This Basic Thanksgiving Menu Is the Only One You’ll Ever Need
Introduction
Thanksgiving is about gathering around a hearty table with loved ones and celebrating gratitude. But planning the feast doesn’t need to be complicated. This basic Thanksgiving menu brings together classic, crowd-pleasing recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re hosting your first holiday or looking to simplify tradition, this menu ensures no one leaves the table hungry—or disappointed.
Your Ultimate Classic Thanksgiving Menu
The strength of this Thanksgiving menu lies in its timeless, comforting dishes. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel: perfectly roasted turkey, flavorful stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet cranberry sauce, and more. Each recipe works together to create a cohesive meal full of familiar flavors, balanced textures, and plenty of opportunities to customize according to family tastes.
Why This Menu Wins: Simplicity, Flavor, and Versatility
Every dish is a staple for a reason. They’re easy to prepare, require pantry basics, and allow for creative twists without losing their comforting charm. Serve this classic spread and enjoy more time with loved ones, without sacrificing deliciousness or tradition. It’s the only Thanksgiving menu you’ll ever need to keep everyone coming back for seconds.
The Basic Thanksgiving Menu: Dishes Included
- Perfect Roast Turkey with Herbed Butter
- Classic Bread Stuffing with Celery and Onion
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Homemade Gravy
- Fresh Cranberry Sauce
- Green Bean Almondine
- Fluffy Dinner Rolls
- Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients for This Classic Thanksgiving Menu
Ingredients
💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this menu on CookifyAI to instantly generate an organized shopping list with all of these ingredients, sorted by store section. This makes prepping for your Thanksgiving feast smoother and ensures you don’t miss a thing!
Instructions Overview
- Roast the Turkey: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat turkey dry, rub all over with herbed butter, salt, and pepper. Stuff cavity with lemon, onion, and garlic. Roast, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature is 165°F (estimate 13 minutes per pound). Let rest before carving.
- Prepare the Stuffing: Sauté onion and celery in butter, toss with dried bread, sage, salt, and pepper. Moisten with broth. Bake covered 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden, 15 minutes more.
- Make Mashed Potatoes: Boil potatoes until fork tender. Drain and mash with butter and warm milk. Season to taste.
- Homemade Gravy: Whisk flour into turkey drippings over medium heat, cook 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in broth; simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cranberry Sauce: Combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and juice. Simmer until berries burst and sauce is thickened. Cool before serving.
- Green Bean Almondine: Sauté green beans in oil/butter until crisp-tender, toss with toasted almonds, salt, and pepper.
- Dinner Rolls: Warm and serve as is, or prepare as directed if making homemade.
- Pumpkin Pie: Whisk pie filling ingredients, pour into crust, and bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes. Cool before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Set out your Thanksgiving dishes family-style for an inviting and abundant display. Garnish the turkey platter with fresh herbs, serve cranberry sauce in a festive bowl, and slice pumpkin pie just before serving for a sweet finale. This spread has something for everyone and pairs beautifully with sparkling cider or mulled wine.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This menu serves approximately 10–12 people. Portions vary, but each guest will enjoy a generous helping of each dish, plus dessert. Main dishes are rich in protein and fiber, while sides offer a classic autumn mix of carbohydrates and vegetables. Enjoy this feast as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving celebration.
Your Classic Thanksgiving Menu (Recap)
There’s a reason these classics have withstood the test of time—they never disappoint. If you want to serve a meal that promises comfort, tradition, and just the right amount of homemade flair, this truly is the only Thanksgiving menu you’ll ever need.
Weekly Meal Planning
Holiday meals don’t have to be stressful! Save and schedule this Thanksgiving menu on CookifyAI and enjoy seamless meal prep. You’ll get a consolidated, categorized shopping list, plus the ability to plan every main, side, and dessert down to the detail.
Planning Benefits:
- Compiles total ingredient amounts across all courses
- Auto-organizes your shopping list by grocery store section
- Ensures nothing is left off the list—even for big holiday meals
- Minimizes food waste through precise quantity calculations
Pro tip: Schedule your menu together with other weeknight meals to keep holiday and everyday groceries streamlined. You’ll see exactly what you need, making meal planning efficient—from prep to plate.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 1 hour (multiple dishes can be prepped simultaneously)
Cook Time: 3–4 hours (depending on turkey size & oven)
Total Time: 4–5 hours (including resting, baking, and finishing sides)
With this menu in your toolkit, you’ll have all you need for a memorable, stress-free Thanksgiving celebration. Happy feasting!
