55+ Recipes for an Italian Thanksgiving Menu
Welcome to my guide for creating an unforgettable Italian style Thanksgiving feast that will leave your guests asking for more! This collection of recipes was inspired by family gatherings and Sunday feasts, so they're perfect for hosting an incredible holiday meal. From savory starters to comforting mains and festive desserts, I've got you covered with all the must-haves for your unforgettable Thanksgiving, Italian style!
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I'm a proud Italian-American (Sicilian to be exact!) who loves to cook and share my recipes with others. My family has been putting an Italian spin on Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember, and it's just what you need to bring your dinner party to the next level!
Thanksgiving and Italian cooking have more in common than you might think. Both are all about abundance, family and home cooked, seasonal food shared around the table.
This collection brings those two traditions together with recipes for every part of the meal, from hearty pastas to classic Italian desserts!
With so many delicious recipes to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to put on the menu. Besides a traditional turkey (or roasted chicken), there are so many other delicious recipes to choose from.
Whether you want to honor your Italian heritage or simply crave a unique, flavorful twist on your traditional Thanksgiving menu, this list should give you plenty of inspiration.
I always like to start off with a festive drink, like these cranberry clementine rosemary cocktails or a cranberry Hugo spritz!
Is there Thanksgiving in Italy?
While Thanksgiving is traditionally an American holiday, there are many Italians who celebrate it as well. It's a time to gather with loved ones and express gratitude for all of life's blessings while enjoying a delicious meal.
In Italy, they celebrate "La Festa del Ringraziamento," which, although not identical to the American Thanksgiving, shares the same spirit of gratitude. These Italian Thanksgiving feasts occur multiple times throughout the year to celebrate the bounty of different harvest seasons.
However, they differ from the traditional American Thanksgiving in terms of the dishes served and the specific traditions observed.
American Thanksgiving is known for roasted turkey and pumpkin pie, while Italian Thanksgiving feasts vary based on the season's harvest, like wild game, pastas and local wines.
Despite the differences, both celebrations share a common theme: coming together with loved ones to give thanks and gratitude.
And that's exactly the ethos we're bringing to our Italian Thanksgiving menu this year!
These recipes are not 100% Italian, as we have added our own spin to the list. So you get the best of both worlds! A nice blend of American and Italian culture.
Italian Turkey for Family Dinner
Of course, you can't have Thanksgiving without a turkey! But why not give it some Italian flair this year?
Italian Style Roasted Turkey
Roasted Italian turkey is a mouth-watering twist on the traditional Thanksgiving bird. Bursting with flavors of fragrant Italian herbs and garlic, this turkey recipe is seasoned with salty butter, lemon zest, sage and rosemary. It tastes as good as it looks, and is guaranteed to be a memorable centerpiece for your Italian-style Thanksgiving feast!
Perfect Turkey Gravy
This easy homemade turkey gravy recipe will walk you through the few simple steps needed to make a silky smooth, savory gravy from turkey drippings. It's rich, velvety and will make the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast.
Tip: Learn how to carve a turkey like an expert with my step-by-step tutorial!!
Seasonal Appetizers to Serve at Thanksgiving
Start with a traditional antipasto platter filled with Italian cured meats, Italian cheeses, marinated vegetables and some homemade focaccia, crusty bread, crostini or crackers.
Along with the antipasto platter, you can also serve some delicious Italian appetizers. These are some of my favorites around the fall season!
Citrus Marinated Olives
These easy and addictive warm citrus marinated olives are a delicious appetizer or snack made with just a few simple ingredients in less than 15 minutes. Plump, juicy olives steeped in herb-infused olive oil made flavorful with lots of tangy citrus, red chili flakes, and garlic. Perfect for serving at parties or as a simple afternoon treat.
Marinated Roasted Red Peppers
These Italian-style roasted red peppers make the ultimate antipasto and snack, especially in summer when bell peppers are at their peak. Learn how to roast and peel them like a pro so you can make them again and again with ease.
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
These bacon-wrapped dates are stuffed with tangy goat cheese and impossible to resist. The dates become caramelized and sticky in the oven while the smoky bacon crisps up around the outside for the most amazing sweet and salty bite. They're easy to prep in advance and always the first thing to disappear at a party!
Creamy White Bean Dip
Smooth, velvety and full of Tuscan-inspired flavors, this creamy cannellini bean dip is as versatile as it is delicious. It works as a snack, light lunch or even a sauce, and it comes together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Savory Pear Galette with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
If you're looking for a unique and delicious vegetarian option, this pear leek galette is perfect. The flavors of sweet pears and savory leeks come together beautifully in a flaky, buttery crust.
The Best Sicilian Eggplant Caponata
A classic Sicilian eggplant dish made with sweet and sour flavors, better known as "agrodulce." This recipe is made with eggplant, olives, tomatoes, and celery as the base. Perfect for an antipasto platter.
Roasted Mushroom Crostini with goat cheese
This roasted mushroom crostini recipe is perfect for entertaining, especially around the holidays. Crisp baguette slices slathered with gooey goat cheese, topped with caramelized roasted mushrooms and a touch of honey. They are SO delicious and make an elegant appetizer that's incredibly easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Apple Tartines with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
This recipe makes the perfect fall appetizer, but I find myself making (and craving) it all year long. Tangy blue cheese, crisp apples, walnuts, and honey all play together beautifully.
Rosemary Maple Roasted Pecans
Within 15 minutes, you can have a warm, sweet, and savory snack that's perfect for any party or holiday gathering. All you need are 4 simple ingredients!
Brined Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Seasoned pumpkin seeds make a delicious and nutritious snack, perfect for munching on before the main meal is served. Plus, they're easy to customize with different spices and flavors.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Galette with Caramelized Onions, Goat Cheese + Sage
Making a sweet and savory pumpkin galette is a fun twist on traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Topped with caramelized onions and creamy goat cheese, this galette is full of fall flavors and sure to impress.
Butternut Squash Fritters
This easy recipe for roasted butternut squash fritters with spiced yogurt makes a crispy, golden brown appetizer or side dish that's perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall meal.
Soups and Salads Perfect for an Italian Thanksgiving
Italians love to start their meals with soup or salad, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Here are some options to try for your Italian-inspired holiday meal:
Easy Authentic Italian Wedding Soup
This easy-to-make, authentic Italian wedding soup recipe is just what you need! Savory meatballs, hearty veggies, and mini pasta, all simmered together to create the perfect combination of flavors. And don't forget the freshly grated cheese and crusty bread to make it all come together for a meal that'll warm you from head to toe.
Spicy Coconut Pumpkin Soup
This easy pumpkin soup is velvety and rich from coconut milk with a subtle kick from cayenne pepper. Finished with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, it's a fresh and flavorful take on fall comfort food!
Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon
Looking for a delicious salad to serve with your Thanksgiving turkey? This Brussels sprouts salad is an excellent choice! Made with a Dijon mustard vinaigrette, dried cranberries, cheddar cheese, and sliced green apples, it's both sweet and savory.
Shrimp Bisque
This classic recipe for shrimp bisque transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy soup that's perfect for special occasions. It has a velvety texture and rich seafood flavor with tender pieces of shrimp.
Classic Creamy Lobster Bisque
A rich and creamy soup made with fresh lobster, heavy cream, and a touch of sherry. This decadent bisque is perfect for a special occasion like Thanksgiving dinner.
Fall Harvest Salad with Kale
This Harvest Kale Salad is packed with fall produce, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette-perfect for cozy meals or holiday tables.
Easy Stracciatella Soup
Stracciatella Soup is the Italian version of egg drop soup. It's light, yet comforting, with delicate ribbons of egg swirling through a broth flavored with a touch of lemon zest, nutmeg and parsley. It's simple, soothing and perfect for chilly days!
Arugula Salad with Parmigiano and Pine Nuts
This salad is proof that when you start with great ingredients, you don't need to do much. Peppery arugula, rich toasted pine nuts, shaved parmesan cheese, lemon vinaigrette, and a finishing touch of flaky salt and cracked black pepper. It's clean, fresh, and always hits the spot.
Italian Thanksgiving Side Dishes
While turkey may be the star of Thanksgiving, let's not forget about all the delicious side dishes that make this meal so special. Here are some Italian-inspired options to add to your holiday spread:
Pumpkin Risotto
This pumpkin risotto is creamy, deeply flavorful and perfect for the fall season. Salty pancetta balances the sweetness of pumpkin, while fresh herbs and parmesan cheese create a rich, cozy dish that feels like northern Italy in your own kitchen.
Green Beans with Pancetta and Shallots
This recipe for green beans with shallots and pancetta turns a simple side dish into something special. The pancetta adds a salty bite, the shallots turn sweet as they caramelize, and the blanched beans stay bright and crisp.
Brown Butter Squash Puree
This recipe for brown butter butternut squash purée is an easy and delicious side dish that fits right in on a Thanksgiving table. With just two ingredients, it's surprisingly simple yet rich and flavorful thanks to the technique of browning butter.
The Best Easy Dauphinoise Potatoes (Potato Gratin)
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without potatoes, and this gratin recipe takes them to the next level. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream and cheese for a cheesy and decadent side dish that's sure to be a hit.
Sicilian Roasted Cauliflower
This golden-brown roasted cauliflower is topped with crispy garlic chips, toasted almonds, sweet golden raisins, and briny capers, then finished with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice to make it pop.
Celery Root and Parsnip Puree
This silky-smooth Celery Root and Parsnip Puree transforms humble root vegetables into an elegant, creamy side dish that's perfect for holiday meals. With a delicate, earthy sweetness and velvety texture, it's a sophisticated alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Easy Baked Cauliflower Gratin
A delicious and creamy casserole made with cauliflower, Gruyere cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This dish is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table.
Homemade Sweet Potato Gnocchi
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making your own gnocchi for Thanksgiving? These sweet potato gnocchi are surprisingly easy to make and taste delicious with a brown butter and sage sauce. Serve them as a side dish with some roasted turkey for a complete meal.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
This wild mushroom risotto recipe is the perfect dish for an Italian Thanksgiving! Making risotto requires patience and attention, but the results are always worth it. This simple and utterly delicious side can be made in under an hour!
Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts
Roasted butternut squash is a classic fall dish, but this recipe adds a twist with tangy goat cheese, crunchy hazelnuts, and bright lime juice. It's the perfect side dish for any Thanksgiving meal!
Fennel + Onion Gratin
Caramelized fennel and onions, topped with a creamy Parmesan sauce and crispy breadcrumbs, make for one delicious side dish. Fennel is a popular ingredient in Italian cooking, and this gratin is the perfect way to showcase its unique flavor.
Brussels Sprouts with Anchovy Caper Butter
This is one of my all-time favorite recipes for Brussels sprouts. Salty anchovy caper butter is the perfect match for roasted, caramelized sprouts. I recommend serving this on bread, but you can also enjoy solo.
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
This rich and creamy parmesan polenta is a comforting Italian side dish with a silky texture and a buttery, cheesy flavor that pairs beautifully with hearty braises, ragus or roasted vegetables. I'll show you just how easy it is to master this Italian classic recipe with just 5 simple ingredients!
Kale Gratin
This Kale Gratin walks the line between healthy and indulgent. A great side for Thanksgiving, Christmas or a cozy winter night. Goodness gracious I can't believe we're already less than a week away from Thanksgiving. They say the older you get, the faster time slips by, and I believe it.
Skillet Mac n Cheese
This skillet mac and cheese is baked in a cast iron pan until the edges turn perfectly crispy and golden. The pasta stays creamy and gooey inside, while a buttery panko topping gives it that perfect contrast of texture and crunch. It's simple, satisfying and always a crowd pleaser!
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe (Rapini) with Garlic and Oil
Also known as rapini, this is a classic Italian side dish that's very easy to make. Broccoli rabe is cooked with fresh garlic and crushed red peppers until tender for the perfect bite!
Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe
Creamy and flavorful corn with a hint of rosemary is the perfect accompaniment to your meal. It's easy to make and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a great choice for large gatherings.
Cheddar and Stout Biscuits
Who says your Thanksgiving bread has to be plain? These Irish cheddar and stout biscuits bring something unique to the table. The recipe is easy to follow, and these fluffy, cheesy biscuits are sure to impress. Serve them warm with some butter for even more decadence.
Parsnip and Celery Root Gratin
For those looking for a healthier side dish, this celery root and parsnip gratin is the perfect choice. It's creamy and delicious but also gluten-free and vegetarian. Make it ahead of time and reheat before serving to save time on Thanksgiving Day.
Spinach with Butter and Parmesan
This Spinach with Butter and Parmesan is a simple, yet delicious side dish recipe that only takes 4 ingredients and 5 minutes to make!
Traditional Italian Desserts For Thanksgiving
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert, and these unique & traditional Italian treats will add a touch of sweetness to your holiday celebration:
Pumpkin Cannoli
This easy recipe for pumpkin cannoli is a fun seasonal twist on the classic Italian treat! The smooth, creamy filling perfectly spiced with a hint of pumpkin that plays beautifully with the crisp cannoli shells and crunchy toppings. They're festive, easy to make and a huge hit at Thanksgiving and other fall gatherings!
Apple Crostata
This Easy Apple Crostata is a rustic free-form tart filled with thinly sliced apples baked until tender in a flaky golden crust. It has all the cozy flavor of apple pie with half the work, making it perfect for fall baking.
No Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu
Pumpkin is a fall staple, and this pumpkin tiramisu puts an Italian twist on the traditional Thanksgiving flavor. Layers of pumpkin mousse, ladyfingers, and coffee liqueur create a rich and indulgent dessert that's perfect for any holiday gathering. A great no-bake dessert.
Ricotta Cheesecake
This silky-smooth, crustless ricotta cheesecake combines cream cheese with whole milk ricotta for a simple dessert that has all the creaminess of New York style cheesecake with the lightness of Italian style cheesecake.
Creamy Cranberry Pie with Gingersnap Crust
Tart cranberries and tangy Meyer lemons make a perfect combination in this delicious pie. The buttery gingersnap crust adds the perfect balance to the flavors!
Ricotta Cake with Pears
This simple yet elegant cake is a great way to end your Thanksgiving meal. A light and moist ricotta-based cake is studded with pears, rosemary, and orange zest for a flavorful and fragrant dessert. Serve it with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Old Fashioned Apple Pie
No Thanksgiving is complete without apple pie, and this recipe is a tribute to all the grandmas out there who make the best pies. The perfect balance of tart apples, warm spices, and buttery crust will make you feel like you're at your grandma's table again. Serve with some vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta
Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta will indulge your craving for something creamy, chocolatey, and nutty in one delicious, elegant dessert. This recipe gives the classic Italian dessert a rich, luscious flavor by adding semisweet chocolate and hazelnut spread and make it even more special with a yummy surprise at the bottom! Panna cotta is essentially the Italian
Traditional Cannoli
Cannoli are a staple of Sicilian cuisine and have been enjoyed for generations. This recipe makes the best Sicilian style ricotta cannoli cream to fill cannoli shells or use as a dip for cookies and fruit.
Torta Caprese
This Italian flourless chocolate almond cake, known as Torta Caprese, is a chocolate lovers dream! It has a rich, fudgy texture, a deep chocolate flavor, and my version will absolutely blow you away! It's surprisingly easy to make and comes together with just six ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Grandma's Old Fashioned Custard Pie
For a classic and comforting dessert, try this old-fashioned custard pie. The creamy and smooth custard filling is made with a touch of nutmeg and vanilla for an extra pop of flavor.
Italian Ricotta Pie
This Italian ricotta pie recipe has a delicately flavored creamy ricotta filling beautifully encased in a sweet pie dough that's buttery, light and flaky. It's a classic dessert in Italian households, especially during Easter and Thanksgiving.
Mascarpone Whipped Cream
This recipe for mascarpone whipped cream takes classic whipped cream up a notch with extra richness and flavor. It's quick to make, requires only a handful of ingredients and adds the perfect finishing touch to cakes, pies, tarts, fresh fruit and more!
Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli cookies are a traditional Italian almond-based cookie made with pine nuts, almond paste, and egg whites. Deliciously sweet and nutty, they're the perfect finish to any authentic Italian meal.
Cranberry Almond Tart
Cranberries may not be a traditional ingredient in Italian cuisine, but this tart combines them with classic frangipane filling for a delicious and unique dessert. Baked in a buttery shortbread crust
Brown Butter Apple Crisp
This brown butter apple crisp takes the classic dessert to a richer place with toasted, nutty butter that deepens the flavor and makes every bite more complex. It's warm, cozy, and perfect for fall baking.
Affogato
Make your own affogato at home with the perfect blend of hot espresso and creamy gelato! A classic Italian dessert!
Tips for Success
- Plan ahead. Write out your full Italian Thanksgiving menu, make a detailed shopping list, and get what you need early to avoid stress later.
- Choose dishes that can be made ahead or don't need constant attention so you can actually enjoy the day.
- Let people help. Cooking together makes it more fun! Ask guests to handle small tasks like stirring a sauce, setting out appetizers, or making cocktails.
- If guests are bringing food, have them prep it at home so your kitchen stays clear and organized.
- Keep appetizers simple. Pick up good cheeses, cured meats, olives, roasted peppers, and crackers
FAQs
Although Thanksgiving is not an official holiday in Italy, some Italians and expats do celebrate it as a way to honor the American residents living in their country. They may serve traditional Thanksgiving dishes alongside Italian favorites or create an entirely Italian-inspired Thanksgiving menu.
However, most Italians do not celebrate the holiday and may not be familiar with its customs and traditions.
It is recommended to plan for about one pound of turkey per person, along with a variety of side dishes and desserts.
As a general rule of thumb, aim for three to four side dishes and at least two different kinds of desserts, plus 1-2 light appetizers or snacks. This allows your guests to experience a medley of flavors and caters to different tastes and dietary restrictions.
Remember, Thanksgiving is about abundance and sharing, so don't hesitate to go slightly overboard - leftovers are part of the tradition too!
There are many dishes that can be made ahead of time for Thanksgiving, such as casseroles, pies, desserts, stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Some great options include:
- Pumpkin Tiramisu: A fun twist on the classic Italian dessert, this pumpkin tiramisu can be made up to two days in advance and chilled until ready to serve.
- Stuffing: Prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and bake it on Thanksgiving day for a quick and easy side dish.
- Brussel Sprouts Kale Salad: This hearty and flavorful salad can be made a day in advance and dressed right before serving for a fresh and delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Remember to plan out your make-ahead dishes carefully based on cooking times and storage options.
Coley Cooks is my turkey hotline this year! I have 18 people coming tomorrow, and I have never roasted a turkey by myself. ha. I'm using your recipe for roasted turkey with herbs (love that video). The herb butter is ready to go. Thanks for this video on carving the beast, too. Wish me luck! Thanks for the shout-outs, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Awesome!! I hope everything turned out well. We made your cranberry sauce and loved it!! Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to you and your fam - I'm sure you rocked it!
The turkey was AMAZING! Seriously, that herb butter under the skin works wonders. Toby watched your carving video yesterday morning and our platter looked exactly like yours. Very impressive. Thanks, Coley!
This roundup is awesome! Would love to try that shaved brussel sprout salad, yum!!!
Thanks, Lindsey!
Thanks or including me! Happy Thanksgiving! xox
You're welcome! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! 🙂
Thanks for including me in this roundup. Lots of gorgeous food here!
You're so welcome! Happy Thanksgiving 🙂