Basic Thanksgiving Menu List: Planning a Feast for Family and Friends
Hey readers,
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, lots of delicious food. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, you may find yourself wondering what to make. We’ve compiled a comprehensive menu list to help you plan a festive feast that will impress your guests.
Appetizers
Cranberry Brie Bites: These bite-sized appetizers combine the tartness of cranberries with the creamy richness of brie for a delightful start to your Thanksgiving feast.
Spinach Artichoke Dip with Homemade Tortilla Chips: This classic dip is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with homemade tortilla chips for a delicious and festive snack.
Salads
Autumn Harvest Salad: This vibrant salad features fresh seasonal produce like apples, pears, cranberries, and walnuts. Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing start to your Thanksgiving meal.
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate and Pecans: This unique salad combines roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet pomegranate arils and crunchy pecans. Drizzle with a light honey mustard vinaigrette for a flavorful side dish.
Entrees
Traditional Roasted Turkey: The star of the Thanksgiving meal, a perfectly roasted turkey is a must-have. Season with herbs and aromatics for a classic yet delicious centerpiece.
Honey Glazed Ham: If you prefer pork over poultry, opt for a honey glazed ham. The sweet and savory glaze will melt in your mouth, making it a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping: For a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option, prepare a shepherd’s pie with a creamy vegetable filling topped with a sweet potato topping.
Side Dishes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple. Whip them to perfection and add a pat of butter for extra richness.
Roasted Vegetables with Garlic and Herbs: Toss your favorite vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts with garlic and herbs for a flavorful side dish that pairs well with any entree.
Cranberry Sauce: No Thanksgiving meal is complete without cranberry sauce. Make your own with fresh cranberries, sugar, and spices for a tart and tangy accompaniment to your turkey.
Desserts
Pumpkin Pie: The quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie is a must-have. With its creamy pumpkin filling and flaky crust, it’s a classic for a reason.
Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Streusel: For a comforting and cozy dessert, try an apple crumble with a sweet cinnamon streusel topping. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Detailed Breakdown
| Course | Dish |
|---|---|
| Appetizers | Cranberry Brie Bites |
| Appetizers | Spinach Artichoke Dip with Homemade Tortilla Chips |
| Salads | Autumn Harvest Salad |
| Salads | Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate and Pecans |
| Entrees | Traditional Roasted Turkey |
| Entrees | Honey Glazed Ham |
| Entrees | Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping |
| Side Dishes | Creamy Mashed Potatoes |
| Side Dishes | Roasted Vegetables with Garlic and Herbs |
| Side Dishes | Cranberry Sauce |
| Desserts | Pumpkin Pie |
| Desserts | Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Streusel |
Conclusion
This “Basic Thanksgiving Menu List” provides a comprehensive guide to help you plan a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast. From classic dishes like roasted turkey and mashed potatoes to festive appetizers and sweet treats, you’ll find everything you need to satisfy your guests and create lasting memories.
Be sure to check out our other articles for more Thanksgiving inspiration, including tips on table setting, DIY decorations, and hosting the perfect Thanksgiving gathering. Happy Thanksgiving!
FAQ about Basic Thanksgiving Menu List
What are the essential dishes for a basic Thanksgiving menu?
- Roast turkey with gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing
- Cranberry sauce
- Sweet potato casserole
- Dinner rolls
What are some side dishes that go well with turkey?
- Roasted vegetables (e.g., carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts)
- Green bean casserole
- Creamy spinach
- Baked mac and cheese
What type of bread is best for Thanksgiving dinner?
- Dinner rolls are a classic choice, but you can also serve cornbread, biscuits, or sourdough bread.
What desserts are popular for Thanksgiving?
- Pumpkin pie
- Apple pie
- Pecan pie
- Cheesecake
- Chocolate cake
What type of gravy is best for turkey?
- Turkey gravy is traditionally made from the drippings from the roasted turkey. You can also use store-bought gravy or make your own from scratch using chicken or beef stock.
How do I make mashed potatoes?
- Peel and cut potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until tender. Drain and mash until smooth. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
How do I make stuffing?
- Sauté onions and celery in butter. Stir in bread cubes, broth, herbs, and seasonings. Bake in a covered dish until heated through.
How do I make cranberry sauce?
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until thickened.
How do I make sweet potato casserole?
- Bake sweet potatoes until tender. Scoop out the flesh and mash. Add butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk. Top with marshmallows and bake until golden brown.
How do I bake dinner rolls?
- Prepare dinner roll dough according to the package directions. Let rise until doubled in size. Punch down and shape into rolls. Bake until golden brown.