An Italian Inspired Thanksgiving Menu by thefeedfeed, feedfeed co-founder

An Italian Inspired Thanksgiving Menu

The best part about an Italian Inspired Thanksgiving menu? You get to enjoy some lasagna alongside your turkey! A comfort food dream come true. Just be careful, that lasagna might just make your post-dinner need for a nap even greater! Here's our take on an Italian-inspired Thanksgiving menu featuring amazing recipes from the #feedfeed community!

THE MENU
To Start
Ultimate Charcuterie Board
Salad
Fall Toasted Bread Salad with Delicata Squash, Brussels Sprouts, Apples and Apple Cider
Side Dishes
Baked Baby Cauliflower Parmigiana
Roasted Butternut Squash And Kale Lasagna
Stuffed Artichokes With Parsley, Breadcrumbs & Parmesan
Main Course
Prosciutto Wrapped Turkey
Cocktail
Negroni With A Grapefruit Twist
Dessert
Chai Tiramisu

THE GROCERY LIST
(the must-haves!)
2 heads garlic
1 pound grapes
4 apples (2 red and 2 green)
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh rosemary
1 bunch sage
1 pound Brussels sprouts
1 delicata squash
1 whole pomegranate
6 lemons
1 bunch fresh basil
1 pound butternut squash
1 red onion
1 bunch kale
12 baby cauliflowers (or 1 large cauliflower which has been cut into florets)
4 artichokes
1 bunch parsley
2 fresh grapefruits
8 ounces dried apricots
8 ounces dried figs
8 ounces walnuts
8 ounces pistachios
8 ounces pumpkin seeds
3 wedges assorted cheese of choice (for a cheese board)
1 small log herbed goat cheese (chilled)
1 small round Brie
8 ounces fresh mozzarella
2 (16 ounce) containers grated Parmesan cheese
6 oz Fontina cheese
1 pint heavy cream
16 ounces mascarpone
2 boxes assorted crackers and flatbreads
24 lady fingers (from a 7-ounce package)
1 chocolate bar
1 whole loaf ciabatta bread, or sourdough bread
1 (16 ounce) container breadcrumbs
2 quarts vegetable broth
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 pound whole wheat lasagna noodles
1 whole fresh turkey (about 12-14 pounds, depending on your number of guests)
½ pound salami
½ pound prosciutto
1 bottle Cynar
1 bottle Amaro
1 bottle gin
1 bottle white wine
1 bottle dark rum

PANTRY ESSENTIALS
(things we assume you have,
but if not, stock up!)
2 dozen eggs
Kosher salt
Pepper
Olive oil
Sugar
Cocoa Powder
Flour
Butter
Black Tea
Cinnamon Sticks
Cardamom pods
Whole cloves
Black peppercorns
Red pepper flakes
Honey
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg
Bay leaves
Apple cider vinegar
Balsamic vinegar
Maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Dried sage
Coconut oil
1 gallon whole milk

THE GAME PLAN

UP TO ONE WEEK AHEAD:

Negroni With A Grapefruit Twist by @maxymixalot

This apéritif will surely spur your appetite!

GET 50+ THANKSGIVING COCKTAIL RECIPES >

Feedfeed Tip: Adding water to this mix makes these strong cocktails a bit more sippable. You can stash a batch of this mix in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to serve, pour over ice and add a grapefruit twist.

Fall Toasted Bread Salad with Delicata Squash, Brussels Sprouts, Apples and Apple Cider by @thejamlab

A cross between stuffing and a green salad. The varied textures, colors and flavors of this autumnal dish will have guests asking for seconds.

GET 50+ HOLIDAY SALAD RECIPES >

Feedfeed Tip: Cube and toast your bread and stash it in the freezer. Let it thaw overnight on the counter on Thanksgiving eve. You can also make your vinaigrette ahead as well, just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

TWO DAYS BEFORE:

Baked Baby Cauliflower Parmigiana by @arthurstreetkitchen

Baby cauliflower smothered in crushed tomatoes and topped with melty mozzarella cheese and toasty breadcrumbs. If you can’t find baby cauliflower, use regular instead, cutting it into large florets.

GET 50+ HOLIDAY SIDE DISH RECIPES >

Feedfeed Tip: Make the red sauce for your Cauli Parm up to 4 days in advance and stash it in the fridge until you assemble this dish on Thanksgiving day.

Ultimate Charcuterie Board by @lyndsey_eden

Yep, this will do as a starter! Plus, it’s super easy. You can even ask your guests to help to arrange the platter. They’ll be happy to be able to lend a hand.

GET 20+ HOLIDAY APPETIZERS RECIPES

Feedfeed Tip: Prep the fruit & nut topping for your brie ahead so you can easily assemble this gorgeous board on the big day.

Chai Tiramisu by @acozykitchen

This chai-spiced tiramisu may look difficult to make, but you can pull it together in just minutes.

GET 50+ HOLIDAY DESSERT RECIPES >

Feedfeed Tip: Making this two days ahead will really allow the flavors to meld.

Roasted Butternut Squash And Kale Lasagna by @vanillaandbean

Thanksgiving purists will appreciate the traditional holiday flavors of kale and butternut squash included in this pasta course.

GET 50+ HOLIDAY SQUASH RECIPES >

Feedfeed Tip: Assemble this entire lasagna two days ahead and bake it while the turkey roasts!

THE BIG DAY

Stuffed Artichokes With Parsley, Breadcrumbs & Parmesan by @theclevercarrot

These delicious artichokes would also make a great appetizer, just serve with a bit of drawn butter.

GET 50+ HOLIDAY SIDE DISH RECIPES >

Feedfeed Tip: These will take quite a while to cook. To save time, simmer them until completely tender and just broil with the breadcrumb topping while the turkey is resting.

Prosciutto Wrapped Turkey For Thanksgiving by @vintagemixer
Turkey. Wrapped in Prosciutto? This is a must try recipe! Depending on when you would like to eat and how big your turkey is, you'll want to plan for about 15 minutes of cooking per pound, plus one hour and 15 minutes for prep time. Letting your turkey sit at room temperature for one hour before roasting is key. It will help speed up cooking time, allow the bird to cook evenly and allow the skin to dry out so it can crisp up. Need more Turkey Tips? Click here.

GET 20+ TURKEY RECIPES

Once you get your turkey in here's what you have left to tackle:

Assemble a Charcuterie Board and bake Brie
Serve Negroni Cocktails
Assemble and bake the Cauli Parm
Bake the lasagna (while the turkey is roasting
Make the artichokes
Assemble the salad
Make whipped cream for the tiramisu (if desired)
Let turkey rest, make gravy, carve & serve