simple thanksgiving menu

• Turkey. The roast turkey is the quintessential main dish for Thanksgiving feasts. ...
• Stuffings and Dressings. Stuffing and dressing are alike but not the same. ...
• Mashed Potatoes. Mashed potatoes and gravy are one of the favorite combinations on Thanksgiving plates. These extra-special garlic mashed potatoes are loaded with flavor.
• Turkey Gravy. For many, the gravy is as important as the turkey. Our suggestions are quick and simple, letting the main flavors shine.
• Cranberry Sauce. Cranberry sauce has a lot of variations, and can easily take on citrus flavoring, liqueur, or spices without losing its character.
Sweet Potato and Yam Sides. Sweet potatoes and yams are mistakenly thought of as the same thing. ...
Vegetable Sides (Cooked) Vegetable sides are as varied as there are vegetables. Brussels sprouts are definitely a holiday favorite.
Salads. Salads have taken over holiday tables and the options are so numerous and flavorful that it's hard just to pick a few that best complement your mains.
Rolls. Even if your dinner menu is already a bounty of dishes, rolls have a key part to play in Thanksgiving dinner.
Apple Pie. Homemade apple pie is a staple on Thanksgiving tables. Our classic apple pie uses cinnamon and nutmeg to perfume tart apples.
Classic Autumn Pumpkin Pie. Like apple pie, pumpkin pie is a dessert you absolutely can't skip. Most people have one slice of each!

Full Answer

How to make a Thanksgiving menu?

Instructions

1. Make the fries Prepare the fries according to the package directions. Remove the fries from the oven, let them cool slightly and divide them among 4 plates.
2. Pile on the good stuff Top each pile of fries with turkey, stuffing, gravy and cheese curds.
3. Top it off

How to plan your Thanksgiving menu?

Part 2 of 3: The Day Before Thanksgiving

1. Start cooking the day before Thanksgiving. This is particularly important if you are planning on baking pie (s).
2. Set your table. While your guests won't be arriving until the next day, it is still extremely helpful to set your table the day before.
3. Buy some flowers. ...
4. Clean your house. ...

What is the best Thanksgiving dinner menu?

We’ve got the perfect Southern dinner menu

• Main dishes:
• Virginia Willis’ Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs with Herbed Grits. ...
• Standing Rib Roast with Horseradish Cream. ...
• Spatchcocked Herb Roasted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy. ...
• Side dishes:
• Green Beans with Almond Brown Butter. ...
• Fire-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans. ...
• Brussels Sprouts with Country Ham. ...
• Desserts:
• Eggnog Panna Cotta with Bourbon Cherry Sauce. ...

More items...

What are some Thanksgiving menu ideas?

Most Popular

• Follow Our Step-by-Step Guide to Make Perfect Stuffing Every Single Time. ...
• Our Thanksgiving Roll and Biscuit Recipes Will Seriously Upgrade Your Holiday Bread Basket. ...
• 40 Sensational Thanksgiving Pies and Tarts. ...
• Serve These Festive Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Your Next Holiday Party. ...
• Beyond Turkey: Our Very Best Thanksgiving Main Dishes. ...

What is a basic Thanksgiving dinner menu?

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner consists of roast turkey, turkey stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, corn, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.

What is a good Thanksgiving menu?

Main Course:Butter-and-Herb Roast Turkey.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.More items...•

What are the top 10 Thanksgiving side dishes?

Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side DishesNew Green Bean Casserole.Sweet Potato Casserole. ... Baked Cranberry Sauce. ... Cauliflower Blossom. ... Butternut Squash Mash. ... Creamy Corn for a Crowd. ... Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits. ... Best Bacon Sprouts. ... More items...

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes?

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, most would agree the roast turkey is the star of the table....The best (and worst) sides just might surprise you — or maybe not.Mashed Potatoes.Stuffing. ... Macaroni and Cheese. ... Rolls. ... Cranberry Sauce. ... Green Bean Casserole. ... Sweet Potato Casserole. ... Brussel Sprouts. ... More items...•

What are the Top 5 Thanksgiving dishes?

Top 5 Thanksgiving foods, rankedStuffing. Stuffing/Shutterstock.Mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes/Shutterstock. ... Pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie/Shutterstock. ... Homemade cranberry sauce. Cranberry sauce/Shutterstock. ... Turkey. Roast turkey/Shutterstock. ...

What is the most popular Thanksgiving food?

Thanksgiving dinner is an important tradition for Americans and this day is among the most popular holidays in the country. According to a survey conducted in 2020, the most popular Thanksgiving dishes in the United States were turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing or dressing.

What is America's favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

mashed potatoesTopping the list was mashed potatoes, with nine states claiming it as their favorite. Last year, 10 states said mashed potatoes, but the fact of the matter holds up: Americans love potatoes on Turkey Day.

How many side dishes should you have for Thanksgiving?

2Of course it depends on how many people you will have at dinner, but the more options you can provide, the better. You want to have at least 2 of each type of side – 2 vegetable sides, 2 starches, 2 desserts.

What Thanksgiving food can I make ahead of time?

7 Thanksgiving Dishes You Should Always Make Ahead (and 5 You Should Never)Stuffing. "We always make my mom's sweet potato stuffing ahead of time. ... Casseroles. ... Mise en place. ... Gravy. ... Most desserts. ... Turkey and chicken stock. ... Brussels Sprouts. ... Rolls.More items...•

What are the 2 most popular main dishes for Thanksgiving?

The top item to emerge from the trials was America's Thanksgiving classic — turkey — which won 83% of its matchups. Turkey was followed by mashed potatoes, which won 78% of its contests and narrowly beat out stuffing or dressing (77%) for the title of best Thanksgiving side dish.

What is the least popular Thanksgiving side dish?

Survey tells us America's most disliked Thanksgiving side dishGreen bean casserole: 25%Cranberry sauce: 24%Sweet potato casserole: 21%Stuffing: 12%Salad: 12%Mashed potatoes: 8%Dinner rolls: 7%

What is a traditional American Christmas dinner?

Traditional Christmas dinner features turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. Other types of poultry, roast beef, or ham, are also used. Pumpkin or apple pie, raisin pudding, Christmas pudding, or fruitcake are staples for dessert.

How many side dishes should you have for Thanksgiving?

2Of course it depends on how many people you will have at dinner, but the more options you can provide, the better. You want to have at least 2 of each type of side – 2 vegetable sides, 2 starches, 2 desserts.

What is a traditional American Christmas dinner?

Traditional Christmas dinner features turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. Other types of poultry, roast beef, or ham, are also used. Pumpkin or apple pie, raisin pudding, Christmas pudding, or fruitcake are staples for dessert.

What should I serve with turkey?

What To Serve With TurkeyCandied Yams.Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes.Roasted Green Beans.Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts.Microwave Carrots.Green Bean Casserole With Bacon.Cheesy Baked Cauliflower.More items...

What can I make ahead of time for Thanksgiving dinner?

7 Thanksgiving Dishes You Should Always Make Ahead (and 5 You Should Never)Stuffing. "We always make my mom's sweet potato stuffing ahead of time. ... Casseroles. ... Mise en place. ... Gravy. ... Most desserts. ... Turkey and chicken stock. ... Brussels Sprouts. ... Rolls.More items...•

Modern Thanksgiving

A beautiful bird, scrumptious stuffing, and easy colorful sides come together in this bountiful menu that gives you plenty to celebrate. (Serves 10.)

Classic Thanksgiving Dinner

A bit of planning and advanced preparation of desserts and side dishes will help ensure an easy, stress-free Thanksgiving dinner. (Serves 10.)

Family-Friendly Thanksgiving

When you follow our plan to prepare a meal the whole family is certain to enjoy, Thanksgiving Day becomes a lot more relaxing. (Serves 8.)

Essential Thanksgiving

Set out a regal herb-rubbed turkey and a cornucopia of side dishes for an impressive spread that's easier than ever. (Serves 10.)

Down-Home Southern Thanksgiving

Get together with family and friends for a Thanksgiving feast that celebrates unfussy, tasty Southern classics. (Serves 8-10.)

Traditional Thanksgiving

Celebrate the oldest American holiday with this classic, easy Thanksgiving menu. (Serves 8.)

Elegant Thanksgiving

Prepare a classic feast with ease using this simple menu -- you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time having fun at the table. We share the secret to a golden, juicy turkey, plus easy recipes for the holiday side dishes you love, including stuffing and sweet potatoes. (Serves 8-10.)

Easy Thanksgiving Menus

Breeze through Thanksgiving and lap up the compliments with these EASY Thanksgiving Menu ideas! Make ahead tips, mix and match, tips for how to create a menu, and most importantly, recipes that work and taste even better than they look!

A REALLY EASY THANKSGIVING MENU

This is my easiest Thanksgiving menu that requires no advance preparation (e.g. brining). The recipes are straight forward, and much of it can be prepared in advance, if you so choose. ** See next section to build your own menu using my guide and tips. **

MY THANKSGIVING MENU

I call this “my” Thanksgiving menu, but as my regular readers know, we Aussies don’t celebrate Thanksgiving! So this is the Thanksgiving Menu that I would be making for you, if you were here. This is what I’d make for a traditional Aussie Christmas dinner – except for Pecan Pie. I’d be more likely to make Pavlova!

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR THANKSGIVING MENU

When I am creating a menu for an occasion, the main thing that affects the dishes I choose (other than dietary requirements) is logistics. I’m restricted by oven space, and even stove space and fridge space. Plus, I’m a control freak so when I host a gathering, I want to do everything myself!

MY BEST, EASY THANKSGIVING RECIPES

1. JUICY SLOW COOKER TURKEY BREAST (Very Easy • No brining • Best served fresh • Recipe Video provided)

SO. MUCH. GOOD. FOOD!!!

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How long does it take to cook a turkey in a kettle?

Cut in half or quarter and place in a kettle or pot of cold water. Your potatoes will take approximately 45 minutes to cook. Bring them to a boil approximately one hour before your turkey is finished roasting.

Can you thaw a turkey in the refrigerator?

If your turkey is frozen, please follow the instructions on how to properly and safely thaw your turkey either in the refrigerator or in a sink filled with cold (not hot) water. Make sure to allow plenty of time for it to thaw. Never thaw a frozen turkey on the counter as bacteria can develop in poultry when thawed in this manner.

What is the main dish of Thanksgiving?

Turkey. The roast turkey is the quintessential main dish for Thanksgiving feasts. Remember that no matter what you choose to make, the key to a successful dinner is having a turkey large enough to feed everybody – and to have some leftovers for yourself. Try these recommendations for the star of the show: This roast turkey recipe includes ...

Why are rolls important for Thanksgiving?

They are a beautiful and soft vehicle to clean your plate and are sought after because of the buttery and flaky texture. Try these bready suggestions:

What is dripping less gravy?

A dripping-less gravy is a smart solution if you aren't cooking a turkey. Lard and chicken or beef make this a rich and silky gravy. A more elaborate take on gravy, this cider bacon gravy recipe uses the drippings from a bacon turkey roast and adds herbs, tomatoes, and roasted onions for an extraordinarily rich gravy.

What is the best spice to use in apple pie?

Our classic apple pie uses cinnamon and nutmeg to perfume tart apples. You can serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For an alternative look, use this apple phyllo pie, which is as beautiful to look at as it is tasty to eat.

Is gravy as good as turkey?

For many, the gravy is as important as the turkey. Our suggestions are quick and simple, letting the main flavors shine. Your gravy should be thick and as flavorful as your roast and these recipes do exactly that: This classic Southern turkey gravy is rich and delicious.

Can you bake a turkey with bacon?

It also gives you the instructions for how to bake the turkey if you prefer to leave it unstuffed. A roast turkey with bacon will be a crowd-pleaser. The bacon helps keep the moisture on the turkey meat, giving it a smoky flavor and a juicy finish.

Can cranberry sauce be used on turkey?

Cranberry sauce has a lot of variations, and can easily take on citrus flavoring, liqueur, or spices without losing its character. Our collection of cranberry recipes offers quick and flavorful preparations that will compliment your turkey roast or ham:

What fruit goes well with cranberry pie?

Opt for a sturdy, tart apple variety such as Granny Smith to play nicely with the sweet-tart cranberries.

Can you bake cheesy rolls before Thanksgiving?

Or give yourself some extra time for last-minute preparation by baking and freezing them ahead of time. No matter which route you choose, these semi-homemade buttery, cheesy rolls are definitely deserving of a spot at your Thanksgiving table, even if you're making a small meal.

Can you have a feast for just a few?

A feast fit for just a few? Yes, it exists! Just because you're cooking for a smaller crowd doesn't mean you can't serve up a classic Thanksgiving meal to remember. These recipes will help make your small Thanksgiving dinner an intimate affair, but you'll still have some tasty leftovers to dig into the next day.

Can you serve a turkey breast on Thanksgiving?

If you don't want the friends at your small Thanksgiving dinner to miss out on the turkey experience, try serving a turkey breast instead of an entire bird. This Greek-inspired recipe will fit right on your classic Thanksgiving menu, but it only serves six so you won't be overwhelmed with leftovers if you're cooking for just a few. This turkey breast recipe is impressive for a crowd—but in a more reasonable portion size for a small Thanksgiving menu.

Essential tools for cooking Thanksgiving dinner

Before we dive into the cooking, I want to mention a few tools that will come in handy for making this meal.

Easiest Thanksgiving menu

On to the recipes! Each of these serves 8 to 10, so it's a perfect menu for a medium-size group.

Thanksgiving menu timeline

Deciding on what recipes to make is only half of the story. You also need a plan for what to cook when. Follow this suggested timeline to avoid feeling frazzled before the feast.

Thanksgiving table decoration ideas

While the turkey is in the oven and I have some hands-free time, I like to decorate the table. If you have space, you could also set the table a day or two in advance. (Our table is often used for Transformers or Angry Birds battles, so I generally opt to wait until the day-of.)

What can guests bring for Thanksgiving?

We’ve all been asked this before, and instead of saying “just yourselves” (totally an okay option), why not give guests a suggestion?

Keep dreaming about your Thanksgiving feast

Looking for more tips, or ideas for customizing your menu? We've got big helpings of each in these next articles.