Thanksgiving Menus

When it comes to cooking and eating...nothing beats a Thanksgiving Menu

Planning an affordable, effortless Thanksgiving menu that includes a variety of inexpensive sides along with both traditional and unconventional dishes is an excellent idea!

The lucky cooks (yes, I said lucky) of this important meal know that planning ahead is the key.  Look for sales on non-perishable items early and buy in bulk when you can. Purchase items like potatoes, carrots, and onions in larger quantities, as they are often less expensive. 

Oyster Stuffing

Cook from scratch and prepare homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes.  It's usually cheaper (and much better tasting) than buying pre-made versions. 

Also, you can stretch your budget with less expensive sides. Oven or air fryer roast seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are affordable and can be roasted with olive oil and spices for flavor. Check out how to roast vegetables.  

Plan on non-traditional dishes such as a baked pasta, homemade soup, or a refreshing fruit or green salad.  

Please enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Chef Deb

***Cut the work in half!  See ideas for cooking in advance, holiday cooking tips and holiday cooking for a crowd 

Thanksgiving Menus

New Favorites Thanksgiving Menu

The oyster dressing and sweet potato salad makes this a unique menu. Serve with your favorite dessert

Vegetable Crudités
Serve with 2-3 Dipping Sauces 

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Appetizers
Serve with flatbread crackers or homemade croutes

Herb Butter-Brushed Turkey with Pan Gravy

Brandied Cranberry and Cherry Relish

Sweet Potato and Arugula Salad

Mom's Oyster Dressing

Roasted Carrots

Mostly Easy Thanksgiving Menu

Curried Pumpkin and Apple Soup
Substitute 1 generous teaspoon curry powder for the cinnamon
Delicious with Cheddar cheese crackers or bread

Maple-Glazed Turkey with Pecan Gravy

Potatoes Au Gratin
or
Rich Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Glazed Carrots

Simple Tossed Salad

Favorite Cranberry Sauce

Rolls or Bread

Pear Pie with Spicy Crumb Topping

Thanksgiving for a Crowd
Serves 15-20 Guests

Sweet and Sassy Shrimp Kebabs

Tapenade

Herb-Rubbed Turkey with Roasted-Garlic Gravy

Pecan Cornbread Stuffing
Add 1½ cups chopped, oven-roasted pecans

Gratin of Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon

Buttered Peas

Waldorf Salad
Halve recipe to serve 25

Favorite Cherry Pie

Savory and Sweet

Italian Tomato Bruschetta
Or purchased appetizers in pastry

Pineapple Glazed Turkey Breast

Herb-Crusted Sirloin Tip Roast with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Sweet Potato Soufflé

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Orange Vinaigrette

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Use a sweet and tangy vinaigrette here

Chocolate Toffee Trifle

New Orleans Thanksgiving Menu

Give thanks with New Orleans style dishes. Life is made "Big Easy" by purchasing the smoked turkey...ready to heat and eat!  

Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

Crab Stuffed Baby Peppers

Mardi Gras Salad

Purchased Smoked Turkey
or other Turkey Recipe

Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing with Pecans

Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Thyme

Green Beans with Mushrooms
Saute sliced mushrooms in butter. Add to hot green beans

Cranberry Orange Sauce
Add strips of orange peel to your favorite recipe. Remove before serving

Apple Pie with Ice Cream and Praline Sauce

Bring on the Heat Thanksgiving Menu

Warm spices and flavors create a sizzling and deliciously different menu

Cumin Scented Moroccan Kebabs with Minted Yogurt Dip

Spicy Shrimp Crostini Canape Recipe

Fresh Corn, Avocado and Tomato Salad

Chili-Rubbed Roast Turkey

Chorizo, Cherry and Pecan Cornbread Stuffing

 Rum Orange Cake

Thanksgiving Day Brunch

Perfect for after church or if you are not cooking the "main meal" but would like to otherwise celebrate with family and friends. Start with Champagne cocktails, fruit juices, coffee and tea

Made to Order Omelet Bar
Fillings: crabmeat, green onions, minced shallots, diced tomatoes, chopped mushrooms, white cheese

Sausages with Mustard and Tortillas
Also serve with sour cream

Asparagus Parmesan Rice Salad

Strawberry and Spinach Salad

Holiday Cookies, Fruit Dessert

This Is It Thanksgiving Menu

 Simple, complete and easy to prepare

Finger Sandwiches

Shrimp with Salsa Verde

Turkey of Your Choice

Baked Honey Ham

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Green Beans Italiano

Peach Cobbler

How to Cook Ham

Easy Elegance

Sweet and Spiced Pecans

Mini Crab Cakes with Mango Salsa

Herb-Rubbed Turkey with Roasted-Garlic Gravy

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Green Beans with Mustard and Mushrooms

Mixed Greens and Apple Salad
Place thin, tart apple slices over your favorite mixed greens, dressed with sweet and sour vinaigrette. Add a pinch of Kosher salt and top with finely chopped toasted walnuts if desired

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake

Classic Thanksgiving

This menu is traditional with a few twists.  Add Baked Ham with Orange Sherry Sauce for extra servings and more leftovers!

Butternut Squash Soup

Herb-Rubbed Turkey with Roasted-Garlic Gravy

Sausage, Roasted Pecan and Apple Stuffing

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Streusel Topping

Green Beans with Basil Vinaigrette

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Apple Crisp with Fresh Whipped Cream

Orange Chocolate Pecan Pie

Light Thanksgiving for One or Two

Easy Appetizers

Crab Salad Lettuce Wraps

Slow Roasted Lemon Chicken
or
Pineapple Glazed Turkey Breast
Serve with dinner rolls and butter

Roasted Asparagus

Pea Salad with Bacon and Parmesan Cheese

Pears and Chocolate Sauce