10 Full Thanksgiving Menus From Starters to Sweet Finishes

Nothing brings people together quite like a well-planned Thanksgiving meal. This holiday, consider a menu that takes you from the first bite to the last course with ease. From savory appetizers to indulgent desserts, there is something for everyone. Every dish should offer a taste of comfort and celebration. 

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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy, comforting soup makes an ideal starter for any Thanksgiving meal. Roasted butternut squash enhances the depth of flavor, while the garlic and onions bring out a savory richness. It provides a smooth, velvety texture, complemented by a touch of cream that adds richness. It is perfect for warming up guests before the hearty dishes to come.

The ingredients needed for this recipe include one medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed, one diced onion, two cloves of minced garlic, four cups of vegetable broth, half a cup of heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste. Olive oil is used to roast the vegetables, creating a delicious caramelization.

To prepare the soup, preheat the oven to 400°F and toss the squash, onion, and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the mixture in the oven for 25 minutes until tender. Then, transfer everything into a blender, add the vegetable broth, and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot, stir in the cream, and heat until warm.

Classic Caesar Salad

The Caesar salad is a timeless dish that perfectly complements any Thanksgiving meal. Crisp romaine lettuce is combined with crunchy croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a rich, creamy Caesar dressing. This salad provides a refreshing and light start to the meal, offering a nice balance to the heavier dishes that follow. Its mix of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors makes it universally loved.

For this salad, you will need four cups of chopped romaine lettuce, half a cup of croutons, a quarter cup of shaved Parmesan cheese, and a third cup of Caesar dressing. Fresh ground black pepper is used for seasoning.

To make the salad, toss the lettuce with croutons and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the top and toss again until everything is evenly coated. Season with black pepper and serve immediately for the best texture.

Herb-Stuffed Turkey

Herb-stuffed turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, offering both flavor and tradition. The turkey is stuffed with a fragrant mix of herbs that infuse the meat during roasting, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. The crispy skin and juicy meat, combined with the savory stuffing, make this dish a showstopper. It’s a recipe that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table.

The ingredients for this dish include a 12-14-pound whole turkey, one tablespoon of olive oil, one chopped onion, three chopped celery stalks, half a cup of chopped fresh parsley, one tablespoon of fresh thyme, and one tablespoon of fresh rosemary. One cup of bread cubes is also needed for the stuffing.

To prepare the turkey, preheat the oven to 325°F. Stuff the turkey with a mixture of bread cubes, onion, celery, and herbs, then rub the bird with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast the turkey for 3-4 hours, basting it every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the turkey rest before carving to ensure juicy meat.

Green Bean Almondine

Green bean almondine is a side dish that offers both elegance and flavor. The green beans are blanched to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, while toasted almonds bring a satisfying crunch to each bite. The addition of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the other dishes. It is a simple yet refined dish that pairs beautifully with turkey and mashed potatoes.

For this recipe, you will need four cups of trimmed green beans, half a cup of sliced almonds, one tablespoon of butter, one tablespoon of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and salt and pepper to taste.

To cook, blanch the green beans in boiling water for three minutes, then transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil and toast the almonds until golden brown. Add the green beans to the skillet and sauté for two minutes, then squeeze the lemon juice over the top, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, and this version with garlic and chives takes them to the next level. The creamy mashed potatoes are infused with the rich flavors of roasted garlic and fresh chives. They offer the perfect balance of smoothness and flavor, making them a satisfying side dish. These mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with gravy and turkey, creating the ultimate comfort food experience.

For this dish, you will need two pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cubed, four cloves of minced garlic, a quarter cup of heavy cream, a quarter cup of butter, two tablespoons of chopped fresh chives, and salt and pepper to taste.

To prepare, boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in the fresh chives and serve warm for a creamy, flavorful side dish.

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Cranberry sauce is an essential Thanksgiving side, and this version with orange zest adds a fresh twist. The tart cranberries are sweetened with sugar and enhanced with the bright flavor of orange juice and zest. The addition of cinnamon gives it a warm, aromatic flavor. This sauce provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the turkey and mashed potatoes, balancing out the flavors on your plate.

For this cranberry sauce, you will need 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, half a cup of sugar, half a cup of orange juice, the zest of one orange, and a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon.

To make the sauce, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally for 10 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Once it’s done, stir in the orange zest and let the sauce cool before serving.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping

Sweet potato casserole is a sweet and savory dish that embodies the flavors of Thanksgiving. The mashed sweet potatoes are combined with butter, brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla to create a creamy base. The marshmallow topping adds a fun, indulgent twist, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes. This dish is both comforting and festive, making it a favorite for many.

The ingredients needed are four large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed, a quarter cup of butter, half a cup of brown sugar, a quarter cup of milk, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one cup of mini marshmallows.

To prepare, boil the sweet potatoes for 15 minutes until soft, then mash them with butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with marshmallows. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie. The rich, spiced filling made from pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg provides a warm and comforting finish to the meal. The flaky, buttery crust holds the smooth, custardy filling, creating the perfect balance of texture. This classic dessert is often topped with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

For pumpkin pie, you will need one pre-baked pie crust, two cups of pumpkin puree, three-quarters cup of brown sugar, two teaspoons of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, three eggs, and one cup of heavy cream.

To make the pie, preheat the oven to 350°F and whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, spices, and cream. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 45 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let the pie cool before serving with whipped cream.

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a comforting and flavorful dessert that brings together tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy, buttery topping. The soft apples blend with the sweet, spiced filling, while the oat topping becomes golden and crisp as it bakes. This warm dessert is perfect for ending a Thanksgiving feast. Served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it’s a treat everyone will enjoy.

For apple crisp, you will need six apples, peeled and sliced, half a cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon, half a cup of oats, half a cup of flour, and a quarter cup of butter.

To prepare, preheat the oven to 350°F and toss the apples with sugar and cinnamon. Transfer them to a baking dish and top with a mixture of oats, flour, and butter. Bake for 40 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a sweet and rich dessert that adds a nutty crunch to your Thanksgiving meal. The gooey filling, made with corn syrup, sugar, and butter, perfectly complements the toasted pecans. It’s a classic southern dessert that many associate with the holiday season. The pecans provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the smooth filling, making every bite irresistible.

For pecan pie, you will need one pre-baked pie crust, one and a half cups of pecan halves, three-quarters cup of corn syrup, three-quarters cup of brown sugar, three eggs, and a quarter cup of butter.

To make the pie, preheat the oven to 350°F and whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and butter. Stir in the pecans, then pour the mixture into the pie crust. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the filling is set.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.