Our 2021 Thanksgiving menu is ready—and it’s seriously delicious. Below you’ll find every recipe you need for a memorable Thanksgiving table, plus a practical week-of checklist to help you stay calm and confident heading into the big day.
Hello, 2021 Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! This year we stepped it up with new favorites for your holiday spread: a juicy smoked turkey, comforting sides, and a show-stopping apple tart. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, this menu and timeline will make the day easier and more enjoyable.
Thanksgiving Menu 2021
What we’re making
Ultimate Smoked Turkey with Smoked Turkey Brine (serves 15)
The smoked turkey is the centerpiece: brined overnight and seasoned for maximum juiciness and flavor. Smoking takes time, but the result is worth every minute. Note: servings depend on the size of your bird.
Delicious Mushroom Gravy (serves 8)
This rich vegetarian mushroom gravy is a must. Make it a few days in advance, refrigerate, and reheat on Thanksgiving Day. If you prefer, you can also make a gravy from the turkey drippings for a classic smoked-turkey gravy.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes (serves 16)
These seven-ingredient Crockpot mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and effortless. The recipe yields about 16 servings—halve it if you’re serving fewer people, unless you love leftovers.
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon (serves 6-8)
Our homemade take on classic green bean casserole swaps canned soup for a savory bacon roux—yes, bacon roux—for deep, smoky flavor.
Smoked Mac and Cheese (serves 6)
With the smoker already running for the turkey, smoked mac and cheese is a great side. This version features a famously creamy mac and cheese sauce and a touch of smoky heat from the smoker.
Favorite Thanksgiving Salad (serves 4-6)
This perennial favorite combines massaged kale, apple, pecans, goat cheese, dried cherries, and a bright vinaigrette. It’s fresh, balanced, and a nice contrast to the richer dishes.
Lemon Ginger Cranberry Sauce (serves 6)
Elevate cranberry sauce with lemon zest, fresh grated ginger, and maple syrup for sweet-tart complexity. It’s bright, aromatic, and perfect alongside turkey and gravy.
Beautiful Apple Tart (serves 9)
This apple tart features a gingersnap crust and an elegant apple rose center, baked until tender and brushed with a honey-butter glaze for shine and flavor.
Week-of Prep Guide
To keep Thanksgiving day smooth and stress-free, follow this simple Monday–Thursday prep schedule. This plan assumes you’re preparing the dishes listed above so each day is focused and efficient.
Menu
Note: the timeline below is tailored to the menu above—adjust quantities and timing to match your guest count and equipment.
MONDAY
- Create your grocery list and shop.
- If your turkey is frozen, begin thawing it today.
TUESDAY
- Make the lemon-ginger cranberry sauce and let it cool.
- Prepare the Crockpot mashed potatoes and refrigerate once cool.
- Make the mushroom gravy; cool and refrigerate.
WEDNESDAY
- Set the table and organize serving dishes.
- Assemble smoked mac and cheese (wait to smoke it until Thanksgiving Day).
- Prepare the green bean casserole (hold off on the breadcrumb topping).
- Prep the Thanksgiving salad components but wait to toss them together.
- Make the turkey brine and let the turkey brine overnight.
- Bake the apple tart; cool and refrigerate (apply glaze on the day of to finish).
THURSDAY – Thanksgiving Day
Most dishes will be reheated. We recommend warming covered dishes at about 350ºF for 20–40 minutes depending on size and density.
- Start smoking the turkey early—allow many hours depending on size.
- Finish the smoked mac and cheese on the smoker for 45–60 minutes.
- Add breadcrumb topping to the green bean casserole and broil as needed.
- Toss the salad ingredients and dress just before serving.
- Make smoked turkey gravy using the pan drippings or reheat the mushroom gravy.
- Reheat mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce; brush the apple tart with the butter-honey glaze to finish.
- Serve and enjoy!
Inexpensive Decor Ideas
Decorative vases and dried flowers
Small decorative vases with dried flowers fill empty table spaces and add a warm, rustic touch without breaking the bank.
Candles, candles, candles
Candles instantly make a meal feel special. Use candlesticks, tea lights, or larger pillar candles. Reuse small jars or holders you already own for an elegant, cozy glow.
Dress up your bird
Finish your smoked turkey with a simple garnish: orange slices, fresh cranberries, and sprigs of herbs make an attractive, easy presentation on the serving platter.
More of our Favorite…
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
If you want lighter options, explore our collection of healthy Thanksgiving recipes to round out your menu with nutritious and flavorful dishes.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Below are additional main dishes, sides, drinks, and desserts that have been favorites over the years—use them to expand or adapt this menu.
Mains
- Sous vide turkey breast (serves 6)
- Herby ranch roasted turkey breast (serves 6)
- Juicy baked turkey tenderloin (serves 8)
- Whole roasted chicken (serves 6)
Sides
- Bacon-wrapped green beans (serves 10)
- Healthy mashed potatoes (serves 8)
- Cornbread stuffing (serves 10)
- Sausage stuffing (serves 10)
- Sweet potato casserole (serves 6)
- Shaved Brussels sprout salad (serves 6)
- Roasted delicata squash (serves 4)
- Healthy green bean casserole (serves 8)
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon (serves 8)
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes (serves 10)
Drinks
- Festive hot toddies
- Spiked apple cider
- Raspberry mulled wine
- Apple cider champagne cocktail
- Selection of Thanksgiving cocktails
Desserts
- Pumpkin sheet cake
- Cranberry swirl cheesecake bites
- Apple pie bars
- Pumpkin cheesecake bars
- Fresh cherry crisp