Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
Here we are in November and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Today I’m home with my wife and my son—who is doing partial remote learning. Like a lot of the country, we’re watching the Presidential Election results as they trickle in, eager for confirmation of a change in leadership. Between topping off steaming cups of coffee and serving cake and snacks, it’s a good time to start planning for the Thanksgiving holiday.
2020 is looking quiet different for most of us due to the pandemic. I know between my family and my wife’s there are no plans for flying and coming together for traditionally large gatherings. Even so, I expect Thanksgiving is still going to be a great time to express gratitude and enjoy a good meal with your friends, family, roommates, who are in your safety circle right now. Even if you’re weathering the pandemic storm on your own, I still suggest you make yourself a delicious meal with enough leftovers to enjoy over the week after Thanksgiving.
As usual, I suggest that your first step in planning for Thanksgiving is to review my tried and true tips for Holiday Entertaining. A few key tips:
Because this year you’re likely entertaining fewer guests, I recommend preparing a breakfast casserole—like this French Toast Casserole—the night before Thanksgiving. You can easily pop it in the oven the morning of Thanksgiving and everyone will have something delicious to enjoy while you prep Thanksgiving dinner interruption free!
It’s also a great idea to keep Hors d'oeuvres very simple. Mixed roasted nuts, and charcuterie boards are simple, elegant, and satisfying
For your breads—rolls, or rustic breads etc.—I really love supporting local bakeries. It takes a lot of pressure off of you for the day of, and it’s a great way to support your local businesses during this tough time.
Below I have three Thanksgiving menu suggestions. A traditional Thanksgiving menu, a pescatarian Thanksgiving menu, and a vegetarian Thanksgiving menu. You’ll notice that the vegetarian Thanksgiving menu doesn’t include a “Star” main dish. I recommend that you make a lot of rich and delicious side dishes in place of a nut loaf or something similar. Without further delay, here are some great Thanksgiving Menu ideas.
