Easy Thanksgiving Menus

By
Martha Stewart Editors
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Martha Stewart Editors

An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.

The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing.

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Published on September 23, 2011
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Choose from our easiest Thanksgiving menu ideas to find inspiration for your meal. Go traditional by serving the classics, or take a more modern approach. Our Thanksgiving menus are meant to be adaptable: Prepare one start to finish, or pick and choose recipes to customize your feast.

02 of 08

Classic Thanksgiving Dinner

roast turkey with herb butter
David Loftus

A bit of planning and advanced preparation of desserts and side dishes will help ensure an easy, stress-free Thanksgiving dinner. (Serves 10.)

Get the preparation schedule and shopping list.

main course
Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
side dishes
Rich Gravy
Cranberry Chutney
Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing
Wild Rice, Walnut, and Cranberry Dressing
Potato and Squash Mash
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple
dessert
Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Topping

03 of 08

Family-Friendly Thanksgiving

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When you follow our plan to prepare a meal the whole family is certain to enjoy, Thanksgiving Day becomes a lot more relaxing. (Serves 8.)

Get the preparation schedule and shopping list.

main course
Maple-Glazed Turkey
side dishes
Cider Gravy
Cranberry-Grape Compote
Glazed Squash
Fennel and Orange Salad
Mashed Potatoes
Herbed Biscuits
dessert
Pumpkin Pie

04 of 08

Essential Thanksgiving

ed103255_1107_turkey.jpg
David Loftus

Set out a regal herb-rubbed turkey and a cornucopia of side dishes for an impressive spread that's easier than ever. (Serves 10.)

Get the preparation schedule.

main course
Herb-Rubbed Turkey
side dishes
Cranberry-Ginger Relish
White-Wine Gravy
Simple Stuffing
Roasted Harvest Vegetables
Spinach-and-Cheese Puff
Herbed Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean, Watercress, and Crispy Shallot Salad
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
Sugar-Glazed Pearl Onions

05 of 08

Down-Home Southern Thanksgiving

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Get together with family and friends for a Thanksgiving feast that celebrates unfussy, tasty Southern classics. (Serves 8-10.)

Get the preparation schedule.

main course
Roast Turkey with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze
side dishes
Bourbon Gravy
Basic Cranberry Sauce
Pecan Cornbread Dressing
Stewed Green Beans with Bacon
Sweet Potato Casserole

07 of 08

Elegant Thanksgiving

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Prepare a classic feast with ease using this simple menu -- you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time having fun at the table. We share the secret to a golden, juicy turkey, plus easy recipes for the holiday side dishes you love, including stuffing and sweet potatoes. (Serves 8-10.)

Get the preparation schedule and shopping list.

main course
Salt and Pepper Turkey
side dishes
Pan Gravy
Bread Stuffing with Sage
Green Bean Casserole
Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic-Glazed Pearl Onions
Orange-Scented Cranberry Sauce
dessert
Pumpkin Icebox Pie

08 of 08

Sophisticated Thanksgiving

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Our time-saving techniques, recipes, and tips will make this year's Thanksgiving spectacular -- and spectacularly simple. (Serves 8.)

Get the preparation schedule and shopping list.

main course
Roast Turkey with Sage
side dishes
Cranberry and Dried-Cherry Relish
Mushroom Stuffing
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans with Vinaigrette
Arugula and Endive Salad with Oranges
Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Butter-Pecan Sweet Potatoes
dessert
Pumpkin Cheesecake

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