Thanksgiving Menu: New Traditions at the Table

For most people it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without old-fashioned favorites like turkey, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole on the table, and here we give you some of our best versions of these time-tested classics. But adding a few unexpected touches, like elegant appetizers, sparkling cocktails and a decadent chocolate tart, will ensure this Thanksgiving is a truly memorable celebration.

 

 

 

Start the meal with drinks and nibbles worthy of a big celebration. Mix cocktails inspired by the flavors of the season, like our Pomegranate Gin Fizz, Maple Bourbon Smash and Sparkling Apple Punch. Serve with a variety of savory appetizers, from maple and curry spiced nuts and cheesy gougeres to these elegant crostini with goat cheese and pear chutney.

 

Savor the Thanksgiving traditions we all love with a classic roast turkey and gravy made with the delicious pan juices. Pair with fluffy herbed mashed potatoes and Parker House Rolls, which are always a hit at the holiday table, along with the iconic green bean casserole (it’s a breeze to prepare with our starter kit).

 

 

When it comes to side dishes, don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit — that’s how new traditions are born! These twice-baked sweet potatoes are topped with a pecan-bacon streusel and marshmallows for a sophisticated twist on the nostalgic casserole. Instead of (or in addition to!) mashed potatoes, serve a creamy, decadent herbed potato gratin perfumed with garlic and fresh herbs. Our gluten-free stuffing is one that will please everyone at the table, whether they are sensitive to gluten or not. With hearty kale and smoky bacon, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Give basic cranberry sauce an extra depth of flavor with the addition of ruby port to create this cranberry-port chutney.

 

For dessert, offer something old and something new. Our classic pumpkin pie has the ultimate deep, rich pumpkin flavor and silky texture — it’s sure to become a family favorite. Add some drama with a dark chocolate ganache tart, which has a flaky chocolate crust and a rich, velvety interior. We think it would be perfect for the winter holidays, too!

 

 

 

Don’t be daunted by the lengthy to-do list — you can recruit family members and friends to handle different courses of the meal. After all, sharing and togetherness are at the core of Thanksgiving.

 

Up to 1 Week Ahead

• Make the spiced nuts; store in an airtight container.
• Make the gougeres, cool, and freeze in resealable plastic bags.

 

2-3 Days Ahead

• Make the pear chutney for the crostini and refrigerate.
• Cook and mash the potatoes up to 2 days ahead, then let them cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Make the cranberry-port chutney and refrigerate.

 

1 Day Ahead

• Make the dark chocolate ganache tart and the pumpkin pie.
• Make the streusel for the sweet potatoes; cover and refrigerate. Bake the sweet potatoes (the first bake), cool, and scoop out the flesh, leaving the skin intact.

 

Day of

• Make the Parker House Rolls.
• Assemble the stuffing, gratin and the green bean casserole; cover and refrigerate.
• Assemble the crostini.
• Roast the turkey; let rest 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
• Bring the cranberry-port chutney to room temperature.

 

Just before serving

• Make the turkey gravy.
• Finish the mashed potatoes: pour a thin layer of milk onto the bottom of a wide, heavy pot. Add the mashed potatoes, set the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until the potatoes are hot.
• Finish and bake the sweet potatoes.
• Bake the stuffing, gratin and the green bean casserole.
• Reheat the gougeres in a 350ºF (180ºC) oven until warmed through.
• Mix the cocktails and serve. Cheers!

 

Decorate your table simply, letting fall foliage take center stage. Arrange a beautiful garland down the table, featuring bright red berries and pine cones, and add slim taper candles placed in silver plated holders.

 

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns on the table — those within the same theme and color family can complement each other well. Pair turkey-themed serving platters with matching dinner plates and chargers, then add elegant Jacquard linens for contrast. Accents like these antique-inspired acorn salt and pepper shakers bring the holiday table to life.

 

Plenty of the dishes in this menu, like the green bean casserole and potato gratin, are meant to be served in the same dish they are cooked in. Choose a classic, timeless baker that transitions seamlessly from oven to table.

 

A ruffled pie dish goes a long way to make pies look even prettier. Try other creative presentations for desserts, too — we love the idea of serving the chocolate tart on a rustic bread board.

 

Bring some vintage charm to the table with etched goblets and Champagne flutes. Serve cocktails in embellished old-fashioned glasses — and toast to our favorite meal of the year.