30+ Best Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
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Here are my top Thanksgiving dinner ideas for a stress-free Thanksgiving. Including meaty, vegan, and vegetarian recipes for appetizers, side dishes, mains, desserts, and drinks, from the classics to the non-traditional, for the best Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving dinner!
Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned “professional,” pulling off a successful and, more importantly, low-stress Thanksgiving dinner requires a little bit of luck and plenty of planning. With my top tips and a complete list of Thanksgiving dinner ideas, you can pull off your perfect Thanksgiving feast!
Starters and soups
With a day of eating and merriment, let’s start with the perfect Thanksgiving appetizers. From creamy soups to easy finger food, the cheese board, or even a healthy salad recipe, here are some easy Thanksgiving recipes to get the meal started right!
Thanksgiving mains
When it comes to Thanksgiving’s main ideas, of course, roasted turkey is at the top of everyone’s list. However, I also like non-traditional mains like simple chicken substitutes, other meaty options, and several vegetarian/vegan Thanksgiving recipes, all worthy of being center-place on your holiday table.
Side dishes
Well-prepared Thanksgiving side dishes are a must for me, even more so than the main. I’d consider a plate full of my favorite Thanksgiving food to be primarily made of sides.
Pulling together a list of vegan and vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes? Check out this vegan gravy recipe instead!
Roasted sides
Desserts
By now, you’ve all probably undone your trouser buttons. Maybe you are sure you can’t eat another bite. But I love to end the day with low-fuss, easy Thanksgiving dessert recipes that everyone is sure to enjoy!
Drinks
Let’s not forget the drinks—your guests still need hydrating! Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving drink ideas (to enjoy alongside your favorite bottle of white wine/red wine). Plus, you can give even them an adult twist with a splash (or five) of your favorite liquor.
Top tips for a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner
- Plan your menu and keep dietary needs in mind. Print or write down all the recipes and plan precisely when everything needs to be done. I like to make a plan working backward from when I plan to serve and how long dishes need to cook.
- Get your kitchen ready: Check your cupboards for enough baking dishes, make sure there’s enough space for your groceries, and plan which dishes need the oven, air fryer, or stovetop.
- Prep ahead to save time and reduce stress: Chop vegetables a day or two before, make sauces and desserts several days in advance, and prepare dishes that reheat well, like casseroles or soups. These small steps can make a big difference on the big day.
- Invite others to help out in the kitchen to save time and reduce stress. Assign simple tasks like chopping vegetables, setting the table, or washing dishes. Even if you like to stay in control, sharing the workload makes the day smoother for everyone.
- Outsource some recipes: Share your proposed Thanksgiving dinner menu and have your guests choose a dish to bring. It’s a minimal effort on their part, but it makes a massive difference to the host.
- Set the table: Do this the night before! And voila – one less thing to think about!
- Set out some nibbles: Even with careful planning and the best intentions, sometimes things can go wrong. So, set out a cheeseboard or other light nibbles and finger foods for your family and guests to enjoy in case of delays.
More recipe roundups
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- 20+ Winter Soup Recipes – Easy, Delicious, Comforting
If you try any of these Thanksgiving dinner ideas, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
