Thanksgiving is one of my favorite celebrations, not only for the wonderful food but also because it brings everyone together around the table.
When I celebrated my first Thanksgiving in America, I embraced the traditions while adding a few French and Italian touches of my own. Over the years, those recipes have become part of our family celebration.
From my chestnut-stuffed turkey to buttery French green beans and Italian-inspired desserts, here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help you create a delicious and memorable holiday.
Planning a holiday feast should be just as enjoyable as sitting down to share it. If you are wondering where to begin, my Thanksgiving meal planning guide will help you organize your menu, prepare dishes in advance, and enjoy a more relaxed celebration.
In this Article
- A Note From Giangi
- French and Italian Thanksgiving Appetizers to Start the Celebration
- The Star of the Thanksgiving Table
- Thanksgiving Side Dishes with a French and Italian Touch
- The Sauces That Bring Thanksgiving Together
- Thanksgiving Desserts: A Little Something Sweet
- My French and Italian Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
- Giangi’s Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
- French and Italian Thanksgiving Menu FAQs
- A Thanksgiving to Remember
A Note From Giangi
French and Italian Thanksgiving Appetizers to Start the Celebration
In France and Italy, we love starting a meal with something delicious while everyone gathers around the table. Thanksgiving should be no different!
I always enjoy serving a couple of simple appetizers with a glass of wine before dinner. Nothing too filling, just a little something to tempt everyone while the turkey finishes roasting.
My French onion tart with caramelized onions is a delicious way to start. Cut it into small squares, and you have an elegant French appetizer that is easy to share.
For mushroom lovers, my mushroom goat cheese tart is another favorite. The savory mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, and flaky pastry make every bite irresistible.
And if you are looking for more inspiration, my collection of easy fall appetizers for holiday entertaining has plenty of delicious ideas to welcome your guests.
Giangi’s Note: Keep your appetizers simple. Thanksgiving dinner is the star of the celebration, and we certainly want everyone to arrive at the table hungry!
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The Star of the Thanksgiving Table
Chestnut Stuffed Turkey
Thanksgiving would not be the same without a beautiful roasted turkey taking center stage.
My chestnut stuffed turkey brings a little France to this American tradition. Sausage, chestnuts, apples, bacon, and a touch of cognac create a wonderfully flavorful stuffing.
I love the aroma that fills the house as the turkey roasts. It immediately brings back memories of family celebrations, laughter, and everyone eagerly waiting to sit down at the table.
And do not forget the pan juices. They are wonderful for preparing gravy.
Get the recipe: Chestnut Stuffed Turkey
Thanksgiving Side Dishes with a French and Italian Touch
For me, Thanksgiving side dishes are just as exciting as the main course. I like to have a variety of colors, textures, and flavors on the table, especially vegetables.
I always try to include at least two vegetables with our holiday meal. Something buttery and comforting, something fresh and colorful, and, of course, a generous serving of potatoes.
If you are still deciding what to serve, explore my collection of easy Thanksgiving side dishes for a holiday dinner. You will find plenty of delicious ideas to complement your turkey.
Green Bean Almondine or Haricots Verts Amandine
This classic French recipe has been part of my cooking for as long as I can remember. Tender green beans, toasted almonds, butter, and a touch of lemon make a simple yet elegant side dish.
The toasted almonds add a lovely crunch, while the lemon keeps everything fresh and light. It is the perfect companion to our rich Thanksgiving turkey and gravy. Best of all, it takes only about 20 minutes to prepare.
Get the recipe: Green Bean Almondine
Green Beans Gremolata
If you prefer an Italian touch, this recipe is another wonderful choice. Fresh parsley, garlic, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts turn ordinary green beans into something special.
I love the bright flavors of gremolata, especially when serving a rich holiday meal. It adds freshness to every bite and brings a beautiful splash of green to the table.
Get the recipe: Green Beans Gremolata
Giangi’s Note: Both green bean recipes are wonderful for Thanksgiving. Choose the buttery French almondine or the fresh Italian gremolata. You certainly cannot go wrong with either one.
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
My buttermilk mashed potatoes are wonderfully smooth, with a delicate tanginess that balances the richness of turkey and gravy.
And, of course, I always prepare a little extra. There never seems to be enough once everyone starts reaching for seconds.
Get the recipe: Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Pears
A Thanksgiving tradition and favorite I would never leave off the menu are my Sweet potatoes, and I love giving them a slightly different personality.
The natural sweetness of the pears complements the creamy sweet potatoes beautifully, creating a lovely balance of flavors. This elegant alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole works wonderfully alongside roasted turkey.
Get the recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Pears
Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, and Cranberries
This dish looks as beautiful as it tastes. The roasted sweet potatoes bring sweetness, the Brussels sprouts add a lovely savory flavor, and the cranberries provide little bursts of tartness.
The autumn colors make it particularly attractive on the Thanksgiving table. You know how much I love serving vegetables, and this recipe gives you two wonderful vegetables in one dish.
Get the recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, and Cranberries
Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Bananas with Honey
Whipped sweet potatoes and bananas with honey are among those side dishes that surprise you on the first bite. Creamy roasted sweet potatoes blend with caramelized bananas, butter, and honey, then finish with a buttery brown-sugar-and-pecan topping
Get the recipe: Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Bananas and Honey
The Sauces That Bring Thanksgiving Together
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without gravy and cranberry sauce. They bring all the wonderful flavors on your plate together.
Shiitake Mushroom Gravy
I absolutely love mushrooms, and this gravy has become one of our family favorites.
The shiitake mushrooms, fresh herbs, sherry, and cream create a rich, savory sauce that is wonderful over turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can do part of the prep ahead of time. And believe me, make extra. Gravy always seems to disappear faster than expected.
Get the recipe: Shiitake Mushroom Gravy
Cranberry Sauce with Apricots, Raisins, and Orange
I love the sweet-and-tart combination, and this cranberry sauce delivers both beautifully. The apricots, raisins, and orange add wonderful depth to the cranberries.
It is colorful, delicious, and a lovely accompaniment to turkey. I always enjoy having a little extra on my plate.
Get the recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Chutney with Red Wine
For something a little different, this cranberry chutney brings a more sophisticated flavor to the holiday table. The red wine adds richness, while the cranberries provide their unmistakable tartness.
It is a lovely alternative to traditional cranberry sauce, especially for those who enjoy a more savory accompaniment to roasted meats.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Chutney with Red Wine
Thanksgiving Desserts: A Little Something Sweet
You know me. I may not consider myself a baker, but that has never stopped me from baking, especially when chocolate and desserts are involved.
Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse to prepare a few special treats.
Pumpkin Tiramisu
What happens when an Italian classic meets an American Thanksgiving favorite? Pumpkin tiramisu!
I love this mix of creamy tiramisu and warm pumpkin flavors. It is a fun way to bring Italy to the Thanksgiving dessert table. It is also a lovely option when you want something a little different from traditional pumpkin pie.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu
Classic Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is one American tradition I happily embraced. Sweet, rich, and filled with delicious pecans, it is one of those desserts that always feels right for Thanksgiving.
A small slice with a cup of coffee is my idea of a wonderful ending to a beautiful meal.
Get the recipe: Pecan Pie
French Apple Tart Normande
This is where my French roots make another appearance. A French apple tart is a lovely alternative to a traditional American apple pie.
Beautifully arranged apples and delicate pastry make it as inviting as it is delicious. It also looks wonderful on the holiday dessert table.
Get the recipe: Apple Pie or Tarte Normande
For even more sweet inspiration, visit my Thanksgiving Dessert Collection.
My French and Italian Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
If you are wondering how to bring all these delicious recipes together, here is the menu I would love to serve. A little French elegance, a touch of Italian sunshine, and all the comforting traditions of an American Thanksgiving.
To Start: French Onion Tart or Mushroom Goat Cheese Tart, cut into small portions for everyone to enjoy.
The Main Course: Chestnut Stuffed Turkey, beautifully roasted and served with Shiitake Mushroom Gravy.
The Side Dishes: Green Bean Almondine, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries.
The Sauces: Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apricots, Raisins, and Orange.
A Sweet Ending: Pumpkin Tiramisu and French Apple Tart Normande.
And there you have it! A festive Thanksgiving dinner that brings together the flavors of three wonderful culinary traditions.
Of course, there is no need to make every dish. Choose your favorites and create a menu that works for your family.
If you are celebrating with fewer guests this year, you may also enjoy my alternative Thanksgiving dinner ideas for a small gathering.
Giangi’s Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
One thing I have learned over the years is that an elegant Thanksgiving dinner does not have to mean spending the entire day in the kitchen.
I like to prepare my cranberry sauces in advance, organize my vegetables, and choose desserts that will not keep me away from my guests.
For a complete preparation schedule, my Thanksgiving cooking game plan walks you through everything from menu planning to preparing the final dishes.
Plan your menu early. Choose your turkey, a few favorite sides, and desserts. There is no need to prepare everything under the sun.
Ask your family for their favorites. I like to involve everyone in planning the menu. This is their opportunity to speak up, not when dinner is ready to be served!
Prepare what you can ahead of time. You can make cranberry sauce, desserts, and part of the gravy ahead of time.
Keep the vegetables simple. Blanching green beans ahead of time makes finishing them just before dinner so much easier.
Give yourself time to enjoy the day. Set the table early, organize your serving dishes, and make room for a little laughter in the kitchen.
French and Italian Thanksgiving Menu FAQs
What French side dishes are good for Thanksgiving?
Green Bean Almondine, creamy potatoes, mushroom gravy, and savory vegetable gratins make wonderful French-inspired Thanksgiving sides. They complement roasted turkey beautifully without overpowering its flavor.
A Thanksgiving to Remember
Whether your Thanksgiving table leans toward traditional American favorites or includes a few French and Italian surprises, the most important ingredient is always the company.
I love bringing together the traditions I grew up with and the American traditions I have come to cherish.
Good food, wonderful conversations, a little laughter, and the people we love gathered around the table. What more could we ask for?
From my kitchen to yours, I wish you a beautiful Thanksgiving filled with love, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food.
Happy Thanksgiving!
With love,
Giangi
