Firmly pressed linens. Sparkling crystal glasses. Giant helpings of casserole, stuffing and pie. And, of course, a golden turkey at the heart of it all. There’s just no beating a classic Thanksgiving dinner.
At my house, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner brings together family from all corners of the country. And you better believe we break out the same traditions year after year: Dad will carve the turkey, Mom will make her special cranberry sauce (mmm…to hear those fresh cranberries popping on the stovetop!) and no matter the age, us “kids” will snack away on French’s crispy fried onions before they make it to their place on the green bean dish. Though we go through the same motions each year, these traditions never feel tired.
Whether you’ve been hosting Thanksgiving for decades or are just starting this year, we’ve wrangled up the best ideas for your traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Traditional Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
For a truly traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu, you’ve got to have the classics:
- Turkey
- Stuffing
- Gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potato casserole (a marshmallow topping is negotiable)
- Cranberry sauce
- Bread rolls
- Lots and lots of pie
Traditional Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Let’s face it, no matter how good Aunt Lydia’s cornbread is, the star of the show will always be the turkey. Every cook has their favorite way to prepare it: deep-fried, on the grill, or in the oven. However, for our traditional Thanksgiving feast, we found a turkey recipe is an absolute classic. Kim Forni shared her family’s best turkey recipe that roasts up crispy and golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. The secret? Brine the turkey in maple and sage the night before and cook the bird in a bag. Yes, a bag. (Follow our Test Kitchen’s guide to roasting turkey in an oven bag.)
From our family to yours, we’ve compiled some of our most treasured traditional Thanksgiving menu items that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Get all of our best traditional Thanksgiving menu recipes right here.
Maple-Sage Brined Turkey
When the leaves start turning, it’s turkey time at our house. We use maple-sage brine to help brown the bird and make the meat incredibly juicy. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Get the look with our favorite traditional Thanksgiving table decorations.
Traditional Holiday Stuffing
Sausage and sage add a gourmet taste to this stuffing. It's perfect for large family gatherings, but you can also save some for later. —Lorraine Brauckhoff, Zolfo Springs, Florida
Corn Pudding
Jiffy mix and canned corn make this golden corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
Hot Spiced Cranberry Drink
I serve this rosy spiced beverage at parties and family gatherings during the winter. Friends like the tangy twist it gets from Red-Hots. It's a nice change from the usual hot chocolate. —Laura Burgess, Ballwin, Missouri
Elegant Green Beans
Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to ordinary green bean casserole. Every time I make it for friends, I'm asked to share the recipe. —Linda Poe, Sandstone, Minnesota
Molded Cranberry Nut Salad
We try lots of cranberry recipes, and this one is always requested when we have family get-togethers at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's also been a favorite dish at every church potluck I've taken it to! —Eleanor Arthur, Seattle, Washington
Sweet Potato Casserole
I got this recipe from a friend years ago, and I've used it a lot since! So many of my friends enjoyed it that I've sent the recipe all over the country. I make it primarily for Thanksgiving, or with dinner when I'm serving ham. —Eleanor Sherry, Highland Park, Illinois
Icebox Rolls
I remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they'd be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're really not all that difficult to make. And there's nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota
Slow-Cooked Golden Mashed Potatoes
Making a grand meal on Thanksgiving can be a little daunting, even for the most experienced cook. The convenience of a slow cooker for these classic spuds makes it one step easier and allows you to spend more time with family. —Samantha Six, Fredricksburg, Indiana
Washington State Apple Pie
This pie won Grand Champion in the Apple Pie category at the 1992 Okanogan County Fair. The pie looks traditional, but making your own filling gives it a different flair and great taste. —Dolores Scholz, Tonasket, Washington
Fluffy Cranberry Delight
This was originally my daughter's recipe, and she or I will make it for one or more of our holiday get-togethers. It can be served as a fruit salad along with the meal or as a light dessert. It's particularly pretty in a cut-glass bowl on a buffet. —Ruth Bolduc, Conway, New Hampshire
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Creamy Turkey Gravy
With my easy recipe, even someone who has never made homemade gravy before can be assured of success. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas.
Beans 'n' Caramelized Onions
Brown sugar, bacon and cider vinegar season this simple side. I often make it for family and friends, and it never fails to please!—Jill Heatwole, Pittsville, Maryland
Pumpkin Dessert
"When we bake these layered squares, our kitchen smells wonderful," writes Ruth Chiarenzsa from her home in La Vale, Maryland. "They are favorites during the fall season, and they make a great finish to any meal. As a matter of fact, they never last for very long in our house!"
Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole
People who don’t even like broccoli casseroles beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Herbed Brussels Sprouts
Topped with a tangy sauce and mixed with mushrooms, these brussels sprouts are so tasty that even children enjoy them. —Debbie Marrone, Warner Robins, Georgia
Caramel Pecan Pie
This is hands down the best pecan pie—it’s so good, it’s scary! I’m making it for Thanksgiving because there will be others around to share it with me. Here’s the trick: Toss the bag of caramels to your kid or spouse and promise they can eat whatever is left after they unwrap your 36 caramels. —Larry Crowder, Grand Blanc, Michigan
Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
Put leftover cranberries and pumpkin to great use in this moist quick bread. It’s very good with my "secondhand turkey" casserole for an after-Thanksgiving meal. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Roasted Citrus & Herb Turkey
Thanksgiving has never been the same since I tried this recipe. I have made it for the past three years, and it never fails to impress both in presentation and taste. This is a true showstopper! —Nancy M. Niemerg, Dieterich, Illinois
Classic Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
These make-ahead mashed potatoes save me a ton of time on Christmas day. No more frantically whipping the potatoes while hungry family and guests hang around the kitchen! —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
Easy Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This recipe has a wonderful taste and will be a hit at your holiday meal. —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
Spiced Cider Punch
I’ve shared this recipe with many friends. It never wears out its welcome and is so easy to make. It’s also delicious warm. —Charles Piatt, Little Rock, Akansas
Triple Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again. It's loaded with their favorite fruit—in fresh, dried and juice form. Orange and allspice make it awesome. —Arlene Smulski, Lyons, Illinois
Pumpkin Pie Martinis
My girlfriends begin requesting this cocktail in fall and continue to ask for it through the holidays. Every sip is like a taste of pumpkin pie!—Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, Illinois
Buttermilk Pie with Pecans
Branch out from the usual pecan pie with a creamy-crunchy version that comes out of the oven golden brown. Big slices are even better with a dollop of whipped cream.—Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
Sharp Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
Try as I might, I can never follow a recipe exactly, so here's what I came up with when I made a family friend's scalloped potatoes in my own kitchen. They’re so awesome, you just keep going back for more. —Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington
Gingery Pumpkin Pie
My birthday is in late November so my mom often morphed the Thanksgiving pumpkin pie into my birthday "cake" and had all the family sing for me. This is an update on her recipe, adding lots more of our mutual favorite ingredient, ginger. The pie's best after it's nice and chilled. Birthday candles optional. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Best-Ever Stuffed Mushrooms
Every Christmas Eve, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. When you want a change, consider fixing the sausage and cream cheese filling on its own—instead of having stuffed mushrooms. It's a good spread on baguette slices and crackers. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado
Rustic Cranberry Tarts
I like to serve colorful desserts for gatherings with family and friends. These beautiful tarts are filled with cranberry and citrus flavor, and they’re easy to make and serve. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Savory Sausage Stuffing
I used to make the same old dressing every year for Thanksgiving. About 10 years ago, I decided to jazz up my recipe by adding pork sausage. Now everyone requests it for all our holiday meals. —Ursula Hernandez, Waltham, Minnesota
Scrumptious Sweet Potato Pie
There are many good sweet potato pies out there, but this one doesn't contain milk. It does have a splash of whiskey and a hint of lemon. —Suzanne Smith, Maumee, Ohio
New England Pumpkin-Walnut Bread
Pumpkin bread is for chilly mornings when you long for some homestyle New England food. Serve slices with a warm and soothing beverage. —Kimberly Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Roasted Acorn Squash & Brussels Sprouts
I love creating dishes with few ingredients and easy steps, like squash with Brussels sprouts. Maple syrup adds a slight sweetness, and pecans give it a toasty crunch. —Angela LeMoine, Howell, New Jersey
Grandma's Collard Greens
My grandmother made the best collard greens in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk corn bread is pure bliss. —Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida
Aunt Margaret's Sweet Potato Casserole
My great-aunt made an incredible sweet potato casserole for our holiday dinners. I’ve lightened it up a bit, but we love it just the same. —Beth Britton, Fairlawn, Ohio
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
When I serve this easy mash, the bowl is always scraped clean. Before holiday feasts, I make it early and keep it warm in a slow cooker so I can focus on last-minute details. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Roasted Sage Turkey with Vegetable Gravy
There’s no place like home-style when roasting the big bird. Instead of sage stuffing with turkey, stuff this bird with fresh sage and sprigs of thyme. —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Classic Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
These make-ahead mashed potatoes save me a ton of time on Christmas day. No more frantically whipping the potatoes while hungry family and guests hang around the kitchen! —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
My family loves gravy, so I can never have enough homemade gravy on hand for a holiday dinner. The base for this one is prepared with turkey wings and can be prepped in advance. —Linda Fitzsimmons, Fort Edward, New York
Honey Pecan Pie
Looking for a sweet ending to a special meal? This attractive pecan pie is bound to please with its traditional filling and honey-glazed pecans. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio
Mom's Sweet Potato Bake
Mom loves sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost serve as a dessert. It's a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
Triple Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again. It's loaded with their favorite fruit—in fresh, dried and juice form. Orange and allspice make it awesome. —Arlene Smulski, Lyons, Illinois
Baker's Dozen Yeast Rolls
A yummy honey-garlic topping turns these easy dinner rolls into something extra special. Try ’em with soups and chili. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Pie
Apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet is a real stunner. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York
Sausage Bread Dressing
My husband and father go crazy for this dressing. Leftovers are rare but they freeze quite well. To save time, chop the veggies and prepare (but don't bake) the dressing up to two days ahead of time and refrigerate. Add a little baking time since it will be cold. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Harvest Sweet Potato Pie
We baked pies a few days before holiday gatherings and placed them in a tall pie safe on our back porch. My father called this sweet potato pie recipe "royal pie," because he thought it was fit for a king. It's a treasured hand-me-down family recipe. —Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia
Grandma's Cranberry Stuff
What could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother's classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cornmeal Parker House Rolls
My mom deserves the credit for making this recipe a family tradition. These sweet tender rolls have been on every holiday table at her house for as long as I can remember. —Lisa D. Brenner, Harrisburg, Nebraska
Easy Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This recipe has a wonderful taste and will be a hit at your holiday meal. —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
This is a great way to make America's most popular comfort food. The dish turns out cheesy, rich and creamy. —Jennifer Babcock, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Creamy Cranberry Salad
One of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in salad for the holidays. The keys are cranberries, pineapple, marshmallows and nuts. —Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan
Oatmeal Rolls
Most people tell me what they like best about these rolls is they're so moist. I like them because they're simple to make, freeze well and because I grew up on oatmeal and still love it! —Jeanette Fuehring, Concordia, Missouri
Apple Crumble Pie
The crumb topping of this apple crumb pie recipe is awesome, which may explain why dessert always disappears fast. Or maybe it's the chunky apple filling. Either way, it's a family tradition. —Vera Brouwer, Maurice, Iowa
Creole Roasted Turkey with Holy Trinity Stuffing
I jazz up turkey Creole style with the trinity of onions, bell peppers and celery—plus a stuffing that gets hotter and hotter the longer it sits. —Eric Olsson, Macomb, Michigan
Cheesy Corn Spoon Bread
Homey and comforting, this custard-like side dish is a much-requested recipe at potlucks and holiday dinners. The jalapeno pepper adds just the right bite. Second helpings of this tasty casserole are common—leftovers aren't. —Katherine Franklin, Carbondale, Illinois
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Almonds
If Brussels sprouts taste bitter to you, roast them for a gentle sweetness that goes with cranberries and almonds. This side dish won us over. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida
Grandma's Rosemary Dinner Rolls
My grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. At lunchtime, my mom and aunts delivered the formed rolls. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Rustic Cranberry Tarts
I like to serve colorful desserts for gatherings with family and friends. These beautiful tarts are filled with cranberry and citrus flavor, and they’re easy to make and serve. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Wild Rice Stuffed Squash
I made this recipe when we invited both families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California
Grandma's Collard Greens
My grandmother made the best collard greens in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk corn bread is pure bliss. —Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida
Flaky Butterhorn Rolls
This dinner roll, slightly sweet and so very flaky, was my mother’s recipe. It’s simple to prepare because you don’t need to have any kneading skills, and the dough is easy to handle. My grandchildren have renamed them Grandma’s Croissants! —Bernice Smith, Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
Cranberry Pineapple Salad
Impress dinner guests with this delightfully different take on traditional cranberry sauce. The nuts add a tasty crunch. —Dorothy Angley, Carver, Massachusetts
Tender Whole Wheat Rolls
Even though these are whole wheat rolls they have a light texture and are soft and tender. This recipe reminds me of lots of happy meals with my family.—Wilma Orlano, Carroll, Iowa
Roasted Turkey with Maple Cranberry Glaze
I prepare turkey with a taste of Canada in mind. The sweet maple flavor comes through even in the breast meat. You may start to notice it's caramelized color after about 2 hours. That's when I cover it loosely with foil while it finishes cooking. The meat will stay tender and juicy. —Suzanne Anctil, West Vancouver, British Columbia
Creamy Sweet Potatoes
I took my mother's delicious sweet potato casserole recipe and gave it a new twist by adding the tempting taste of orange-a fruit very abundant in our state. The flavors are wonderful together and make this dish a family favorite. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
Slow-Cooked Green Beans
I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina
Maple Sugar Pumpkin Pie
We make our own maple syrup, and that's what gives this pie its special taste. You might want to bake this for your Thanksgiving meal. —Martha Boudah, Essex Center, Vermont
New Orleans-Style Scalloped Corn
This colorful casserole is popular for family gatherings in many New Orleans homes. I started making it years ago, and now our grown sons include it on their own menus. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Icebox Potato Rolls
These tender rolls are a family favorite, and we sometimes have more than 20 people around the table. Make the dough in advance and bake when you're ready. —Barb Linnerud, Boiling Springs, South Carolina
Nanny's Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Blue-Ribbon Herb Rolls
These rolls have been a favorite of ours for nearly 25 years. I even baked them in an old wood stove when we lived on a farm. I developed the recipe using several techniques I learned while studying the art of bread making. The recipe won a blue ribbon at our county fair. —Mary Ann Evans, Tarpon Springs, Florida
Porcini Mac & Cheese
This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original.—Laura Davis, Pocomoke City, Maryland
Coconut Acorn Squash
Save yourself some time in the kitchen and toss the squash in the microwave for a truly quick dish. Sometimes squash can be a bit tasteless. I conquer this by adding a bit of mango chutney and coconut. It really makes the flavor pop. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Cranberry Walnut Pie
Here’s a wonderful dessert for Christmas or Thanksgiving. With ruby-red color and a golden lattice crust, this pie looks as good as it tastes. —Diane Everett, Dunkirk, New York
Traditional Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas
Such a special occasion deserves special decor. And yes, you can be traditional without being stuffy. First, find a tablecloth you love, then work your color scheme from there. For our traditional Thanksgiving table, we went with a deep plum cloth. Though it’s probably not the color Grandma would have chosen, we feel plum is an underused seasonal color that deserves its place in the spotlight. Dark and bold colors like this can really make white plates and all those rich, golden dishes (like our favorite corn pudding casserole) shine. Get the look with all of our favorite table settings.
To fill in the table, go ahead and use the holiday as an excuse to break out that crystal stemware that’s been sitting in the cabinet. Or wipe the dust off a family heirloom to serve as the centerpiece. To get our look, add in a few glass and metallic items. (We chose pewter napkin rings and repurposed these beautiful Crate & Barrel glasses as candle holders) Then, balance out these hard textures with softer items like flower bunches and tall taper candles.
Psst! Don’t risk getting wax on the table. Add a soft glow to the Thanksgiving table with these flickering flameless candles.
Get the Look
The most memorable Thanksgiving gatherings always have a well-set table. In addition to cooking a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu, you should consider the plates, serving utensils and glasses, as well as serving platters, gravy boats, napkins and more as part of the experience. For some help designing a timeless look, use our Thanksgiving table decor ideas here!
Chic Wine Glasses
Raise a toast to good company and good food with this set of wine glasses ($68 for six). These unique, handblown glasses have a goblet-like shape and short, decorative stems. No matter what you’re all sipping on (we recommend this delicious hot spiced cranberry drink), your guests will feel elegant with these glasses in hand. Buy here.
Dinner Plates
If you’re in the market for a new set of classic plates, you’ll surely love these antique white dinner plates ($100 for 16-piece set), which are made from porcelain and feature a subtle embellishment along the rim. They’ll look stunning piled high with all your favorite Thanksgiving foods. Buy here.
Elegant Gravy Boat
What’s Thanksgiving without gravy? Serve an amazing Thanksgiving gravy in this lovely antique white gravy boat ($60), which will perfectly complement the dinner plates we’re recommending. The boat comes with a matching platter to catch any runaway drips. Buy here.
Linen Tablecloth
Not only do tablecloths brighten up your table, but they also make cleanup significantly easier. So adorn your table with a traditional pick like this linen tablecloth ($70-$90 depending on size). It comes in a variety of seasonal hues, though we’re partial to the wine color for this table setting. Buy here.
Linen Napkins
Swap out paper napkins for these beautiful linen napkins ($8). The deep, rich color will make your table settings pop, and the linen fabric is pre-washed so it’s incredibly soft to the touch. Plus, the napkins will match your tablecloth. Buy here.
Simple Baking Dish
You’re going to need a high-quality baking dish for traditional Thanksgiving sides, like our yummy corn pudding. This casserole dish ($67) is a deep 13×9 that looks simply gorgeous. Just bring the dish from oven to table when it’s time to serve. Buy here.
Classic Carving Utensils
Carving a turkey is no easy feat (learn how to do it the right way!), which is why you need high-quality cutting utensils at your Thanksgiving feast. This beautiful carving set ($319) includes a pewter carving fork and knife, and the utensils will become a cherished family heirloom. Buy here.
Pewter Napkin Rings
No good at folding napkins? Make your job easier with a set of sleek napkin rings—pull the linens through, place them on the table and you’re done. You can even have these beautiful napkin rings ($50) customized with a monogram. Buy here.
Heirloom Shot Glasses
To hold flickering tea lights for the table, think outside the box and use a sophisticated shot glass ($3). Each glass has a beautiful diamond pattern that’s inspired by cut crystal. Buy here.
Pewter Tray
This beautiful pewter tray ($244) is a splurge, but the platter is perfect for displaying your Thanksgiving centerpiece. Plus, its handcrafted pewter finish perfectly complements the napkin rings. Buy here.
Pewter Silverware
If you have a haphazard array of mismatched tableware, it might be time to upgrade to a more uniform set. This vintage-inspired flatware ($50) comes in a traditional pewter finish to match other items on the table, and these simple utensils work well as everyday dinnerware, too. Buy here.How to Give Thanks: Gratitude Garland
With all the meal prep, decorating and family running around the house, it’s easy to forget what the holiday is all about. Try this feel-good Thanksgiving activity at your table this year to reflect on the things that you and your family are grateful for:
- Before friends and family arrive, string a length of twine or ribbon in an obvious spot, such as on a mantel or at the top of a doorway.
- Set out paper leaves, permanent markers, and clothespins.
- Throughout the day, invite each person to write down what they’re thankful for on a leaf and string it to the twine
Want More Ideas? Find Your Thanksgiving Style.
Transform your table this holiday by planning your Thanksgiving feast around one of our fun (and delicious!) themes. Take our quiz to find the perfect menu, stunning tablescape decorations and more—all based off of your personality.
