Best Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

Introduction

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner is more than just a meal—it’s a feast woven into the fabric of family, gratitude, and the joy of coming together. The best traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu combines beloved classics with mouthwatering aromas and flavors that instantly evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or planning an intimate gathering, this menu will help you create a festive, satisfying spread that guarantees every guest leaves happy and full.

Why Choose This Classic Thanksgiving Menu?

What sets this traditional menu apart is its perfect balance of time‐honored dishes: tender, juicy turkey, velvety mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, pillowy dinner rolls, and, of course, golden pumpkin pie. The medley of textures and flavors pleases every palate—no wonder these recipes remain Thanksgiving favorites year after year. With simple steps and ingredients, this menu is approachable for cooks of all skill levels and ideal for any Thanksgiving table.

Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

Here’s a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing menu built from the essentials:

• Roast Turkey with Savory Gravy
• Classic Bread Stuffing
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Rich Turkey Gravy
• Green Bean Almondine
• Cranberry Orange Sauce
• Buttery Dinner Rolls
• Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

Essential Ingredients for the Best Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a shopping list with all your Thanksgiving ingredients grouped by store section. CookifyAI makes it simple to prep for the biggest meal of the year without forgetting a thing!

Instructions

1. Roast Turkey & Gravy: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, and softened butter. Stuff the cavity with onions, carrots, celery, and herbs. Roast until a thermometer in the thigh reads 165°F (about 13 minutes per pound). Remove turkey, rest 30 minutes. For gravy, simmer pan drippings with flour and broth, whisking until thickened.
2. Classic Bread Stuffing: Cube bread and toast until dry. Sauté onions and celery in butter, stir in herbs. Toss with bread cubes, broth, and eggs. Bake in a casserole dish at 350°F for 35–40 minutes.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Peel and cube potatoes. Boil until tender, drain, then mash with butter, warm cream, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Green Bean Almondine: Blanch green beans. Sauté sliced almonds in butter until golden, add beans to heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cranberry Orange Sauce: Simmer cranberries, orange juice, zest, and sugar until berries burst and sauce thickens. Cool before serving.
6. Buttery Dinner Rolls: Make a yeast dough and let rise. Shape into rolls, let rise again, then bake at 375°F until golden.
7. Pumpkin Pie: Whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and spices. Pour into pie crust, bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then 350°F for 40 minutes. Cool, then top with whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions for an Unforgettable Thanksgiving Meal

Serve the turkey on a platter surrounded by fresh herbs, with stuffing and mashed potatoes on the side. Offer plenty of rich gravy, a bowl of bright cranberry sauce, and warm rolls. Add green beans for a pop of color, and finish the feast with a slice of silky pumpkin pie topped with homemade whipped cream. Each dish can be made ahead and reheated, helping you enjoy the celebration alongside your guests.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This menu serves 8–10 guests. Individual portions vary by dish, but a classic Thanksgiving plate (turkey plus sides) typically ranges from 750–900 calories per serving, depending on choices and portions.

Best Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Menu (Recap)

This menu features all the classic flavors and textures everyone craves at Thanksgiving: succulent turkey, comforting sides, bright cranberry sauce, and luscious pie. Preparing these dishes together ensures a memorable feast sure to please friends and family.

Weekly Meal Planning

Thanksgiving planning can be overwhelming—but with CookifyAI, you can save and schedule all your recipes in advance. Save and organize this meal to create a complete Thanksgiving timeline and an organized shopping list that combines ingredients across dishes.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates how much of each ingredient you’ll need for every dish
• Keeps your shopping list neat and organized by grocery section
• Prevents overbuying and helps avoid forgotten items
• Simplifies your week-of prep for a stress-free holiday feast

Pro tip: Planning multiple recipes for your Thanksgiving menu? Schedule your dishes together to ensure you know exactly how much butter, eggs, and herbs you’ll need—making prep and shopping a breeze.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 2.5 hours
Cook Time: 3.5+ hours (mostly hands-off roasting)
Total Time: 6+ hours (for a full feast; individual dishes vary)

With this classic Thanksgiving menu, your holiday table is sure to wow—with plenty of delicious leftovers for the days ahead!