70 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

Introduction

Nothing brings friends and family together like Thanksgiving dinner. With its combination of classic comfort foods and new favorites, Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to celebrate tradition while also trying something deliciously different. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate meal, these 70 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas ensure your holiday table is both crowd-pleasing and memorable.

The Ultimate Collection of Thanksgiving Dishes

The heart of Thanksgiving lies in its inviting, bountiful menu. From juicy roast turkeys to inventive sides and decadent desserts, a blend of time-honored dishes and creative twists makes for a holiday meal everyone looks forward to all year. This curated list combines must-have staples with show-stopping new contenders, making it easy for you to craft the perfect feast—no matter your cooking experience or guest list size.

Planning the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner

A well-thought-out Thanksgiving menu ensures that every part of the meal, from appetizers to dessert, ties together beautifully. The key? A balance of textures, flavors, and colors, complemented by easy-to-prep dishes so you can spend more time with your guests and less in the kitchen. Many of these ideas can be prepared ahead, making day-of cooking stress-free.

Classic Mains & Show-Stopping Centerpieces

1. Herb-Roasted Whole Turkey
2. Cajun Spiced Roasted Turkey
3. Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
4. Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken
5. Bourbon Maple Glazed Salmon
6. Stuffed Acorn Squash (vegetarian option)
7. Cranberry Orange Pork Loin
8. Roasted Duck with Cherry Sauce
9. Lentil Nut Loaf (vegan)
10. Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce

Essential Sides: Classic and Creative

11. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
12. Sage-Apple Stuffing
13. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
14. Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
15. Green Bean Almondine
16. Caramelized Onion Gravy
17. Maple-Glazed Carrots
18. Brussels Sprouts au Gratin
19. Cornbread Dressing
20. Roasted Cauliflower with Parsley Gremolata
21. Creamed Spinach
22. Honeynut Squash Mash
23. Wild Rice Pilaf
24. Broccoli Cheese Casserole
25. Cranberry-Pomegranate Relish
26. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
27. Herbed Mushroom Stuffing
28. Sausage Cranberry Stuffing
29. Brown Butter Baby Carrots
30. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Appetizers to Kick Off Your Feast

31. Deviled Eggs with Smoked Paprika
32. Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
33. Sweet Potato Crostini
34. Pumpkin Sage Soup
35. Roasted Garlic Hummus with Pita Chips
36. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
37. Stuffed Mushrooms
38. Whipped Feta Dip with Dukkah
39. Mini Crab Cakes
40. Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts

Breads and Rolls

41. Buttery Dinner Rolls
42. Pumpkin Bread
43. Cheddar Chive Biscuits
44. Cranberry-Walnut Bread
45. Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
46. Corn Muffins

Veggie-Forward & Vegan Picks

47. Vegan Wellies (Mushroom Wellington)
48. Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri
49. Spiced Roasted Chickpeas
50. Maple Miso Glazed Root Veggies

Desserts to End on a Sweet Note

51. Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust
52. Classic Pecan Pie
53. Apple Cranberry Crisp
54. Sweet Potato Pie
55. French Silk Chocolate Pie
56. Maple Bread Pudding
57. Bourbon Peach Cobbler
58. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
59. Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
60. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

Finishing Touches and Sauces

61. Homemade Turkey Gravy
62. Cranberry Orange Sauce
63. Shallot & Herb Butter
64. Classic Apple Chutney
65. Spiced Pear Compote

Beverages and Festive Drinks

66. Mulled Apple Cider
67. Cranberry Margarita Pitcher
68. Thanksgiving Sangria
69. Pomegranate Ginger Fizz
70. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these recipes to automatically generate a full, sorted shopping list for your Thanksgiving menu—making grocery trips and meal planning a breeze.

Instructions

1. **Plan your menu:** Select 1 main, 3-5 sides, 1-2 appetizers, 1-2 breads, and 1-2 desserts for a balanced spread.
2. **Gather your ingredients:** Use the shopping list above, and don’t forget pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and flour.
3. **Prep in advance:** Make cranberry sauce, gravy, and many sides a day or two ahead. Breads and desserts can also be prepped early.
4. **Cook main dishes:** Start your turkey or main centerpiece early, allowing for appropriate rest time.
5. **Bake sides and breads:** While the turkey rests, bake sides and freshly warm breads.
6. **Plate and serve:** Arrange dishes buffet-style or serve family-style, garnishing main dishes and desserts for a festive touch.
7. **Enjoy with your favorite beverage:** Pair with a festive drink for a complete Thanksgiving experience.

Weekly Meal Planning

Thanksgiving leftovers make excellent meals for the rest of the week. Save and schedule your Thanksgiving recipes to organize when to cook and what to repurpose for lunches and dinners. CookifyAI auto-generates composite shopping lists, helps avoid overbuying, and keeps your meal prep streamlined.

**Planning Benefits:**
– Summarizes total ingredient amounts across all dishes you plan to make
– Groups ingredients by grocery store departments
– Eliminates duplicate items, reducing waste
– Suggests creative ways to use leftovers in the days after your feast

Pro tip: Batch-cook veggies and proteins to save time, or plan to turn roasted turkey into sandwiches, soups, and salads. Let CookifyAI help you schedule each meal and streamline your holiday (and post-holiday) shopping experience!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 1–3 hours (depending on menu size and number of dishes)
Cook Time: 2–5 hours (main dish and sides; many can be made simultaneously)
Total Time: 3–7 hours (from advance prep to the finished meal; plan for a full day or split over two days)