes!
Quinoa-Stuffed Honeynut Squash
Vegetarians at the table? Serve up this stunning main that will seriously satisfy.
Get the Quinoa-Stuffed Honeynut Squash recipe.
RELATED: 55 Healthy Vegetarian Recipes for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
Whipped Ricotta Three Ways
The only thing better than one easy, cheesy appetizer at Thanksgiving is three different variations. Pick one or whip up all the options for a stunning spread.
Get the Whipped Ricotta Three Ways recipe.
RELATED: 50+ Easy Appetizers and Snacks to Get the Party Started
Best Ever Turkey
This turkey is all about fresh herbs and aromatics! Stuff the main cavity with onions, garlic, bay leaves and more for a super flavorful bird.
Get the Best Ever Turkey recipe.
Sweet Potato Baked Pasta with Hazelnut Brown Butter
This comforting, vegetarian dish has all the fall flavors! With pasta tossed in a creamy sweet potato sauce and topped with hazelnut browned butter, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Get the Sweet Potato Baked Pasta with Hazelnut Brown Butter recipe.
RELATED: 56 Best Sweet Potato Recipes That Are Perfect for Any Fall Occasion
Spinach-Herb Polenta
If you still can't think about peeling another potato after last year's Thanksgiving, may we suggest polenta? It's creamy, rich and makes a great base for roasted turkey and all the fixins'.
Get the Spinach-Herb Polenta recipe.
Classic Roast Turkey
Calling all turkey purists: This bird, simply seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic, is a serious showstopper, thanks to its golden-brown buttery exterior and juicy interior. Seconds please!
Get the Classic Roast Turkey recipe.
Red Onion and Cheddar Bread Pudding
If you're on the hunt to upgrade your stuffing game this year, we suggest this cheesy bread pudding. It's the perfect way to use up leftover focaccia.
Apple and Thyme Galettes
Thyme, lemon zest and a touch of nutmeg are a welcome change of pace in this autumnal dessert.
Get the Apple and Thyme Galettes recipe.
RELATED: 79 Best Fall Desserts That Are Perfect to Make for Autumn
Roasted Root Vegetables
Make the most of fall’s harvest with a sheet pan full of purple potatoes, onions and squash. Plus, it's all seasoned beautifully with aromatic coriander and cumin.
Get the Roasted Root Vegetables recipe.
Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Ginger Meringue
Think of these cupcakes as individual marshmallow-topped sweet potato casseroles… in dessert form.
Get the Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Ginger Meringue recipe.
RELATED: 25 Best Fall Cupcakes and Decorating Ideas Filled With Autumn Flavor
Apple Sausage Rolls
This crowd-pleasing app is like pigs in blankets but filled with a quick homemade sausage instead of franks. Dunk them in apple butter mustard for a *chef’s kiss* moment worth savoring.
Get the Apple Sausage Rolls recipe.
RELATED: 40 Best Finger Food Ideas to Serve at Your Next Party
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Break out the air fryer to make these delicious and crispy Brussels sprouts that are tossed in maple-sriracha glaze.
Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.
RELATED: 38 Brussels Sprouts Recipes That Will Have You Asking for Seconds
Cranberry Curd Tart
This tart doubles as decor and dessert! From the sugar-dusted pie leaves and cranberries to the piped whipped cream on top, there is no doubt that this will be a showstopper.
Get the Cranberry Curd Tart recipe.
Cranberry Baked Brie
Who said that your cranberry dish can’t have Brie? This bright cranberry syrup spooned over cheese and baked until melted equals perfection.
Get the Cranberry Baked Brie recipe.
Jammy Pie Twists
Only five ingredients and you've got a fun festive Thanksgiving dessert with all the flavors of your favorite pie, without all the effort.
Get the Jammy Pie Twists recipe.
Mashed Potatoes with Buttery Sliced Scallions
Brighten up your mashed potatoes with this lemony, scallion relish.
Get the Mashed Potatoes with Buttery Sliced Scallions recipe.
RELATED: 58 Easy Potato Recipes For Weeknight Dinners, Thanksgiving and More
Apple-Cranberry Pie
This tart is just what you need after Thanksgiving dinner. With apples, cranberries and warm seasonings like nutmeg and cinnamon, you can’t go wrong. Pro tip: Instead of weaving a lattice pie crust top, cut the dough into squares and arrange on top.
Get the Apple-Cranberry Pie recipe.
Thyme-Roasted Turkey
This timeless turkey recipe even includes a matching gravy to perfectly complement the bird.
Get the Thyme-Roasted Turkey recipe.
Roasted Cranberry Sauce
This hands-off recipe is a huge help during Turkey Day chaos: Just toss everything together on a baking sheet, transfer to the oven and walk away.
Get the Roasted Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Northwest Fruit Stuffing
This classic recipe comes from the 1956 Good Housekeeping Cookbook, but we updated it with dried cranberries and pecans for even more flavor.
Get the Northwest Fruit Stuffing recipe.
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