Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the rest of the holiday season will be here before you know it. If you’re in charge of making the menu, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed! There are so many different dishes to make, and the coordination of it all can feel daunting. This holiday menu planner will help you choose everything from the drinks you serve down to the dessert, so all you have to do is get in the kitchen and start cooking!
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One of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving and Christmas is the cooking. My son and I have fun planning out our menu every year, and we divide and conquer the cooking duties. He loves to cook, and he’s gotten pretty creative with it over the years!
This year, we’ve been searching down some fun recipes to try, and I wanted to share them with you. Not every one of these is going to make it on our holiday table this year, but this list is giving us some great options to plan out!
We’ll do some for Thanksgiving, some for Christmas, and then we’ll try some just for fun. The great thing about this menu is that there are enough ideas to give you great options year after year!
Drinks
Drinks aren’t often the first thing to come to mind when planning out your holiday menu, but they’re something everyone will be thankful for! This list has traditional offerings like spiced apple cider and some fun, out of the box ideas like pumpkin spice latte milkshakes!
Holiday Drink Recipes
Find a variety of drink recipes for your holiday table!
Non Alcoholic Apple Pie Punch
Apple Pie Punch is sure to put a smile on your guest's faces - and it's non-alcoholic, so everyone can enjoy!
Crock Pot Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced Apple Cider will make your house smell wonderful - and it's the perfect accompaniment to a holiday meal!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Milkshake - The Chunky Chef
Oh, my word...this milkshake is the perfect treat for a holiday gathering. It's also yummy for an anytime treat!
Blood Orange, Italian Sodas
These Blood Orange Italian Sodas are an easy, unique addition to your holiday table.
Cranberry FIzz Mocktail Recipe
Liven up your get-together with a Cranberry Fizz Mocktail!
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
Apples and cranberries are such a great combination, especially when it comes to cider.
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Appetizers
Appetizers set the tone for any meal, but during the holidays, they’re especially important! As family and friends get together, having different things to munch on tends to put everyone at ease and get conversation flowing. Here are some easy and delicious ideas for your holiday get-togethers!
Holiday Appetizer Recipes
Start your holiday meal off right with the perfect appetizer! This list will give you plenty to choose from.
Pumpkin Pie Cheese Crackers Thanksgiving Appetizer
These little apps are adorable and delicious! Your guests will snap them up.
Pumpkin Spice Dip Appetizer
This dip is a wonderful choice for the holidays! It's easy to put together for your own table, but it's also great to bring for get-togethers.
Thanksgiving Appetizer Skewers
These Appetizer Skewers are fun to look at and even more fun to eat!
Make-Ahead Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a must for many families - and these are so easy to prep, you'll want to make them every time.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberries and brie are an amazing combinations, and these little bites are sure to impress.
Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizer - Grilled Pizza Bites
Ok, yum - grilled pizza bites! These are a great choice for a fun holiday app, but they're also easy to make all year round!
Easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip really is easy to make, but your guests will love it!
How to Make Salami Cups
These fun little Salami Cups are easier to make than you might think!
Easy Mozzarella Sticks with De'Longhi's Multifry | True Aim
Fried Mozzarella Sticks...need I say more?
Instant Pot Dr Pepper Barbecue Meatballs
These meatball apps are a classic for a reason - they're yummy! They're also super easy and quick to make in your Instant Pot. Win-win!
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Main Course
The main course is where it’s at! This is the dish (or dishes) that everyone looks forward to. There are some great ideas here for everyone, from meat lovers to vegetarians!
Holiday Main Dish Recipes
We all have our favorites, so there's something for everyone here. Find a new twist on your favorite holiday main!
How to Smoke a Whole Turkey for Thanksgiving
Smoked turkey is definitely a treat - find out how to smoke your turkey for a main everyone will love!
Instant Pot Turkey - Cooking the Whole Turkey | Bacon is Magic
The Instant Pot is such a time saver (I use mine just about daily). Find out how to pressure cook your turkey!
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a favorite for many, and this recipe doesn't disappoint. Yum!
Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe
Ham is a holiday favorite in our family, and this brown sugar mustard glaze is sure to please.
World's Best Brown Sugar Ham [+ Video]
Brown sugar ham is a holiday favorite for many. Find out how to kick yours up a notch!
Garlic Butter Herb Prime Rib
Is prime rib a holiday staple at your house, or would you like to try it this year? This recipe can't be beat!
Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf | FatFree Vegan Kitchen
If you or your guests are meatless, this holiday dish is a worthy addition to your feast.
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Soups and Sides
And of course, we’ve got to have great side dishes! Every family has their traditional favorites, and there are options here to suit everyone’s needs. You’ll find green bean casserole, roasted potatoes or Brussels sprouts, soups and stuffings, and more. Which ones are your favorites?
Holiday Soups and Sides
No holiday table is complete without some delicious soups and side dishes! You're sure to find some recipes you and your family will love.
Green Bean Casserole & Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Green bean casserole is a classic in many homes. I think you'll love this take on it!
Crescent Rolls
Homemade crescent rolls...need I say more? These are easier than you might think and definitely worth making.
Broccoli Cheese Bake
Broccoli and cheese is a combination even your picky eaters will love!
Low Carb Paleo Cauliflower Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving
If you're looking for a low-carb or paleo option for your holiday stuffing, you'll love this recipe!
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
Roasted potatoes and green beans is an easy, elegant, and delicious side. It's a perfect addition to your table!
Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a favorite in our family - my guys go back for thirds on this recipe! It's also flexible - you'll find both Instant Pot and stove top instructions. Yum!
Slow Cooker Homemade Cream Style Corn
Homemade cream style corn is such a comforting side. In the slow cooker, it's also an easy addition to your holiday menu!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples
Roasted Brussels sprouts really shine with the addition of bacon and apples. This is one of our go-to sides every year!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Is it really a holiday table without the sweet potato casserole? Here's an easy, yummy recipe you'll want to have on hand.
Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash is such an iconic holiday flavor. The color and flavor really shine in this soup!
Chestnut Stuffing - Easy Thanksgiving Recipes
Chestnut stuffing is a holiday classic. Find out how to make it without straining your schedule or your budget!
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with garlic & butter
Oh, my goodness...these are good! You'll definitely want these mashed potatoes on your holiday menu.
Citrus and Cranberry Sauce
I love, love, love homemade cranberry sauce, and this recipe truly shines. Give it a try!
Pan Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed with Apples Cranberries and Pecans
Acorn squash is a wonderful fall or winter side - and it's made even better with the addition of apples, cranberries, and pecans!
Roasted Butternut Squash and Farro Salad
This easy, elegant warm salad with farro and roasted butternut squash is a great addition to any holiday table.
Instant Pot Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a fantastic addition to your holiday menu, but it's also yummy for chilly fall and winter nights. It's also really easy to make in your Instant Pot!
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Desserts
Yum…dessert! I don’t know about you, but our holiday table just isn’t complete without dessert. We have our traditional favorites, but we love trying a new holiday treat each year! I see some on here that are going in my oven…which ones are you excited to try?
Round out your holiday feast with desserts everyone will love! These yummy little bites will be a huge hit with kids and adults alike! (They're also fun to make - and a great project to do with your kids! Oh, goodness...these are just too cute. And yummy. You should make them. Promise. 😉 These Triple Chocolate Skillet Brownies are definitely a hit with my family! They're a must-have dessert at our house. I bet you'll love them as much as we do! These are so cute, and so easy! They're a great addition to a dessert table or buffet. Sweet Potato Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert your family and guests will love. It's also gluten free! These little Pilgrim hat cookies are just too cute - you and your kids will love decorating them. They're also easy to turn into Santa or elf hats for Christmas! Dutch Apple Pie is a holiday classic - and it's easier to make than you might think! This Pumpkin Coffee Cake is great for dessert, brunch, or an afternoon snack. You'll want to keep some on hand throughout the holiday season! Find some easy, fun, and impressive decorating ideas for your holiday cakes. This pumpkin spice cake is worthy of any holiday feast! It's also delicious - give it a try! Caramel and pecans - what could be a better combination for a holiday meal? Pumpkin Pie in a wonderful, flaky, handheld package. Everyone will love these yummy turnovers! (Hint - you can also mix up the fillings and flavors!) French Apple Pie is such a delicious, classic dessert for the holidays (or anytime, really!). You'll love this recipe! You and your guests will love these delicious little bites!Delicious Holiday Dessert Recipes
Thanksgiving Dessert Turkeys
How to Make OREO Turkeys for Thanksgiving - Cute Thanksgiving Desserts
Triple Chocolate Skillet Brownie
Turkey Leg Treats: easy Thanksgiving dessert
Gluten Free Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Thanksgiving Pilgrim Hat Cookies - a great Thanksgiving food craft for kids
Quick Dutch Apple Pie
Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Thanksgiving Cake Decorating Ideas
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Chocolate Snickers Ganache
Tasty Tuesdays: Caramel-Topped Pecan Cheese Pie | Creative K Kids
Pumpkin Pie Turnovers
My Favorite Thanksgiving Dessert: French Apple Pie
Caramel Apple Crisp Bites - TRY to eat just one!
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