Are you the type of person that likes to go all out during the holidays? Are you that crowd-pleasing relative that loves to watch people oh and aw at your holiday meals? Well, do I have a menu for you! I like to call it the Crowd-Pleasing Modern Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner.
When it comes to feeding a crowd, the key is having a variety. Thanksgiving is the perfect example. You have the large turkey, the sweet ham, along with a variety of sides a little something for everyone. Keep it traditional but amp up the flavors.
To make this cooking marathon easier don’t forget to scroll down and get the grocery shopping list as well.
Crowd-Pleasing Thanksgiving Menu
Crowd-Pleasing Thanksgiving Recipes
Appetizers
Start the day by keeping your hungry crowd at bay with some simple and delicious appetizers. These two apps pair well with a simple cheese tray and a veggie tray if you will need more out for that crowd.
"Thanksgiving dinner all in one bite! Turkey, brie, cranberries and rosemary all piled onto a crispy bite sized slice of bread. These Thanksgiving Crostini Appetizer are an easy yet creative holiday appetizer that your guests will absolutely devour. "
"Cranberry Jalapeno Bites – Bite sized appetizer with a bit of tart from the cranberries and a touch of heat from the jalapenos."
Beverage
Make a beverage the whole crowd can enjoy sets the tone of the party.
"This thanksgiving punch recipe has all the flavors of fall. With a few simple easy ingredients, you can make a holiday thanksgiving cocktail or mocktail that will be a crowd pleaser for kids and adults. "
Main Dish
If you are having a large crowd this Thanksgiving keep in mind not everyone loves turkey. Therefore, having two proteins is a great way to go.
"The easiest turkey ever made. This Citrus and Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe is moist, tender and juicy. So simple to make and will definitely steal the show at your Thanksgiving dinner."
"Slow Cooker Ham is a classic and iconic meal, yet there’s so many variations on this recipe. Here is my go-to for the best Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham ever, easy to make with just 5 ingredients – and so delicious!"
Sides
When it comes to keeping a crowd of hungry people happy the trick is to have a variety of flavors. This will ensure there is something for everyone. The best way to do that is to have a variety of different simple delicious side dishes.
"A healthy and delicious fall salad featuring crisp sweet apple and pear, creamy and salty feta cheese, and crunchy pecans! A homemade dressing perfectly compliments this quick-to-make salad"
"Wild Rice Dressing with Cranberries, Cherries, and Pecans is a hearty Thanksgiving side dish packed with rich fall flavors. "
"This golden crock pot mashed potatoes recipe is incredibly easy to make and makes a great side dish for your family dinner night!"
"A fresh green bean casserole with cheese, featuring freshly cooked green beans, a simple, and an incredible homemade cream of mushroom sauce."
"The do say everything tastes better with bacon! And these Baked Parmesan Sprouts with Bacon hit the spot perfectly!"
"EASY APPLE CRANBERRY SAUCE WITH BOURBON AND CINNAMON RECIPE! THIS HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE IS ELEVATED WITH SWEET APPLE AND A TOUCH OF BOURBON."
"These Yeast Rolls are the perfect fluffy pull-apart dinner rolls for weeknights and holidays. So tender, buttery, and delicious, just like grandma used to make!"
Dessert
Leave your crowd ohing and awing with these incredible desserts
"This is a fantastic coffee and alcohol-free variation of one of our most favorite desserts! The Kids Friendly Apple Tiramisu is a dessert that all your family will highly appreciate."
"This Mille Pumpkin crepe cake is beautifully layered with alternative layers of think pumpkin crepes and cinnamon whipped cream, making it a perfect elegant fall dessert."
Crowd-Pleasing Modern Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Grocery List
This Grocery List is a compiled list for every recipe in this dinner menu. Always review all the recipes represented in the menu. Double-check the grocery list to the recipes and your pantry and mark off anything you do have or anything for a recipe you decide not to make.
The Grocery List is set up in a few different ways.
- First, it is set up for you to see what you can buy weeks ahead of time while the stores are nice and stocked. And the other items that you will have to buy closer to the day you are having dinner. For Thanksgiving, I always recommend picking up the Turkey and Ham Early that way the stores don’t run out of the size you are looking for. If need be or you want to wait that’s fine too.
- Second, it is set up to easily reference how much you will need to make the entire dinner (appetizers, beverage, main dish(es), sides, and desserts). The amount you will need of every item is listed. However, remember to review the recipes for any dislikes, allergies, and make sure the menu suits your needs. Then go through the fridge and the pantry and mark off anything you already have, and you won’t need for any reason.
Some items you will have extra of like garlic, herbs, and some baking items. Unfortunately, you can’t go to the store and ask for only 1 tablespoon of baking soda or a sprig of rosemary.
Plan Out Your Holiday Menu Timeline
Creating a plan as to when things will be cooked, prepared, and even what dish you will serve each dish in will save you a countless amount of stress come the day of the big dinner.
Review your recipes and determine what you can prep ahead of time. Look in your fridge and map out how much space you will have to store all the prepped items.
Also review the recipes to see if you will need any extra kitchen equipment like a large roasting pan, crockpot, or instant pot. If you do not have one of these items that may be required to make a recipe you really want to try, reach out to the blogger and ask if there is an alternative cooking method. You don’t have to go out and buy new stuff unless you really want to, usually, there are alternative ways to make these items.
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