Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy with family and friends. However, planning and cooking for a crowd can be tough. From picking the right turkey to making sure you have enough Thanksgiving menu sides, drinks, and desserts, it can quickly get overwhelming.

But don't worry!

This Thanksgiving menu survival guide will help you navigate every aspect of meal planning with ease so you stay organized in the kitchen from start to finish.

Planning Ahead: The Foundation of a Successful Thanksgiving Meal

Planning Thanksgiving meals requires careful preparation. Also read our Thanksgiving Guide and Here's how it is done:

  • Set the Menu Early: Plan your meals early so that you have the right spread for the day.
  • Estimate Portions and Guests: Decide how many you will need to feed.
  • Timeline creation: Plan and prepare for cooking in advance so that everything can be cooked on time.

Essential Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Feast

The must-have essential dishes to include in the Thanksgiving feast are:

1) Turkey

The turkey is the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast. Roast it, grill it, smoke it, or deep fry it—just make sure it's on your table. If you're buying a frozen turkey, get it weeks in advance and store it in the freezer. Two days before Thanksgiving, move it to the fridge to thaw.

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2) Stuffing (or Dressing)

Need something quick and tasty in a pinch? Get a few boxes of Stove Top Stuffing and some butter, and you're good to go. Homemade variety: Two loaves of bread, unsalted butter, onions, celery, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, kosher salt, pepper, chicken and eggs.

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3) Mashed Potatoes

If you're short on time, you can use packaged flaked potatoes—they're quick and easy. But if you want to make them from scratch, choose Russet, Idaho, or Yukon Gold potatoes. Add rich heavy cream, a splash of milk or sour cream, and good butter. The result will be heavenly mashed potatoes.

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4) Gravy

Making gravy from scratch is easier than it sounds. Just use butter, flour, and chicken or beef broth to create a rich, flavorful gravy that will impress everyone. If you're short on time, grab a packet of McCormick gravy mix for a quick, tasty option that’ll still have guests asking for seconds. It’s the perfect finishing touch to your meal!

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5) Cranberry Sauce 

Whether you go with the classic canned version or make your own by mixing cranberries, sugar, and a bit of orange juice, this tangy side dish adds a burst of flavor to your holiday spread.

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6) Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a great side for Thanksgiving. You can grab a frozen casserole and bake it or make one from scratch. Use fresh, canned, or frozen beans—whichever you like! You can even make it ahead and heat it up on Thanksgiving Day. Don’t forget the best part: French’s French-fried onions! They add a crispy topping and extra flavor.

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7) Pumpkin Pie

Make your own pie crust or use a store-bought one. Fill it with canned pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. For an easier option, use pre-made pumpkin pie spice. Top with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—your choice.

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Indulge in these timeless dishes to guarantee a Thanksgiving feast that satisfies every craving and leaves no box unchecked!

Side Dishes That'll Take Your Thanksgiving Meal to the Next Level

Ready to impress your guests? You can include the following side dishes in your Thanksgiving menu template to complement your main courses.

1) Mac and Cheese 

Mac and cheese pleases any crowd, whether you use Kraft or make it from scratch. Keep butter and milk on hand. For homemade, gather elbow macaroni, flour, salt, pepper, half-and-half, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Either way, you'll serve a cheesy dish everyone will love!

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2) Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a must for Thanksgiving. Roast, bake or turn them into a casserole, and don’t forget the brown sugar and butter. For an extra treat, top them with gooey marshmallows. These dishes will simply wow your guests and really elevate your meal!

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3) Chicken Nuggets

Thanksgiving may overwhelm kids with so many dishes at the table, but crispy, golden nuggets of chicken may keep it simple. Even the kids will enjoy them, and the adults may sneak in a quick snack!

4) Ethnic Twist

It is the best time to reconcile tradition with something new, and you bring your personal touch to the holiday. Combine your heritage with this American celebration. It sets forth the richness of different traditions.

What are the Best Drinks to Serve on Thanksgiving?

Here are some options to elevate your Thanksgiving toast.

1) Beer

  • Local Delights – Choose Chicago's best beers, such as Goose Island or Revolution. You can find them in most grocery stores. These local favorites will keep the party going.
  • Seasonal Sips – Pumpkin beers hit around this time. Oktoberfest brews are good any time of the year.
  • Light and Easy – Get light beers for those who like mild flavor. They'll satisfy everyone's taste.

2) Non-Alcoholic Beer

  • Zero Proof Choices – Offer non-alcoholic beer options to satisfy everyone. Popular brands like Guinness, Corona, and Heineken now have alcohol-free versions that are just as tasty as their regular counterparts.

3) Wine

  • Crisp Whites – Match your turkey and holiday dishes with a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light wines are perfect for guests who want something refreshing.
  • Medium-Bodied Reds – A Pinot Noir or Merlot will complement the richness of your Thanksgiving feast. Their fruit flavors and soft tannins will satisfy the taste buds of your guests.

4) Cocktails

  • Holiday-Themed Delights – Surprise your guests with a signature Thanksgiving punch. Mix Fireball whiskey, apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, apricot brandy, and lemon-lime soda for a more festive and crowd-pleasing drink. Just be sure to have a non-alcoholic version set aside for the kiddos!
  • Classics That Never Fail – Stick to a few of the classic ones, such as Old Fashioned or Manhattan. I guarantee a crowd-pleaser at Thanksgiving. An Old Fashioned requires bourbon, sugar, bitters, and orange. A Manhattan requires bourbon, bitters, sweet vermouth, and maraschino cherries.

5) Drinks for the Kids

  • Eggnog – Treat the little ones (and the young at heart) to creamy, indulgent eggnog. Sprinkle nutmeg on top to make it extra festive.
  • Pop and Juice Galore – KKeep everyone happy with a variety of sodas and juices.
  • Apple Cider – Serve up warm or chilled apple cider to bring out those autumn flavors.

To get all your drinks delivered right to your doorstep. Here are some options:

  • Instacart
  • Postmates
  • Drizly
  • Grubhub
  • Gopuff
  • Saucey

Need Thanksgiving Essentials? Get Them Delivered to Your Door!

You can skip the store altogether and have all the essentials for this special Thanksgiving at your doorstep with a few clicks.

  • Postmates and Uber Eats can bring all the ingredients and dishes you need right to your door.
  • Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Mercato offer a convenient delivery of everything you need.
  • Jewel-Osco allows you to order online, with actual delivery on Thanksgiving, so you don't have to leave home.

Why Not Let Catering Handle Your Thanksgiving Feast?

Feeling overwhelmed with Thanksgiving prep? Let catering take the stress away. Sit back and enjoy the holiday while someone else handles the cooking.

  • Classic: Choose from the delicious best Thanksgiving menus at The Goddess and Grocer or Wildfire, where you can pick your favorite dishes. If you prefer a set menu, Summer House Santa Monica offers one that you can easily order and have delivered straight to your door if you’re nearby.
  • Non-Traditional: Want something different? Try BBQ from Green Street Meats, Twin Anchors, or Bub City. Or go for a flavorful Caribbean twist with Jerk Jamaican Barbecue or 90 Miles Cuban Café.
  • Chicago Style: How about a Chicago-style Thanksgiving? Enjoy deep-dish pizza from your go-to spot, paired with Italian beef and maybe even your favorite hot dogs. Mix and match these local favorites with traditional Thanksgiving dishes for a unique feast.

Create Your Perfect Thanksgiving Food List with Ease!

You have everything you need for the perfect Thanksgiving menu sides and main feast right at your fingertips. From the turkey to drinks, check out the handy checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you’re all set.

Need help with cleaning before or after the big meal? You can easily book a house cleaning service with Fresh Tech Maid! Let’s make this Thanksgiving stress-free and truly unforgettable for you.