Meal Plan

A Thanksgiving Menu for Any-Sized Gathering

November 17, 2017

I love hearing about Thanksgiving meals—the traditions, the settings, the food. Most of all, I love to learn about the ways people gather around the table. Sometimes, it’s a rowdy, chaotic affair filled with grandparents and cousins and dogs and the college roommate of your niece. A factory-like production line ensures each plate gets a portion. Others are intimate dinners with a partner or child, or more formal seating with family-style servings. Sometimes, Thanksgiving dinner just includes yourself. There’s no one-size-fits-all for giving thanks. To help everyone plan their menus, we’ve gathered classic dishes—from mashed potatoes to turkey to slices of pie—that can scale up or down to fit your celebration. So no matter if you're feeding 2 or 20 this Thursday, these recipes will help you make as much, or as little, as you need.


Meaty (And meatless!) Mains

Pick a main attraction, from turkey to vegetarian-friendly.


Add A Little Green

A side that won't weigh you down.


Pass the Potatoes (Sweet & Savory)

Mashed, roasted, baked, or boiled—the humble spud saves the day!


Cozy, Crunchy Breads & Stuffing

It's ok to fill up on bread.


Sweet Finish

Make sure everyone has enough dessert.

How many people will be at your Thanksgiving meal? Have you ever misjudged how much or little they'd eat?

52 Days of Thanksgiving
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Katie is a food writer and editor who loves cheesy puns and cheesy cheese.

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