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It’s time to shift our focus from Halloween fun to Thanksgiving blessings! November is here! Part of me is happy Thanksgiving is late this year – more time to plan and prep for the Christmas craze! But the other part of me wishes Thanksgiving was a week earlier, solely because we’d have more time to celebrate Christmas!
I know that’s silly, but I am such a Christmas girl!
Regardless, I’m still so excited for this year’s Thanksgiving. I’ve been fine-tuning the menu for weeks. This year’s menu is special, even more so than years past. It’s centered around creating a “Quick & Cozy” dinner. With the newest Half Baked Harvest cookbook, Quick & Cozy, launching November 19th and Thanksgiving taking place the following week, it only made sense to tie the two events together.
In addition to a very special theme and menu, we have a very special Thanksgiving table to share. Ever since the early days of Half Baked Harvest, I’ve always dreamt of building out a holiday photoshoot where I can curate the menu, style the table, and be the host my grandma always was. In the past, I’ve created all of our Thanksgiving content on my own in Colorado with almost zero help – other than my sweet dad on dish duty. Everything from the menu creation to the styling of the table, photographing the recipes, editing, and every other little detail that comes with creating this type of content for you all.
This year, I finally made the vision in my head come to reality. I worked with a small team to create a Thanksgiving table and menu that I’m most excited to share!
I had one free day in Austin, Texas, a few weeks ago, and I knew that if I wanted to create something magical for you, this was the time and place to do so. It was, of course, a quick turnaround and short notice for everyone who helped on this shoot, but we pulled it off! I was able to work with Kristen, who is part best friend and part best photographer. Kristen has shot all the lifestyle photos for our last three cookbooks. And three weeks ago, she shot my Thanksgiving table for our 2024 menu, finally, capturing me within the holiday content! She was excited, I was excited, and it turned out so well.
It was so much fun and felt like a major growth step for me personally and professionally. If you all react well to this how-to-entertain style post, I hope to share something similar in December!
Let me know what you think! For now, let’s dive into the details of our 2024 Thanksgiving menu!
The biggest mistake I see people make when planning for Thanksgiving is undertaking too intense of a menu. All that does is create unneeded stress. Instead, I like to keep the Thanksgiving meal pretty simple and cozy, of course! With so many people to feed, we need recipes that can be made or prepped ahead of time and are, for the most part, pretty simple to make.
I like to create a dinner that centers around tradition yet has a few new recipes with potential to become new holiday traditions. Mixing old with new is key!
Below, I am sharing the menu. It’s a mix of tried-and-true favorites and new additions that I’ll share over the next 2 to 3 weeks. Including the tips and tricks I’ve learned from 14 years of hosting Thanksgiving for my family.
Photos by Kristen Kilpatrick.
Breakfast
Tip: we eat dinner on the later side, so when guests are in town, I think having an option for breakfast is really nice! With time during the day and some dishes prepped ahead, I’m able to casually cook while the family is around. We usually take time in the afternoon to cut our Christmas tree down. Then, at night, we settle in for the big feast. This year, pumpkin cinnamon rolls are on the breakfast menu!
Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Icing
To Drink: Pumpkin Spice Pecan Latte
alternate option: Baked Butter Pecan French Toast
Appetizers
Tip: I didn’t use to serve appetizers. I didn’t want people filling up before the big meal. I’ve since changed my thinking. The trick is having something light for guests to snack on when they arrive. I usually end up serving a few favorites. Have these out when guests arrive, especially the cheese board. It’s always so welcoming with a cocktail in hand.
Thanksgiving Cheeseboard – new and coming soon
Prosciutto Wrapped Brown Sugar Apple Baked Brie – new and coming soon
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
alternate options:
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates
Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie
5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls
Pull-Apart Cranberry Baked Brie
Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twist
Drinks
Tip: Always have the candles lit and drinks ready for guests’ arrival. Include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to accommodate everyone attending.
Cranberry Cobbler Punch – new and coming soon
Thanksgiving Cider Punch – a tried and true tested favorite
For after dinner, try the Cinnamon Espresso Martini from Quick & Cozy
alternate options:
Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned
Vanilla Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
Spicy Pomegranate Ginger Paloma
Mains
Tip 1: include at least one vegetarian main course. It’s nice to have a main course that’s just as hearty and exciting as the turkey for any vegetarian eaters.
Tip 2: this year I’m making my go-to herb butter roasted turkey, but instead of roasting the whole turkey, I’m cutting it into pieces and then roasting. I will be sharing how to do this soon, and on a very special platform!
Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey
(this is tradition, I make it every single Thanksgiving)
Make Ahead Easy, No Drippings Gravy with Bacon
Creamed Spinach and Wild Rice Casserole
Sides
Tip: make these all ahead of time, and don’t stress about a thing
Crockpot Fondue Mashed Potatoes – new and coming soon
Stove-top Mac and Cheese – new and coming soon
Brown Sugar Roasted Honeynut Squash – new and coming soon
Salted Honey Sage Brioche Rolls – new and coming soon
Harvest Brie and Cheddar Apple Kale Salad
Sweet Potato Casserole with Sweet ‘n’ Savory Bacon Pecans
Herby Mushroom Croissant Stuffing
Roasted Balsamic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry Sauce
(use your favorite recipe, I simply simmer cranberries with maple, orange juice, rosemary, or sage and a pinch of salt until thickened)
alternate options:
Creamy Brie Four Cheese Mac and Cheese with Buttery Ritz Crackers
Crispy Parmesan Thyme Sweet Potato Stacks
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
Desserts
Tip: I bake the pumpkin cookies and use them as place settings for my table. It’s such an easy way to add a personal touch to your tablescape.
Maple Brown Sugar Pecan Cookie Pie – new and coming soon
Mini Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake – new and coming soon
Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie (my favorite, I make this every year)
alternate options:
White Chocolate Chai Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes
Chocolate Covered Espresso Spiced Pretzels
General Thanksgiving Week Prep
Sunday
– organize, make your list, get prepared
– grocery shop
– buy wine and alcohol
– If you have a frozen turkey, begin thawing! See the last tip below on thawing times
– set the table
Monday
– prep the honeynut squash
– prep the sweet potatoes, bake, warm up before serving
– prepare the stuffing, and chill until ready to bake
– prepare the make-ahead gravy
– prep the rolls and pre-bake them. Then warm before serving
Tuesday
– prepare the cocktails
– bake the desserts
– prepare the cranberry sauce
Wednesday
– bake the Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, lightly toast or warm the bread before serving
– make the Wild Rice Casserole
– prep the brie
– prep the dates, then bake before guests arrive
– final grocery trip for last-minute items
Thanksgiving Day
In the Morning…
– remove the turkey from the fridge and start prepping
– bake the cinnamon rolls or the french toast (if you choose to make these)
– begin roasting the turkey
– make the dates for the goat cheese, if you didn’t already. Keep at room temperature
In the Afternoon…
– begin baking off the sweet potatoes, potato mashers, and stuffing
– warm the honeynut squash
– toss the Harvest Brie and Cheddar Apple Kale Salad together, this can sit in the fridge for up to 6 hours.
Before Guests Arrive…
– bake off the brie
– set out the dates
– lay out the cheese board
– set out the cocktails
Before Dinner…
– remove the turkey and let it rest, then carve
– warm the gravy
– warm the rolls
– set out the sides
– serve up the turkey, gravy, and all the sides!
Of course, enjoy the night with family and friends. You deserve it!
My Tried and True Thanksgiving Tips
Tip 1: Think About Your Menu
A few things to be thinking about when creating your 2024 Thanksgiving Menu. How much oven space do you have, how many people are you serving, and does anyone have any dietary restrictions?
Depending on how many leftovers you’d like, plan on anywhere from a pound to a pound and a half per person. If everyone is heading out the door at the end of the day, I would go closer to a pound per person. If your guests are staying through the weekend, go for a pound and a half. Bone-in breasts are a nice option if you don’t want to cook more than one turkey. Lastly, keep in mind that if you’ve got a lot of sides, guests will probably eat less turkey.
Tip 2: Make an Oven/Food Schedule
This is certainly my number one tip for easily getting dinner on the table…and at a reasonable hour. An oven schedule is essential for staying on track on Thanksgiving Day, especially if you’re working with limited oven space.
Tip 3: Test Your Recipes
If you’re trying new recipes, make sure you test them out before Thanksgiving Day. Certainly, no one wants to be disappointed with a bad batch of mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving Day. Test your recipes out now so they’re perfect for Thanksgiving.
Tip 4: Invest in a Slow Cooker.
If you’re working with limited oven space, I highly recommend using your slow cooker and instant pot. They can cook mashed potatoes from start to finish, or keep your dishes warm without taking up any oven space!
Tip 5: Make a To-Do List TODAY
About a week or so before Thanksgiving, I sit down and make a checklist of everything that needs to be done before we sit down to eat. I make my list by the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
Tip 6: Use A Meat Thermometer
This might be a no-brainer, but don’t try cooking your turkey based solely on time…no one wants to cut into a beautiful-looking turkey only to find that it’s still raw inside. Using a thermometer is the best way to know when your turkey is cooked to perfection. This one is my favorite.
Tip 7: Roast Your Turkey in a Butter Soaked Cheesecloth.
My number 1 tip for the best turkey. Grab my favorite herb butter roasted turkey recipe here.
Tip 8: Don’t Cook the Stuffing Inside The Turkey
If you cook the stuffing inside the turkey, you’ll have to overcook the turkey in order to actually cook the stuffing to a temperature that’s safe to eat. And even then, you end up with soggy stuffing…and dry turkey. Not good. Instead, bake the stuffing separately. You’ll get soft on the inside and crisp on top stuffing that actually tastes good.
Tip 9: Set the Table Way Ahead of Time
This is something my Nonnie taught me, and it’s probably my favorite entertaining trick. I like to set my dinner table ideally a week ahead. Of course, that’s not possible if it’s a table you use every day. If setting your table early isn’t possible, try for the night before. It’s one more thing you can cross off your checklist early. Plus you’ll be guaranteed to have the table set and looking pretty when guests arrive.
Tip 10: Create a Seasonal Tablescape
When setting your table, don’t stress too much about making it perfect. I love the imperfect-perfect look. My best budget tip for creating an elegant tablescape is to incorporate the food onto the table. My favorite thing to do is to use fresh produce around my table to add pops of color. I certainly love a bouquet of flowers, but food can be equally beautiful, if not prettier. In addition, I like to surround the table with candles, use fresh herbs for greenery, and seasonal fruit for color.
Reader Tip – Reminder to begin thawing a frozen turkey far ahead!
I found a really great article on how to thaw a turkey that includes times for thawing on Real Simple. Two main takeaways from the article…
- If it’s a week or so ahead and there’s no rush, thaw your turkey in the refrigerator.
- Whatever you do, certainly don’t thaw a turkey at room temperature.
Lastly, if you make a dish from our 2024 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is certainly my favorite!
