Our 2022 Thanksgiving menu is ready—and it’s full of crowd-pleasing recipes. Below you’ll find every dish you need for a memorable Thanksgiving table plus a simple week-of checklist to help you feel organized and relaxed as the big day approaches.
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! This year we’re elevating the classics with a few exciting additions. Whether you prefer a spatchcocked bird for crispier skin or a traditional whole roasted turkey, there are savory mains, comforting sides, and a stunning brown butter apple galette for dessert.
Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, this page is your one-stop guide: the complete Thanksgiving menu with my favorite recipes and practical tips so you can enjoy the holiday without last-minute stress.
Thanksgiving Menu 2022
What we’re making
Spatchcock Turkey + Turkey Dry Brine
Spatchcocking flattens the bird so it roasts evenly and yields incredibly juicy meat with extra-crispy skin. Follow the spatchcock turkey recipe and finish with a simple dry brine to enhance flavor.
Serving size depends on the size of your turkey.
Whole Roasted Turkey + Wet Turkey Brine (serves 12)
This classic whole roasted turkey is juicy and flavorful. Brining with a wet brine makes a noticeable difference—don’t skip it if you have the time.
Easy Turkey Gravy (serves 8)
Make a simple, rich gravy from your turkey drippings, broth, and a touch of cornstarch. This easy turkey gravy brings everything together on the plate.
Butternut Squash Risotto (serves 8)
This creamy butternut squash risotto is smooth, comforting, and packed with fall flavor. Risotto is easier than it seems—just stir and enjoy the creamy results.
Easy Sautéed Green Beans (serves 4)
These sautéed green beans are bright and flavorful thanks to fresh garlic and a squeeze of lemon. They’re a quick, vibrant side that pairs well with rich dishes.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding (serves 8)
The pumpkin bread pudding is tender, warmly spiced, and made with a whole loaf of pumpkin bread for an indulgent dessert or sweet side.
Brown Butter Apple Galette (serves 9)
For dessert, serve this elegant brown butter apple galette, made with Honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and the nutty warmth of brown butter.
Week-of Prep Guide
To keep Thanksgiving calm and enjoyable, follow this straightforward week-of prep schedule. It breaks tasks into manageable steps so you can complete most items ahead of time and simply reheat or finish on the day.
Below is a Monday–Thursday guide based on preparing everything from this menu. Adjust as needed based on what you plan to cook or bring.
menu
Note: This timeline assumes you’ll prepare the full menu listed above so we can offer a day-by-day plan.
MONDAY
- Create your grocery list and shop for non-perishables and produce.
- If your turkey is frozen, move it to the fridge to begin thawing. Larger birds can take several days to thaw completely.
Tuesday
- Make the pumpkin bread that you’ll use for the pumpkin bread pudding. Let it cool completely before storing.
Wednesday
- Set your table and arrange serving dishes.
- Prepare the pumpkin bread pudding and the apple galette; refrigerate both.
- Make the butternut squash risotto up to the point before finishing, then cool and refrigerate.
- Begin either the wet brine or dry brine for the turkey so it can rest overnight with the seasoning.
- Allow prepared dishes to cool, then cover and refrigerate so everything is ready to reheat on Thanksgiving Day.
Thursday – Thanksgiving day!
Most dishes will be reheated from chilled. For best results, reheat covered dishes at about 350°F for 20–40 minutes depending on size. Use a thermometer to ensure turkey reaches a safe internal temperature before carving.
- Roast the whole turkey or the spatchcock turkey. A 12–15 lb. whole bird can take several hours—spatchcocking shortens the roast time and crisps the skin.
- Sauté the green beans fresh so they stay bright and tender.
- Finish the turkey gravy using the pan drippings once the turkey is out of the oven.
- Reheat the pumpkin bread pudding, risotto, and the apple galette. Brush any remaining brown butter over the galette crust for shine.
- Carve the turkey, serve, and enjoy a relaxed Thanksgiving meal with family and friends.
More of our Favorite…
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
If you want lighter options or more variety, explore additional healthy Thanksgiving recipes to round out your menu.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Below are some favorite mains, sides, drinks, and desserts we’ve enjoyed over the years—perfect for customizing your own Thanksgiving spread.
MAINS
- Sous Vide Turkey Breast (serves 6)
- Smoked Turkey (serves 15)
- 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 (serves 2)
- Spiked Apple Cider (serves 1)
- Raspberry Mulled Wine (serves 4)
- Apple Cider Champagne Cocktail (serves 4)
- AllThanksgiving Cocktails
DESSERTS
- Pumpkin Sheet Cake
- Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bites
- Apple Pie Bars
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Cherry Crisp