Welcome! If you’re building a Thanksgiving table for 2025, congrats, you’re in the right spot. This guide is a hand-picked collection of cozy classics, modern twists, and simple crowd-pleasers to make planning effortless. Think of it as your culinary map: soups to warm the soul, appetizers that disappear, mains that make everyone sigh, casseroles that hug you, and desserts that close the night with fireworks (okay! pie crumbs). Whether you’re hosting a big crew or a small, comfy gathering, this thanksgiving menu list has flexible options and easy-prep hacks.
Table of Contents
What makes this list special
We blended tradition with shortcuts: recipes you can mostly prep ahead, leftovers that transform into new meals, and pumpkin-forward treats for those who worship fall. The aim: maximum flavor, minimal stress.
Quick planning tips
- Plan by cook time: Put long roasts and oven-baked casseroles first on the timeline.
- Prep ahead: Chop, mix, and freeze components a day or two before.
- Balance textures: Mix creamy (mashed potatoes) with crunchy (pecan-topped casserole).
- Build a leftovers plan: Turn turkey into soup, chili, and pot pie.
𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦 & 𝐂𝐨𝐳𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧
Slow Cooker Turkey Tortilla Soup
Think smoky tortilla strips, shredded turkey, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime, but with Thanksgiving flavors: roasted turkey, a hint of cumin, and maybe a scatter of cranberry salsa on the side. Put it in the slow cooker while you relax after the big meal and enjoy a bowl of comfort that tastes like second-day magic.
Roasted Garlic Soup
Roasted garlic soup brings comfort, warmth, and simplicity together in one pot. Make a lighter broth version or a creamy take: either way, it’s the kind of bowl that heals a hosting hangover.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy richness and tender vegetables. Fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar, sautéed aromatics, and a silky roux come together to create a comforting bowl of soup that feels indulgent yet simple.
𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭
Cranberry Brie Pinwheels
Flaky pastry wraps, melted brie, and a smear of tart cranberry, perfect finger food that looks fancy but takes minutes.
Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Rolls
Ham, chicken, and swiss tucked into crescent dough for an easy make-ahead bite that doubles as brunch.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Mini phyllo cups, creamy cheese, cranberry chutney, little explosions of holiday cheer.
5-Ingredient Turkey Sliders
Leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry, a slice of cheese, slide between mini buns and serve. Minimal effort, maximum nostalgia.
𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰-𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬
Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting: a juicy turkey breast rubbed with herbs, served sliced and sauced. Great for small gatherings or extra-roasted variety.
Juicy Wagyu Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze
Old-school comfort upgraded with a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Turkey Pot Pie
Chunky turkey, creamy gravy, veggies, and a buttery crust.
Healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili
If you’ve been craving something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this crockpot turkey chili is your new go-to comfort food. It’s a simple, slow-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with rich, savory aromas, and your belly with goodness.
Chicken Cobbler Recipe
Think pot pie’s fun cousin: biscuit topping baked over savory chicken filling. Comfort food that wins hearts.
Easy Ground Beef Pot Pie
A fast, crowd-pleasing alternative when you want pot pie vibes with less fuss.
Crunchy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Creamy chicken topped with buttery cracker crumble, nostalgic and simple.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 & 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬
Sweet Potato Casserole (with Crunchy Pecan Topping)
Silky sweet potatoes topped with brown-sugar pecan crumble, sweet, buttery, and classic.
Classic Cornbread Dressing
Herb-scented, savory, and the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving plates. Use chicken or turkey stock for depth.
Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole
Bacon, cheese, and chives folded into mashed potatoes then baked until golden, party-level potatoes.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
Cubed potatoes tossed in ranch seasoning and cheese, crowd-friendly and fuss-free.
Southern-Style Cornbread Salad with BBQ Ranch Dressing
A vibrant, tangy side with corn, tomatoes, bacon, and cornbread cubes, unusual but addictive.
Jalapeño Cornbread
Add a little kick to your bread basket for guests who like heat.
Mexican Cornbread
Sweet corn, peppers, and cheese, a festive alternative that pairs well with chili or stews.
𝐏𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠
Coffee Cake Pumpkin Cookies
Soft, coffee-cake–spiced cookies with a pumpkin base, excellent with morning coffee.
Pumpkin Pie Cookies
Mini pumpkin pies in cookie form, nostalgic and hand-friendly.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Toasty brown butter gives these classic cookies deep, caramel notes.
Pumpkin Caramel Sticky Buns
Breakfast-worthy sticky buns with pumpkin spice and a silky caramel glaze.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Creamy cheesecake centers folded into pumpkin cookies, because two desserts are better than one.
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Classic pecan pie gets a chocolate upgrade, gooey, nutty, and irresistible.
Cozy Apple Pie Cheesecake
Swirled layers of apple pie and cheesecake make for a dramatic dessert that’s still familiar.
Moist Pumpkin Spice Bars
Dense, tender bars packed with spice, easy to slice and serve.
Pumpkin Crisp
A simpler alternative to pie with a crunchy oat topping and warm pumpkin underneath.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Creamy cheesecake meets spiced pumpkin layer, fork-friendly and elegant.
Best Pumpkin Cupcakes
Individual cakes topped with fluffy frosting, great for portion control and presentation.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake
Moist cake studded with chips, a crowd-pleaser that bridges chocolate and spice lovers.
𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐬 & 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐩𝐬
Swirled Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars
Marbled cheesecake-pumpkin bars that look fancy but are shockingly simple.
Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
A fudgy chocolate base with a pumpkin cheesecake crown, decadent and photogenic.
Cheesecake Dessert Cups with Caramel Apple Twist
Portion-controlled cups layered with apple, caramel, and cheesecake, elegant and easy to pass.
𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐮
Sample Menu Combinations
Classic Thanksgiving menu (big family):
- Starter: Slow Cooker Turkey Tortilla Soup
- Main: Roasted Turkey (or Crockpot Turkey Breast)
- Sides: Classic Cornbread Dressing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole, Cheesy Green Veg
- Dessert: Pumpkin Pie + Chocolate Pecan Pie
Modern Comfort (small group Thanksgiving menu):
- Starter: Cranberry Brie Bites
- Main: Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Sides: Jalapeño Cornbread, Southern-Style Cornbread Salad, Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
- Dessert: Swirled Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars
Budget-Friendly Potluck Thanksgiving menu:
- Appetizers: 5-Ingredient Turkey Sliders
- Main: Ground Beef Pot Pie
- Sides: Sweet Potato Casserole, Mexican Cornbread, Cowboy Mashed Potatoes
- Dessert: Moist Pumpkin Spice Bars
Timeline for prepping ahead
- 5–7 days out: Finalize menu and order any specialty ingredients.
- 2–3 days out: Make pies, cookie dough, and cornbread (freeze or refrigerate).
- 1 day out: Prepare casseroles and chop vegetables; refrigerate.
- Day of: Reheat casseroles, roast or finish turkey, and assemble warm appetizers.
Oven Tips
- Use a slow cooker and Instant Pot to free up oven space.
- Reheat sides at 325°F covered, then uncover to crisp for 10 minutes.
- Stagger baking: desserts can be chilled the day before while sides bake.
How to mix mains, sides & desserts for balance Thanksgiving menu
Aim for variety: at least one starchy, one green/vegetable, one creamy, and one bright/tart element (cranberry or citrus). Offer at least two mains if guests have dietary preferences (one turkey, one vegetarian or beef).
Storage + reheating tips for leftovers
- Storing: Cool completely, store in airtight containers, refrigerate up to 4 days. Freezable casseroles and bars keep well for 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Add a splash of stock or milk to mashed potatoes before reheating; cover with foil to prevent drying.
- Repurposing Leftovers: Turn turkey into soups, pot pies, tacos, or enchiladas. Sweet potato casserole turns into breakfast hash with eggs.
FAQs
How far ahead can I prep desserts and casseroles?
Most desserts (pies, bars) can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in the fridge; most casseroles can be assembled 24-48 hours before and baked on the day.
Can I cook turkey breast in a crockpot for Thanksgiving?
Yes, a crockpot turkey breast yields juicy meat and frees oven space. Use low heat and a good herb rub; add stock for moisture.
What are easy ways to make the menu kid-friendly?
Offer familiar mains like meatloaf or burger pie, keep one simple veggie (roasted carrots), and include a sweet treat like cupcakes or cookies.
How do I keep crunchy toppings from getting soggy when reheating?
Store crunchy toppings separately and add them in the last 5–10 minutes of baking or just before serving.
What’s the best way to turn leftovers into new meals?
Turkey becomes soup, chili, pot pie, or sliders; mashed potatoes can be made into croquettes or casserole; stuffing reheats as skillet stuffing with eggs for breakfast.
Can I scale these Thanksgiving menu recipes for a big crowd?
Yes. Most casseroles, bars, and sides scale easily; mains like turkey breast roast well in multiples or use two small birds.
There you have it! a jam-packed, flexible 2025 Thanksgiving menu that covers every craving from cozy soups to pumpkin-forward pastries. Use this guide like a box of building blocks: mix and match sections to suit your crowd, timeline, and energy level. Save it, print it, and pass it along to friends.
