A Table Full of Flavor: Thanksgiving Menus You’ll Love 

When it comes to cooking and eating...nothing beats a Thanksgiving Menu

Family enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner



The lucky cooks (yes, I said lucky) of this important meal know it makes sense to plan an affordable, effortless Thanksgiving menu. Prepare must have favorites, adding your own unique twists. 


Go to Thanksgiving Menu Ideas




Here’s a simple guide to help you create affordable and easy Thanksgiving menus. 

Add a Twist to Must-Have Favorites

Appetizers: Go all out with appetizers! They can be festive and tasty icebreakers. Many are easy to prepare and easy on the wallet


  • Soup:A heart-warming soup such as Pumpkin and Apple Soup can serve as a filling, low-cost appetizer or first course.  

  • Roasted Turkey Breast: Buying just the turkey breast instead of a the whole bird saves money and time while still bringing classic flavor. A turkey breast is best for smaller groups and may or may not leave leftovers.  A smaller whole turkey (10-12lbs) is good for small to medium gatherings.

  • Stuffing or Dressing: Opt for a simple stuffing with onions, celery, and herbs. Give the dish a tasty twist by adding inexpensive extras like sauteed diced apples, dried cranberries or chopped roasted nuts.   
    • Oyster stuffingOyster Stuffing


    Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and ThymeSweet Potatoes with Bacon and Thyme
  • Mashed Potatoes: Stick to the basics, there's nothing better than buttery creamy mashed potatoes.  Add garlic and fresh herbs for a bit more flavor without breaking the bank. Also see Potato Recipes for a Crowd

  • Sweet Potatoes: Jazz up the yams with sweet, savory and crunchy notes. Try Add a sweet note to the whole meal with Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Thyme

    Macaroni and Cheese: Another Thanksgiving menu classic. Consider replacing macaroni and cheese with a lighter, easier pasta dish such as baked ziti or baked spaghetti. Serve rice or orzo and meat stuffed peppers for a change of pace that still brings holiday warmth and  comfort.   Macaroni and cheese for a crowd 

    • Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are affordable and can be roasted with olive oil and spices for flavor.


  • Salads: A fall-inspired salad with greens, roasted sweet potatoes, walnuts, and a vinaigrette is fresh and inexpensive.

    Cranberry Sauce: Canned cranberry sauce is tangy, sweet and delicious but a homemade cranberry sauce taste better and is even easier to make yourself! Purchase inexpensive fresh bagged cranberries (available in most markets in November). Simmer cranberries with sugar and a splash of orange juice. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to cook.  Cranberry Orange Sauce for a crowd.

  • Apple Crisp or Pumpkin Bars: Both are easy and use pantry staples, making them cost-effective alternatives to pies.

  • Chocolate or Fruit Tarts: Use pre-made puff pastry for a quick, elegant dessert that’s easy and budget-friendly




    • Tips to Keep Costs Low

  • Depending on the size of your guest list, purchase non-perishable items in bulk or larger quantities such as: white and sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, pumpkins, stuffing mix, pasta, canned/frozen vegetables and fruit, frozen pies/cakes, candy, snacks. Often purchasing in bulk can be less expensive. 

  • Planning ahead is the key!  Prepare dishes that can be frozen for 2 weeks or less like stuffing, mashed potatoes, pasta dishes,  baked goods,

  • Cook from scratch and prepare homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes.  It's usually cheaper (and much better tasting) than buying pre-made versions. Also, you can stretch your budget with less expensive sides. Oven or air fryer roast seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are affordable and can be roasted with olive oil and spices for flavor. Check out how to roast vegetables.  


    • Please enjoy and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

    Chef Deb


    ***Cut the work in half!  See ideas for cooking in advance, holiday cooking tips and holiday cooking for a crowd 



    For more great tips on cooking for a large group please visit our sister site CookingLarge.net







    Thanksgiving Menus



    New Favorites Thanksgiving Menu

    The oyster dressing and sweet potato salad makes this a unique menu. Serve with your favorite dessert


    Vegetable Crudités
    Serve with 2-3 Dipping Sauces 

    Lemon Garlic Shrimp Appetizers
    Serve with flatbread crackers or homemade croutes

    Herb Butter-Brushed Turkey with Pan Gravy

    Brandied Cranberry and Cherry Relish

    Sweet Potato and Arugula Salad

    Mom's Oyster Dressing

    Roasted Carrots




    Mostly Easy Thanksgiving Menu

    Curried Pumpkin and Apple Soup
    Substitute 1 generous teaspoon curry powder for the cinnamon
    Delicious with Cheddar cheese crackers or bread

    Maple-Glazed Turkey with Pecan Gravy

    Potatoes Au Gratin
    or
    Rich Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Glazed Carrots

    Simple Tossed Salad

    Favorite Cranberry Sauce

    Rolls or Bread

    Pear Pie with Spicy Crumb Topping





    Thanksgiving for a Crowd
    Serves 15-20 Guests

    Sweet and Sassy Shrimp Kebabs

    Tapenade

    Herb-Rubbed Turkey with Roasted-Garlic Gravy

    Pecan Cornbread Stuffing
    Add 1½ cups chopped, oven-roasted pecans

    Gratin of Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon

    Buttered Peas

    Waldorf Salad
    Halve recipe to serve 25

    Favorite Cherry Pie





    Savory and Sweet

    Italian Tomato Bruschetta
    Or purchased appetizers in pastry

    Pineapple Glazed Turkey Breast

    Herb-Crusted Sirloin Tip Roast with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

    Sweet Potato Soufflé

    Oven Roasted Asparagus with Orange Vinaigrette

    Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
    Use a sweet and tangy vinaigrette here

    Chocolate Toffee Trifle





    New Orleans Thanksgiving Menu

    Give thanks with New Orleans style dishes. Life is made "Big Easy" by purchasing the smoked turkey...ready to heat and eat!  


    Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

    Crab Stuffed Baby Peppers

    Mardi Gras Salad

    Purchased Smoked Turkey
    or other     Turkey Recipe

    Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing with Pecans

    Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Thyme

    Green Beans with Mushrooms
    Saute sliced mushrooms in butter. Add to hot green beans

    Cranberry Orange Sauce
    Add strips of orange peel to your favorite recipe. Remove before serving

    Apple Pie with Ice Cream and Praline Sauce





    Bring on the Heat Thanksgiving Menu

    Warm spices and flavors create a sizzling and deliciously different menu

    Cumin Scented Moroccan Kebabs with Minted Yogurt Dip

    Spicy Shrimp Crostini Canape Recipe

    Fresh Corn, Avocado and Tomato Salad

    Chili-Rubbed Roast Turkey

    Chorizo, Cherry and Pecan Cornbread Stuffing

     Rum Orange Cake




    Thanksgiving Day Brunch

    Perfect for after church or if you are not cooking the "main meal" but would like to otherwise celebrate with family and friends. Start with Champagne cocktails, fruit juices, coffee and tea

    Made to Order Omelet Bar
    Fillings: crabmeat, green onions, minced shallots, diced tomatoes, chopped mushrooms, white cheese

    Sausages with Mustard and Tortillas
    Also serve with sour cream

    Asparagus Parmesan Rice Salad

    Strawberry and Spinach Salad

    Holiday Cookies, Fruit Dessert





    This Is It Thanksgiving Menu

     Simple, complete and easy to prepare

    Finger Sandwiches

    Shrimp with Salsa Verde

    Turkey of Your Choice

    Baked Honey Ham

    Candied Sweet Potatoes

    Green Beans Italiano

    Peach Cobbler


    How to Cook Ham

    Easy Elegance

    Sweet and Spiced Pecans

    Mini Crab Cakes with Mango Salsa

    Herb-Rubbed Turkey with Roasted-Garlic Gravy

    Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

    Green Beans with Mustard and Mushrooms

    Mixed Greens and Apple Salad
    Place thin, tart apple slices over your favorite mixed greens, dressed with sweet and sour vinaigrette. Add a pinch of Kosher salt and top with finely chopped toasted walnuts if desired

    Caramel Pecan Cheesecake





    Classic Thanksgiving

    This menu is traditional with a few twists.  Add Baked Ham with Orange Sherry Sauce for extra servings and more leftovers!

    Butternut Squash Soup

    Herb-Rubbed Turkey with Roasted-Garlic Gravy

    Sausage, Roasted Pecan and Apple Stuffing

    Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Streusel Topping

    Green Beans with Basil Vinaigrette

    Cranberry Orange Sauce

    Apple Crisp with Fresh Whipped Cream

    Orange Chocolate Pecan Pie


    Light Thanksgiving for One or Two

    Easy Appetizers

    Crab Salad Lettuce Wraps

    Slow Roasted Lemon Chicken
    or
    Pineapple Glazed Turkey Breast
    Serve with dinner rolls and butter

    Roasted Asparagus

    Pea Salad with Bacon and Parmesan Cheese

    Pears and Chocolate Sauce


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