With Thanksgiving coming up, I thought I’d share my Thanksgiving menu for this year in case you need any last-minute ideas! As all good traditions go, some things make an appearance every year, but I love me some sides, so those may change.

Planning the Perfect Thanksgiving Table

The big day can feel a little overwhelming, especially if it’s your first Thanksgiving as a host. Balancing the main course, like an easy roast turkey recipe with crispy skin or a tender turkey breast, with all the classic Thanksgiving side dishes takes a little strategy.

To make it easier, I’ve rounded up this year’s favorite recipes, from golden dinner rolls and cheesy mac and cheese balls to cozy pumpkin pie dip and a soft apple crackle cake, so you can plan your menu without the stress. 

If you plan to make any of these dishes, I strongly recommend visiting the post now and printing out the recipe (printable recipe cards are available at the bottom of each one). 

Appetizers

I always like to kick off Thanksgiving with a few small bites that get everyone’s stomachs rumbling before the main course hits. From crispy, golden sweet potato fritters to velvety vegan butternut squash soup, there’s something for every palate!

Crispy, Golden Sweet Potato Fritters

These sweet potato fritters are my new go-to when I’m tired of the same old hash browns. They get wonderfully crispy on the outside, stay soft in the middle, and have just the right mix of savory spices. Top ’em with herbs, yogurt, or a little hot honey and you’re set.

Cheese Ball

If you need a simple appetizer that always gets wiped clean, this creamy cheese ball is it. The mix of cream cheese, feta, sharp cheddar, and a few pantry seasonings makes it rich and flavorful, and a coat of toasted pecans adds the perfect crunch. 

Creamy Root Vegetable Soup

This soup blends carrots, potatoes, and turnips into a naturally sweet, velvety base, with garlic and herbs adding that slow-simmered comfort. A splash of cream at the end ties it all together, giving you a silky, hearty bowl that’s perfect with a piece of Dutch oven bread! 

Golden, Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls

If you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser before the big feast, these little guys are it. They’re golden, cheesy, and crispy in all the right places; basically the perfect grab-and-go app. Every Thanksgiving, I have the family telling me I should’ve made more!

Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

This vegan butternut squash soup is everything I want on a chilly Thanksgiving day. The mix of garlic, sage, rosemary, and a touch of ginger gives it a deep, comforting taste that makes me forget it’s just an appetizer. It’s creamy without any dairy at all, super easy to make, and goes perfectly with some cornbread.

Sides 

The sides are where I go all out on Thanksgiving. I like to balance the classic favorites with a few fresh salads or pumpkin pie dip for something lighter, so everyone gets a little mix of creamy, sweet, and savory. 

Soft, Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls

These soft, buttery dinner rolls are fluffy, golden, and so easy to tear apart that people start grabbing them before the rest of the food is even on the table. The dough is simple and make-ahead friendly, which is a lifesaver when you’re already juggling ten holiday dishes.

Creamy, Delicious Pumpkin Pie Dip

This creamy pumpkin pie dip is honestly the easiest way to get all the cozy pumpkin flavors without turning on the oven. Sweet, spiced, and totally scoopable, it comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients, making it perfect for last-minute fall get-togethers. 

Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These mashed sweet potatoes are creamy, fluffy, and just sweet enough, with a hint of cinnamon and honey that makes them the perfect companion to that savory turkey. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, comforting side dish everyone will love!

Candied Carrots Recipe

These candied carrots are a sweet Southern classic, perfect for the holidays. Tender baby carrots are simmered in a buttery, honey, and brown sugar syrup until glossy and irresistible! They’re an easy, festive side that pairs beautifully with any Thanksgiving or even Christmas dinner.

Homemade Mashed Potatoes With Evaporated Milk

If you want mashed potatoes that are extra creamy and full of flavor, these Southern-style mashed potatoes with evaporated milk are a must-try. Using evaporated milk makes them super fluffy and rich, way beyond your standard spuds. They pair perfectly with everything from fried chicken to holiday turkey.

Mains

The main event is what we’ve all been waiting for! An overnight turkey in an oven bag or a slow-cooked turkey breast takes all the stress out of timing while still delivering tender, juicy meat. I also love handheld chicken pot pies or throwing together homemade KFC bowls to keep it interesting.

Cooking Turkey Overnight in Oven Bag

Cooking a turkey overnight in an oven bag is a total lifesaver for Thanksgiving. When you wake up, your bird is perfectly cooked, moist, tender, and full of flavor, without all the stress of timing it on the big day. Plus, the rich broth and drippings are ready for gravy or stuffing right away!

Flaky, Creamy Handheld Chicken Pot Pies

These handheld chicken pot pies are perfect for when you want all the cozy flavors of a classic pot pie without waiting forever for a big pie to bake. I love using shredded rotisserie chicken to keep it quick and flavorful, and the flaky puff pastry makes every bite feel like the first!

Crock Pot Turkey Breast

This slow-cooker turkey breast is hands-down one of the easiest ways to get a perfectly juicy Thanksgiving main. Just season, pop it in the crockpot, and let it do its magic while you focus on sides and desserts. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have tender, flavorful turkey that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Don’t forget the cranberry sauce!

Homemade KFC Bowls

These homemade KFC bowls are the ultimate Thanksgiving meal because you get crispy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheddar, and rich gravy all in one hearty dish! They’re perfect for serving alongside your favorite sides or enjoying on their own. Toss in some chicken tenders for that original restaurant feel!

Ham and Potato Casserole

This cheesy ham and potato casserole is embarrassingly easy, but oh-so-satisfying. Just four simple ingredients and you’re done! It’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for keeping the family happy with minimal kitchen time. It’s also a lifesaver for using up leftovers.

Desserts

Thanksgiving desserts are my favorite part of the holiday; the flavors, smells, and little indulgences make the whole day feel complete. I love a spiced pumpkin roll or a warm, gooey apple crisp that fills the kitchen with fall aromas, and a bright cranberry fluff salad adds that festive pop of color everyone loves.

Soft, Buttery Apple Crackle Cake

Soft spiced cake, tender apples, and sweet cream cheese swirls bake together over a buttery pecan base for a cozy dessert. Perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want that warm, autumnal comfort on your plate!

Colorful Cranberry Fluff Salad

Ambrosia salad will always have a special place in my heart, but this Cranberry Fluff Salad is a holiday table must-have! Tart cranberries, sweet marshmallows, and crushed pineapple fold into fluffy whipped cream for a creamy, fruity treat. It’s colorful, festive, and refreshingly light, perfect alongside your Thanksgiving turkey.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is pure Thanksgiving magic. Creamy, buttery sweet potatoes get topped with golden, gooey marshmallows for that perfect sweet-and-savory balance. Serve alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for the ultimate Southern feast!

Cozy Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

I love making this apple crisp for Thanksgiving because it’s easy enough to let me focus on the big meal while still serving up that cozy, homemade apple pie flavor everyone loves. The apples get soft and sweet while the buttery, spiced topping crisps up beautifully, all without heating up your kitchen.

Soft & Spiced Pumpkin Roll

This pumpkin roll is hands-down one of my favorite fall treats: soft, spiced cake hugging a thick, creamy swirl of cream cheese frosting. I love how the powdered sugar makes it look fancy without any extra work. Honestly, one slice won’t be enough, so plan on sneaking a second (or third) before anyone notices!

We all have blessings to be thankful for. With a mix of classic Thanksgiving recipes and a few fresh twists, your Thanksgiving dinner table will be ready to delight every guest, and you’ll have time to actually enjoy the holiday season too.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, no matter how you are celebrating or with how many people!