Classic Thanksgiving Menu (with grocery list)

Our Classic Thanksgiving Menu includes our popular turkey recipe and all the most traditional side dishes, plus a printable grocery list and make-ahead instructions.

The classics are here, but I have tons more Thanksgiving recipes like Cranberry Sauce, Perfect Pie Crust, Broccoli Casserole, Cornbread Dressing, or Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Vegetables.

You can save or customize this Thanksgiving meal plan to your own recipe collection– just click here.

Print Shopping List

Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole

Homemade Dinner Rolls

Turkey Gravy

Make Ahead Tips:

Thanksgiving Turkey:

• Allow the turkey plenty of time to thaw. Plan for one day in the fridge for every 5 pounds of turkey. I always do this but also give myself one extra day, just to be safe.
• Mix together the herb butter and store in the fridge days ahead.
• The veggies can be chopped ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

Thanksgiving Stuffing:

• Assemble stuffing, but don’t bake it. Store in a casserole dish or resealable bag and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Bake in a casserole dish at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until warmed and slightly crisp on top.

Mashed Potatoes:

• Potatoes absorb moisture as they rest, so add a little extra milk to make them very soft. Transfer to a casserole dish, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 days. Remove from fridge 1 hour before baking. Taste and add any additional seasonings or milk. Cover and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until warm. They could also be reheated on the stove in a saucepan, or in the microwave.

Sweet Potato Casserole:

• The sweet potato filling can be made 1-2 days in advance. Smooth it in your baking dish, cover and store in the fridge. Make the topping and store in a separate container. Remove from fridge 1 hour before baking, add topping and bake as directed.

Homemade Dinner Rolls:

• Make roll dough, cover, refrigerate overnight for first rise. In the morning, resume the recipe with punching the dough down, then shaping.
• To Freeze: Allow baked rolls to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or rewarm in the oven or microwave.

Turkey Gravy:

• Follow the instructions to make the gravy, allowing it to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 days.
• To Reheat: Pour gravy into a saucepan and add a couple tablespoons water or chicken broth to thin it to your liking. Heat on medium low, stirring often, until warm (about 15 minutes).

Print Shopping List

Print Thanksgiving Prep Timeline

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Don’t Forget About the Pie!

• Pumpkin Pie
• Pecan Pie
• Coconut Cream Pie
• Lemon Cream Pie
• Apple Pie
• Key Lime Pie
• Cherry Pie
• Triple Berry Pie
• Chocolate Cream Pie
• Banana Cream Pie
• German Chocolate Pie

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