November is here and that means Turkey Day is right around the corner! Start planning early with a little help from this Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Plan and extra tips!
Planning your Thanksgiving Meal
Planning for Thanksgiving can be overwhelming, especially when you have people coming, but if you plan ahead then you will have nothing to worry about! Whether it is getting the timing right, having enough food to feed everyone, choosing your menu, or even roasting your first turkey, I’ve been there and I want to help you so I am sharing the most essential tips and tricks for a stress-free holiday. You’ve got this!
Having a successful Thanksgiving meal does require some planning and prepping (but remember, you can always ask for help or for guests to bring dishes!). I have broken down my top tips into four categories to make sure your meal goes off without a hitch.
Figure Out Your Guest List
First things first – you will need to know how many people will be eating with you on Thanksgiving Day. Estimate the portions to make sure you have enough for everyone, with a little extra just in case or for leftovers the next day. Keep in mind some recipes you may need to double so make sure you have enough ingredients!
Quick Tip: When buying a turkey plan on
1-1.5 lbs of turkey per person (this is by weight BEFORE cooking).
4-6 guests = 6-9 lb turkey
8-10 guests = 10-13 lb turkey
12-15 guests = 15-20 lb turkey
Write Down a Cooking Schedule
You will want to create a cooking schedule to make sure everything is ready at the same time. You don’t want your oven to be double booked!
Writing down all of your dishes and their cooking temperatures and times will help to plan an optimal timing schedule to have dinner ready. You will know when to cook every dish at the precise time according to your cooking schedule so that everything is ready at the same time.
Prep Your Dishes and Table Early
Literally prep the food and dishes ahead of time. Check beforehand to make sure you have enough casserole dishes, pie plates, and baking sheets for everything you plan to make.
Prep your food early. Know when to thaw a frozen turkey. Chop veggies and fruit the day before. Make your pie crusts, cranberry sauce, and most casseroles days before your big meal. Prep your table settings the day before and label your dishes with food assignments so they are ready to go when the food is ready.
Don’t Just Use Your Oven!
Don’t forget that a lot of foods like mashed potatoes, creamed corn, and macaroni & cheese can be made in crockpots, air fryers, or instant pots which will free your oven up for rolls or pie, which is best baked in the oven. And remember, there’s no shame in using disposable foil pans to make clean up easier!
Thawing a Turkey
If you are using a frozen turkey here is a little guideline for how to safely thaw a frozen turkey and how long it might take. You don’t want to bake a frozen turkey!
Be sure to keep the turkey cold and never thaw a turkey at room temperature. Bacteria can grow and multiply quickly if it reaches the danger zone. There are two methods you can use to thaw the turkey. Thawing in the refrigerator takes longer but it is a much more hands off method. Thawing in water is a faster method but in my opinion, is too much of a hassle. But if you are in a pinch or need to thaw just a little quicker, the water method is the way to go.
Planning the Menu
Now on to the good stuff! Here are my top favorite Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes to help plan your perfect meal! This Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Plan has some great, traditional ideas and a few fun new ones you might like to add to your Thanksgiving feast to mix things up! Everything from appetizers and drinks, to the main dish, sides and desserts are covered, helping you come up with a delicious and stress-free (or at least stress-minimum) Thanksgiving feast without a hassle!
And don’t worry, if you’ve never made a turkey before, I have some excellent step by step instructions for the juiciest turkey you’ve ever had with this Easy Roast Turkey Recipe! The turkey is the star of the show and you want it to come out just right.
This can be a big meal and whether you are making the whole thing yourself or bringing something to somebody’s house, this Thanksgiving dinner menu plan is sure to come in handy and inspire you for the upcoming holiday!
Appetizers
Easy Thanksgiving appetizers can be as simple as cranberry-brie bites or classic Chex mix for snacking to hold guests over until the main event or offering a delightful start to the meal without much fuss. These simple Thanksgiving appetizers are quick to prepare and add a festive touch to your holiday spread.
- Crispy Goat Cheese Bites
- Million Dollar Dip
- Garlic Mushrooms
- Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
- Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
- BLT Deviled Eggs from Around My Family Table
- Easy Cheese Dip from The Gingered Whisk
Salads & Sides
The best Thanksgiving side dishes are all about cozy comfort—think buttery mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and a rich, creamy green bean casserole. They’re the kind of classics that everyone looks forward to and that make the whole meal feel special.
- Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
- Cornbread Dressing
- Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings
- My Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad from Love Bakes Good Cakes
- Wild Rice Pear Pecan Salad from Cooking on the Front Burner
- Creamed Spinach with Bacon from Bread Booze Bacon
- Krissy’s Sweet Potato Casserole from Self Proclaimed Foodie
- Caramelized Onion & Cornbread Dressing from Bread Booze Bacon
- Homemade Mashed Potatoes from Around My Family Table
Main Dish
The best Thanksgiving main dishes are all about what makes you and your crew happiest—whether that’s a perfectly roasted turkey, a glazed ham, or even a hearty beef tenderloin roast. It’s all about digging into something that makes the holiday feel special and satisfying.
Beverages
The best Thanksgiving beverages are all about keeping things fun—think spiced apple cider, sparkling cranberry punch, or even homemade eggnog. They’re perfect for sipping while you enjoy the feast and bring a festive touch to the table.
- Traditional Wassail
- Instant Pot Apple & Pear Cider
- Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep
- Pumpkin Juice (Harry Potter Inspired)
- Pomegranate in a Pear Tree Punch
- Holiday Party Punch from Liz on Call
- Autumn Apple & Pear Sangria from Home Cooking Memories
Desserts
The best Thanksgiving desserts are all about variety and indulgence—classic pumpkin pie, of course, but also things like gooey pecan pie bars, creamy cheesecake, and apple crisp. They’re the sweet finishes that make the holiday meal feel complete and delicious.
What is your favorite food that you look forward to each Thanksgiving? (Mine is pie! Check out my pie archives to see all the pie recipes I have shared on the blog!)
