Easy Thanksgiving Menu (with Printable Menus!)

Tired of searching the internet for a collection of recipes to serve at your holiday dinner this year? Look no further! I have compiled the perfect Thanksgiving menu for you, all in one place.

Planning your Thanksgiving menu doesn't have to be stressful! Whether you're hosting your first big dinner, you're a seasoned Thanksgiving pro, or you're just tired of searching the internet for recipes, this easy Thanksgiving menu has everything you need for a seamless, delicious holiday meal. From the juiciest roast turkey and cozy make-ahead side dishes to festive fall desserts, we've got all your bases covered - plus free printable Thanksgiving menus to make planning even easier.

Think of this as your one-stop shop for curating the perfect Thanksgiving dinner menu. You'll find inspiration for every part of the meal - from savory mains to sweet endings - all organized so you can pick and choose, mix and match, or simply print one of our ready-made menus below.

Whether you're feeding a small group, sticking to the classics, or looking for a stress-free make-ahead plan, there's a printable menu here for you. Let's dive in and start planning your best Thanksgiving yet!

Jump to:

• The Ultimate Thanksgiving Menu at a Glance
• Classic Thanksgiving Mains
• Easy Thanksgiving Starters
• Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes
• Thanksgiving Sauces and Gravy
• Thanksgiving Desserts to End on a Sweet Note
• Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
• Thanksgiving Prep Tips and Timeline
• Printable Thanksgiving Menus
• Tried any of these Thanksgiving recipes?
• Recipe
• Comments

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Menu at a Glance

Not sure where to start? We've made it easy for you! Download our free printable Thanksgiving Menu Pack - a beautifully designed 5-page PDF that includes five themed Thanksgiving menus to fit every hosting style.

Each menu is perfectly balanced with mains, sides, and desserts that complement each other, so all you have to do is choose your favorite and start cooking!

What's Inside the Printable Pack:

1. Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner - Classic Thanksgiving recipes for the ultimate holiday feast with turkey, gravy, stuffing, and pie.
2. Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Menu - Dishes you can prep days in advance for a stress-free dinner.
3. Small Family Thanksgiving Menu - Scaled for smaller gatherings without sacrificing flavor.
4. Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu - Cozy, hearty dishes full of fall produce (no turkey needed!).
5. Simple No-Fuss Thanksgiving Menu - All the classics, streamlined for easy cooking.

Classic Thanksgiving Mains

The main event deserves a lot of love - and these recipes deliver. Whether you're going classic and roasting a tender Thanksgiving turkey with garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg, or serving something unexpected for the fan of turkey alternatives (like ham or vegetarian mains), these dishes make every Thanksgiving table shine.

Roast Turkey Recipes

Alternative Mains (Ham, Chicken, Vegetarian Options)

Easy Thanksgiving Starters

Kick off your feast with something light, seasonal, and delicious. These Thanksgiving starters set the tone for the meal ahead - simple enough to prepare while the turkey cooks, yet elegant enough to make your table feel special.

Warm up your guests with comforting Thanksgiving soups or crisp, fresh salads like crreamy butternut squash soup with a drizzle of honey, or a cozy kale salad or shaved brussels sprouts salad that balances richness with freshness. Most of these easy starters can be prepped ahead and tucked into the fridge - perfect for a calm Sunday cooking session before the big day.

Thanksgiving Soups

Fresh Fall Salads

Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a lineup of comforting, crowd-pleasing side dishes. From creamy mashed potatoes and roasted squash to buttery homemade dinner rolls and sweet cornbread, to sweet potato casserole topped with gooey marshmallows, and crispy green bean casserole baked to perfection, these recipes are truly the heart of the feast.

Mix and match your favorites, or build your own custom side spread from the ideas below.

Potato Sides (Mashed, Roasted)

Sweet Potato Sides

Squash and Root Vegetables

Brussels Sprouts Sides

Vegetable Sides (Green Beans, Carrots, Corn)

Stuffing

Bread

Casseroles and Bakes

Comfort food fans, this section's for you. From golden-topped mac and cheese recipes to savory vegetable bakes layered with bacon, onion, and garlic, these dishes are cozy, creamy, and perfectly at home on your Thanksgiving menu.

Thanksgiving Sauces and Gravy

No holiday plate is complete without something rich and saucy to tie it all together. Whether it's classic turkey gravy, a flavorful pan sauce, or a bright, tangy cranberry sauce, these recipes bring everything on your plate to life. You'll find make-ahead options too, so there's no last-minute stress at the stove.

Thanksgiving Desserts to End on a Sweet Note

After the turkey and trimmings, it's time for something sweet. From traditional pumpkin and pecan pies to indulgent cheesecakes and seasonal cookies, these Thanksgiving desserts are the perfect grand finale to your feast. Each one brings cozy fall flavors and just the right amount of wow factor for your guests at the holiday table.

Thanksgiving Pies (Pumpkin, Apple, Pecan)

Cakes and Cheesecakes

Cookies and Bars

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

Keep the celebration going with these creative Thanksgiving leftover ideas that give your feast a second life. From hearty soups and sandwiches to cozy casseroles, these recipes make the most of every bite - because Thanksgiving flavors deserve an encore.

Printable Thanksgiving Menus

Now that you've seen all the recipes and ideas, it's time to bring it all together! Download our free printable Thanksgiving Menu Pack for five curated menus designed to make planning easier - plus a matching shopping list to keep you organized.

Each printable includes a perfectly balanced combination of mains, sides, and desserts that work beautifully together.

Here's what's inside the pack:

1. Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner - The full feast with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pie.
2. Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Menu - Prep-friendly recipes for a stress-free holiday.
3. Small Family Thanksgiving Menu - Scaled-down dishes with all the flavor.
4. Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu - Cozy, hearty fall favorites with no turkey needed.
5. Simple No-Fuss Thanksgiving Menu - All the classics, simplified for easy cooking.

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This post was first published in 2018. It has since been completely reorganized with updated content.