Thanksgiving has always felt like the most comforting day of the year. A slow morning in the kitchen, the hum of a full house, and a table filled with simple, thoughtful dishes — it’s everything I love about this season. Nothing fancy, nothing fussy. Just dependable recipes shared with the people who matter.
This year, our menu is a mix of classics and a few new favorites. It’s seasonal, cozy, and completely doable — the kind of lineup that lets you enjoy the day instead of spending it entirely in the kitchen.
And if you need table inspiration, I have a full post on my favorite Thanksgiving tablescape.
What is on the Menu this Thanksgiving
The Cocktail
Winter Cosmo
A simple, seasonal cocktail that feels a little festive without being fussy. Cranberry-forward, lightly sweet, and easy to batch for guests.
Recipe: https://cheesegal.com/2023/11/14/winter-cosmo/
The Appetizer
Whipped Goat Cheese + Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Honey Walnut Crunch
An easy appetizer that looks beautiful and tastes even better. Creamy whipped goat cheese topped with tart, spicy cranberries and a honey–walnut crunch. I use Trader Joe’s roasted almonds to keep things simple.
Recipe: https://cheesegal.com/2023/11/13/whipped-goat-cheese-with-spicy-cranberry-sauce-and-honey-walnut-crunch/
The Turkey
Herb-Roasted Turkey
This has become my go-to turkey recipe. It’s beautifully golden and full of flavor, with an herb butter that keeps the meat tender while giving the skin that perfect crisp. I make the butter the night before so the morning stays calm.
Recipe: https://whatsgabycooking.com/herb-roasted-turkey/
The Gravy
Bessie’s Gravy
A family recipe handed down.The perfect gravy that starts with blended flour, chicken broth, and water. Slowly whisked into turkey drippings and finished with Kitchen Bouquet, salt, and pepper.
Recipe Below:
- Blend 1 cup flour + 10 oz chicken broth + ½ cup water until smooth.
- Strain turkey drippings.
- Slowly whisk flour mixture into drippings on the stove.
- Add Kitchen Bouquet, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer.
The Salad
Cape Cod Chopped Salad
A bright, crunchy salad balances everything else on the Thanksgiving table. This one has apples, dried cranberries, bacon, and blue cheese — simple ingredients that feel just right for late fall.
Recipe: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a11597/cape-cod-chopped-salad-recipe-ghk1113/
The Sides
Mom’s Stuffing Balls
Half her grandmother’s recipe and half Julia Child’s — soft, savory, and full of the flavors we grew up with.
Recipe Below:
- Sauté 2 cups yellow onion in butter.
- Add 2 cups diced celery; cook until tender.
- Whisk 1 egg.
- Add shredded chicken breast or turkey.
- Add 2 bags stuffing croutons and 1 bag crumbled croutons.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh chopped sage.
- Add butter and chicken broth to moisten.
- Roll into balls and place in a prepared casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Freeze well before baking
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Simple and so flavorful. The balsamic adds just enough sweetness, and the roasted edges get perfectly crisp. It’s the kind of vegetable dish that always gets a surprising amount of love.
Recipe: https://cookieandkate.com/balsamic-roasted-brussels-sprouts-recipe/
Sweet Potato Casserole
A true classic — creamy, cozy, and a little indulgent. This version has the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, and the topping gets beautifully golden in the oven.
Recipe: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/sweet-potato-casserole.html
The Dessert
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Cookies
All the cozy pumpkin flavors of pie, but in soft, spiced cookies with a swirl of frosting. They bake quickly — which is especially helpful when the oven is working overtime.
Recipe: https://theloopywhisk.com/2025/10/24/gluten-free-pumpkin-pie-cookies/
This menu feels just right for us this year: familiar, comforting, and full of those small touches that make Thanksgiving feel like home. If you’re still putting your own menu together, I hope one of these finds its way to your table.
