Choosing a Thanksgiving menu is tough. Gourmet or Traditional? Stuff we will really want to eat? Dishes people “expect” on Thanksgiving? Fret no more. I’ve put together the ultimate traditional AND gourmet Thanksgiving menu just for y’all. You can even mix and match. So pick your faves and hustle into the kitchen, ’cause Thanksgiving is around the corner!
The Turkey (a.k.a Big Bird)
Traditional Thanksgiving Menu
This classic bird by The Suburban Soapbox is called “the lazy person’s roast turkey” and gets a smear of herb butter and a nice roast in a hot oven. Done. Turkey perfection. Sign me up.
Gourmet Thanksgiving Menu
If you’re feeling fancy, why not try The Flavor Bender’s Sous Vide Turkey Roulade? A roulade is a pounded, stuffed, and rolled meat, and it makes a stunning and unexpected main dish.
https://www.theflavorbender.com/sous-vide-turkey-roulade-roast
Dressing/Stuffing
Traditional
If you’re a stuffing-in-the-bird kinda gal or guy, this is Simply Stacie’s classic simple, white bread, moist (I use that word a lot because I know everyone loves it) stuffing.
Gourmet
If you’re gaga for mushrooms like me, why not try Spoonabilites’ Mushroom Dressing? Honestly, I can’t get enough mushrooms. Gimme all the ‘shrooms. (That sounds bad).
Vegetable Sides
Green Beans
Traditional
Yes, I see you throwing shade at this French’s Green Bean Casserole (reprinted here by Epicurious). Deal with it. It’s a classic for a reason.
Gourmet
Apparently. GBC is the most hated of all the Thanksgiving sides. I think that’s a bunch of hogswallop. This green bean casserole by Lemons + Zest has bacon and parmesan. What’s not to love about this classic?
Corn
Traditional
I love a good old corn spoon bread. That stuff is dreamy. This Corn Casserole from Neighbor Food is so similar to the one I make year after year.
https://neighborfoodblog.com/2019/10/corn-souffle.html
Gourmet
If you’re looking for a little something different to do with your corn, what about I Just Make Sandwiches (how awesome is that blog name?)’s Edamame and Corn Succotash?
Potatoes
It’s funny–I am an equal opportunity potato person on Thanksgiving. Gimme the dessert-like sweet potato casseroles and the savory, buttery mashed.
Sweet Potatoes
Traditional
Dancing Through the Rain’s “Best Sweet Potato Casserole” looks identical to the one I make, so I am actually going to declare it to be true.
Gourmet
Kale and sweet potatoes get a bad rap, so make them feel special in this gratin by Delicious Meets Healthy.
White Potatoes
Traditional
These Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Create Kids Club are so thick and fluffy they make my mouth water just looking at them. Got picky peeps? Leave out the garlic and cheese–they’d still be delicious.
Gourmet
I love a potato gratin, and if you’re looking for a gourmet potato dish, why not mix them with one of my other favorite veggies in a cheesy gratin like this Rustic Potato and Brussels Sprout Gratin from Nourish Nutrition? Yes please.
Cranberry Sauce
Traditional
I might skip cracking open a can of the good stuff and actually make a homemade one like this one from Bon Appetit that tastes JUST LIKE THE GOOD STUFF.
Gourmet
If you insist on getting all fancified with your cranberry sauce, check this one out from the Rhubarbarians. It’s gussied up with cinnamon and bourbon and everything nice.
Dessert
I could wax poetic about Thanksgiving desserts for days, but I fully believe that chocolate, pumpkin, caramel, and pecan, all belong on the Turkey Day table (just not in the same dessert, I imagine).
Traditional
We’d be remiss in omitting a pumpkin dessert. To me, pumpkin pie can be a little overbearing by itself, so I love the idea of combing it with pecan praline, like in this Praline Pumpkin Pie from Spend with Pennies.
Gourmet
This is the dessert that has graced our Gourmet Thanksgiving Menu ever since I discovered it four years ago. It doesn’t involve pumpkin, pecans, or anything fall-ish, really. And that’s kind of its beauty. It’s an accessible, simple, and a ridiculously delicious end to a sumptuous meal. It is my Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart, and it’s incredible.
Well, there you have it. A mix of traditional and gourmet Thanksgiving menu recipes for your eating pleasure. Round out the meal with rolls, some sparkling wine, and perhaps some deviled eggs to start (because I do love a deviled egg). Which recipe stood out the most to you? Let us know in the comments!