Our Classic Thanksgiving Menu includes our popular turkey recipe and all the most traditional side dishes, plus a printable grocery list and make-ahead instructions.
The classics are here, but I have tons more Thanksgiving recipes like Cranberry Sauce, Perfect Pie Crust, Broccoli Casserole, Cornbread Dressing, or Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Vegetables.
You can save or customize this Thanksgiving meal plan to your own recipe collection– just click here.
Our traditional Thanksgiving Menu, and how you can make it stress free.
Our traditional Thanksgiving Menu, and how you can make it stress free.I have decades of experiences hosting my own Thanksgiving gathering, and helping my mom host every year when I was young. I'm passionate you can plan a beautiful Thanksgiving menu and not slave away in the kitchen the day of Thanksgiving. Just follow our tips for prepping items ahead of time, and you'll have plenty of time to enjoy chatting with family and friends.
If you are fortunate to have leftovers after the big meal, check out my leftover turkey recipes.
Print Shopping List
Make Ahead Tips:
- Allow the turkey plenty of time to thaw. Plan for one day in the fridge for every 5 pounds of turkey. I always do this but also give myself one extra day, just to be safe.
- Mix together the herb butter and store in the fridge days ahead.
- The veggies can be chopped ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Assemble stuffing, but don't bake it. Store in a casserole dish or resealable bag and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Bake in a casserole dish at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until warmed and slightly crisp on top.
- Potatoes absorb moisture as they rest, so add a little extra milk to make them very soft. Transfer to a casserole dish, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 days. Remove from fridge 1 hour before baking. Taste and add any additional seasonings or milk. Cover and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until warm. They could also be reheated on the stove in a saucepan, or in the microwave.
- The sweet potato filling can be made 1-2 days in advance. Smooth it in your baking dish, cover and store in the fridge. Make the topping and store in a separate container. Remove from fridge 1 hour before baking, add topping and bake as directed.
- Make roll dough, cover, refrigerate overnight for first rise. In the morning, resume the recipe with punching the dough down, then shaping.
- To Freeze: Allow baked rolls to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or rewarm in the oven or microwave.
- Follow the instructions to make the gravy, allowing it to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 days.
- To Reheat: Pour gravy into a saucepan and add a couple tablespoons water or chicken broth to thin it to your liking. Heat on medium low, stirring often, until warm (about 15 minutes).
Print Shopping List
Print Thanksgiving Prep Timeline
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Don't Forget About the Pie!
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pecan Pie
- Coconut Cream Pie
- Lemon Cream Pie
- Apple Pie
- Key Lime Pie
- Cherry Pie
- Triple Berry Pie
- Chocolate Cream Pie
- Banana Cream Pie
- German Chocolate Pie
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When we were little we lived in a small town in Idaho while the rest of our family lived in Southern California. Thanksgiving was just our family & my mom loved cranberry sauce but she was always the only one who would eat it. She was determined to enjoy cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving and get her 6 little children to enjoy it with her. All of us kids loved jello so after a few attempts she made the recipe that none of us can have Thanksgiving without. That was 40+ years ago. It’s what Thanksgiving is to me. I can go without all the traditional fixings but I can’t go without cranberry sauce jello. That’s what is so great about food. It’s the memories it connects us to. I made your rolls for Thanksgiving a couple years ago & they truly are the best & now we have to have them!!
Lovely menu
I am so excited to make this Thanksgiving turkey for our church potluck. I will comment on how well they like it.
These all sound like great recipes! Just wondering if you ever have Green Bean Casserole? It’s a tradition for us.
Thank you for the recipes! They’re mouthwatering!
Hi Sabrina, thank you! I don’t. It’s the one recipe I always joke I wont share because I don’t like it (especially with canned cream of soups added). I just prefer fresh green beans.
Best Thanksgiving turkey dinner and entrees
Good stuff !
Hi..lm Zakhele from South Africa..l just cant waite to taste these beautiful foods that are on these recipes..l know you will help me as l will be starting a business..l want to start a bakery in the new year..Thanks again..
Thanks for this list and all of the tips. I’m just wondering how many people this will serve? Thanks again. This is very handy!!!
Lauren you are a classic cook ,love your recipes , thank you for sharing.!!
Once again, great idea for us newbies.