35 Italian Recipes for your Thanksgiving Menu

From elegant antipasti to indulgent side dishes and festive desserts, these Italian Recipes for Thanksgiving will help you craft a unique and delicious Thanksgiving menu-all'italiana.

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and sharing a meal that feels both comforting and memorable. While turkey and stuffing may be staples, why not bring a little Italian flair to the table this year? Whether you're Italian-American or simply love Italian food, these Italian recipes for your Thanksgiving menu are the perfect way to add richness, warmth, and bold Mediterranean flavor to your holiday feast.

Why Add Italian Dishes to Thanksgiving?

• 🍷 Big, family-style flavors: Italian cuisine is made for sharing and celebration.
• 🍝 Comfort food classics: Rich pastas, roasted veggies, and cheesy bakes bring a cozy twist.
• 🧄 Bold ingredients: Think garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, and lots of Parmesan.
• 🍋 Balance and brightness: Italian sides can lighten up the heavy dishes on your table.
• 🎉 Something for everyone: Vegetarian, gluten-free, and meat-lover-friendly options abound.

🥖 Italian-Inspired Starters & Antipasti

Start your Thanksgiving meal with light, flavorful bites that set the tone without filling everyone up too fast.

Prosciutto Goat Cheese Crostini

1

Prosciutto Goat Cheese Crostini

These Prosciutto Goat Cheese Crostini are an easy and elegant appetizer, perfect for parties or cozy nights in. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can impress guests with flavor-packed bites that come together in minutes.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 20 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

2

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

These delicious mushrooms stuffed with sausage and provolone cheese are a fantastic appetizer to start your dinner.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 40 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

"Grissini" Italian Crunchy Breadsticks

3

"Grissini" Italian Crunchy Breadsticks

Grissini are thin and crunchy Italian breadsticks. Perfect for the Aperitivo or as an appetizer accompanied with charcuterie and cheese.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 50 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Best Italian Cold Artichoke Dip

4

Italian Cold Artichoke Dip

This 5 minute recipe for Italian style Artichoke Dip is a perfect quick and easy crowd-pleaser made with just a few staple pantry ingredients.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 5 minutes minutes

4.73 from 11 votes

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Cheesy Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

5

Air-Fryer Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

These air fryer cheesy stuffed portobello mushrooms are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for a quick lunch or appetizer.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 15 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Slices

6

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Slices

Crispy air fried eggplant slices topped with tomato sauce and melted Provolone and Parmesan cheese. The flavors of Eggplant Parmesan, but with the convenience of tha air fryer.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 35 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

White Bean Dip with Spiced Olives

7

White Bean Dip with Spiced Olives Recipe - Home Cooking Collective

An easy 20-minute Italian-inspired garlicky white bean dip topped with a fragrant spiced olive and rosemary topping.

Check out this recipe

Bonus Tip: Serve with a glass of Prosecco or an Aperol Spritz for a festive aperitivo.

🍝 Showstopping Italian Mains (Alongside or Instead of Turkey)

Looking for a non-traditional main or a vegetarian centerpiece? These Italian dishes will wow your guests.

Classic Tuscan Lasagna (with Ragù and Béchamel)

8

Classic Tuscan Lasagna

This is the classic lasagna recipe, the same lasagna you would find on the table of many Tuscan and nothern Italian families for Sunday lunch or Holiday feasts.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

5 from 10 votes

Check out this recipe

Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

9

Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

There's nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is pure comfort in a bowl.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 35 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Lasagna Napoletana (Southern Italian Lasagna with Cheese and Meatballs)

10

Lasagna Napoletana (Southern Italian Lasagna)

A delicious loaded Lasagna from a traditional recipe of Southern Italy. Lasagna Napoletana is a meatball and cheese lasagna with tomato sauce, tiny meatballs and 4 types of cheese.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

5 from 2 votes

Check out this recipe

Classic Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

11

Classic Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni with cheesy white sauce. A classic Italian dish.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 1 hour hour

4.87 from 23 votes

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin Risotto with Gorgonzola Cheese

12

Pumpkin Risotto with Gorgonzola cheese

A creamy Risotto with the fall flavor of roasted pumpkin and the intense aroma and creaminess of Gorgonzola cheese, the Italian blue cheese.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 30 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Butternut Squash Lasagna with Italian Sausage

13

Butternut Squash and Italian Sausage Lasagna

A piping hot baking dish stuffed with layers of pasta, a creamy filling of Béchamel topped with roasted butternut squash, Italian sausage and melted mozzarella.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

5 from 4 votes

Check out this recipe

Beef Ragù Cannelloni

14

Beef Ragù Cannelloni

Beef Ragu Cannelloni is a rich and flavorful Italian dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With tender pasta tubes filled with slow-cooked beef ragu, topped with creamy béchamel and melted cheese, this dish is pure comfort food.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 1 hour hour

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Mushroom and Ham Stuffed Shells

15

Mushroom and Ham Stuffed Shells

Delicious stuffed pasta shells with a filling of ricotta, mozzarella, mushrooms and ham. Coated with white sauce and covered by a golden layer or crunchy Parmigiano crust.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 45 minutes minutes

4.34 from 3 votes

Check out this recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake

16

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake

This creamy butternut squash pasta bake is the ultimate fall comfort food, loaded with rich flavors and cheesy goodness. Perfect for cozy nights in or a family gathering.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

5 from 2 votes

Check out this recipe

Creamy Baked Veggie Ziti

17

Roasted Vegetables Baked Ziti

Perfectly cooked ziti is tossed in a smooth, creamy vegetable-based sauce made with onion, garlic, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, then baked under a blanket of bubbling cheese until golden.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

5 from 2 votes

Check out this recipe

Gnocchi alla Romana (Baked Semolina Gnocchi)

18

Gnocchi alla Romana (Baked Semolina Gnocchi)

A golden cheese crust covers these buttery and cheesy semolina gnocchi. A classic Italian dish from Rome which is loved in all of italy.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 40 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin and Porcini Mushrooms Risotto

19

Pumpkin and Porcini Mushrooms Risotto

A creamy risotto that holds the flavors of Fall with delicious roasted butternut squash and flavorful Porcini mushrooms.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 40 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Caramelle with Sweet Potato Filling

20

Caramelle with Sweet Potato Filling (Candy Shaped Pasta)

Our homemade caramelle recipe is a fun candy-shaped pasta filled with roasted sweet potatoto and served in a balsamic brown butter sauce.

Check out this recipe

Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

21

Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a simple, one pot dinner that's packed with creamy deliciousness. Tender, juicy chicken is tossed in a silky cheese sauce that's loaded with pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach!

Check out this recipe

Chicken Cacciatore

22

Chicken Cacciatore - Chef's Pencil

Chicken cacciatore is a traditional Italian chicken recipe, perfect for those who love dishes with bold aromas and flavors. The chicken is slowly cooked

Check out this recipe

Stracotto (Italian Braised Beef)

23

Stracotto (Italian Braised Beef)

Stracotto is Italian comfort food at its best. Tender beef is simmered in wine, tomatoes and herbs. It's perfect for weekend dinners or cozy gatherings.

Check out this recipe

Turkey Porchetta (Turketta)

24

Turkey Porchetta (Turketta) - Salt. Butter. Smoke.

Here we're taking a turkey breast & prepping, flavouring & cooking it like an Italian porchetta. It's juicy, tender & full of flavour!

Check out this recipe

🥬 Italian Sides

These side dishes bring together traditional Italian ingredients with seasonal produce-perfect companions for roasted meats or vegetarian mains.

Stir-Fried Broccolini with Garlic and Chili Pepper

25

Stir-Fried Broccolini with Garlic and Chili Pepper

If you're looking for a quick and easy vegetable side dish that's packed with flavor, these stir-fried broccolini with garlic and chili pepper are a great option.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 8 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Italian Garlic Mashed Potatoes

26

Italian Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy mashed potatoes done the way my mom used to, with butter and milk. They are creamy and light as air. I gave it a kick with the spiciness of fresh garlic and the freshness of parsley.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 5 hours hours 40 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

27

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

This Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe has all the deliciousness of roasted butternut squash in half the time! Whether you're preparing a wholesome meal or need a tasty addition to salads and bowls, this air fried butternut squash is the answer.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 30 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin Polenta with Sage

28

Pumpkin Polenta with Sage

When it comes to easy side dishes polenta is one of my standards. Creamy, hearty and versatile polenta definitely deserves a spot on your table. With sweet pumpkin and savory sage this polenta is perfect for any fall dinner. My Pumpkin Polenta with Sage is easy to make and ready in about 25 minutes.

Check out this recipe

Savory Italian Sausage Stuffing

29

Savory Italian Sausage Stuffing

This Italian sausage stuffing in a mouthwatering combination of savory, crumbled Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and crusty bread, melding together to create an irresistibly savory, fragrant, and utterly unforgettable herb infused, Italian-inspired stuffing that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast to a new level of deliciousness. A family favorite each year!

Check out this recipe

🍰 Italian-Inspired Desserts for the Grand Finale

Give your pumpkin pie some international company with these sweet treats that honor Italian traditions.

Classic Italian Panna Cotta

30

Classic Panna Cotta

A creamy Panna Cotta is the perfect way to end any meal. It will definitely be a crowd-pleaser for any dinner event.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Cantucci (Traditional Tuscan Almond Biscotti)

31

"Cantucci" - Traditional Tuscan Biscotti

Cantucci or Biscotti are a crunchy cookie traditional from Tuscany. Dip it in sweet wine or hot tea and enjoy this honey almond biscotti.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 40 minutes minutes

5 from 3 votes

Check out this recipe

Castagnaccio (Tuscan Chestnut cake)

32

"Castagnaccio", Tuscan Chestnut cake

A super quick and easy traditional Tuscan cake made with just 5 ingredients.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 35 minutes minutes

5 from 2 votes

Check out this recipe

Spiced Pumpkin Jam and Chestnut Cookies

33

Pumpkin Spice Jam and Chestnut Cookies

A delicious jam with the flavors of pumpkin pie and crunchy cookies made with chestnut flour. This is the essence of Fall season!

This recipe is for approximately 20 cookies and 600g (1.3 lbs) of jam.

time to makeTotal Time to make: 7 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin tiramisu

34

Pumpkin tiramisu recipe

Master the art of Italian desserts with our easy Pumpkin Tiramisu recipe! Enjoy the autumn flavors in a heavenly dessert sure to impress.

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin Biscotti

35

Pumpkin Biscotti

You'll fall in love with these pumpkin biscotti! With warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, they're the perfect cozy treat with coffee or tea.

Check out this recipe

🍷 Wine Pairings for an Italian Thanksgiving

• Chianti or Barbera d'Asti - Great with tomato-based dishes and roasted meats.
• Pinot Grigio or Vermentino - Light and crisp, ideal for creamy sides or seafood starters.
• Lambrusco (Chilled Red Sparkling) - Fun, festive, and surprisingly food-friendly.
• Prosecco - The ultimate starter wine for antipasti and cheese boards.

📝 Tips for Planning Your Italian Thanksgiving Menu

• Balance richness with freshness. Include a salad or simple veggie dish to lighten the load.
• Make-ahead when possible. Many Italian casseroles, risottos, and desserts can be prepped in advance.
• Serve family-style. Let guests help themselves from shared platters for a relaxed, convivial feel.
• Mix classic and Italian. There's no need to skip the turkey-just add an Italian side or dessert to mix things up!

Buon Ringraziamento! (That's Happy Thanksgiving in Italian.)