Easy Thanksgiving Dinner | Best Thanksgiving Feast

You can make this simple and easy Thanksgiving dinner in 4 hours or less.

This post is my way of saying thank you to all my lovely readers who have continuously supported me in my blogging journey. If you have tried anything from our menu, tag us here on Instagram, and we would love to see your creations.

Suppose you are looking for a more extensive menu for a large crowd or family of 4 or more, from soup, salads, and appetizers to side dishes. You can check here for 100 + Thanksgiving recipes, Thanksgiving side dishes, and Thanksgiving dessert ideas.

Jump to:

• Recipe card
• Top 10 Thanksgiving Foods
• My simple, elegant Thanksgiving menu idea
• Main Dish
• Sides
• Breads / Rolls / Biscuits
• Desserts / Sweets
• FAQ
• User Reviews

Recipe card

Top 10 Thanksgiving Foods

I know every individual and family has their favorite food list, but these are always my top choices.

• Roasted Turkey or Roast Chicken
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic Cream Sauce
• Green Bean Casserole
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Corn Casserole
• Crispy Potatoes
• Dinner rolls and/or Buttermilk biscuits
• Mac and Cheese
• Pumpkin Pie
• The Best Persimmon Apple Pudding

My simple, elegant Thanksgiving menu idea

When I create a menu for any occasion, I like to work on the logistics. With the fridge, oven, and stove space restrictions, plus wanting to do it all by myself, I only choose items that are practically possible to do within a reasonable time. But let me tell you, there is no compromise on the menu, and all my guests are always happy after the meal!

The simple guide that I keep in mind while making a dinner menu

I decide on the menu based on the number of people I will host. If it is a smaller family of 2 or 4, you can be as creative as you want. But if you feed a larger crowd, you cannot spend time decorating your cupcakes or mini pizzas. Roasts, casseroles, and pies are some things that you should pick. Also, be aware of any diet restrictions of your guests - nut allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. It is easy to customize dishes around these dietary restrictions so that everyone gets a sumptuous meal without compromising on taste.

Decide which items can be made ahead of time and which must be freshly prepared. Making ahead means you only have to warm the meal before serving it and not worry about the dish on Thanksgiving day. Some dishes are served chill, so you don't even have the task of warming them up before serving.

Prepare a schedule so that you are relaxed on the big day. If you are overwhelmed, you can even bring desserts, rolls, and stuffing from the store and mix and match.

Ultimately, all that matters the most is spending quality time with your family and friends and having fun. There is no reason for you to get stressed out in the kitchen while all others are having a great time eating the appetizers or side dishes you made.

This is what my thanksgiving dinner looks like. I also have ideas for swapping some items, so check them out and make your Thanksgiving menu unique.

Main Dish

Roast Chicken or Spatchcock Chicken

Roasting a spatchcock chicken will give you juicy, moist, and tender chicken meat with super crispy skin. This is the best roast chicken you will make for thanksgiving dinner and can be prepared in less than 2 hours. We have used herb butter and homemade spice mix. You can also roast the vegetables with the same spice mix and pan.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

If you are looking for a turkey or meat alternative for your vegetarian thanksgiving dinner, try our whole roasted cauliflower topped with cheese and garlic cream sauce. This is going to be a total crowd-pleaser.

Sides

Green Bean Casserole

Thanksgiving dinner is incomplete without one side dish with green beans. This green bean casserole is our all-time favorite, as it tastes great and is easy to make. And when you make everything at home from scratch, it even becomes budget-friendly.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

If you love green beans but are looking for the easiest recipe, then try this sauteed garlic butter green beans that are ready in less than 10 minutes.

Sweet Potato Casserole

How about substituting the traditional sweet potato casserole with healthy, creamy, and savory mashed sweet potato casserole with nut toppings? This casserole complements very well with any roast meat.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Any dinner is incomplete without potatoes in the main dish, side dish, or salad. Garlic Roasted Potatoes are a crowd favorite. The potatoes are crispy on the outside with a creamy texture inside. Add it to your menu if your guests love anything potatoes. Else skip this and do the roasted potatoes with the chicken mentioned above.

Crispy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

If you want something different from oven-roasted potatoes, add this cheesy potato casserole with crispy cornflakes topping.

Corn Cheese Casserole

If there are several kids at your Thanksgiving party, add this Corn Cheese Casserole and the Mac n Cheese recipe, which kids will love, and you can have a more relaxed time with your family. Corn and cheese is a match made in heaven.

Mac and Cheese

This recipe for mac and cheese is my family's favorite. It is rich and creamy with a crispy topping. The best side dish that you can serve for holiday dinner.

Breads / Rolls / Biscuits

Dinner Rolls or Yeast Rolls

This six-ingredient recipe is one of the best make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes. The rolls are soft and buttery and can suck up all those meat drippings on your plate.

Buttermilk Biscuits

If you are looking for no yeast, no-knead, or quick bread to serve for thanksgiving dinner, then you should try these crispy and flaky buttermilk biscuits.

Desserts / Sweets

Pumpkin Pie with Streusel Topping

When it comes to dessert, I can't think of anything better than traditional pumpkin pie, which you can make more special with streusel topping.

Persimmon Apple Pudding

If you are looking for something special and unique to make this Thanksgiving dinner, then try this persimmon pudding which is topped with secret butter-flavored sauce.

FAQ

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Note: We originally posted this easy Thanksgiving dinner menu idea in Nov 2022. It has now been modified in Nov 2023 with Expert Chef Tips, FAQs, Storage Instructions, etc.