Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

Thanksgiving is steeped in tradition and hence the Thanksgiving dinner should also reflect family and tradition. Of course the main highlight of a Thanksgiving dinner is the roasted whole turkey in all its splendor and glory kept in the center of the table. However you will need other appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and desserts to make your Thanksgiving dinner a success. A Thanksgiving dinner menu should have a mixture of traditional as well modern dishes. It is also a good time for you to bring out your good china and cutlery. Do not forget to decorate the dining table with some great Thanksgiving table decorating ideas. Before you finalize a menu for Thanksgiving dinner, make sure that the dishes you are going to prepare would be appealing to all your family and guests. Prepare healthy Thanksgiving recipes that are tasty too.

Dinner Menu Ideas for Thanksgiving

Having the right menu for Thanksgiving and preparing everything in advance, will ensure that you have a stress free Thanksgiving dinner. This is not the time to experiment with new dishes that you have never made before. Prepare only those dishes that you are most comfortable cooking and are confident that it will taste and look good. Having a good mix of both traditional Thanksgiving dishes as well as modern thanksgiving recipes with newer flavors will help to balance the dinner menu. Do not make too little food and always have at least two to three side dishes, one good Thanksgiving stuffing recipe and holiday gourmet desserts so that you have plenty to serve your guests. Appetizers should be bite sized and not too heavy and limit them to just two or three for each guest. Otherwise the guests will be full and they won't be able to savor the main course. Here we are going to present to you some Thanksgiving dinner ideas for a traditional holiday meal.

Easy Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

• Roasted Turkey with Thyme and Garlic
• Pear and Watercress Salad
• Mushroom and Sausage Stuffing
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Sauteed Green Beans with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
• Turkey Sausage Gravy
• Pumpkin Pie Spice Cake
• Whole Wheat Rolls

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

• Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey
• Pear and Bread Stuffing
• Glazed Baby Carrots
• Traditional Turkey Gravy
• Cheese Grits
• Cranberry Sauce
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Chives
• Braised Green Beans with Caramelized Baby Onions
• Butternut Squash and Wild Rice Casserole
• Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Apple and Cinnamon Sponge Cake

Modern Thanksgiving Menu

• Turkey Breast with Spinach-Feta Stuffing
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Sweet Potato and Red Bell Pepper Soup
• Cranberry and Orange Relish
• Apple and Cranberry Stuffing
• Scalloped potatoes
• Spiced Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
• Creme Brulee

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

• Tomato and Feta Cheese Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
• Sweet Potato and Apple Gratin
• Clam Chowder
• Sautéed Organic Baby Carrots with Sage
• Parmesan and Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes with Chives
• Cranberry and Ginger Relish
• Pumpkin and Walnut Cake
• Classic Apple Pie

First Timers Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

• Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple syrup
• Turkey Breast in Crock Pot
• Turkey Gravy
• Cornbread Stuffing
• Cranberry Sauce with Ginger
• Oven Roasted Potatoes
• Pecan Pie
• Lime Tarts

Southern Style Thanksgiving Menu

• Honey Roasted Turkey
• Herbed Turkey Gravy
• Bread and Sausage Stuffing
• Deviled Eggs
• Steamed Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Mustard Vinaigrette
• Steamed Green Beans with Garlic
• Butternut Squash Gratin
• Cranberry Sauce
• Pumpkin Pie
• Amaretti Cookies

Keep in mind that a whole turkey needs around three days to thaw before you can prepare it for roasting in the oven. A very good idea is to roast two small birds instead of a very large turkey. This way you can use one to place on the dinner table and the other can be carved in the kitchen and served to guests. The advantage of roasting two small birds is that it takes less time to cook and the meat is also moist and tender. Baking cookies and pies can also be done a day before Thanksgiving. Relishes and sauces can also be prepared a day ahead. Thanksgiving menu ideas for dinner should be such that you can make as much of the food ahead. If you are spending Thanksgiving with your spouse or partner, then there are many Thanksgiving dinner for two menu ideas. In this way with a bit of organizing you can have a great holiday meal that everyone can enjoy.