50 Best Thanksgiving Menu Ideas to Try This Year - BeCentsational

50 Best Thanksgiving Menu Ideas to Try This Year

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you’re searching for fresh, exciting recipes to complete your holiday menu, you’ve come to the right place.

Is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, fantastic food.

Whether you’re planning a traditional feast or looking to introduce some new tastes to your table, these Thanksgiving menu ideas will have your guests raving. From savory mains to delectable desserts, get ready to prepare a feast that’ll be remembered for years to come!

A Thanksgiving table with  turkey and side dishes, Thanksgiving menu ideas

Thanksgiving Main Courses

Easy Pork Roast

An easy pork roast is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s simple to prepare yet yields a flavorful and tender meat that pairs wonderfully with traditional side dishes like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

Get roast pork recipe.

Classic Beef and Pork Meatloaf

Top view of sliced classic beef and pork meatloaf.

Give your holiday table a twist with this classic beef and pork meatloaf, blending savory flavors that everyone loves. This hearty dish serves as a great alternative to turkey and works well with Thanksgiving staples such as gravy and roasted vegetables.

Get Meatloaf recipe.

Braised Lamb Shank

A delectable red wine-infused lamb shank pot roast, simmered to perfection, offering a savory and indulgent dining experience.

Braised lamb shank is a luxurious addition to your Thanksgiving menu, slow-cooked to perfection to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness. This dish is often seasoned with rosemary and garlic, infusing it with rich, aromatic flavors that complement any traditional Thanksgiving side.

Get lamb shank recipe.

Paprika Baked Chicken Thighs

Juicy Paprika Baked Chicken Thighs freshly out of the oven, garnished with fresh herbs on a white serving plate.

Paprika baked chicken thighs offer a smoky and spicy alternative to the usual Thanksgiving poultry. These are easy to bake and provide a juicy, flavorful option that goes beautifully with lighter sides like green beans or a fresh salad.

Get Paprika Chicken recipe.

Italian Meatballs

Close-up of succulent meatballs in vibrant tomato sauce, highlighting the depth of color and fresh basil garnish, epitomizing Italian cuisine.

Incorporate a taste of Italy into your Thanksgiving feast with succulent Italian meatballs. These are fantastic when served alongside classic Thanksgiving dishes, or even as part of a festive appetizer platter with dipping sauces.

Get Italian meatball recipe.

Baked Chicken Breast in Garlic Butter Sauce

A golden-brown chicken breast basted in a glossy garlic butter sauce, garnished with freshly chopped herbs.

This dish features chicken breasts baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a deliciously moist and flavorful main course. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs seamlessly with just about any Thanksgiving side, from delicious stuffing to cranberry sauce.

Get Baked Chicken recipe.

Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin

Sliced Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin arranged on a serving dish, displaying the tender, perfectly cooked interior and glazed exterior.

Brown sugar and Dijon mustard come together to create a sweet and tangy glaze that makes this pork loin unforgettable. It’s a fantastic centerpiece that offers a delicious alternative to traditional turkey.

Get Glazed Pork Loin recipe.

Thanksgiving Turkey

This turkey recipe uses a lemon butter injection marinade for deep flavor and moist meat, topped with a simple dry rub for crispy skin and a juicy, tender finish.

Thanksgiving Appetizers

Puff Pastry Cranberry Brie Bites

Homemade Puff Pastry Bites filled with rich Brie cheese and cranberry sauce, presented on a decorative plate with holiday decor in the background.

These puff pastry bites filled with cranberry and brie are the perfect combination of creamy and tart, wrapped in a flaky crust. They are an excellent starter that sets the tone for a festive Thanksgiving meal.

Get Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.

Cranberry and Prosciutto Crostini

Zoomed-in detail of the texture contrast between the crispy baguette, creamy goat cheese, and the toppings of cranberry and prosciutto.

Cranberry and prosciutto crostini blend the saltiness of prosciutto with the tartness of cranberries, providing a delightful balance of flavors on a crispy bread base. This appetizer is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it a great addition to your holiday spread.

Get Prosciutto Crostini recipe.

Stuffing Stuffed Mushrooms

golden-brown Stuffing Stuffed Mushrooms garnished with fresh parsley, showcasing the rich, hearty stuffing peeking out of the earthy mushroom caps.

Take traditional Thanksgiving stuffing to the next level by serving it in cremini or portobello mushrooms. This creative appetizer is a delicious way to enjoy two favorites in one bite and is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering.

Get Stuffed Mushroom recipe.

Crock Pot Bacon Spinach Dip

Bacon Spinach Dip in a cast-iron pan, featuring a golden-brown crust and visible chunks of bacon and spinach.

A crock pot bacon spinach dip is a warm, cheesy delight that’s both comforting and convenient for a busy Thanksgiving day. Serve it with slices of baguette or crisp vegetables for dipping to keep your guests happy while they wait for the main meal.

Get Spinach Dip recipe.

Loaded Mashed Potato Balls

Stack of Loaded Mashed Potato Balls.

Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, loaded mashed potato balls, a perfect appetizer that’s both satisfying and easy to eat. These bites are filled with cheese and bacon, then fried to golden perfection, making them irresistible.

Get Mashed Potatoes Balls recipe.

Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Image of meatballs on a serving platter: A platter of meatballs, garnished with fresh parsley.

These meatballs are slow-cooked in a homemade cranberry BBQ sauce, offering a sweet and tangy flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. They’re an excellent choice for an appetizer or a side and are sure to captivate your guests with their unique taste.

Get Cranberry Meatball recipe.

Sausage Pinwheels

Image of a close-up of a sausage pinwheel: A close-up of a sausage pinwheel, showing the layers of crescent roll, sausage, cream cheese, and green onions.

Sausage pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that combines flaky pastry with savory sausage. They are perfect for grabbing and snacking before the main meal and add a playful twist to your Thanksgiving menu.

Get Pinwheel recipe.

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread

A delectable image of Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread, showcasing the rich drizzle of caramel sauce over smooth cream cheese, topped with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of crushed nuts, placed elegantly on a serving dish.

Combine the flavors of fall with this caramel apple cream cheese spread, a sweet and creamy appetizer that pairs wonderfully with crisp apples or hearty crackers. It’s a delightful way to start your Thanksgiving festivities.

Get Cream Cheese Caramel recipe.

Shrimp Cocktail

Platter of jumbo shrimp elegantly arranged around a bowl of tangy cocktail sauce.

A classic shrimp cocktail is a refreshing and elegant way to begin your Thanksgiving dinner. Serve this chilled seafood dish with a tangy cocktail sauce for a sophisticated appetizer that complements any holiday menu.

Get Shrimp cocktail recipe.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Honey Roasted Carrots in Air Fryer

Glistening Honey Roasted Carrots in an air fryer tray, caramelized to perfection with a honey glaze. Herbs, salt, and pepper sprinkle the golden-brown slices, emphasizing the carrots' vibrant orange against the tray's dark surface.

Air fryer honey roasted carrots are a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish perfect for a busy Thanksgiving day. The natural sweetness of carrots enhanced with a honey glaze makes this dish a favorite among both kids and adults.

Get Honey Carrots recipe.

Mashed Potato Casserole

An image displaying the top view of Mashed Potato Casserole with crispy bacon on top.

Ramp up your traditional mashed potatoes with this mashed potato casserole, baked to perfection with a crispy cheese topping. It’s a comforting and hearty side that complements any main dish, particularly turkey or ham.

Get Potato Casserole recipe.

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable stir fry in a wok, showing a colorful mix of broccoli, red onion, orange and red bell peppers, seasoned with a savory sauce.

Add a dash of color and crunch to your Thanksgiving table with a vibrant vegetable stir fry. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers a lighter side option that balances out the more indulgent Thanksgiving fare.

Get Vegetable Stir Fry recipe.

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta

Delicious Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta, garnished with fresh herbs, served as a vibrant, sweet, and savory side dish on a white plate.

This side dish combines honey roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta cheese, creating a blend of sweet, tart, and salty flavors. It’s a festive and colorful addition that brings a modern twist to the Thanksgiving menu.

Get Honey Butternut Squash recipe.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Layered Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes in a baking dish being scooped.

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a decadent and creamy side dish that’s always a hit during holiday meals. Layered with cheese and a creamy sauce, these potatoes are sure to satisfy all your comfort food cravings.

Get Scalloped Potato recipe.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Overhead shot of a bowl of roasted garlic mashed potatoes on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by garlic cloves and a salt shaker.

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes offer a robust flavor that pairs exceptionally well with any form of protein, from turkey to lamb. This dish is a must-have for garlic lovers and adds a rich, creamy texture to your Thanksgiving spread.

Get Roasted Garlic Mash recipe.

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

An overhead shot of a rectangular Broccoli Casserole dish, beautifully garnished with a sprinkling of fresh parsley.

A cheesy broccoli casserole is a great way to include some greens in your feast while still indulging in something rich and satisfying. This casserole is bubbling with cheese and is perfect for those who enjoy a little extra comfort on their plate.

Get Broccoli casserole recipe.

Sweet Potatoes and Apples

Delicious and warm Sweet Potatoes and Apples Maple Cinnamon dish, showcasing a harmonious blend of diced sweet potatoes and apples, all glazed with a hint of maple syrup and sprinkled with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a perfect, flavorful fall side dish.

Sweet potatoes and apples are a harmonious blend, sweetened naturally and spiced with cinnamon, making for a delightful side dish. This combo brings a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving dinner and pairs well with both pork and poultry.

Get Sweet potatoes and apple recipe.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Vibrant oven roasted root vegetables served on a white platter, perfectly caramelized and seasoned, providing a warm, nutritious addition to any meal

Oven roasted root vegetables are a simple, healthy, and colorful side dish that showcases the best of fall produce. They are easy to prepare and provide a rustic, comforting addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

Get Oven roasted Veggies recipe.

Spinach Gratin

Close-up of a serving spoon scooping out a portion of Spinach Gratin, revealing layers of creamy spinach and melted cheese.

Spinach gratin is a creamy, cheesy dish that adds a luxurious element to your holiday menu. This rich side is a wonderful accompaniment to lighter meats and provides a delicious way to get your greens.

Get Spinach gratin recipe.

Homemade Cornbread

Homemade cornbread in a skillet.

Nothing says comfort like homemade cornbread, soft and buttery with a golden crust. Serve it warm to complement your Thanksgiving dinner, perfect for soaking up gravies and balancing spicier dishes.

Get Cornbread recipe.

Green Beans with Garlic

Close-up of freshly prepared Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic, garnished with golden pine nuts and served in a white dish.

Green beans with garlic are a quick and flavorful side that adds a crisp texture and vibrant color to your Thanksgiving table. This simple dish is a healthy addition that pairs well with more decadent main courses.

Get Garlic green beans recipe.

Thanksgiving Drinks

Strawberry Daiquiri

Closeup strawberry daiquiri in a glass rimmed with sugar, with a striped straw and lime slice, surrounded by strawberries and ice on a speckled surface.

A strawberry daiquiri can bring a fun, festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebration, offering a sweet and tangy flavor that’s both refreshing and delightful. This cocktail is a great choice for those looking for something different from traditional holiday drinks.

Get Daiquiri recipe.

El Sueno Cocktail

El Sueño Cocktail, garnished with a twist of orange zest on the rim, set against a backdrop of fresh limes and oranges, embodying a perfect mix of tequila and citrus flavors.

The El Sueno Cocktail, with its unique blend of ingredients, is an excellent choice for a Thanksgiving drink. It’s sophisticated and refreshing, perfect for sipping as you enjoy the company of family and friends.

Get El sueno cocktail recipe.

French Martini

Two French Martinis side by side, their rich, frothy tops illuminated under soft lighting, showcasing the timeless elegance of this classic cocktail.

Add a touch of French flair to your Thanksgiving with a French Martini, a smooth blend of vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice. This elegant cocktail is perfect for toasting to a wonderful holiday season.

Get French martini recipe.

Apple Cider Margarita

An Apple Cider Margarita beautifully presented in a glass with a salted rim, garnished with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick, ready for an autumn toast.

An apple cider margarita is a festive twist on a classic cocktail, blending the traditional flavors of apple cider with tequila and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a perfect drink to spice up your Thanksgiving celebration.

Get Apple cider margarita recipe.

Coco Chanel Martini

Luxurious Coco Chanel Martini, a refreshing and easy cocktail recipe, perfect for summer soirées and elegant dinners.

A Coco Chanel Martini, named after the iconic fashion designer, is as stylish as it is delicious. This martini, with its blend of vodka, pear nectar, and lemon, is an elegant addition to any Thanksgiving cocktail menu.

Get Coco Chanel Martini recipe.

Lemon Drop Martini

The Lemon Drop Martini is a zesty and sweet choice that cleanses the palate and delights the senses. It’s particularly refreshing after a hearty Thanksgiving meal and serves as a wonderful transition into dessert.

Get Lemon drop recipe.

Santa’s Spritz

sparkling glass of Santa's Spritz Christmas Cocktails, with rich red cranberry juice, bubbly prosecco, and a hint of ginger gin, garnished with a sprig of rosemary.

Santa’s Spritz is a holiday-inspired cocktail that combines sparkling wine with a splash of cranberry juice for a festive, bubbly treat. It’s perfect for kicking off the holiday season with a bit of cheer.

Get Santa Spritz recipe.

Creamy Eggnog Martini

Festive Creamy Eggnog Martini, beautifully presented with a golden hue, a cinnamon stick garnish, and a dusting of nutmeg, ready for a holiday toast.

For a rich and creamy holiday treat, try the creamy eggnog martini. This drink combines the classic flavors of eggnog with a boozy twist, making it a favorite for holiday gatherings.

Get Eggnog martini recipe.

Cranberry Bellini

Festive holiday setting featuring two Cranberry Bellini cocktails, beautifully garnished with fresh cranberries.

A cranberry bellini offers a sparkling, tart refreshment that pairs perfectly with any Thanksgiving dish. This cocktail is simple, elegant, and a wonderful way to incorporate seasonal flavors into your holiday toast.

Get Cranberry Bellini recipe.

White Christmas Margarita

A frosty White Christmas Margarita in a sugar-rimmed glass, garnished with a slice of lime and cranberries, set against a snowy backdrop

The White Christmas Margarita is creamy and dreamy, featuring coconut milk, tequila, and lime juice. It’s a tropical yet festive choice that will surprise and delight your guests.

Get White margarita recipe.

Apple Cider Mimosa

A pair of Apple Cider Mimosa cocktails, beautifully presented with bubbles and apple garnishes, symbolizing a perfect blend for holiday celebrations.

An apple cider mimosa is a delightful blend of traditional apple cider and sparkling wine, making it a perfect Champagne cocktail choice for a Thanksgiving brunch or as an appetizer drink. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy.

Get Apple cider mimosa recipe.

Vanilla-Pear Holiday Punch

Close-up of a refreshing Vanilla-Pear Holiday Punch, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, elegantly decorated with lemon slices, cranberries, and rosemary, embodying a warm holiday spirit.

This vanilla-pear holiday punch is a gentle and sweet concoction, ideal for guests of all ages. It combines the mild flavors of vanilla and pear with a hint of spices, providing a warm and welcoming drink that’s perfect for a family gathering.

Get Vanilla punch recipe.

Thanksgiving Desserts

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, each topped with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. The cupcakes are arranged on a white surface, highlighting their moist texture and rich, creamy topping.

Enjoy Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for Thanksgiving desserts. These moist, spice cupcakes are easy to make and delicious.

Get Pumpkin cupcake recipe.

Pumpkin Pie Bars

Side view of a Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars with whipped cream.

Pumpkin pie bars offer a convenient twist on the classic pumpkin pie, with all the traditional flavors in a hand-held format. These bars are great for serving at large gatherings as they’re easier to distribute and enjoy without the need for plates and forks.

Get Pumpkin Pie bars recipe.

Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are a delightful treat, featuring a sandwich-style cookie with a sweet jam filling peeking through a small cutout on the top layer. They add a touch of European elegance to your Thanksgiving dessert table and are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee.

Get Linzer cookies recipe.

No-Bake Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake

Image of a no-bake blueberry lemon cheesecake on a white pedestal. The cheesecake has a golden brown cookie crust, a thick layer of creamy lemon-infused filling, and is topped with a generous amount of plump blueberries. A slice has been served on a white plate, showing the luscious layers, garnished with a lemon slice and zest.

This no-bake blueberry lemon cheesecake is a refreshing alternative to traditional Thanksgiving desserts, offering a vibrant lemon flavor topped with a sweet blueberry sauce. It’s perfect for those who want something light yet decadent at the end of their feast.

Get Blueberry lemon cheesecake recipe.

Easy Lemon Mousse Recipe

A top-down view of lemon mousse in glass jars, each with a silky surface topped by lemon slices and mint leaves. The jars are spaced on a white surface with subtle shadows, accompanied by fresh lemons and a white cloth, creating a clean and vibrant presentation that exudes freshness.

An easy lemon mousse provides a light, fluffy, and citrusy dessert option that’s simple to make and a joy to eat. This no bake dessert is especially appealing after a heavy meal, offering a refreshing finish with its bright lemon flavor.

Get Lemon mousse recipe.

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

A slice of Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake topped with whipped cream.

The pumpkin pie dump cake is an incredibly easy dessert to prepare, combining the flavors of pumpkin pie with the texture of a cake. Just dump the ingredients into a pan, bake, and enjoy – it’s a foolproof treat that’s sure to please.

Get Pumpkin dump cake recipe.

Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce

Two glasses of smooth panna cotta with a layer of red raspberry sauce on top, garnished with mint leaves, on a gray background with scattered raspberries.

Panna cotta with raspberry sauce is a sleek, sophisticated dessert that looks impressive without requiring much effort. The creamy texture of panna cotta paired with the tartness of the raspberry sauce makes it a perfect dessert for a refined Thanksgiving dinner.

Get Panna Cotta recipe.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie slices on white plate and small pumpkin decorating the table.

No Thanksgiving would be complete without a classic pumpkin pie. This traditional dessert is beloved for its creamy filling and spiced flavor, making it the quintessential ending to your Thanksgiving meal.

Get Pumpkin pie recipe.

These Thanksgiving menu ideas are designed to fill your holiday table with a variety of flavors and textures that cater to every palate.

Whether you choose to stick with the classics or try something new, each dish is sure to contribute to a festive and memorable Thanksgiving feast.

Enjoy the preparation and the festive atmosphere, and most importantly, the time spent with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

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