37 Creative Thanksgiving Food Ideas for a Vibrant Menu in 2025

It’s never too early to start looking for Thanksgiving food ideas. Food is the main event of the holiday, from Thanksgiving breakfast to the main event. We're firm believers that even novice cooks can put on a show for their Thanksgiving meal with a little bit of planning and preparation.

With that said, what’s a good menu for Thanksgiving? The best Thanksgiving menus usually balance a fresh take on traditional November holiday ideas with classically loved Thanksgiving foods — this way, the meal is distinctive while still giving folks the comfort foods that they love. According to the Pew Research Center, Thanksgiving is celebrated by the majority of Americans. It is a holiday that brings together people of all walks of life, even more so than other major celebration days.

All of this is to say that there's no one right way to do it. So, to kick off your Thanksgiving brainstorming, we’ve put together a list of some of the most satisfying and creative Thanksgiving food ideas for a vibrant and varied spread.

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• Learn to Make the Best Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
• Best Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for a Crowd
• Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
• Most Popular Thanksgiving Dinner Sides

Learn to Make the Best Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

Hosting family or nailing your Friendsgiving ideas is so much easier when you feel confident in the kitchen. You may have eaten American food classics countless times before, but taking them on on your own for the first time can be intimidating.

While you could just check all the restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving, a home-cooked meal is at the heart of a wholesome celebration. The most reliable way to improve your culinary talents is to sign up for cooking classes near you. With cooking classes in Chicago, Atlanta, Boston and all around the country, you'll have access to a low-stakes way to pick up on trendy dishes that will make your Thanksgiving menu stand out.

If you’re too busy to attend a cooking class in person, don’t fret: online cooking classes are available that will bring the wisdom of a professional chef right to you. You can learn to cook the classics in your own kitchen and rehearse every part of the Thanksgiving meal. When the day comes, you'll be ready to knock it out of the park.

Best Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for a Crowd

1. Thanksgiving Salad

If you’re preparing a Thanksgiving meal for a large crowd, making a big Thanksgiving salad is a quick and easy Thanksgiving food idea that can make the most of delicious seasonal produce.

Use a base with dark greens, like spinach and arugula, and mix in root vegetables like radishes and carrots. To add an extra crunch and that autumnal feel to this food idea for Thanksgiving, walnuts or pine nuts are the perfect finishing touch (just be sure to check with your entire invite list about nut allergies).

2. Mac and Cheese

When you’re choosing Thanksgiving food ideas for a crowd, seek out recipes that can be made in big batches. Macaroni and cheese is an excellent choice. Not only is it one of the most popular Thanksgiving sides, but you can make a lot of it at once without much effort. Go for a classic mac and cheese recipe or sneak in some veggies for a healthier Thanksgiving dinner food idea. 

3. Charcuterie Board

Appetizers are a must when planning your Thanksgiving food ideas, and fun fall charcuterie board ideas are an easy spread that can feed a big group. Prepare these Thanksgiving party appetizers ahead of time and stock up on a few different hard and soft cheeses, cured meats, nuts and crackers.

Spread out the treats on a wooden board, and your guests will be happy to munch on these savory treats until dinner is ready. If you’re a fan of Thanksgiving crafts, you can also arrange your charcuterie board into a themed shape, like a turkey. This will double up as a fantastic Thanksgiving decoration idea. If you need kids' party games for Thanksgiving, have them take the lead on the arrangement.

4. Chickpea Pumpkin Fritters

A big guest list increases the odds that you’ll need to accommodate some dietary restrictions, especially for vegetarians and vegans. It's always best to have some alternative Thanksgiving meals and non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes on offer. Make sure the vegans in your life get a dish with protein, like chickpea pumpkin fritters.

This vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe is easy to make and packed with protein — mash some chickpeas and pumpkin, add flour and breadcrumbs and then toss the fritters onto the frying pan. It’s a quick dish and your loved ones will appreciate that you put thought into your vegan Thanksgiving food ideas. 

5. Potatoes Au Gratin

If you want a Thanksgiving side that will impress your guests but won’t be stressful to make, potatoes au gratin are perfect. You’ll get the heartiness of potatoes presented in a way that's fit for the Thanksgiving table. Straight out of Christmas in France, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Don’t let the French name fool you — this Thanksgiving dinner food idea is a simple baked dish of thinly sliced potatoes, cream and shredded cheese. The crisp top and soft interior make a nice contrast to roasted meats and bright vegetables.

6. Apple Pie

Planning Thanksgiving desserts for a big group is tricky – not everyone likes the same sweets. Keep your Thanksgiving food ideas classic for this course with a delicious apple pie. Apple pies are sweet, seasonally appropriate and will come out tasty even if you’re an inexperienced cook.

Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and everyone is sure to end the night happy. Just make sure to use a spoon so that you don't ruin your Thanksgiving nails. In our books, this is a food that relieves stress better than any other.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

For vegetables, aim for simple Thanksgiving food ideas that can be left to roast in the oven, like roasted Brussels sprouts. You can prepare roasted Brussels sprouts in all kinds of ways, but one particularly yummy method is letting them caramelize in a mix of olive oil, salt and balsamic vinegar. Throw in some crispy bits of bacon right at the end for a crunch twist to this Thanksgiving food idea for family gatherings.

8. Shepherd’s Pie

Making dinner for a lot of people can get overwhelming, so if you’re dealing with a small kitchen or high stress levels, you may want to opt for a Thanksgiving food idea that nails multiple food groups.

Shepard's pie is a fall dinner idea that fits into one dish and is a favorite of the season. Shepherd’s pie is a meat and vegetable medley topped with mashed potatoes and cheese, baked in one big cast-iron pot. It’s easier than making a bunch of different mains and side dishes, and your guests will love the originality of this food idea for Thanksgiving dinner.

9. Savory Bread Pudding

A savory bread pudding is a decadent Thanksgiving food idea perfect for feeding lots of people. This dish is kind of like an elevated version of stuffing. All you have to do is bake it in the oven; it’s a convenient, hands-off dish for a busy cooking day. There are a lot of different bread pudding recipes out there, so you can play around with your favorite comforting Thanksgiving ingredients, such as sausage, apples, or mushrooms. 

10. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you're hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, remember that it's always a good idea to set out some snacks for guests. Chocolate chip cookies are a reliable fall dessert if you need Thanksgiving food ideas, but you can make them a little more unique and Thanksgiving-themed by baking pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

If you like chocolate and pumpkin spice, this fall cookie idea is a fun Thanksgiving food idea that screams autumn. To save time and kitchen prep space, bake your cookies the day before and warm them up before serving. 

11. Butternut Squash Soup

Soups often aren’t at the top of people’s lists of Thanksgiving food ideas, but they’re actually a hearty and practical option for feeding a large crowd. Make a big pot of butternut squash soup from scratch the day before, or, if you’re short on time, heat up a few cans of soup on Thanksgiving Day. Serve this classic squash soup as the opening course of your Thanksgiving dinner food ideas to nourish your guests and buy yourself some time while the turkey finishes roasting.

12. Roasted Pears

Roasted pears are juicy and rich, and a little different from typical Thanksgiving food ideas. Glaze some halved pears with honey and balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy caramelized effect. In some parts of the US, pears are also used as Thanksgiving table décor. For a meal that’s starch and vegetable-heavy, roasted pears are a great way to add variety to your Thanksgiving menu. 

13. Five-Layer Bars

5-layer bars (or as many layers as you want, really) can be made in bulk and will be quickly devoured by your guests. The recipe for this Thanksgiving food idea is simple: layer various sweet ingredients in a dish and bake! Typical layers include graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and shredded coconut. They’re the sort of thing people reach for between games, walks and second helpings of leftovers.

Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

14. Roast Turkey

So, what are the top five traditional Thanksgiving foods? While the side dishes can be debated, there’s no question that the turkey is the centerpiece of any old-fashioned Thanksgiving dinner.

Roasting a turkey is an undertaking, so be sure to set aside plenty of time to prepare the bird and allow it to cook through. Some of the best seasonings for a classic turkey include butter, sage, rosemary and thyme. Check tips from the CDC to make sure your turkey is prepared and cooked safely. 

15. Pumpkin Pie

If you only make one dessert for your traditional Thanksgiving food ideas, make sure that it’s pumpkin pie. The spiced filling captures the very best of autumn flavors, and it’s an iconic dessert that people have enjoyed at Thanksgiving for generations. Top this food idea for Thanksgiving with homemade whipped cream for a special finishing touch.

16. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is the quintessential Thanksgiving side. A more flavorful alternative to standard mashed potatoes, a sweet potato casserole is enriched with tasty additions like butter, cream and cinnamon. Don’t forget to add marshmallows on top for a picturesque and extra yummy result. 

17. Smoked Turkey

For a traditional but slightly less predictable Thanksgiving food idea for family gatherings, smoke your turkey instead of roasting it. For meat lovers, smoking the turkey is a favorite Thanksgiving activity, and for good reason.

Smoked turkey comes out ultra juicy, and with the versatility of smoking it on a grill, you can be really creative with your recipe, choosing wood chips, seasonings and extra meats to cook along with it. If you know someone else who's itching to give it a try, get them a smoking kit as a festive gift for foodies.

18. Stuffing

Stuffing isn’t everyone’s favorite, but this is often because people haven’t had the chance to try it made from scratch. A traditional Thanksgiving stuffing provides the ideal cushion for your other Thanksgiving foods and infuses your plate with more herbal flavors. Start this Thanksgiving food idea with a quality sourdough and add veggies, chicken broth and herbs. For some fatty richness, a classic stuffing will also have butter, milk and eggs.

19. Cranberry Sauce

Making cranberry sauce from scratch is an old-fashioned idea for a Thanksgiving dinner side that will seriously level up your Thanksgiving meal. Cranberry sauce is more an exercise in chemistry than anything else: boil water and sugar, add cranberries and let it simmer until the berries burst, creating the juicy goodness that everyone loves. A hint of orange zest or a splash of wine adds complexity without straying far from what people expect.

20. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole still shows up year after year because it delivers pure comfort. It's a great Thanksgiving food idea for an old-fashioned, traditional holiday menu. The combination of green beans and crispy onions in a creamy mushroom sauce will guarantee that your guests feel cozy and nostalgic. It's a Thanksgiving dinner food idea that should always be on the table.

21. Gravy

If you’re making a traditional roast turkey, you absolutely have to make gravy as well. Go the traditional route with this Thanksgiving food idea and make it from scratch. All it takes is a roux and the drippings from your turkey (all that fatty liquid released when the bird cooks). Serve it in a pretty gravy boat, and you’ll have the perfect old-fashioned Thanksgiving dinner aesthetic. Gravy is the quiet workhorse of the table. Made well, this Thanksgiving food idea pulls together turkey, stuffing and potatoes, filling in any gaps where a bite feels dry

22. Creamed Spinach

Any creamed vegetable feels like an old-fashioned Thanksgiving food idea, but if you have to pick only one, go for creamed spinach. The earthiness of spinach melds with the creaminess of the sauce to produce a warm, comforting side dish that gives you a nice dose of vegetables, balancing all that meat and starch. 

23. Deviled Eggs

Give your Thanksgiving dinner sides a throwback flair by preparing an old-school platter of deviled eggs. Quality deviled eggs offer a blend of tangy and creamy goodness, and with a sprinkling of smoked paprika, you’ll have a smoky, slightly spiced taste to pull it all together. Plus, you can make deviled eggs the day before and keep them chilled in the fridge, so it’s one less Thanksgiving food idea to make on the day. 

24. Pecan Pie

Alongside pumpkin pie, pecan pie is a classic Thanksgiving food idea for family gatherings. Pecans are in season during Thanksgiving, which is why pecan pie is a perfect celebration of harvest foods. A pecan pie is buttery and sweet, and if you don’t care for the squishiness of pumpkin pie, the nutty crunch of pecan pie will be a dream come true.

25. Candied Yams 

Not to be confused with sweet potatoes, yams certainly belong on an old-fashioned Thanksgiving menu. Essentially, this Thanksgiving food idea is sliced yams baked in a sugar syrup, with some autumnal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg added for good measure. It tastes like dessert, but you can technically claim it as a vegetable side (indulgent food is the greatest of Thanksgiving gifts, after all). If you don’t want to make these from scratch, canned candied yams can certainly still hit the spot.

26. Oysters

Perhaps they aren’t everyone’s go-to traditional Thanksgiving food idea, but oysters are one of the most popular Thanksgiving foods in the American South. Whether they’re served as part of a decadent raw bar Thanksgiving appetizer or roasted during a laid-back day-after-Thanksgiving gathering, oysters are a charming way to celebrate the coastal American culinary heritage. 

27. Roasted Vegetable Medley

The best Thanksgiving menus always have some kind of roast vegetable. There’s no need to choose just one winter veggie for this Thanksgiving food idea — make a vegetable medley of carrots, broccoli, parsnips or whatever else you like.

For an extra special vegetable dish, look for veggies that are in season in your area and buy them from a local farm. To add extra flavor to this food idea for Thanksgiving, honey, garlic and balsamic vinegar are all reliable glaze ingredients.

28. Beef Wellington

Not all of the best Thanksgiving menus have to include turkey. Beef Wellington is another old-school dish that often makes its way onto Thanksgiving tables. This is a slightly more complex dish to tackle, but if you put in the work, you’ll end up with a scrumptious puff pastry that’s filled with beef, mushrooms and onions. This decadent food idea for Thanksgiving will take pride of place on the table.

29. Dinner Rolls

Despite the carb-loaded nature of one of the most popular Thanksgiving foods, it's still important not to skip the bread when coming up with your Thanksgiving dinner menu. Every traditional Thanksgiving menu deserves a memorable dinner roll.

You can save time with store-bought bread dough, or prepare dough from scratch a few days in advance. The options are endless for yummy rolls, but if you’re a beginner bread maker, try making simple tear-apart rolls in a cast-iron skillet. For a fun Thanksgiving food idea that brings these to life, include some simple flavored butters or oils.

Most Popular Thanksgiving Dinner Sides

30. Collard Greens With Garlic

Look to Southern cuisine for inspiration and make some collard greens with garlic this Thanksgiving. Although collards, like kale, are tough to eat raw, simmering them in an aromatic broth with plenty of garlic creates a savory, tender veggie side dish. Moreover, the tangy garlic flavor of this Thanksgiving food idea pairs perfectly with the other starchy sides on your plate. 

31. Mashed Potatoes

If your priority is giving your guests all of their favorites, you’re probably asking questions like, What are the top 10 Thanksgiving foods? Or even, if you’re making a big menu, what are the top 20 Thanksgiving foods? When in doubt, make sure mashed potatoes are at the top of your Thanksgiving food ideas list.

Mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery and indulgent, and even picky eaters will go back for seconds. To spice things up a bit, you can make mashed potatoes with all kinds of fun additions, like garlic, cheese or sour cream. 

32. Green Beans Almondine

Green bean casserole is a nostalgic classic, but for a Thanksgiving food idea with a fresher and crispier vibe, consider green beans almondine. Green beans almondine takes some sautéed green beans and throws in some sliced almonds for a woody flavor and gentle crunch. Garlic, olive oil and lemon ensure that the greens themselves carry a punch of flavor.

33. Cranberry Oatmeal Crisp

Cranberry sauce is a well-known Thanksgiving side, but if you ask around, you’ll find that many folks are actually proponents of a cranberry crisp as the superior Thanksgiving food idea. You can add apples as well, but a standard cranberry crisp is a baked dish of cranberries, oats and sugar. It’s essentially a dessert, but sneak it in as a fruity side for your other food ideas for Thanksgiving dinner and all your guests will thank you. 

34. Citrus Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

For a signature Thanksgiving food idea that’s guaranteed to impress your guests, make a citrus beet salad with goat cheese. Roasted beets enhanced with fresh orange juice and a goat cheese topping take the standard root vegetable to a magical intersection of tart, sweet, earthy and creamy. When planning Thanksgiving food ideas for family gatherings, this is the dish that wakes everything up with color and acidity.

35. Stuffed Mushrooms

Perfect for appetizers or as a side dish, depending on your cooking timeline, stuffed mushrooms are a yummy Thanksgiving food idea that most people don’t get to enjoy outside of special occasions. Mushrooms are typically stuffed with cheese, bread crumbs and onions, but you can easily modify your ingredients to come up with a filling that best suits your audience. They're a fun Thanksgiving food idea that looks impressive without requiring complicated prep.

36. Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash is a favorite Thanksgiving food idea that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Its earthy sweetness and tender texture provide a nice contrast with the traditional savory flavors of Thanksgiving, and a big hunk of roasted squash just feels perfect for the harvest holiday.

A quick drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper helps the edges caramelize, creating a simple dish that complements everything from turkey to ham. It’s a reliable food idea for Thanksgiving when you want minimal effort and maximum seasonal flavor.

37. Cornbread

No one regrets including cornbread on their Thanksgiving menu. This sweet bread is an ideal Thanksgiving food idea for sopping up other sauces and remaining foods on your plate, or for enjoying ahead of the meal with a generous pat of butter. If you’re running low on bread tins on Thanksgiving, make your cornbread in a skillet for a Thanksgiving food idea that nails the rustic feeling.

Whether you’re aiming to feature the top 20 Thanksgiving foods or devising a super original Thanksgiving dinner, this list should help get you started coming up with your very own signature Thanksgiving menu. Don't fear if you only decide your menu on Turkey Day, some major stores are open on Thanksgiving. The best fall gifts are the ones given to us by nature, so as long as you include the best foods and flavors of autumn, your Thanksgiving food ideas will surely be a big hit.

For even more fun holiday ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!