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The 2021 Thanksgiving Menu Guide

Stacey Pirtle

by Stacey Published: Nov 13, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links.

Enjoy this year’s Thanksgiving Menu with plenty of traditional recipes, along with a few new ones just to keep thing lively! You can expect tips for planning, recipes for appetizers, side and main dishes, salads and desserts, plus special touches to let your friends and family know they are welcome!

2021 Thanksgiving holiday menu guide

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s time to be getting our menus settled and our shopping lists together! For a little inspiration, I am sharing our 2021 Thanksgiving Menu. It’s one I am excited to make and serve, and my people are excited to eat! It’s full of family favorites, and I know you’ll find some of your favorites here too.

Table of Contents

  • Appetizers
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • Salads & Bread
  • Desserts

Appetizers

Tip: Don’t make family and friends wait around on an empty stomach. Thanksgiving is so much more fun when you start the festivities early with a few nibbles and treats. Good conversation and laughter always follows closely!

Cheese Straws in a jar as a gift
  • Southern Cheese Straws
  • Honey Spiced Pecans
  • Cranberries & Cheddar Skillet Dip

Main Dishes

Tip: Try roasting bone-in turkey breasts instead of serving an entire turkey. This is especially useful if no one eats the dark meat anyway, you are preparing a smaller dinner or, conversely, finding yourself needing a little extra for a larger crowd.

Creole roasted turkey breast from oven with oranges and sage
  • Creole Roasted Turkey Breast
Sliced stuffed pork tenderloin on a holiday platter
  • Cranberry, Bacon, Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Side Dishes

Tip: Everybody knows Thanksgiving is all about the side dishes! Make sure to include everyone’s favorites, but throw in a few new, surprising dishes too!

traditional chicken and dressing for a southern holiday meal
  • Southern Chicken & Dressing
  • Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
  • Southern Green Beans & New Potatoes with Bacon
Close up of finished broccoli mac and cheese to show creamy texture
  • Creamy Broccoli Mac & Cheese
  • Southern Corn Pudding
  • Slow Cooker Black Eye Peas & Ham (Perfect for freeing up stove top space!)
Whole berry cranberry sauce with jalapenos being served
  • Homemade Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
2021 Thanksgiving holiday menu guide

Salads & Bread

Tip: Add a special touch to your Thanksgiving meal with semi-homemade rolls that even the kids can get in on making and to-die-for flavored butters that no one will be able to stop eating!

best ambrosia salad with secret ingredient whipped cream dressing
  • Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream Dressing
  • Broccoli Slaw with Apples & Brussel Sprouts
  • Short Cut Pull Apart Rolls
  • Whipped Pumpkin Honey Butter

Desserts

Tip: Having brownies, cookies or bars in addition to the “official” dessert is always a good idea. Kids love them, and it gives everyone something to grab and snack on later in the evening!

Pumpkin Cheesecake trifle with chocolate cookies and gingersnaps
  • No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles
  • Pecan Pie Bars
  • Layered Jello Salad
  • Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars

Last but not least! Make your home warm & inviting. The easiest way to do this is to focus on the joys of preparing and spending time with those you love. Your joy will be contagious to those around you!

Additionally, don’t forget to set your table the day before so it is beautiful and inviting when your guests arrive. And welcome your guests with warm aromas of the season by using your crockpot to simmer homemade holiday potpourri.

Setting a gracious Thanksgiving table
  • Setting a Gracious Thanksgiving Table
Simmer Pot ingredients in a sauce pan

  • Holiday Simmer Pots
Enjoy this year's Thanksgiving Menu with plenty of traditional recipes, including appetizers, side and main dishes, fruit salads and desserts, plus special touches to make your friends and family warm & welcome!
2021 Thanksgiving holiday menu guide

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Filed Under: Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: Thanksgiving

Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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  • Facebook
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