The perfect Thanksgiving menu your guests will love

Thanksgiving is that one magical day a year when we get to gather with family and friends, loosen our belts, and indulge in a feast that leaves us full, happy, and maybe even a little sleepy (thanks, turkey). Whether you’re a seasoned host or it’s your first time cooking the big meal, creating the perfect Thanksgiving menu can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry because I’ve got you. Let’s talk about a Thanksgiving menu that’s delicious, doable, and guaranteed to have your guests going back for seconds and thirds.

Here’s a full rundown of what you’ll need: the star of the show (hello, turkey), a supporting cast of sides, some decadent desserts, and a few extras that will take your meal from good to unforgettable.

Let’s Start With the Star: The Turkey

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey

You can’t have Thanksgiving without turkey. Sure ham or roast beef might make an appearance but the bird is basically the headliner. My go to is an herb butter roasted turkey that’s simple, classic, and full of flavor.

What makes it perfect? The secret is in the butter. Softened butter mixed with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, a little garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub that mixture under the skin and all over the outside. Roast it low and slow until it’s golden brown and juicy. Basting every 30 minutes will give you that crispy, golden skin everyone fights over.

And don’t forget to let it rest before carving. It makes a huge difference in how juicy the meat is. Tip: If you’re short on oven space consider spatchcocking the turkey. It cooks faster and more evenly and it looks super impressive when laid out on the platter.

Sides That Steal the Show

Honestly the sides are where Thanksgiving really shines. You’ve got to have the classics but adding one or two with a twist keeps things interesting. Here’s the perfect lineup:

1. Classic Stuffing or Dressing

Call it what you like stuffing or dressing but it’s a must. My favorite version includes toasted sourdough bread cubes, celery, onions, butter, fresh herbs and just a touch of chicken or turkey stock to keep it moist. Bake it until the top is crispy and golden.

Want to jazz it up? Add sausage, dried cranberries or even chopped apples for a sweet savory flavor combo.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy buttery mashed potatoes are non negotiable. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are your best bet here. Mash them with heavy cream, butter, a touch of garlic and a hint of cream cheese for extra richness. No lumps allowed.

Serve with warm homemade gravy and don’t toss out those turkey drippings!

3. Green Bean Almondine With a Twist

Instead of the traditional green bean casserole try green bean almondine. Blanched green beans tossed in garlic butter with toasted almonds and a splash of lemon juice. It’s fresh, crisp, and adds a little brightness to an otherwise heavy meal.

If your crowd loves the classic you can always make both. (I do.)

4. Sweet Potato Casserole with or without marshmallows

Ah, sweet potatoes. Some like them sweet and some like them savory. I say why not both?

Make a sweet potato casserole with mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and a dash of cinnamon. Top half with a pecan streusel and the other half with toasted marshmallows. That way everyone’s happy.

5. Cranberry Sauce – Yes, It’s Worth Making From Scratch

Put down the can opener. Fresh cranberry sauce is ridiculously easy and 100 times better. Just simmer fresh cranberries, orange juice, zest, and sugar until the berries burst and the sauce thickens. That’s it.

Make it a day or two ahead because it actually tastes better after it sits.

6. Mac and Cheese For the Soul

This one’s a crowd pleaser especially for the kids and honestly adults too. Go with a baked mac and cheese that’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. A blend of sharp cheddar, gouda, and parmesan gives it depth. Trust me it will be gone before the stuffing.

Don’t Forget the Bread

Soft Dinner Rolls

You need something to soak up all that gravy right? Soft buttery dinner rolls are perfect for the job. You can make them from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious or grab some good quality ones from the bakery. Either way serve them warm with whipped butter. Bonus Tip: Make a little herbed compound butter with rosemary, parsley, and garlic. Your guests will be obsessed.

Drinks to Keep the Vibe Cozy

Pair your meal with a few well chosen drinks. You don’t need a full bar just a couple of thoughtful options.

For the Wine Lovers:

• Pinot Noir or Zinfandel for red wine fans

• Chardonnay or Riesling for white wine lovers

For Something Festive:

• A sparkling cranberry punch with ginger ale and fresh citrus

• Apple cider sangria white wine, apple cider, cinnamon sticks and sliced fruit

And of Course:

• Hot apple cider or mulled wine on the stove fills the house with the coziest aroma

Save Room for Dessert

Here’s where things get really good. You can absolutely have more than one dessert because this is Thanksgiving after all.

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie

Smooth, spiced, and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. You can’t skip it. Want to elevate it? Make a graham cracker crust instead of traditional pie dough or add a swirl of maple syrup into the filling.

2. Pecan Pie – The Gooier, The Better

Rich, nutty, and loaded with brown sugar and butter. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or bourbon whipped cream. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle it with a little dark chocolate before serving.

3. Apple Crisp

If pie feels like too much work an apple crisp is a fantastic alternative. Sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a crumbly oat topping. Serve it hot with cold vanilla ice cream and prepare to watch your guests melt.

A Little Something Extra: Appetizers & Nibbles

You don’t need a full spread before the meal but a few small bites keep people happy while the turkey finishes roasting.

Appetizer Ideas:

• Mini baked brie with cranberry sauce in phyllo cups

• Deviled eggs with smoked paprika

• A charcuterie board with cheeses, nuts, fruit, and cured meats

• Butternut squash soup shooters it’s a little fancy but easy to sip

Keep it light because you want them hungry for the main event.

Plan for Leftovers 

Let’s be real the leftovers are just as important as the actual meal. So make extra of the staples and have containers ready for guests to take some home.

Leftover Ideas:

• Turkey sandwiches with stuffing and cranberry sauce

• Sweet potato pancakes

• Thanksgiving hash with leftover veggies and turkey

• Turkey pot pie or soup

Honestly leftover pie for breakfast might be one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Final Touches: Setting the Scene

Even the best menu feels a little flat if the vibe isn’t right. You don’t need to go all out but a few cozy touches go a long way:

• Candles for soft lighting

• A playlist of acoustic or jazz music in the background

• A beautiful centerpiece like mini pumpkins, eucalyptus, or fall leaves

• Cloth napkins or handwritten place cards for an extra touch

Conclusion

At the end of the day Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection it’s about people. The laughter, the stories, the second helpings and the nap on the couch afterward. But having a well thought out menu helps take the stress off your shoulders and lets you enjoy the moment.

So here’s the ultimate Thanksgiving menu your guests will love in quick recap form:

The Full Menu:

• Herb butter roasted turkey

• Classic sourdough stuffing

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Green bean almondine

• Sweet potato casserole (half marshmallow, half pecan)

• Cranberry orange sauce

• Baked mac and cheese

• Soft dinner rolls with herbed butter

• Pumpkin pie

• Pecan pie

• Apple crisp

• Cider punch & wine pairings

• Light appetizers or a small cheese board

And don’t forget the leftovers and containers. Now light those candles, pour the wine, and get ready for a Thanksgiving that feels as good as it tastes.