Our 2025 Thanksgiving Menu and Information: The Make Forward Menu.

November 3, 2025

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It’s right here! The vacation season has formally begun, and I couldn’t be extra excited to share this 12 months’s Thanksgiving menu — really our greatest but. Everybody, that is Our 2025 Thanksgiving Menu and Information: The Make-Forward Menu!

Simply as I stated final 12 months, there’s an enormous a part of me that’s pleased Thanksgiving falls late this 12 months (November twenty seventh!) — it offers me extra time to plan, prep, and prepare for the Christmas craze. However one other a part of me needs it got here just a bit earlier… solely as a result of that may imply even extra time to rejoice the vacations!

Our 2025 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide: the Make Ahead Menu | halfbakedharvest.com

I do know it’s somewhat foolish, however I’m such a Christmas woman at coronary heart — time simply feels prefer it’s transferring means too quick today, and I can barely sustain!

However right here we’re, the primary week of November, and it’s formally time to share my 2025 Thanksgiving Menu. I often submit this on November 1st, however right this moment works simply as nicely! It’s right here with loads of time to plan, order, prep, and get excited — and, in fact, to construct up our appetites for the comfy vacation season forward!

I’ve been fine-tuning this 12 months’s menu for weeks, and it’s such a particular one — perhaps my favourite but. The main focus this 12 months is all about making a make-ahead Thanksgiving dinner. Personally, that’s my favourite solution to entertain — when many of the work is completed forward of time, and I can really benefit from the day.

When my household shuffles into the studio for the vacations, chaos at all times breaks free (in the easiest way!), and it’s formally go time. I’ll by no means not be within the kitchen — it’s the place I really feel most at residence — however I like when the whole lot is prepped and prepared, so I can really feel calm, collected, and actually take pleasure in being with everybody.

I frolicked breaking down this 12 months’s menu piece by piece to assist information you as you propose your personal vacation dinner. I do know everybody places their very own spin on Thanksgiving, however I did my best to thoughtfully plan out every recipe, the timing, and even how I created this 12 months’s tablescape.

This 12 months, I used to be fortunate to work with an unbelievable staff to assist carry my full imaginative and prescient to life — and I can’t wait to lastly share it with you! It seems like such an enormous step up from earlier years, and my solely hope is that this information makes your Thanksgiving planning simpler, extra organized, and (most significantly) inspiring.

Let’s dive into all the main points of our 2025 Thanksgiving Menu and Information! You’ll discover a number of acquainted ideas — some are repeats as a result of they’re tried-and-true favorites, and others are new and particular to this 12 months’s menu.

As at all times, depart your questions within the feedback under. I’m your vacation woman, and I’m right here to assist nevertheless I can!

This Yr’s Idea:

This 12 months’s Thanksgiving is all about slowing down, cooking good, and savoring the comfy great thing about the season — with out the push. I needed the whole lot to really feel considerate however not overdone: a mixture of home made consolation classics and straightforward, make-ahead recipes.

The vibe is heat and welcoming — assume delicate florals, tall taper candles, and low, glowing candlelight. It’s a desk that feels curated however nonetheless homey, seasonal however by no means staged.

For me, this menu is about presence over perfection. It’s about giving your self the house to truly benefit from the day — sipping cider whereas reheating dishes, not speeding to complete them. Each element, from the meals to the desk, says: That is residence, and also you’re welcome right here.

The Make Forward Menu:

Breakfast

Tip: We often eat dinner on the later facet, so when friends are on the town, I like having one thing particular for breakfast. With somewhat time throughout the day — and some dishes prepped forward — I can casually prepare dinner whereas everybody’s round.

Within the afternoon, we at all times make time to chop down our Christmas tree, after which we eat round 7 pm and even later. It simply is dependent upon the 12 months! This 12 months, Baked Cinnamon Apple Butter French Toast is on the breakfast menu, and I can’t wait.

Drinks

Tip: At all times have the candles lit and the drinks prepared earlier than friends arrive. A heat glow and one thing to sip on immediately makes folks really feel welcome. I like providing each alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices, so there’s one thing for everybody.

Thanksgiving Cider Punch

Pomegranate Spice Martini – new and coming quickly

Appetizers

Tip: I by no means used to serve appetizers — I didn’t need everybody filling up earlier than the large meal! However through the years, I’ve modified my considering. The trick is to have a number of gentle bites prepared when friends arrive. I prefer to set out a few favorites, particularly an attractive cheese board. It’s at all times so welcoming — and pairs completely with a cocktail in hand.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

French Onion Soup Mini Pies – new and coming quickly

Thanksgiving Turkey Cheeseboard

Sides

Tip:Make all of those dishes forward of time, then don’t stress a few factor come Thanksgiving Day. The whole lot may be prepped upfront so you’ll be able to really benefit from the vacation! See my notes under for extra ideas, tips, and particulars.

Make it Forward Thanksgiving Salad – new and coming quickly

Mashed Potato Casserole – new and coming quickly

Crockpot Inexperienced Bean Casserole – new and coming quickly

Salted Pretzel Butter Biscuits – new and coming quickly

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Herby Mushroom Croissant Stuffing

Candy Potato Casserole with Candy ‘n’ Savory Bacon Pecans

Roasted Balsamic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Cranberry Sauce
Use your favourite recipe right here! I prefer to simmer contemporary cranberries with maple syrup, orange juice, and a sprig of rosemary or sage, plus a pinch of salt, till thickened. I change it up somewhat yearly, however it’s at all times scrumptious and so easy to make forward.

Important

Tip: I at all times like to incorporate at the very least one vegetarian most important course. It’s so good to have a dish that feels simply as hearty and particular because the turkey — one thing everybody on the desk can get enthusiastic about.

Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey

Make Forward Simple, No Drippings Gravy with Bacon

Herb and Vegetable Dumplings Soup – new and coming quickly

Desserts

Pecan Cookies – new cookie coming quickly

Maple Brown Sugar Pecan Cookie Pie

Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie

Chocolate Coated Espresso Spiced Pretzels

Two-Week Thanksgiving Plan

Turkey cooked contemporary Thanksgiving Day | All sides, desserts & drinks made forward

Two Weeks Earlier than Thanksgiving (Friday–Sunday)

Focus: Menu + Planning

Finalize your menu and visitor record — affirm headcount, allergic reactions, and variety of adults and youngsters.
If friends are bringing a dish, attain out now to substantiate what everybody’s making.
Check any new recipes you’re planning to serve.
Create a grasp grocery and prep record, organized by retailer part (pantry, produce, dairy, frozen, and so on.).
Overview your serving dishes, cookware, utensils, and oven house. Make be aware of something you may want extras of — like a sluggish cooker or countertop oven — to assist the day run easily.

Plan your tablescape — assume shade palette, candles, linens, and glassware.
Create a Thanksgiving temper board for inspiration. Plan your florals — select a shade palette and vessel fashion. (You could find inspiration under the place I’m sharing my desk!)
Should you’re ordering your turkey, flowers, or any specialty elements, get these orders in now.
Make an observation to begin thawing your turkey 5–6 days earlier than Thanksgiving if it’s frozen. I like to purchase a frozen, pasture-raised natural turkey — it at all times seems completely juicy and flavorful.

One Week Earlier than (Friday–Sunday)

Focus: Buying + Pantry Prep

Do your massive store for shelf-stable pantry objects, drinks, alcohol, and frozen items.
Clear out your fridge and freezer to create space. It would really feel additional, however belief me — it makes the whole lot a lot simpler and extra organized subsequent week.
Wash and retailer your serving platters and glassware. I prefer to label each bit with a sticky be aware for the dish it’ll maintain — it saves a lot time on the large day!
Test your linens and napkins to make certain they’re clear and able to go.
Prep your bar space — replenish on mixers, garnishes, and ice buckets. How a lot you do right here is completely as much as you, however somewhat prep now goes a good distance when friends arrive.

Saturday (5 Days Earlier than Thanksgiving)

Focus: Contemporary Groceries + Early Prep

Store for contemporary elements: produce, dairy, herbs, flowers, and turkey.
Begin thawing turkey in fridge if frozen (enable 24 hrs per 4–5 kilos).
Make Cranberry Sauce and chill.

Sunday (4 Days Earlier than)

Focus: Desserts + Sweets

Bake Pecan Snickerdoodle Cookies – sharing the recipe quickly!
Make Chocolate-Coated Espresso Pretzels.
Bake Maple Brown Sugar Pecan Cookie Pie.
Prep or bake the Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie – when you have house/time, I prefer to serve this heat. However it’s scrumptious it doesn’t matter what!
Toast any nuts you’ll want for casseroles, salads, or desserts.
(Or make it simple on your self — most grocery shops promote toasted and even candied nuts that work completely!) Don’t be afraid to reap the benefits of store-bought shortcuts. There are such a lot of wonderful, high-quality choices that may prevent time with out sacrificing taste.

Monday (3 Days Earlier than)

Focus: Soups, Sauces, Appetizers, Drinks

Make Make-Forward No Drippings Gravy; refrigerate.
Make Herb and Vegetable Dumpling Soup (cease earlier than dumplings) – sharing the recipe quickly!
Prep Bacon-Wrapped Dates (stuff + wrap, refrigerate unbaked)
Make French Onion Soup Mini Pies – sharing the recipe quickly!
Combine Cocktails (no bubbles but):
Chop onions, celery, and mushrooms; retailer for stuffing/soup.
Affirm floral supply/pickup date (tomorrow or Wednesday).

Tuesday (2 Days Earlier than)

Focus: Cook dinner and End Sides
Totally prepare dinner these dishes — they’ll simply want reheating on Thanksgiving Day:

Mashed Potato Casserole – sharing the recipe quickly!
Candy Potato Casserole (bake with topping)
Herby Mushroom Croissant Stuffing
Baked Macaroni & Cheese – sharing the recipe quickly!
Crockpot Inexperienced Bean Casserole – sharing the recipe quickly!
Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (roast 90%, end day-of)
Prep Thanksgiving Salad: wash + dry greens, make dressing, retailer individually.
Cool and canopy all dishes tightly – label with reheating directions.

Wednesday (1 Day Earlier than)

Focus: Bread, Turkey, Florals, and Desk

Bake Salted Pretzel Butter Biscuits – sharing the recipe quickly!
Prep Turkey: pat dry, season, rub with herb butter, refrigerate (cheesecloth on). Completely non-obligatory with my cheesecloth methodology, however if you wish to be forward of schedule, you are able to do this!
Choose up/organize florals; set them in vases and maintain cool.
Set your desk: linens, florals, candles, title playing cards, serving dish labels.
Assemble cheeseboard elements (slice cheese, prep nuts, fruit).
Chill cocktails, wine, and glowing cider. If wanted, usher in a mini fridge or cooler for extra drinks
Clear/prep kitchen for the large day

Thursday (Thanksgiving Day)

Focus: Roast, Reheat, Chill out

Morning

Simply earlier than Company Arrive

Mild candles, activate the music, gentle the fireplace, set the temper
Set out appetizers, Snickerdoodles, and Espresso Pretzels to have for snacking
Pour Cider Punch and Pomegranate Martinis; garnish with herbs + citrus.

Whereas Turkey Rests

Reheat all sides (325–350°F coated, uncover midway if wanted, comply with recipe-specific instructions if listed).
Heat Pretzel Butter Biscuits.
Toss the salad.
Mild candles on the dinner desk. Do any last-minute touches. It’s virtually time! Youngsters are nice to place to work right here. Only a tip!

Dinner Time

Carve the turkey, make sure that the gravy is sizzling and steamy
set out all sides, make sure that the whole lot is sizzling.
Serve dinner buffet-style—the one solution to do it in my household.

Dessert

Friday (Day After Thanksgiving)

Focus: Relaxation, Enhance for Christmas + Get pleasure from

Make Turkey Soup or Sandwiches with leftovers.
Reheat casseroles for brunch.
Get pleasure from leftover cocktails chilled
Enhance for Christmas! It’s time. I’m extra of a Cyber Monday shopper

Ending the Night time:

Deck the halls with Mother’s popcorn and cranberry garland

Yearly we sit by the fir and string popcorn and cranberry garland strands for our household tree. It’s the right solution to finish Thanksgiving evening and one in all my favourite traditions!