What is the perfect Thanksgiving menu?

The perfect Thanksgiving menu balances tradition with ease. Start with a quick turkey main like turkey tenderloin with herb butter , add a few standout sides—like cheesy scalloped potatoes and fresh green bean casserole —then finish with a crowd-pleasing dessert such as no-bake pumpkin cheesecake bars . With these easy Thanksgiving recipes, you’ll get bold flavors and low stress.

What is the most popular food at Thanksgiving?

Turkey remains the centerpiece for most American tables, but sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole are equally beloved. For modern cooks, savory sweet potato casserole with pecans and cranberry apple crisp are popular, flavorful upgrades that are easy to prepare.

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes of all time?

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, dinner rolls, gravy, pecan pie, mac and cheese, and apple crisp. Each can be made easier with the right recipe—like our cranberry pecan pie bars and turkey gravy without drippings .

What are the 5 most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day?

Stuffing, green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce are top five. Our favorite easy Thanksgiving recipes include cornbread stuffing without sausage and honey roasted carrots with cranberries —simple upgrades with big impact.

What is America’s favorite Thanksgiving side?

According to surveys, stuffing consistently ranks as the #1 favorite. My southern-style cornbread stuffing hits all the traditional notes, with an easy-to-follow method that’s perfect for busy home cooks.

What is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table?

That depends on the family! For many, the turkey is essential, but others look forward to pumpkin desserts , savory casseroles, or even holiday pull-apart breads . The key is serving dishes that are flavorful, reliable, and bring people together—just like the easy Thanksgiving recipes in this guide.

When is Thanksgiving 2025?

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Since it is late in the month this year, you have extra time to plan your menu! I recommend starting your prep (like making the Turkey Gravy Without Drippings ) at least two days in advance.

Easy Thanksgiving Recipes: 25+ Ultimate Crowd Favorites

Name: Ultimate Easy Thanksgiving Recipes
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: PT-489925H15M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs Turkey Tenderloin (or breast); 1 lb Butter (Salted); 2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half; 1 block Cheddar Cheese (8oz); 1 block Cream Cheese (8oz); 2 lbs Fresh Green Beans; 3 lbs Sweet Potatoes; 1 bag Brussels Sprouts or Carrots; 2 Apples; 1 bag Fresh Cranberries; Fresh Herbs: Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Parsley; 1 box Stuffing Mix (or Cornbread); 1 lb Elbow Macaroni (if making mac); 1 cup Pecans (chopped); 1 can Pumpkin Puree; 1 pack Biscoff Cookies (or Graham Crackers); Chicken or Vegetable Broth; Staples: Flour, Sugar, Brown Sugar, Olive Oil

Description

This collection of easy Thanksgiving recipes is your ultimate stress-free holiday menu guide. Featuring make-ahead sides, quick turkey, no-bake desserts, and creative leftover ideas, each dish is designed to deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients (The Master Shopping List)

(Note: This assumes you are making the Tenderloin, 3 Sides, and Dessert)

Meat & Dairy:

2 lbs Turkey Tenderloin (or breast)
1 lb Butter (Salted)
2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
1 block Cheddar Cheese (8oz)
1 block Cream Cheese (8oz)

Produce:

2 lbs Fresh Green Beans
3 lbs Sweet Potatoes
1 bag Brussels Sprouts or Carrots
2 Apples
1 bag Fresh Cranberries
Fresh Herbs: Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Parsley

Pantry & Baking:

1 box Stuffing Mix (or Cornbread)
1 lb Elbow Macaroni (if making mac)
1 cup Pecans (chopped)
1 can Pumpkin Puree
1 pack Biscoff Cookies (or Graham Crackers)
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Staples: Flour, Sugar, Brown Sugar, Olive Oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

2 Days Before (Prep) : Start with the Turkey Tenderloin with Herb Butter– a juicy, quick main.
Choose 2-3 sides like Cornbread Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, and Green Bean Casserole.
Add a veggie: Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Honey Roasted Carrots.
1 Hour Before Dinner : Pick one bread: Pull-Apart Holiday Bread or Cranberry Orange Bread.
Finish with dessert: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars or Cranberry Apple Crisp.
Day 2 (Bonus): Transform leftovers into Turkey Orzo Soup or Stuffing Balls.

Notes

All recipes are make-ahead friendly

Oven space-saving tips included in each linked post

Many options are vegetarian or easily adaptable

Click each linked title for full printable recipe and nutrition info

Prep Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes (for entire menu)
Category: Holiday
Method: Roast, Bake, No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Full Plate
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 65mg