Traditional Thanksgiving Menu List: 7 Heartwarming Dishes

Name: Traditional Thanksgiving Menu List: 7 Heartwarming Dishes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Turkey (1 whole, about 12-14 pounds); Stuffing (1 box or homemade, about 12 cups); Mashed potatoes (4 pounds); Gravy (2 cups); Cranberry sauce (1 can or homemade, about 2 cups); Green bean casserole (2 cans of green beans and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup); Sweet potatoes (4 medium); Pumpkin pie (1 whole pie); Rolls (1 dozen); Butter (1 cup)

November 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s something so magical about gathering around the table for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, isn’t there? I can still remember the warm, inviting smell of turkey roasting in the oven, mingling with the sweet scent of pumpkin pie. It’s a time to come together with family, share stories, and create memories that last a lifetime. The traditional Thanksgiving menu is like a comforting hug—each dish tells a story and carries with it a piece of our heritage. From the golden, crispy turkey to the rich, buttery mashed potatoes, every bite is a celebration of gratitude and love. Trust me, the laughter and joy that fills the room while we pass around dishes is truly the heart of the holiday. So grab your apron, because I’m about to share my go-to traditional Thanksgiving menu list that will make your gathering unforgettable!

Ingredients List

1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)
1 box of stuffing or homemade (about 12 cups)
4 pounds of mashed potatoes
2 cups of gravy
2 cups of cranberry sauce (1 can or homemade)
2 cans of green beans and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup for green bean casserole
4 medium sweet potatoes
1 whole pumpkin pie
1 dozen rolls
1 cup of butter

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into the details for preparing this traditional Thanksgiving menu! I promise, it’s going to be a delightful experience, and the end result will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Just follow these steps, and you’ll be a Thanksgiving hero in no time!

Preparing the Turkey

First things first, let’s talk turkey! Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While that’s warming up, take your whole turkey and give it a good rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels—it’s super important to get it nice and dry for that glorious crispy skin! Now, season the inside and outside generously with salt, pepper, and any herbs you love. My go-to mix includes rosemary, thyme, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.

If you’re stuffing it, do that now. Just make sure not to pack it too tightly; the stuffing will expand as it cooks. Place your turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up, and pop it in the oven. You’ll want to roast it for about 13 minutes per pound, so for a 12-14 pound turkey, plan for roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. Halfway through, check on it and baste it with the drippings; this helps keep it moist and flavorful! Once it’s golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, it’s ready. Don’t forget to let it rest for 30 minutes before carving—this is key for juicy meat!

Making the Sides

Now onto those delicious sides! Start with the mashed potatoes. Peel and chop your 4 pounds of potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender—about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash away while adding in butter and milk until you reach that creamy, dreamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the stuffing, just follow the package instructions if you’re using a box mix, or if you’re going homemade, sauté some onions and celery in butter, mix in your bread cubes, broth, and spices, and let it bake until golden.

Next up is the green bean casserole. Drain the two cans of green beans and mix them with the can of cream of mushroom soup in a baking dish. Top with some crispy fried onions and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes.

Don’t forget about the sweet potatoes! Simply boil those four medium sweet potatoes until soft, then mash them up with a bit of butter and sugar for that sweet touch.

Final Touches and Serving

Now for the fun part—making the gravy! Use those turkey drippings, adding them to a saucepan with some flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in broth until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, and voilà, you’ve got gravy!

If you’re making cranberry sauce, you can whip that up a day ahead for better flavor. Just simmer a can of cranberries with sugar and a splash of orange juice until it thickens.

Oh, and don’t forget to warm those rolls before serving. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes—nothing beats that fresh-baked smell! Everything should come together beautifully, and trust me, when it’s time to gather around the table, the joy and gratitude will fill the air. Enjoy every moment of this special day!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about what’s in this delicious traditional Thanksgiving menu list! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Each serving, which I’d say is about one plateful of all those comforting dishes, comes out to roughly:

Calories: 1500
Total Fat: 70g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 150g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 60g

This feast is definitely hearty and filled with all the goodness of traditional flavors! Just remember, it’s all about balance, especially during the holidays. Enjoy every bite, and don’t stress too much about the numbers—focus on the joy of sharing this meal with loved ones!

FAQ Section

Can I prepare some dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cranberry sauce a day in advance for better flavor, and the stuffing can also be prepared ahead and baked just before serving. This way, you’ll have less to worry about on the big day!

What if I can’t find a whole turkey?
No worries! If a whole turkey is hard to come by, you can opt for turkey breast or even a couple of smaller turkeys. Just adjust the cooking time based on the weight, and you’ll still have a delicious feast.

Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you have vegetarian guests, consider making a vegetable stuffing and swapping the turkey with a hearty roasted vegetable dish. You can also use gluten-free bread for the stuffing or almond milk in the mashed potatoes to cater to different dietary needs.

How can I ensure the turkey stays moist?
Basting the turkey with its drippings every 30 minutes while it roasts is a great way to keep it moist. Also, letting it rest for 30 minutes after cooking is crucial for juicy meat, so don’t skip that step!

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey and sides in airtight containers in the fridge. They should be good for about 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, but for the best flavor and texture, I recommend the oven for crispy leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family Tradition: This traditional Thanksgiving menu brings everyone together, celebrating cherished recipes passed down through generations.
Delicious Flavors: Each dish is packed with comforting flavors, from the juicy turkey to the sweet potatoes, ensuring a feast that warms the heart.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, this menu makes it simple for even novice cooks to shine in the kitchen.
Perfect for Gatherings: It’s designed to serve a crowd, making your table the centerpiece of laughter, storytelling, and gratitude.
Room for Creativity: You can customize the sides and desserts to suit your family’s favorites, adding your personal touch to the meal.
Memorable Experience: The process of cooking and sharing this meal creates lasting memories, filled with love and togetherness.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your traditional Thanksgiving menu list turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my tried-and-true tips that will help you shine in the kitchen and impress your guests—trust me, they’ll be talking about your feast for years to come!

Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute! Make a timeline for the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Prep your cranberry sauce and stuffing a day in advance, and consider chopping your veggies for the sides beforehand. This will save you lots of stress on the big day!
Choose the Right Turkey: When picking out your turkey, aim for one that’s fresh and preferably free-range. It often makes a difference in flavor. And if you’re buying frozen, give it plenty of time to thaw—ideally, in the fridge for several days before cooking!
Baste, Baste, Baste: Remember to baste that turkey every 30 minutes while it roasts. It keeps the meat juicy and enhances the flavor. Just use a baster or a spoon to drizzle those flavorful drippings back over the bird!
Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. It’s the best way to ensure a perfectly cooked turkey without guessing!
Layer the Flavors: For sides like mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, don’t be shy with seasoning! Taste as you go, and adjust the salt, pepper, and butter to your liking for the best results.
Presentation is Key: When it’s time to serve, take a moment to arrange everything beautifully on the table. Use a large serving platter for the turkey and colorful bowls for the sides. Adding fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika can elevate the look and make it feel extra special!
Enjoy the Process: Most importantly, have fun and soak in the joy of cooking and sharing this meal with loved ones. The laughter and stories exchanged while you’re preparing will make the experience even more memorable.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a Thanksgiving feast that’s not only delicious but also filled with love and warmth. Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once the feast is over and your loved ones are satisfied, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers to enjoy later! Here’s how to store them properly so they stay as tasty as when they were freshly made, plus the best ways to reheat for maximum flavor and texture.

First, let’s talk storage. Make sure to let any leftover turkey and sides cool down to room temperature before putting them in the fridge. This helps prevent condensation, which can make things soggy. Use airtight containers for everything—this keeps the food fresh and prevents any odors from seeping in. You can also wrap turkey slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for extra protection. Most leftovers will keep well for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator, so enjoy them while they last!

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option! Turkey and gravy freeze well, along with mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to label everything with the date so you know how long it’s been in there. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Now, for reheating! The microwave is super convenient for quick meals, but I highly recommend using the oven for the best results—especially for turkey and sides like stuffing or casseroles, as the oven helps to keep everything from getting too mushy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 20-30 minutes, checking occasionally until everything is warmed through.

For turkey, if you have a lot of slices, you can layer them in the dish with a bit of broth or gravy to keep them moist while they reheat. As for mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, you can add a splash of milk or a pat of butter before reheating to help restore their creamy texture.

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor the flavors of your traditional Thanksgiving menu long after the last guest has left. Enjoy every bite of those cherished leftovers!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.