A typical Thanksgiving menu includes a roast turkey, several side dishes such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, and classic desserts like pumpkin pie.

What includes a Thanksgiving Menu?

Main Dish

• The centerpiece is typically a whole roasted turkey with gravy made from the drippings
• Other main dishes, such as ham, might also be served

Stuffing or Dressing

• Bread-based side dish
• Cooked either inside the turkey (stuffing) or in a separate casserole dish (dressing)
• Often featuring herbs, vegetables, and sometimes nuts or sausage

Turkey Gravy

• made from turkey drippings

Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a staple, usually served with the gravy

Sweet Potatoes or Yams

• Sometimes baked with marshmallows or pecans

Green Bean Casserole

• Green beans with mushroom soup and crispy fried onions

Corn

• Corn can be cooked or creamed

Cranberry Sauce

• Cranberry sauce provides a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the rest of the meal
• It is usually served on the side

Dinner Rolls or Bread

• Dinner rolls or cornbread are usually included for soaking up gravy and sauces

Dessert

• The meal is traditionally capped off with seasonal pies
• Pumpkin pie is often served with whipped cream
• Pecan pie and apple pie are other popular desserts

AI image of a Thanksgiving dinner table