The Ultimate 2023 Thanksgiving Menu

November 17, 2023

•

Amelia [Writer]

DISCLAIMER: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page!

Explore The Ultimate 2023 Thanksgiving Menu-- A delightful assortment of appetizers, drinks, sides, mains + delicious desserts handpicked for your celebration. Infuse your holiday feast with a blend of delicious classic dishes + new creations that will make your holiday feast unforgettable and uniquely yours!

Home > Thanksgiving > The Ultimate 2023 Thanksgiving Menu

The Ultimate 2023 Thanksgiving Menu

Brace yourselves for a feast like no other with our roundup of The Ultimate 2023 Thanksgiving Menu – Made for all eaters, because everyone's invited to the party! Packed with a ton of amazing sides for the holiday table, loaded with classics + some wildly delicious new sides, and of course---desserts galore. Prepare to elevate your Thanksgiving feastin' to a whole new level! Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Vegan Options.

This isn't just a regular feast--- it's a celebration of flavors designed for all eaters. Whether you're a fan of timeless classics or eager to try some innovative new sides, I've curated a Thanksgiving menu that promises to elevate your Thanksgiving experience.

Picture this: a holiday table adorned with not only the traditional staples but also a variety of bold, exciting dishes that will leave your taste buds in awe!

Let's keep it real here – there are a gazillion turkey recipes out there, and maybe, just maybe, I'll spill my turkey secrets someday. But for now, let's dive into the real stars of the show: drinks that'll make your taste buds dance, appetizers to kick things off, light + hearty side dishes + delicious mains that steal the spotlight, and desserts that'll have everyone reaching for seconds. This is all about creating a holiday table that's not just good but downright irresistible! While you're at it be sure to learn all my tips + tricks for hosting Thanksgiving! too!

Jump to:

Light + Fun Appetizers
Delicious Thanksgiving Mocktails
Oh-So-Satisfying Side Dishes
Irresistible Thanksgiving Mains
Desserts That'll Make You Drool
That's A Wrap!
More Thanksgiving Recipes + Holiday Guides!
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

I've got all bases covered! From gluten-free + vegan options to dairy-free indulgences, and even alcohol-free sips, I've got your drink options sorted. And for the meat lovers, fear not, I've got your favorites lined up too. The best part? Most of these recipes are customizable, so you can tweak them to your heart's content, ensuring that all eaters around your table leave with happy taste buds!

Light + Fun Appetizers

Thanksgiving = a whole lot of food. To keep things easy on the stomach, I stick to just a few light but completely delicious appetizers. Gotta save that space for the main event, right?

Crostinis on a white platter with forks, a drink, honey, and garnish. Perfect for you thanksgiving menu

BEST THANKSGIVING CROSTINIS

FALL HARVEST APPLE BACON CROSTINI

Up close shot of garlic dip in a bowl with a spoon and piece of bread.

ROASTED GARLIC OLIVE OIL DIP

Overhead shot of Green Goddess Salad Dip surrounded by chips and topped with lime wedges

HEALTHY GREEN GODDESS SALAD DIP

CHEESY ASPARAGUS PUFF PASTRY WITH HERB HONEY

Baked chicken wings on a black skillet with two forks and garlic.

THE BEST GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN WINGS

Up close of chicken wings on a platter with white paper, herbs, + sesame seeds on a black table.

STICKY GOCHUJANG CHICKEN WINGS

Overhead shot of a colorful and extensive Charcuterie Board including black grapes, green olives, crackers, cheeses, and dips

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Delicious Thanksgiving Mocktails

Festive drinks are by far one of the recipes that you can make 1-2 days in advance for greater ease! Plus, I always give the option of adding alcohol to these mocktails in the event that you want to spruce things up and kick it up a notch!

Thanksgiving Punch Mocktail next to a halved pomegranate

FESTIVE THANKSGIVING PUNCH MOCKTAIL

ROASTED APPLE PEAR MOCKTAIL

White Russian Mocktail in decorative glassware against a red background

BEST WHITE RUSSIAN MOCKTAIL

APPLE CARAMEL ESPRESSO MARTINI

CRANBERRY APPLE CIDER ORANGE SANGRIA

Closeup of an Apple Cider Mocktail in a jeweled cocktail glass with ice and a cinnamon stick

EASY APPLE CIDER MOCKTAIL

Honey Grapefruit Mocktail in a stemmed glass tied with a red ribbon

GRAPEFRUIT THYME MOCKTAIL

Oh-So-Satisfying Side Dishes

Get ready for side dishes that steal the show—we've got your classics and a few wildcards that I'm pretty sure will become your new favorites!

Mashed potatoes in a bowl with two gold spoons and garnish.

ULTRA CREAMY CHEESY GARLIC VEGAN MASHED POTATOES

BEST LOADED SWEET POTATO MASH

Because what would Thanksgiving be without mashed potatoes?

Spoon scooping some Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs out of a baking pan

THE BEST SOUTHERN BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

Baked gnocchi in mini cocottes with a spoon.

SOUTHERN BAKED GNOCCHI MAC + CHEESE

Wooden spoon stirring a pan of Vegan Mac and Cheese

THE ULTIMATE VEGAN MAC + CHEESE

Up close shot of baked mac and cheese in a skillet with a spoon.

BAKED WHITE MAC + CHEESE WITH BACON

I couldn't resist sharing at least four amazing mac and cheese recipes with all of you! They're seriously delicious, and I might end up making more than just one. Haha.

Serving spoon scooping Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

SOUTHERN MAPLE SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

Maple Herb Glazed Carrots and Cranberries on a light brown serving platter

MAPLE HERB GLAZED CARROTS + CRANBERRIES

CRISPY GARLIC HERB SMASHED POTATOES

Wooden spoon on a half-served platter of Roasted Grapes and Brussels Sprouts

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH GRAPES

HOMEMADE VEGAN STUFFING

Wild rice in a serving bowl with two gold serving spoons and bowls of ingredients around.

VEGAN WILD RICE STUFFING

SOUTHERN-STYLED CORNBREAD STUFFING

At my Thanksgiving feast, stuffing's the real star! I love mixing it up and usually whip up a few different versions.

Full kale salad tossed in dressing with two gold serving spoons.

FALL HARVEST BBQ CHICKPEA KALE SALAD WITH HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING

Salad on a white round plate with seasonings + herbs, lime wedges, dressing, and yellow napkin.

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER GREEN GODDESS SALAD

SPICY CHIPOTLE SWEET POTATO CHOPPED SALAD

Adding a fresh touch to the feast is a must! Amid all the hearty mains and sides, a vibrant salad is my go-to.

Creamy pasta in a black skillet with a black spoon.

CREAMY ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH PASTA

Stuffed baked shells in a baking dish with wooden spoon.

SKILLET TUSCAN PUMPKIN STUFFED SHELLS

Baked gnocchi in a black skillet with a gold spoon, herbs, and pieces of bread.

SKILLET BAKED CHEESY PUMPKIN GNOCCHI

Overhead shot of Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella

MEATLESS BAKED ZITI WITH RICOTTA + MOZZARELLA

VEGAN SWEET POTATO MAPLE HERB CORNBREAD

Up close shot of cornbread in a mini skillet with butter.

HOT HONEY SOUTHERN CORNBREAD

MY HUBBY’S HOT HONEY GARLIC DINNER ROLLS

FLAKY HONEY BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

Biscuits on a brown wood table with a glass of milk, honey stick, jam, and plate with a knife.

HONEY BUTTER CORNBREAD DROP BISCUITS

Ah, bread in all its delicious forms steals the show on the holiday table! Surrounded by saucy goodness, using bread to soak up those flavors is an absolute must for me.

Irresistible Thanksgiving Mains

These main dishes bring warmth + comfort to the table. Each dish offers unique flavors, making them ideal centerpieces for a festive Thanksgiving feast.

JERK WHOLE ROAST CHICKEN

If you're going for a different Thanksgiving vibe and want something smaller than a whole turkey, chicken is my go-to! It's just as tasty and opens up a world of creative possibilities in the kitchen.

CRANBERRY MAPLE ROAST CHICKEN

Chicken breasts in a red skillet with a spoon and fork.

HOT HONEY BAKED CHICKEN BREASTS

ONE SKILLET CREAMY CAJUN CHICKEN ORZO

SHEET PAN MAPLE APPLE CHICKEN + VEGGIES

CRISPY SOUTHERN HOT HONEY FRIED CHICKEN

Spoon stirring a skillet of Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Herb Biscuits

EASY CHICKEN POT PIE WITH CHEDDAR HERB BISCUITS

Up close shot of stuffed butternut squash with two forks and garnish.

WILD + BROWN RICE STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

I make sure to include some plant-based dishes so that my vegetarian/vegan guests can fully savor the meal too!

MAPLE HERB ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

SPICED CHICKPEA STUFFED SWEET POTATOES

SAVORY CHICKPEA QUINOA BUDDHA BOWL

VEGAN JAMAICAN POWER BOWL

Shepherd's pie scooped out of skillet with two gold forks, side of drink + bread.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SWEET POTATO SHEPHERD’S PIE

Vegan barbeque Wellington on a white serving platter

VEGAN BBQ BEEF WELLINGTON

Roasted cauliflower sliced atop herbs + cranberries on a platter with two serving spoons.

STICKY BBQ TERIYAKI WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Gravy in a pot and bowl with a spoon and side of bread.

EASY MAKE AHEAD GRAVY

PERFECT CRANBERRY SAUCE

Cranberry sauce and gravy? They're non-negotiables on my holiday spread! I prefer making them ahead of time, so when the kitchen turns into chaos, those essentials are all set!

Desserts That'll Make You Drool

Leave a little room for the sweet finale—whether you opt for a variety of desserts or stick to just one, here are my all-time favorites to choose from!

Sliced pie on stacked white plates with a fork and the whole pie in the background.

BLENDER MAPLE SWEET POTATO PIE

Slice being taken from a Vegan Pumpkin Pie

DELICIOUS VEGAN PUMPKIN PIE

Overhead shot of a slice of Dutch Apple Pie topped with ice cream

GRANDMA’S DUTCH APPLE PIE

VEGAN SOUTHERN BOURBON PECAN PIE

Crisp with ice cream topping and two spoons with oats in a bowl.

CARAMEL APPLE PEAR CRISP

VEGAN APPLE CRANBERRY CRISP

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE WITH BISCOFF COOKIES

Slice of Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Pecan Crust on a plate

CARAMEL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE + PECAN CRUST

Sliced Caramel Apple Spice Cheesecake on a white plate

BEST CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE

Up close shot of baked cobbler with scoops of ice cream and serving spoons.

DAIRY-FREE APPLE COBBLER WITH CHEDDAR HERB BISCUITS

Overhead shot of Biscoff Banana Pudding with Caramel

THE BEST BISCOFF BANANA PUDDING WITH CARAMEL

Up close shot of frosted cinnamon rolls.

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN CHAI CINNAMON ROLLS

VEGAN SWEET POTATO CINNAMON ROLLS

Closeup of Southern-Style Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

SOUTHERN-STYLE CARROT CAKE CINNAMON ROLLS [SOFT + GOOEY]

Peach cobbler in a white bowl on a white wood table next to a plate and baking dish and herbs.

EASY SOUTHERN PEACH COBBLER [WITH CANNED PEACHES]

APPLE CINNAMON OLIVE OIL CAKE

Slice of Vegan Chocolate Cake on a plate

THE BEST VEGAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

ORANGE OLIVE OIL BUNDT CAKE

Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream topped with cinnamon sticks, rosemary, and apple slices

APPLE CIDER CAKE + CINNAMON MAPLE BUTTERCREAM

Half-sliced Sweet Potato Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze

SWEET POTATO BUNDT CAKE + MAPLE GLAZE

That's A Wrap!

And there you have it! If you're craving more Thanksgiving recipe inspiration, feel free to explore my Thanksgiving category. I hope you enjoyed this list and have a beautiful Thanksgiving. I'm truly grateful for you!

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THE RECIPES ON THIS LIST!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with many of the recipes on this list of Thanksgiving recipes. Everything from my fave glassware, baking sheet, skillet, mixing bowls, cooking thongs, cooking utensils, skillets, dutch ovens, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

More Thanksgiving Recipes + Holiday Guides!

It's that time of year, y'all, and I'm prepped and ready to make it smooth and enjoyable! Check out my other guides for all the tips and tricks you need!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried any recipes from The Ultimate 2023 Thanksgiving Menu or any other Thanksgiving recipes on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!