Hi, hello, it’s THANKSGIVING TIME, NERDS!
I find it wild that November crept up onto the porch and slammed down the front door so rapidly. I feel like I was just bitching and moaning about summer (and kinda still am, since it hasn’t been cooperatively cozy outside lately), and suddenly Halloween whizzed by on its broomstick, the time change lengthened my sleepy time, and here I am finishing off this year’s Thanksgiving menu.
But, since we’re here, welcome to the 2026 FMG Thanksgiving Menu: The Cozy Cabin Gathering!
The Theme
I felt inspired by s’mores flavors this year, and whenever the sweet sandwich comes to mind, I think about log cabins, fire pits, and down-home, cottage inspired dishes, those that stick to your ribs and usher warmth to your soul. This menu is all about that. It encourages sharing. Pays homage to the classics. Reminds one of home, even if home is a mere thought and not a place.
The table I built this year is meant to conjure images of nature’s simplicity: forest greens, simple patterns, fresh accents. A table that both urges conversation and quiet, for those who like to observe rather than contribute, who feel rather than speak.
In other words, a menu and a table that welcomes all to relax and retreat from the tinnitus of everyday life, and connect with others and oneself.
The Cozy Cabin Menu
Breakfast
Mom and I enjoy a batch of pumpkin waffles every year after my Turkey Trot and while we watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Although I may be forgoing the race due to the logistical nightmare it was last year, the waffles will live on!
Breakfast is imperative, especially if you eat later in the day to prevent over-hangry guests from raiding your stash of freezer cookies. Both of these options are easily prepped the ahead so you can pop them in the oven whilst everyone slowly awakens.
Pull-Apart Cheesy Maple Butter Breakfast Sliders *coming soon!*
Appetizers
Mom and I nibble throughout the day between breakfast and dinner – no use making a full lunch when our feast is epic enough! Some light bites also help absorb the inevitable drink or five in which some of your guests may have indulged while viewing the day’s football selections.
Blue Cheese and Apple Stuffed Mushrooms *coming soon!*
Main Courses
I forewent Thanksgiving turkey years ago, so all of my mains are either vegetarian or seafood-based. It’s always nice to include a meatless main dish for guests who may have dietary preferences or just want to try something new!
Tip: Regular ground beef or turkey can be used in the lasagna roll-ups for an omnivorous option!
One Skillet Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Rollups
One Pot Baked Crab Mac & Cheese
Leftover Stuffing Stuffed “Meatballs” and Gravy
Side Dishes
Each of these side dishes is sturdy enough to make ahead, so you can reduce Thanksgiving day fuss and keep your oven schedule rolling smoothly. In my opinion, the sides are the star of the show and we like to have at least 2-3 at our disposal.
From-Scratch Green Bean Casserole *coming soon!*
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Twice Baked Potatoes
Kale Apple and Sage Croissant Stuffing
Harvest Honeycrisp Kale Caesar Salad with Parmesan Breadcrumbs
Desserts
I had so much inspiration for holiday desserts this year, including two wonderful takes on traditional Thanksgiving treats. That pumpkin pie, though…
Molten Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie Pie
No Bake Butterfinger Cheesecake
Drinks
Neither my mom nor I drink anymore, but mixing is still incredibly fun to me. These delightful and tasty bevs cater to both the zero-proof and the adventurous booze-sipping crowd on your guest list. Plus, a toasty nightcap to enjoy around a backyard fire pit.
Toasted S’mores Cold Foam White Russian
Campfire S’mores Hot Chocolate
3 Week Thanksgiving Timeline
3 Weeks Out
1. Choose your recipes
Tip: I always suggest printing out the recipes you’re making and organizing them into a binder. You can choose your method of arrangement: by type (e.g. side dish, dessert, etc.) or by order of cooking/baking.
2. Finalize your guest list and send invites.
Tip #1: Be sure to ask about food allergies or dietary preferences so no one is caught with their pants down on Thanksgiving day. If you’re doing a potluck-style holiday, request that attendees inform you of what dish they plan to bring.
Tip #2: The Canva app provides easy templates for creating cute, custom, FREE invites you can send virtually or print for snail mail. I use Canva to make all of my printable menus as well.
3. Clean the fridge and freezer.
Although potentially overwhelming, inventorying leftovers and shit that’s been stacking up over months in your chiller can help you formulate meals for the busy weeks leading up to the holiday. Chances are, this will be a hectic time for you, so minimal grocery shopping and using up leftovers can help ease the rush of prepping for Thanksgiving.
2 Weeks Out
1. Inventory utensils and dishes.
Test out your food scales and thermometers to make sure they work, and if they use batteries, have some extra lying around. Check your drawers for ample measuring cups, gather your serving dishes, plates, glasses, serveware, and other necessary touches.
Tip #1: Stock up on dish detergent and sponges or cloths, since you’re definitely going to have an assload of shit to wash if you’re using ceramics, glassware, and metal cutlery for your dinner! Be sure to grab an extra carton or two or sanitizer wipes, a bottle of multipurpose cleaner, and plenty of paper towels as well.
Tip #2: Running low or need to grab a few pieces? Plan a fun shopping spree – online or otherwise – at this time to beat the last-minute rush and give yourself a nice dopamine hike.
2. Curate your tablescape.
Figure out your Thanksgiving theme (my menu here is meant to provide you with inspiration and reduce that stress!) and make a list of appropriate linens, flowers, a cloth or runner, candles, and dishware you’ll need.
Tip: My key components to a beautiful but simple table? A nice runner, a few taper or tea candles (3-4 depending on the size of your table), a dinner plate nestled below a smaller salad or dessert plate, a simple solid-colored cloth napkin, nice glassware, cutlery, and 2-3 vases of fresh flowers.
3. Test your recipes.
Every stove and oven is different, so trying out any new recipes will help you figure out the quirks of your heating elements AND see if you even like the crap you’ve planned. Best find that out sooner than later!
Tip: If you’re using any of my recipes and have questions, please ask here or on my Instagram! I am happy to help troubleshoot.
1 Week Out (Friday-Sunday)
1. Make your shopping list.
Tip: I like to organize my list by grocery section (frozen, pantry, produce, dairy, meat and seafood, etc.) so I’m not frolicking to and fro down the aisles because I forgot the fucking butter or something.
2. Buy shelf-stable and frozen foods.
Think: alcohol and mixers, pantry items, pie crusts, baking supplies like flour, chocolate, and leaveners. Sturdy refrigerated components like eggs and cheeses can also be added to this section.
3. Organize your serveware.
Tip: Slap some sticky notes on serving bowls and platters to denote what they’ll hold on the holiday.
4. Curate a playlist.
Ask your guests what songs or genres they enjoy and add one or two to your Spotify. I personally like soft jazz and instrumentals in the background since songs with words often overwhelm me if there’s voices galore rumbling around in the room.
Tip: If you’re attending a Thanksgiving, take care of your own needs. Large crowds give me the heeby jeebys as I have a lot of sensory dysregulation in loud spaces, so I always keep my noise cancelling earbuds around and allow myself to take breaks and head outside to calm my nervous system.
5. Organize arrival logistics.
Be sure you have ample parking for your guests so no one gets their asses towed. Encourage carpooling if spaces are limited.
Tip: Provide maps of parking garages or public lots if you live in the city, and tell guests what they might have to pay should they need to use those areas. Sucks, but it is an urban reality.
The Week Of Thanksgiving (Monday-Thursday)
Yay! We made it! This week will feel hectic and will move extremely fast, so having a plan and sticking to it is important to retain sanity and create as little extra stress as possible.
Monday
1. Purchase fresh groceries.
Tip: Try to shop early in the day if you can! Fewer crowds = more selection and less overwhelm.
2. Prep your sides and appetizers
- Roast the apples and veggies for the Pumpkin Bisque, puree, and refrigerate in an airtight container.
- Prep the Green Bean Casserole, stop before topping with cheese and bacon.
- First bake and stuff the Loaded Cheddar Ranch Twice Baked Potatoes. Stop before adding cheese and baking the second time.
- Assemble the Kale Apple and Sage Croissant Stuffing. Stop before baking.
- Make the dressing for the Harvest Honeycrisp Kale Caesar Salad.
- Mix the olives and blue cheese spread for the Dirty Martini Crostini.
- Prep the Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms. Stop before baking.
Tuesday
1. Prep your desserts
- Assemble the Country Apple Pie. Stop before egg wash, cover, and refrigerate.
- Bake off the Chai Spiced Pumpkin Pie. Omit pie crust leaf garnishes, if using, until Thanksgiving day.
- Prep the No Bake Butterfinger Cheesecake. This can be made all the way through since it needs to be served chilled!
- Bake the Molten Cookie Pie.
2. Prep your drinks
- Mix the Caramel Apple Bourbon Punch, but omit the garnishes in the pitcher until the day of.
- Make the toasted marshmallow syrup for the Toasted S’mores White Russian and the Campfire S’mores Hot Chocolate.
3. Take care of health-related needs
This is a bit of a tangential tip, but it will be relevant for me so I’ll share it with ya’ll as well. If you have prescriptions you need to refill or last-minute appointments (such as with a therapist or psychiatrist), take care of them no later than today. Pharmacies are often at reduced hours or are completely closed on Thanksgiving, so be sure you are set with meds and ready your mind and body for The Big Day.
Wednesday
1. Bake off your side dishes
Tip: Scoop out 1 cup of your stuffing after baking and either finely chop with a sharp knife or whiz through your food processor (don’t puree it!) to use in the meatballs.
2. Prep your breakfast dishes
- Assemble the S’mores Sweet Rolls, stop before baking. Mix the marshmallow frosting and store in the fridge.
- Put together the Breakfast Sliders.
3. Assemble the salad.
Tip: You can prepare the crispy breadcrumbs and prosciutto ahead of time and store in an airtight container at room temperature until dinnertime on Thanksgiving, or you can bake them off the day of.
4. Prep your main dishes.
- Form the Stuffing Stuffed Meatballs. Make the gravy and refrigerate separately.
- Assemble the Crab Mac and Cheese, stop before topping and baking.
- Form the Lasagna Roll-Ups, stop before baking.
5. Set your table
Purchase any florals or party favors you need for your table. If you’re making place cards or name tags do so by today.
6. Clean your damn house.
Tip: Enlist all hands on deck here! You don’t have to do all this alone. Ask family and/or reliable friends who may be able to assist in prepping the home for the jolly gathering. Make it pre-party: put on a nice playlist, whip out some wine or sparkling cider, and make a mini cheeseboard to enjoy.
Thursday (The Big Day!)
The Morning:
1. Finish breakfast items
- Bake off the S’mores Rolls. Bring out the frosting and sit at room temperature while the rolls bake; beat at medium speed in your mixer if needed to soften. Frost warm rolls.
- Bake the Breakfast Sliders.
- Heat the S’mores Hot Chocolate on the stovetop. Have guests garnish their own drinks!
2. Cue entertainment!
Turn on your handy dandy playlist, set out games, light candles, touch up decorations. Take a moment to flop on the couch before everyone wakes up/arrives.
3. Bring pre-assembled dishes to room temp.
Place the Crab Mac and Lasagna Roll-Ups on the counter for about an hour before finishing.
4. Bake off the apple pie.
The pie needs a significant time in the oven and time to cool, so use this opportunity while everyone lounges about to excite them about dessert by popping the pie in the oven and letting the lovely aromas waft about the house.
5. Slice cheeses and arrange cheeseboard.
Cheese is served best at room temp, so have your Fall Fest or Holiday Harvest board assembled and ready about 30 minutes before you plan to set it out.
6. Add apples, cinnamon sticks, and other garnishes to the Caramel Apple Bourbon Punch.
The Afternoon:
1. Bake off main dishes
The Lasagna Roll-Ups and Crab Mac can be finished at the same temperature for approximately the same duration of time, since you’re merely melting the cheese in both! For the Stuffing Stuffed Meatballs, cook the meatballs on the stovetop, add the pre-made gravy, and keep warm on a very low setting until dinner time.
While your oven is still hot, broil the bread for the Dirty Martini Crostini.
Tip: Your oven schedule will come in handy here! Have your dishes done by 60-90 minutes before dinnertime so your oven can cool off enough to maintain a comfy “keep warm” setting for everything you’ve made.
2. Warm mains and sides
Pour your pureed Roasted Apple Pumpkin Bisque into a saucepan with the broth and cream and keep warm on a low setting.
Cover each dish with aluminum foil and place in the oven on a very low setting. My oven has a “Keep Warm” notch that I use.
Tip: Place a small cookie sheet with a light layer of water in your oven to maintain moisture levels in your dishes and ensure nothing dries out.
3. Set out the cocktails.
Tip #1: If you plan to serve the S’mores Hot Chocolate in the midday, a hotplate is useful for keeping the pan warm wherever you decide to arrange your drinks. Just be sure the outlet can handle the wattage of the plate!
Tip #2: Create a “cocktail” bar space on your countertop, dining table, or another contained area to set up your drinks, kinda like a buffet. Dedicate one corner to the marshmallows, melted chocolate, and graham crackers for the hot chocolate, and a platter with additional apples and cinnamon sticks for the punch.
Tip #3: Cute graphics of your drinks, with names and ingredients, to place in front of the beverages are a nice touch!
4. Set out your cheeseboard and crostini.
Guests (and you) may be getting nibbly by early afternoon, so the snacks will help tide them over for a few hours until the main meal!
Dinner Time!
1. Arrange the noms
Tip #1: I like to place the main courses near the center of the table and surround them with all of the sides.
Tip #2: Feeding a fucking army? Serve your dinner buffet-style.
2. Light candles and switch on a calming playlist.
Tip: Unscented candles are king here!
3. Warm the apple pie.
Keep your oven on a VERY low setting, cover the pie with foil, and place inside to keep it warm and ready to serve.
Post-Dinner
1. Slice and set out desserts
Tip: I do hope you remembered to buy a tub of vanilla ice cream for the Cookie Pie and the Apple Pie! Obviously, don’t put that on the counter unless you want to slurp ice cream soup. Weirdo.
2. Make the Toasted S’mores Cold Foam White Russians for everyone who desires a nightcap!
3. Activate your cleanup crew!
Of course, take some time to enjoy your family and friends before rushing to get the dishes done, but once you’re ready to clear the table and countertops, get your comrades to jump on board. You needn’t do all of this alone!
4. Take some quiet time for yourself.
When everyone is fat and happy and either drifting out the door or off to bed, grab a cup of tea or some cocoa, wrap yourself in a blanket, and take a few moments in the crisp outside air to breathe and relax. You’ve done a hell of a job with the day and you deserve to relax without the noise of the indoor world jamming up your ear canals.
Final Thoughts
The holidays, while jolly for some, are full of grief for others. I recognize that these months can be jammed with unwelcome emotions, memories, and circumstances, and for those in that boat I send my gentlest thoughts and well wishes. It sucks to spend a season of twinkling lights with your own inner light snuffed out.
Sharing your concerns and feelings with a trusted comrade, be it a boss, friend, family member, or even a soul on the Internet, can provide a well of relief. Though you may feel isolated in your struggles, know that someone out there understands, and cares.
There is a seat at the FMG table for any and all, but if you need further support that one small food blogger cannot provide through meals and pleasing photos, below I’ve linked some professional resources to which you may reach out.
Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA National Healthline: 1-800-662-HELP
NAMI Helpline: Text HELPLINE to 62640. Their website also has lots of resources and tips to managing your mental health, including a page pertaining specifically to the holidays.
In addition, dialing 211 anywhere you live can help connect you to local resources and support.
Take care, my friends.
Finally, no, I do not expect that anyone will make this entire menu. Though my mom and I come close every year – we cook and bake enough to feed a family of 7 – not even we get through my list in its entirety. I do hope, however, that you’ll grab one or two dishes from what I’ve shared and enjoy the shit out of them.
As always, I LOVE TO SEE WHAT YOU MAKE! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment in this post, or on the individual recipe, with a rating and thoughts. Seeing your images brings me great joy.
