Our 2023 Thanksgiving Menu (Recipes, Tools, & More!)
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Our 2023 Thanksgiving Menu this year is all about delicious make-ahead recipes! We’re so excited to be sharing this years menu, including all of our go-to recipes, tips and more. From staples to a few new fun twists, these recipes are things you would find on your classic Thanksgiving dinner table, as well as some of our newest ideas to create new classics! From breakfast treats, crowd-favorite cocktails, to desserts. We’ve got just a little bit of everything to give you the most delicious make-ahead, stress free Thanksgiving dinner!
Last year, we shared our very first Thanksgiving Menu and it was something that you all LOVED! And, when October rolled around, this menu was our most requested thing for us to share this holiday season.
With 20 days left, the official countdown to Thanksgiving is on! We know that planning needs to start ASAP. Though, there’s no need to stress because we finally are sharing our newest menu.
This year, we still wanted to keep it classic, but we also wanted to help keep things easy…which is where the inspiration for our make-ahead menu came from. I mean, who doesn’t love recipes that can be all prepped ahead of time?
We’ve got tips, tools, and MORE to help you have the perfect Thanksgiving.
We hope you all love this year’s menu as much as we do. Also, please remember that these recipes are just our suggestions. You don’t NEED to make every item on this menu. Especially since throughout this month, we will be sharing even more Thanksgiving treats and bakes that you all will enjoy!
Thanksgiving 2023 Menu
Breakfast
Tip: Never skip breakfast on Thanksgiving! This is one of our biggest tips for the big day. We always eat at about 5pm. A good breakfast is always the perfect way to start the day and keeps everyone from getting too hungry while dinner is being made.
Cheesy Bacon, Kale, Mushroom, and Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Grocery list:
- Applewood Smoked Bacon
- Yellow Onions
- Baby Bella Mushrooms
- Fresh Garlic
- Fresh Kale
- Large Eggs
- Whole Milk
- Heavy Cream
- Havarti Cheese
- Gruyere Cheese
- Fresh Thyme
- Small Croissants
Tools You May Need
*Note: If you’re eating Thanksgiving dinner earlier than 5-7pm or simply wish to have a vegetarian option, try making something like our Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls! Sugary breakfasts, while delicious, don’t keep anyone full for very long!
Appetizers
Tip: If your party comes later in the day, have a few appetizers/snacks out for your guests to snack on while dinner is getting made!
Holiday Charcuterie Board
Grocery list:
- 5-6 wedges or blocks of cheese
- 3-4 assorted meats
- 6-7 assorted seasonal produce
- Roasted or Candied Nuts
- Crackers or Toasted Bread
- Jams, Jellies, and/or Honey
Tools You May Need
Puff Pastry Wrapped Baked Brie with Mushrooms Rosemary and Garlic
Grocery list:
- Salted Butter
- Baby Bella Mushrooms
- Fresh Garlic
- Fresh Rosemary
- Frozen Puff Pastry Sheet
- Wheel of Brie
- Jams, Jellies, and/or Honey
- Large Egg
Tools You May Need
Basil Pesto Star Bread
Grocery list:
- All-Purpose Flour
- Instant Yeast
- Kosher Salt
- Diastatic Malt Powder
- Olive Oil
- Large Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Basil Pesto
Tools You May Need
Main Course
*Tip: Remember, while turkey is the star of the show, it’s always good to serve a hearty vegetarian option that can easily be made vegan, if needed, like our Zucchini Lasagna or Butternut Squash Ravioli!
Rosemary and Garlic Brined Turkey Breast
Grocery list:
- Turkey Breast
- Salted Butter
Tools You May Need
Rosemary, Garlic, and Chili Turkey Brine
Grocery list:
- Kosher Salt
- Whole Peppercorns
- Dried Red Chilis
- Fresh Garlic
- Fresh Rosemary
Tools You May Need
Side Dishes
Tip: The vegetables can be boiled up to 2-3 days prior to baking this casserole!
Shoepeg Corn and Green Bean Casserole
Grocery list:
- Yellow Onions
- Celery
- Bell Peppers
- Cheddar Cheese
- Fresh Corn
- French-Style Green Beans
- Cream of Celery Soup
- Sour Cream
- Salted Butter
- Ritz Crackers
Tools You May Need
Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Roasted Marshmallows
Grocery list:
- Sweet Potatoes
- Salted Butter
- Bourbon
- Vanilla Extract
- Brown Sugar
- Ground Nutmeg
- Large Marshmallows
Tools You May Need
Roasted Garlic and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Grocery list:
- Fresh Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Gold Potatoes
- Sour Cream
Tools You May Need
Tip: If you would prefer, you can make our Southern Cornbread Dressing instead!
Cheesy Sourdough Mushroom, Bacon, and Brussel Sprout Stuffing
Grocery list:
- Large Eggs
- Vegetable Broth
- Sourdough Bread
- Applewood Smoked Bacon
- Yellow Onions
- Brussels Sprouts
- Baby Bella Mushrooms
- Fresh Garlic
- Fresh Thyme
- Parmesan Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Gruyère Cheese
Tools You May Need
Tip: If you don’t have sourdough or aren’t comfortable making your own bread, try our Soda Bread instead! You can also make our buttery Dinner Rolls.
Pumpkin Sourdough Bread
Grocery list:
- Bread Flour
- Pumpkin Purée
- Barley Malt Syrup
- Kosher Salt
Tools You May Need
Fall Harvest Salad with Spiced Apple Cider Bourbon Vinaigrette
Grocery list:
- Apple Cider
- Bourbon
- Champagne Vinegar
- Light Agave Nectar
- Ground Cinnamon
- Fresh Thyme
- Olive Oil
- Butternut Squash
- Curly Leaf Kale
- Brussels Sprouts
- Honeycrisp Apple
- Fresh Figs
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Crumbled Feta
Tools You May Need
Cocktails
Tip: Each of these cocktails can easily be turned into mocktails! But, if you would prefer something a little more classic, try our Spiced Apple Cider!
Holly Jolly Spiced Christmas Punch
Grocery list:
- Granulated Sugar
- Whole Allspice Berries
- Whole Cloves
- Cardamom Pods
- Crystalized Ginger
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Star Anise
- Cranberry Juice
- Apple Juice
- Orange Juice
- Brut Sparkling Wine
Tools You May Need
Apple Cider Bourbon Thyme Smash
Grocery list:
- Ground Cinnamon
- Light Agave Nectar
- Fresh Thyme
- Apple Cider
- Bourbon
Tools You May Need
Desserts
Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie
Grocery list:
- Honeycrisp Apples
- Lemon Juice
- Granulated Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Ground Cinnamon
- Fresh Cranberries
- Pie Crust
- Rolled Oats
- Brown Sugar
- Salted Butter
Tools You May Need
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Grocery list:
- Large Eggs
- Unsalted Butter
- Vanilla Extract
- Whole Milk
- Heavy Cream
- Ground Cinnamon
- Challah
- Chocolate Chips
Tools You May Need
Thanksgiving Tips + Tricks
Tip 1:
Think about your menu
While the recipes listed above is our menu, it may not be the perfect menu for you. Here are a few things you need to think about before the big day:
- How many people are you serving?
- How much oven space do you have?
- Does anyone coming have allergies or dietary restrictions/preferences?
It’s always a good plan to think through everything before starting on a menu. You want to make sure there is something for everyone, as well as enough food…but also not too much!
So, the big question is…how big of a turkey do I really need? Well, the general rule of thumb is about 1 pound of turkey per person. Though, if you’re planning for leftovers/having guests stay, it might be a good idea to plan on 1 ½ pounds per person.
Tip 2:
Test new recipes
We thoroughly test all of our recipes before publishing them on the blog, but it’s always a good idea to test before Thanksgiving day…especially if you’re trying a new recipe!
Every oven bakes differently, every person preps at different rates, ingredients may be hard to find, etc.
That way, there are no surprises. You’re prepped and ready, fully informed, and know for sure that the recipes you’re making taste good to your palate!
Tip 3:
Make a to-do list
This is probably one of the most important tips on our list! A to-do list, while it may sound silly, is actually one of the best things you can do to take stress off of you.
Sit down and make a to-do list TODAY! This is everything that needs to get done before Thanksgiving day.
This list will look different for everyone, but here are a few examples:
- Gather groceries, alcohol, or specialty foods.
- Order drinking glasses, plates, utensils, napkins, etc.
- Clean the house.
- Set the table.
By no means is this a comprehensive list, but hopefully it gives you some ideas on what you may need.
Tip 4:
Make a food/oven schedule
Separate from our to-do list, we like to make a schedule to know exactly when and what needs to go into the oven.
This ties back into testing your recipes and knowing all of this information. How long does it take to cook? How long does it take to prep? Is it something that can be made ahead of time?
An oven schedule is essential for getting your food on the dinner table at a reasonable time. This is also especially helpful if you’re working with limited oven space.
Tip 5:
Invest in tools/gadgets that will help
This is something I feel like most people forget about. If you’re working with limited cooking space, having something like an Instant Pot, Induction Cook Top, or a Countertop Oven may be the thing that saves you time and effort.
Another thing that may feel like a no brainer is investing in a good quality meat thermometer. Don’t depend on times to cook your turkey. You never know what may happen!
A thermometer is the best way to cook any meat to ensure that it’s perfect every time.
Tip 6:
Set the table in-advance
This is probably one of our favorite entertaining tips! My mom always set the table days ahead of schedule (we never eat at the table unless it’s the holiday’s).
Of course, this may not be possible for all of you, especially if you eat at your table every day.
Ideally, set the table the night before Thanksgiving. That way, you can really see how everything comes together and make adjustments before everyone gets there.
Of course, if you have fresh florals, always set those out Thanksgiving day to ensure the freshest bouquet or garland!
Tip 7:
Take a deep breath
Whether this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving dinner or your 100th, it can get pretty stressful and hectic.
Take a deep breath and always remember…you got this.
Sometimes, things (and life) happen. You just gotta roll with the flow and remember that everyone coming to your dinner table are people that love you.
These are your friends, your family, your found family, your loved ones. They are all gathered together out of love. Your Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be picture perfect.
Mistakes happen. No Thanksgiving day is one without stress and a dash of chaos. It’s less about the food and more about being surrounded by those you love. And remember, it’s always okay to ask for help.