22 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas

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These quick and easy Thanksgiving meals are family-approved and perfect for busy parents juggling everything from entertaining family guests to cooking the meal itself.

Easy dinner ideas for busy families!

This collection of recipes is crafted for moms and dads looking to make meal prep simple and enjoyable during hectic holidays.

Nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen when there are other priorities to handle.

Let’s simplify your evenings!

I’ve compiled a list of delicious dinners that you can whip up in 30 minutes or less, featuring:

  • Easy preparation that fits into your busy schedule
  • Simple, affordable ingredients that you can find at any grocery store
  • Kid-friendly flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters

From hearty grilled turkey to comforting casseroles, this roundup has something for everyone.

So why wait?

Explore the list now and make mealtime a breeze for your family!

1. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows & Pecans

Sweet Potato Casserole is a holiday favorite and comfort classic!

This dish combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping—the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

It’s an easy, one-dish recipe that’s ready in no time.

Kids and adults alike will love every bite, and you’ll love how effortless it is to make!

2. Homemade Whole Cranberry Sauce

This easy, make-ahead recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tart in just 20 minutes. With just three basic ingredients, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Customize with festive add-ins like orange zest, cinnamon, or pecans for a personal touch.

Make it ahead, let it chill, and enjoy a perfectly thickened sauce that pairs beautifully with turkey!

3. Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing is a must-have for any holiday table!

This classic recipe combines moist and fluffy cornbread with sautéed onions, celery, and fresh herbs for a delightful flavor.

It’s perfect for customization with your favorite proteins and offers make-ahead convenience, making it an easy and delicious addition to your Thanksgiving feast!

4. Applewood Smoked Turkey

Applewood Smoked Turkey is an effortless and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings!

With just 15 minutes of prep time, this Traeger recipe yields a perfectly juicy turkey infused with a sweet, smoky flavor from applewood pellets.

Using your Traeger grill to cook the turkey is the ideal way to free up your oven for delicious side dishes, making it a family favorite!

5. Lion House Dinner Rolls

Lion House Rolls are a must-try for any bread lover!

Known for their incredible texture and flavor, these soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for any occasion.

With simple pantry ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll impress your guests effortlessly.

Plus, they can be frozen for later use, making them a convenient addition to your meals!

6. Whipped Cinnamon Honey Butter

Cinnamon Honey Butter is a quick and easy spread that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary treats, especially during the winter months.

With just five simple ingredients and a five-minute prep time, it’s perfect for slathering on rolls, pancakes, and muffins for those chilly morning breakfasts.

This family favorite will make every meal feel special and leave everyone asking for more!

7. Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table!

With just five simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Always a crowd-pleaser, this creamy casserole pairs beautifully with any main course.

Enjoy a beloved favorite that’s effortlessly delicious!

8. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the classic Thanksgiving side dish.

This easy recipe features buttery, whipped potatoes that elevate any meal.

Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy dinners, you can customize them with garlic, herbs, or cheese.

Your loved ones will savor every bite, and you’ll enjoy how simple they are to make!

9. How to Make a Fruit & Cheese Platter

A Cheese Plate is a simple yet elegant way to impress your guests!

This easy-to-assemble spread features a variety of delicious cheeses, charcuterie, and accompaniments.

Perfect for any occasion, it takes less than 30 minutes to create a stunning centerpiece that caters to all tastes.

Dazzle your guests with minimal effort!

10. Best Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie is a classic fall dessert that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

With a smooth, creamy filling and perfectly spiced flavor, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Topped with a caramel pecan sauce for extra indulgence—this holiday staple is bound to impress!

You can even make it ahead for stress-free entertaining.

11. Raspberry Pretzel Salad

Raspberry Pretzel Jello is a delightfully sweet, slightly salty, and crunchy dessert that’s sure to impress!

With its sweet-tart raspberry flavor and crunchy pretzel crust, this no-bake treat is perfect for any gathering.

Easy to prepare, it offers a unique blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.

Refreshingly delicious and visually stunning, it’s a must-try!

12. Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is a rich, creamy, and effortless side dish perfect for holiday dinners.

With just 5 ingredients—corn, cream cheese, butter, whole milk, and a hint of sugar—this recipe frees up oven space and brings comforting, buttery goodness to your table.

Customize with jalapeños or chives for extra flavor!

Crowd-pleasing and hassle-free!

13. Southern Collard Greens

Southern Collard Greens are a comforting, one-pot side dish that’s bursting with rich, savory flavor!

Simmered with smoked meat and spices, these greens turn out tender, flavorful, and so easy to make.

Perfect for family dinners or holiday meals, they’re nutritious and a crowd-pleaser everyone can enjoy with a dash of hot sauce or vinegar.

14. Classic Apple Pie

Classic Apple Pie is the ultimate classic dessert!

With a perfectly spiced, gooey apple filling and a flaky, golden crust, every bite is warm and comforting.

Customize with favorite toppings—like vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle—and enjoy how easy it is to bring this homemade classic to the table.

A dessert everyone will love!

15. Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate Cream Pie is a chocolate lover’s dream!

With a rich homemade chocolate pudding filling, easy Oreo crust, and fluffy whipped cream, this pie is as impressive as it is delicious.

Prepare it a day ahead for convenience, and top with chocolate curls for an extra wow factor.

Perfect for gatherings and sure to please everyone, especially the kiddos!

16. Perfect Cornbread

Best Super Moist Cornbread Recipe is a must-try!

This incredibly easy recipe yields cornbread that is tender, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.

Perfect as a side for soups, roasted turkey, or BBQ, it’s ready in no time.

Your family will love its moist texture, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering!

17. Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie is a creamy, nostalgic dessert that’s easy to make!

Layers of smooth vanilla custard and ripe bananas fill a flaky crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream.

It’s a family favorite for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.

Simple ingredients, classic taste—each bite of this Banana Cream Pie tastes like home!

18. My Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese

The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s sure to be a hit!

Made with sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, and topped with a crispy Panko-Parmesan crust, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, and easy to customize with add-ins like bacon or jalapeños.

19. Homemade Blackberry Pie

Blackberry Pie is a delicious way to celebrate ripe, fresh blackberries!

With a buttery homemade crust and a luscious filling infused with lemon and cinnamon, this pie is sure to impress.

Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing!

20. Best Cherry Pie

Homemade Cherry Pie (With Thick Filling) is a classic dessert that everyone will adore!

This recipe features a luscious, thick cherry filling nestled in a flaky crust.

Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Serve it warm or cold for a delightful treat any time of year!

21. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Honey is an effortless side dish that elevates your meals!

These crispy Brussels sprouts are ready in just 30 minutes and feature a perfect balance of tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet honey.

Simple to prepare, this flavorful dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions like Thanksgiving dinner!

22. From-Scratch Coconut Cream Pie

Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie is a delightful classic!

This easy recipe features a buttery, flaky crust filled with rich coconut custard, topped with light whipped cream and toasted coconut.

Perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat any day, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of nostalgia to your table!

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