Thanksgiving dinner looks different in every home. Each household is unique since there is so much variation in family heritage and across regions in this diverse American melting pot. Traditions have been carried down through generations from different parts of the world and even from different religions.
We have gathered different Thanksgiving menus from the South, Southwest, West Coast, Mediterranean, and New England, as well as vegetarian, Cajun, Jewish and gluten-free options, created for you to incorporate into your perfect Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving dinner menu: Southern style
Treat your family to a Thanksgiving feast with all the fixin’s this holiday season. Create a menu inspired by the great South, y’all—because after all, who doesn’t love a hearty helping of fall’s best comfort foods! From deep-fried turkey to melt-in-your-mouth cornbread stuffing and southern red velvet cake, this menu is sure to meet everyone’s fancy. And don’t forget to save room for chocolate bourbon pecan pie! You don’t want to miss the Southern style Thanksgiving dinner menu.
Thanksgiving dinner menu: Southwest style
Transform your traditional holiday meal into a fiesta! Bring home the flavors of the southwest with this Tex-Mex-inspired Thanksgiving dinner menu. Spices will be front and center of this year’s spread with zesty flavors such as Pasilla chile-rubbed turkey, cornbread-chorizo dressing, and Mexican rice pilaf. Guests will delight in your chipotle pumpkin pie as the perfect finishing touch. For a Tex-Mex Thanksgiving give the Southwest style Thanksgiving menu a chance.
Thanksgiving dinner menu: West Coast style
Serve up a light and fresh Thanksgiving dinner menu inspired by the flavors of the West Coast. Whether you’re dining on the beach or simply drawing inspiration from this region, focus your dishes around fresh, quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. From grilled turkey breast topped with cranberry lime relish packed with flavor, to roasted carrot and parsnip soup topped with a zesty lemon ginger cream, this year will be a holiday feast they’ll all remember. Don’t pass up the option of a West Coast style Thanksgiving menu.
Thanksgiving dinner menu: Mediterranean style
Flavors collide with this Mediterranean-inspired Thanksgiving dinner menu. Prepare a table dressed to impress by starting out with a pickled fig, robiola and pistachio oil crostini appetizer and moving into an orange herb roasted turkey breast as the main course. As guests delight in the colorful meal, remind them to save room for pumpkin flan! For a Thanksgiving dinner with unique flavors that can’t be beat, try the Mediterranean style Thanksgiving menu.
Thanksgiving dinner menu: Vegetarian style
Shine the light on fresh, seasonal produce as you create a hearty vegetarian spread this Thanksgiving Day. Make roasted parmesan acorn squash the center of your meatless menu, accompanied by rice pilaf with a flavorful twist, roasted beets with orange vinaigrette, a mouth-watering creamy cauliflower dish, and don’t forget dessert! This holiday meal will surely be one to remember. For a turkey free dinner this Vegetarian style Thanksgiving menu is perfect!
Thanksgiving dinner menu: Cajun style
Some like it hot… so make this Thanksgiving a day to really light their fire! This Cajun-inspired Thanksgiving dinner menu draws traditional zesty flavors from New Orleans and is all about bold flavors and spice. Serve up Cajun spice-rubbed roasted turkey alongside turkey gumbo as the main dishes, and bring on the sides with a corn and kale salad, and cornbread stuffing with andouille sausage. Your family and friends will enjoy this welcome twist on the traditional holiday meal. If you like spicy, cajun cuisine, the Cajun style Thanksgiving menu might be the one for you.
Thanksgiving dinner menu: New England style
Delight in the flavors of the coast with a New England-inspired Thanksgiving dinner menu this year. Serve up traditional favorites for your holiday guests with an East Coast twist on the traditions such as a to-die-for lemon-garlic roasted turkey and white wine gravy, paired with oyster stuffing with fresh herbs and East Hampton corn pudding for a truly elegant meal. Offer a spiced apple pie, along with a classic pumpkin pie for the perfect finishing touch. If you love seafood and the North East, this New England style Thanksgiving menu is the one to choose.
Modern Jewish Thanksgiving menu
Jewish Thanksgiving traditions have a similar idea of a protein, stuffing, and sides but use different or additional ingredients to make sure they are kosher. Some of those changes include chicken instead of turkey, and a homemade Jewish bread called Challah for the stuffing. If you are wanting to create an authentic, Jewish, Thanksgiving meal this year, check out the recipes in this menu from Kitchen Tested.
Gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner recipes
Whether you follow a gluten-free diet or are cooking for someone with celiac disease, these gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes will simplify your menu planning. Some Thanksgiving dishes like potatoes and cranberry sauce are naturally gluten-free. However, small additives like a juice cocktail in your cranberry sauce is enough to make someone sick if you’re not careful (note: you’ll want to use 100 percent fruit juice). If eating gluten-free is important to you try these recipes for a Gluten-free Thanksgiving menu.