Full Thanksgiving Menu: From Appetizers to Dessert

Thanksgiving doesn't have to mean starting from scratch every single year. This is my Full Thanksgiving Menu, everything from appetizers to dessert, all in one place so you can plan the whole day without hopping between a dozen tabs.

full thanksgiving menu round up photo collage

Some of these are classics you'll want on repeat every year, and a couple are new additions I'm excited to add to the table myself. Whether you're hosting a big crowd or keeping it small, mix and match what works for you, this is meant to be a starting point, not a strict menu.

Appetizers

Cranberry Brie Bites

Flaky puff pastry cups filled with melty brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, these come together in about 20 minutes and disappear even faster. These Cranberry Brie Bites are a perfect app to snack on while everything else finishes cooking.

Hand Picking Up Cranberry Brie Bite Garnished with Fresh Rosemary

Cranberry Brie Bites

Flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie and cranberry sauce make these buttery Cranberry Brie Bites the perfect appetizers for holiday gatherings.

Check out this recipe

Close Up Cranberry Brie Bites Stacked on a Plate and Garnished with Rosemary Sprigs

Mini Cheese Balls

Bite-sized and endlessly snackable, these come together with just a handful of ingredients and no baking required. Roll these Mini Cheese Balls ahead of time, chill, and let guests help themselves while the kitchen stays chaos-free.

Mini Cheese Balls

Mini Cheese Balls are a fun, savory appetizer with cream cheese, bacon, and ranch. All the flavor of a classic cheese ball in one bite.

Check out this recipe

Mini Cheese Balls close up on a plate with pretzels beside

Drinks

Slow Cooker Apple Cider (Spiked or not)

Warm and fragrant with apples, cinnamon, and cloves, this Slow Cooker Apple Cider practically makes itself in the slow cooker while the rest of your day comes together. Spike it with whiskey or bourbon right before serving, or leave it out for a cozy non-alcoholic sipper.

Apple Cider Recipes Apple Cider being made in a Crockpot from above with orange and apple slices and fresh spices

Spiked Apple Cider

Spiked Apple Cider is cozy and aromatic with apples, cinnamon and cloves, finished with whiskey or bourbon for the perfect fall sip

Check out this recipe

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

This Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect balance of crisp apple cider, bourbon, and a touch of simple syrup, shaken over ice for a smooth, fall-forward drink. Quick to mix by the glass or easy to batch in a pitcher if you're serving a crowd.

Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktails with a jar of apple cider in the back

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is smooth, bold and full of fall flavor. Made with cider, bourbon and a touch of apple cider simple syrup.

Check out this recipe

Thanksgiving Turkey

Herb butter Turkey (with Pan Gravy)

Golden, juicy, and infused with sage butter under the skin, this turkey comes together with a rich pan gravy made right from the drippings. One recipe, no extra steps for the gravy, just full flavor from bird to table.

Herb Butter Turkey

No holiday table is complete without the star of the meal, meaning it is time to make Herb Butter Turkey. This delicious recipe creates the perfect moist turkey that is bursting with flavor from the beautiful herbs in the butter.

Check out this recipe

Cooking for a smaller crowd? My Boneless Turkey Breast is a great option that still gets you all that herb-butter flavor without the whole bird.

Thanksgiving Sides

Idahoan Mashed Potatoes

Rich, buttery, and made completely from scratch with real potatoes, cream, and butter. The classic Mashed Potatoes every Thanksgiving table needs.

Idahoan Mashed Potato in a Bowl with Butter on Top

Idahoan Mashed Potatoes

These Idahoan Mashed Potatoes are rich and creamy, made from real russet potatoes for that classic fluffy, homemade flavor.

Check out this recipe

Idahoan Mashed Potato in a Bowl with Spoon

Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Casserole

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Green Bean Casserole

This Green Bean Casserole is a homemade twist on the classic, tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, finished with crispy onions on top.

Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

This Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans is creamy, savory and topped with crispy onions for a golden, bubbly holiday side.

Check out this recipe

Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans baked in a dish

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

This Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender veggies under a golden, buttery crumb topping. An easy way to sneak more color onto the table.

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is creamy, cheesy and topped with golden buttery crumbs for a cozy, comforting side dish.

Check out this recipe

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole from above with a serving spoon

Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

These Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are sweet and savory with a buttery cinnamon glaze, roasted until the edges caramelize just right.

Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

This Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe is sweet and savory with a buttery cinnamon glaze and tender caramelized edges.

Check out this recipe

Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Baked in a Casserole Dish

More Sides

Old Fashioned Turkey Dressing

This Old Fashioned Turkey Dressing is buttery, savory, and packed with onion, celery, and warm spices, crisp on the edges with a soft, fluffy center.

Old Fashioned Turkey Dressing

No holiday dinner is complete without a side of dressing on your plate. My Old Fashioned Turkey Dressing is the perfect recipe to enjoy the rich flavors of the season while having a nostalgic element to evoke childhood memories.

Check out this recipe

Homemade Brioche buns

My friend Tessie makes the best brioche buns, and they're just as perfect pulled apart as dinner rolls for your Thanksgiving spread.

Soft, buttery, and easy to make ahead, check out her recipe here.

Desserts

Pumpkin Pie

This Pumpkin Pie is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, getting its silky texture from a can of sweetened condensed milk instead of the usual mix of sugar and evaporated milk. A classic finish everyone expects, made just a little easier.

Pumpkin Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk

This Pumpkin Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk is rich, creamy and perfectly spiced - an easy, cozy dessert for any time of year.

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin Pie Using Sweetened Condensed Milk on a Plate

Mini Pecan Pies

These Mini Pecan Pies have all the buttery, gooey pecan flavor of a full pie, baked into individual portions that are easy to serve and even easier to grab seconds of.

Mini Pecan Pies

These Mini Pecan Pies deliver buttery crust, gooey filling and sweet pecans in every bite. Great for entertaining, gifting or snacking.

Check out this recipe

Mini Pecan Pie being picked up, close up

Team pecan? Try my Costco Pecan Pie or classic Pecan Tarts too.

However you build your table this year, I hope this menu makes the planning part a little easier so you can spend less time deciding and more time enjoying the day. If you're looking for more Thanksgiving inspiration, check out my Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes for even more ways to save time in the kitchen.