The Perfect Thanksgiving Menu
It’s probably no surprise that I love Thanksgiving. It’s one of my favorite holidays because it means time spent with family and lots and lots of yummy food. But hosting Thanksgiving can be a bit overwhelming, especially the first time. Not only deciding what to make but also trying to figure out how to make a multi-course meal in just a few hours. I’ve done it a few times now and learned a lot from my mom. The secret – make as much as in advance as possible. This Thanksgiving menu below features my favorite Thanksgiving recipes, with many options to choose from along with my tips and tricks for making each recipe in advance. Feel free to customize it to your own needs, of course, but this menu has been a hit with my family over the years.
Make Ahead Ideas
The good thing about preparing a big holiday meal is that, truthfully, most of it can be made in advance! Below I’ve included specific make-ahead tips for each dish. Desserts can almost always be made in advance. After all, pies need time to cool and set! Casseroles are also ideal for making in advance. Even if you have to wait to bake them, they can easily be assembled ahead of time. And don’t forget that frozen turkey takes several days to thaw! Your turkey is definitely something to think about in advance.
The Best Thanksgiving Recipes
Whether you’re hosting 5 guests or 25, this Thanksgiving menu will help you cover all the bases and please even the pickiest of eaters. Here’s the full menu:
Starters
Kick off the feast with flavorful appetizers to keep everyone satisfied before the main event.
Turkey
The main course and the star of the show!
Salad
Fresh and vibrant dishes to balance the richness of the meal.
Dessert
Thanksgiving is never complete without the dessert! If you love pie, I got you covered, just add the vanilla ice cream. Here’s some lighter options that taste indulgent. Be sure to check out my Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes!
