The Ultimate Thanksgiving Feast Recipes 2021

Prepare for an unforgettable holiday season with our ultimate Thanksgiving menu and comprehensive planning guide. We’ve curated a collection of truly delicious recipes designed to elevate your Thanksgiving table, ensuring every dish is a culinary delight. Beyond the mouth-watering food, we’re providing our essential week-of checklist to empower you with confidence and banish any stress as you approach Thanksgiving Day. Get ready to host or contribute to a holiday meal that’s both magnificent and remarkably easy to execute.

Welcome to Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Feast!

Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends! This year, we’re not just celebrating; we’re redefining the holiday dining experience. We’ve taken our favorite traditions and infused them with exciting new flavors and techniques, guaranteeing an exceptional spread for your Thanksgiving table. Imagine the star of your meal: a spectacularly smoked turkey, boasting incredible juiciness and flavor. This is complemented by an array of amazing side dishes, each crafted to perfection, and culminating in the most exquisite apple tart you’ve ever laid eyes on.

Whether you’re the gracious host orchestrating this grand feast or contributing a cherished dish to a family member or friend’s gathering, our guide is your secret weapon. We’ve meticulously planned the ultimate Thanksgiving menu and packed it with our essential, go-to tips. These strategies are designed to ensure you feel completely prepared, utterly confident, and wonderfully stress-free as you welcome Thanksgiving Day. Let’s dive into a truly memorable culinary journey, shall we?

Your Delectable Thanksgiving Menu

This menu strikes a perfect balance between traditional favorites and exciting new additions, all while keeping ease of preparation in mind. Each recipe has been chosen for its incredible flavor and ability to be integrated into a streamlined holiday cooking schedule. Get ready to impress your guests with these show-stopping dishes!

The Main Event: What We’re Making

The Ultimate Smoked Turkey with Smoked Turkey Brine (serves 15)

Elevate your holiday centerpiece with our phenomenal smoked turkey recipe. This isn’t just any turkey; it’s a masterpiece of flavor and texture, guaranteed to be exceptionally juicy and tender. The secret lies in our meticulous preparation, starting with an overnight brine that locks in moisture, followed by a generous seasoning with our delicious, aromatic turkey seasoning. While it may require a bit of dedicated time, the rich, smoky flavor and unparalleled succulence of this turkey are absolutely worth every moment. This recipe transforms your turkey from merely good to truly unforgettable, making it the star of your Thanksgiving spread. Remember, adjust serving sizes based on your bird’s weight!

Rich & Delicious Mushroom Gravy (serves 8)

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a velvety, flavorful gravy, and our mushroom gravy is an absolute must-have. This vegetarian option is incredibly rich and bursting with savory flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to your turkey, mashed potatoes, and everything in between. One of its best features? It can be prepared quickly in the days leading up to Turkey Day, then effortlessly reheated on the day of the feast. This fantastic make-ahead capability truly simplifies your cooking schedule. What’s not to adore about a gravy that delivers on both taste and convenience?

Smoked Turkey Gravy Alternative: For those who love classic turkey gravy, you can easily craft a quick and exquisite version using the precious drippings and savory juices from your smoked turkey. Simply combine these flavorful liquids with any leftover basting liquid and a cup of broth for a deeply satisfying, traditional gravy.

Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes (serves 16)

Is there truly a more beloved Thanksgiving side dish than creamy, buttery mashed potatoes? We think not! Our 7-ingredient Crockpot mashed potatoes are incredibly creamy, perfectly buttery, and delightfully easy to prepare. Utilizing your slow cooker frees up valuable stovetop space, which is always a bonus on a busy holiday. This recipe yields a generous amount, serving up to 16 people. If you’re hosting a smaller gathering, feel free to halve the recipe. However, if you, like us, cherish ample leftovers for delicious post-holiday meals, stick to the full recipe!

Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Bacon (serves 6-8)

Reinvent a holiday classic with our incredible green bean casserole with bacon. This isn’t your grandmother’s canned soup version; it’s a homemade triumph! Instead of traditional cream of mushroom soup, we feature an absolutely amazing, rich bacon roux that elevates the flavor profile to new heights. Yes, you heard that right – BACON ROUX. This addition provides a depth of savory, smoky flavor that will make this casserole an instant favorite at your Thanksgiving table. Prepare for rave reviews!

Smoked Mac and Cheese (serves 6)

For an indulgent and unforgettable side dish, our sister site, The Cheese Knees, comes through with an incredible smoked mac and cheese recipe. Since your smoker will already be running for your show-stopping turkey, it’s the perfect opportunity to whip up this creamy, cheesy, and smoky delight. Featuring The Cheese Knees’ FAMOUS mac and cheese sauce, this dish adds a gourmet twist to a beloved comfort food, making it an irresistible addition to your holiday spread. The smoky depth complements the rich cheese beautifully, creating a side dish that guests will talk about long after the meal is over.

Our Favorite Thanksgiving Salad (serves 4-6)

Amidst the rich, comforting dishes, a refreshing salad provides a welcome balance. This Thanksgiving Salad has been our trusted, go-to recipe for many years, cherished for its vibrant flavors and delightful textures. This delicious salad features tender, massaged kale as its base, complemented by crisp apple slices, crunchy walnuts (or this year, we’re opting for pecans!), tangy goat cheese, and sweet dried cherries, all tossed in our absolute favorite vinaigrette. You truly cannot go wrong with this perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful salad; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brightens any holiday plate.

Zesty Lemon Ginger Cranberry Sauce (serves 6)

Why settle for ordinary, canned cranberry sauce when you can effortlessly create a homemade version that bursts with fresh, invigorating flavors? Our lemon ginger cranberry sauce is a revelation! We craft this delightful condiment from scratch using plump, fresh cranberries, fragrant grated ginger, bright lemon zest, and pure maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness. The combination of zesty lemon and warm ginger transforms the classic cranberry sauce into a vibrant, sophisticated accompaniment that perfectly cuts through the richness of the holiday meal. It’s incredibly easy to make and tastes infinitely better than anything from a can.

Stunning Apple Tart (serves 9)

Conclude your magnificent Thanksgiving feast with a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious: our show-stopping apple tart recipe. This tart begins with a uniquely flavorful gingersnap crust, offering a delightful spiced counterpoint to the sweet apples. The centerpiece is a gorgeous apple rose, meticulously arranged to create an impressive visual display. Baked to golden perfection, this elegant tart is then brushed with a simple yet exquisite honey butter reduction, adding a lustrous finish and an extra layer of subtle sweetness. It’s a dessert that will undoubtedly garner gasps of admiration and satisfied sighs from all your guests, proving that a holiday meal can end on a truly artistic note.

Your Stress-Free Week-of Thanksgiving Preparation Guide

Because we’re utterly obsessed with Thanksgiving – and even more so with helping *you* enjoy it – we’ve conducted a thorough test run for week-of Thanksgiving preparation. Our goal is to hand you the blueprint for a calm and enjoyable holiday, allowing you to savor the moments rather than stress over the details. This meticulously crafted Monday through Thursday preparation guide is designed to make your Thanksgiving celebration as smooth and stress-free as possible. Follow these steps, and you’ll arrive at Thanksgiving Day feeling completely in control and ready to celebrate!

MONDAY: The Foundation for a Flawless Feast

• Grocery List Creation: Start by thoroughly reviewing all recipes and checking your pantry for existing ingredients. Create a comprehensive grocery list, categorizing items by store section (produce, dairy, dry goods) to make your shopping trip efficient. Don’t forget non-food items like serving foil or extra containers!
• Grocery Store Run: Tackle the major grocery shopping today. Getting this done early prevents last-minute rushes and ensures you have all necessary ingredients, avoiding potential shortages closer to the holiday.
• Turkey Thawing (if applicable): If your turkey is frozen, today is the crucial day to begin its thawing process in the refrigerator. A general rule is 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Starting early ensures it’s perfectly ready for brining.

TUESDAY: Savory & Sweet Make-Ahead Magic

• Prepare Lemon Ginger Cranberry Sauce: This vibrant sauce develops even deeper flavors overnight. Making it today checks a crucial item off your list.
• Prepare Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Cook these creamy potatoes in your slow cooker. Preparing them ahead frees up your stovetop and oven, which will be in high demand tomorrow and Thursday.
• Prepare Mushroom Gravy: Simmer this rich, savory gravy. Its flavors will meld beautifully as it rests, and reheating is a breeze.
• Store Prepared Dishes: Allow all three recipes to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover them tightly and refrigerate until Thursday. This careful cooling prevents condensation and keeps them fresh.

WEDNESDAY: Setting the Scene & Finishing Touches

• Set the Table: Get your dining table ready! Lay out tablecloths, napkins, silverware, and any decorative elements. This saves significant time and stress on Thanksgiving morning.
• Prepare Smoked Mac and Cheese: Assemble this decadent dish, but hold off on smoking it until Thanksgiving Day. Having it ready to go means less prep when you’re busy with other cooking.
• Prepare Green Bean Casserole with Bacon: Assemble the casserole, but reserve the breadcrumb topping. This ensures the topping stays delightfully crispy when baked on Thursday.
• Prepare Favorite Thanksgiving Salad Components: Wash and chop all vegetables, prepare the vinaigrette, and gather other ingredients. Keep them separate and wait to toss them together until just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
• Prepare Smoked Turkey Brine & Brine Turkey: Mix your brine ingredients and immerse your turkey. It will now brine overnight, infusing it with incredible moisture and flavor.
• Prepare Apple Tart: Bake this gorgeous dessert. Allow it to cool completely, but hold off on brushing with the honey-butter reduction until Thanksgiving Day for a fresh, glossy finish.
• Store All Prepared Recipes: Once cooled, cover and refrigerate all pre-made dishes. This ensures everything is ready for either finishing or reheating tomorrow.

THURSDAY – Thanksgiving Day: The Grand Finale!

Today is all about finishing and reheating! Remember, for optimal results, we generally recommend heating most of your prepared dishes at approximately 350ºF. Cooking times will vary by recipe, typically ranging from 20 to 40 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through.

• Prepare Smoked Turkey: This is the longest cook time. If you have a 12-15 lb. bird, anticipate 6+ hours in the smoker. Grab your coffee, preheat that smoker, and let the magic happen!
• Finish Smoked Mac and Cheese: Place your prepared mac and cheese in the smoker for 45-60 minutes, allowing it to absorb that wonderful smoky flavor and become perfectly bubbly.
• Finish Green Bean Casserole with Bacon: Prepare the crispy breadcrumb topping and add it to the casserole. Broil for a few minutes until golden and crunchy.
• Finish Thanksgiving Salad: Just before serving, toss all your prepped salad ingredients together with the vinaigrette for maximum freshness.
• Prepare Smoked Turkey Gravy: Once your magnificent turkey comes off the smoker, use those flavorful drippings to create a rich, homemade gravy. This fresh gravy will be the perfect complement to your smoked turkey. OR
• Reheat Mushroom Gravy: Gently reheat your make-ahead mushroom gravy on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
• Reheat Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Warm these creamy potatoes in the oven or back in the Crockpot on a low setting, adding a little milk or butter if needed for consistency.
• Reheat Lemon Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Gently warm the cranberry sauce if desired, or serve it chilled – it’s delicious either way!
• Finish & Reheat Apple Tart: Briefly warm the tart if you wish, and brush it with any leftover honey butter reduction to give it a beautiful, glossy shine.
• SERVE AND ENJOY! The moment has arrived. Gather your loved ones and savor the fruits of your thoughtful preparation and delicious cooking.

Charming & Inexpensive Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

Transform your dining space into a warm and inviting haven without breaking the bank. Simple, thoughtful touches can make all the difference, creating a festive atmosphere that enhances your holiday meal. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly decor ideas:

Decorative Vases + Dried Flowers: Natural Elegance

We’ve fallen in love with the understated beauty of small decorative vases filled with dried flowers or natural elements. These charming accents can effortlessly fill any empty space on your Thanksgiving table or buffet, adding a touch of rustic elegance. Look for unique vases at thrift stores, or use repurposed jars and bottles. For dried flowers, forage in your garden for interesting seed pods, autumnal leaves, or purchase affordable bundles online or at craft stores. A mix of textures and heights creates a captivating display that feels organic and inviting.

Candles, Candles, Candles: Setting the Mood

Nothing creates a more intimate and special ambiance than the soft glow of candles. They instantly elevate any meal, making it feel more festive and cozy. We adore a variety of candle types: elegant candle sticks, charming tea lights, and larger pillar candles. This year, embrace simplicity and cost-effectiveness by utilizing items you already own. Repurpose small glass jars as holders for tea lights, or arrange candle sticks you have around the house. Consider unscented candles to avoid conflicting with the delicious aromas of your Thanksgiving feast. Grouping candles of different heights together creates a warm and visually appealing centerpiece.

Dress Up Your Bird! A Platter Worthy of Admiration

After all the effort put into preparing your amazing smoked turkey, there’s no reason not to give it a stunning final presentation before it graces your Thanksgiving table. A beautifully garnished platter elevates the entire meal, making the turkey even more enticing. We suggest opting for fresh, vibrant elements like bright orange slices, jewel-toned fresh cranberries, and fragrant fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Arrange these around the base of your turkey on its serving platter for a gorgeous, effortless, and aromatic finish. This simple step adds a professional and festive touch that will surely impress your guests.

Expand Your Thanksgiving Repertoire: More Holiday Favorites

While our featured menu offers a fantastic starting point, we know that variety is the spice of life – especially during the holidays! You can find an even wider array of our most popular Thanksgiving recipes here. To help you navigate, we’ve also curated a list of some of our absolute favorites from over the years, ensuring you have plenty of options to customize your perfect holiday spread.

Main Courses to Impress

• Sous Vide Turkey Breast (serves 6): For incredibly moist and precisely cooked turkey every time.
• Herby Ranch Roasted Turkey Breast (serves 6): A flavorful twist on roasted turkey, bursting with herbs.
• Juicy Baked Turkey Tenderloin (serves 8): A simpler, quicker option for a smaller gathering, without sacrificing flavor.
• Whole Roasted Chicken (serves 6): An excellent alternative to turkey, equally impressive and delicious.

Scrumptious Side Dishes

• Bacon Wrapped Green Beans (serves 10): A beloved side that adds a touch of smoky crunch.
• Healthy Mashed Potatoes (serves 8): Creamy and comforting, with a lighter touch.
• Cornbread Stuffing (serves 10): A southern-inspired, hearty and flavorful classic.
• Sausage Stuffing (serves 10): Rich and savory, a robust addition to your holiday plate.
• Sweet Potato Casserole (serves 6): A naturally sweet and delightful side, often a favorite.
• Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad (serves 6): A fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly delicious raw salad.
• Easy Roasted Delicata Squash (serves 4): Simple to prepare, with a sweet, nutty flavor.
• Healthy Green Bean Casserole (serves 8): A lighter version of the classic, topped with crispy onions.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (serves 8): Earthy Brussels sprouts paired with savory bacon, a perfect duo.
• Cheesy Roasted Scalloped Potatoes (serves 10): Indulgent layers of tender potatoes and rich cheese.

Festive Drinks & Cocktails

• Festive Hot Toddies (serves 2): A warm and comforting drink for chilly evenings.
• Spiked Apple Cider (serves 1): A quintessential autumn beverage, with an adult kick.
• Spiced Raspberry Mulled Wine (serves 4): A fragrant, warming, and elegant drink for entertaining.
• Apple Cider Champagne Cocktail (serves 4): Bubbly and festive, perfect for toasting the holidays.
• ALLThanksgiving Cocktails: Discover our full collection of spirited sips for your holiday gathering.

Sweet Endings: Delectable Desserts

• Pumpkin Sheet Cake: A moist, spiced cake perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bites: Elegant, bite-sized desserts that offer a tart and creamy delight.
• Apple Pie Bars: All the flavor of apple pie in an easy-to-serve bar form.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: A rich, creamy, and spiced dessert, ideal for pumpkin lovers.
• Cherry Crisp: A comforting, fruit-filled dessert with a buttery, crisp topping.

We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to create your most memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving yet. From our carefully selected recipes to our practical prep timeline and charming decor ideas, every element is designed to help you savor the joy of the holiday. Happy cooking, happy gathering, and most importantly, Happy Thanksgiving!