For many families, Thanksgiving dinner follows a predictable pattern. Breaking with tradition can be challenging. However, changing things up can be exciting, leading to a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast. Planning a Thanksgiving menu can be overwhelming with endless options. A helpful strategy is to first choose a theme, and then select dishes from various predetermined categories. This ensures a balanced and satisfying meal.
A theme helps guide your choices. Consider a non-traditional approach, a Southern-inspired menu with cornbread stuffing and sweet potato pie, an Italian Thanksgiving, or a classic New England feast. The theme influences not only what to cook, but also which version of each dish to prepare.
Pick your dishes from these categories:
Show-Stopping Main Dishes:
Classic options include a whole roasted turkey or a turkey breast for smaller gatherings. Consider braised turkey thighs, a mushroom lasagna for vegetarians, or a whole stuffed squash. For meat, plan for about a pound and a half per person. For vegetarian mains, aim for 8 ounces per person. Gravy is an essential accompaniment—consider a make-ahead gravy or mushroom stock for vegetarian options.
Starchy Sides:
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without comforting starches like mashed potatoes, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, and fresh-baked rolls. Consider Parker House rolls as well. Choose three to four starchy sides based on your theme and preferences. Aim for about ¾ cup of each side dish per person.
Green Veggie Sides:
Cooked greens provide contrasting bitter flavors and textural variety, balancing the richness of other dishes. Options include green bean casserole, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, broccoli, and creamed spinach. Aim for ¾ cup per person.
Bright and Fresh Sides:
These dishes cleanse the palate with fresh and vibrant flavors. Cranberry sauce is a traditional favorite. Consider kale salad, chicory salad, or a citrus salad. Tart and lively flavors of lime, lemon, orange, cranberry, and even spices are welcome additions.
Yellow/Orange Sides:
Embrace the harvest season with dishes like sweet potato casserole, roasted squash, or roasted carrots. While not always considered essential, these vibrant sides are a Thanksgiving staple. Explore savory options beyond the traditional sweet potato casserole.
Desserts:
Thanksgiving desserts are a chance to indulge in seasonal treats. There’s no such thing as too much dessert. Include classics like pecan pie, pumpkin pie, cherry pie, and cheesecake. Don’t forget the vanilla ice cream.
