When it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving, there is no one right way to do it. Whether you’re planning a traditional feast with all the fixings or looking for new and creative ways to enjoy the holiday, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the best traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas and recipes to help make your holiday planning a little easier.
From roasted turkey and mashed potatoes to green beans and pumpkin pie, there are so many delicious dishes that make up a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
If you’re not sure where to start, our collection of recipes has everything you need to make this holiday meal one to remember.
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The 7 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time or are a seasoned pro, these recipes will help make your holiday meal a success. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
This healthy dessert is a great way to balance out your usual indulgences. Instead of a traditional pie, you can prepare a bar with just one or two packages of cream cheese.
Sweet potato cheesecake has a velvety texture and is not too sweet. The spices in the recipe balance the natural sweetness of the sweet potato. In addition to the cream cheese, the ingredients for the cheesecake bar are cream cheese, brown sugar, and nutmeg. The cream cheese layer should be fluffy, and the cream cheese mixture should be smooth. After the cream cheese layer is baked, add the sweet potato mixture and gently swirl it to create a swirled topping.
For the cookie crust, you can use butter cookies or Oreos. Another good option for the base layer is cake mix. The cheesecake can be stored for a week in the freezer. Make sure to slice them before storing them. To serve the cheesecake, remove the pan from the freezer an hour before serving. You can also store the cheesecake in the refrigerator if necessary.
Get the Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Gingersnap Pumpkin Cake
Gingersnap Pumpkin Cake is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast! This moist and flavorful cake is made with real pumpkin, and spices, and also topped with a homemade gingersnap streusel.
This cake is so easy to make and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Simply mix together the ingredients, pour into a baking dish, and bake. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for the cake to cool before diving in!
Once cooled, the cake can be served as is or with a dollop of whipped cream on top. We like to garnish mine with a few extra gingersnaps for good measure.
Get the Gingersnap Pumpkin Cake recipe.
Lattice-Topped Apple Pie
This classic pie is made with a flaky pastry crust and a filling of sweet apples laced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Baked until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown, this pie is sure to be a hit with your guests. Serve it warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream on top.
Get the Lattice-Topped Apple Pie recipe.
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
When it comes to creating the perfect Thanksgiving feast, few dishes are as essential as stuffing. And while there are many delicious stuffing recipes out there, our favorite has to be this Cranberry Apple Stuffing.
Made with fresh cranberries, apples, and a variety of aromatic herbs, this stuffing is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s also incredibly easy to make, which is always a bonus when you’re dealing with holiday cooking.
Get the Cranberry Apple Stuffing recipe.
Butternut Squash Panzanella Salad
Butternut squash Panzanella salad is a unique and delicious way to enjoy butternut squash during the Thanksgiving holiday. This dish is made with roasted butternut squash, fresh bread cubes, and a variety of other seasonal ingredients. The result is a flavorful and healthy salad that is perfect for a Thanksgiving feast.
To make this dish, start by roasting the butternut squash in the oven. Then, add the bread cubes and other ingredients to a large bowl and toss everything together. The key to making this dish successful is to use fresh, seasonal ingredients. This will ensure that your salad is full of flavor and nutrition.
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider is the perfect drink to serve at your Thanksgiving feast! This easy recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare, and the result is a delicious and festive cider that your guests will love.
The best part about this cider is that it can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday dinner party.
Herb-Glazed Turkey
When it comes to holiday dinners, one dish always stands out: the turkey. And while everyone has their own special recipe, our go-to is an herb-glazed turkey that never fails to impress.
The secret ingredient? A blend of honey and corn syrup, which give the bird a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory herbs and seasonings.
What we love most about this recipe is how foolproof it is – every time we make it, we do receive a flurry of compliments from hungry guests.
Get the Herb-Glazed Turkey recipe.