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Giada De Laurentiis has long been a trusted culinary guide for those seeking to elevate their holiday meals. From her early restaurant days to her successful television career, she’s been known for transforming traditional holiday staples into show-stopping dishes. This year, De Laurentiis has outdone herself once again, compiling a selection of her best recipes into an ultimate Thanksgiving menu that effortlessly blends the rich, timeless flavors of Italy with modern, innovative twists.
Her Thanksgiving menu isn’t just a collection of recipes—it’s about creating an experience that brings people together around the table, savoring each bite as a celebration of family, flavor and tradition. With her Italian-inspired creations, she offers a fresh perspective on classic dishes, ensuring that each course adds something unique to your holiday spread.
Whether you’re planning to mix and match her dishes with your own family favorites or want to embrace the entire menu from start to finish, Giada’s recipes provide an easy yet luxurious way to host a Thanksgiving meal that embodies la dolce vita. From the first bite of appetizers to the last forkful of dessert, her menu ensures your guests will leave your table filled with both delicious food and fond memories. Here’s a closer look at her dishes that are guaranteed to make your Thanksgiving truly unforgettable.
Tomato and Ricotta Caprese Dip
Perfect for kicking off the festivities, this dip is simple yet flavorful. The key is quality ingredients: sweet canned cherry tomatoes, smooth whole-milk ricotta, and a rich balsamic drizzle. Assemble in minutes for a luscious, warm starter that pairs beautifully with cocktails. Like our Whipped Feta with Pomegranate, Pistachios and Honey, this recipe even looks celebratory and festive, so don’t be surprised if your guests clean your serving bowl.
Sweet and Spicy Italian 3-Cheese Dip
A twist on Giada’s signature red pepper cheesecake, this hot, gooey dip combines sweet, spicy, and cheesy notes for a crowd-pleasing start. Calabrian chili paste adds just the right amount of warmth, perfect for dipping crusty bread. If you love the idea of a warm cheese dip to kick off the night but want to add more of a fall twist, a recipe like our Butternut Squash Queso Fundido could do the trick, too.
Giada’s Simple Italian Salad
Inspired by Giada’s childhood family suppers, this refreshing mix of Italian lettuces and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing cuts through the richness of heavier mains. The slight bitterness of radicchio and treviso balances the citrusy tang, making it a versatile companion to pasta or hearty entrees. If you’re in the market for a make-ahead option for your menu, we also love this Roasted Butternut Squash & Pear Quinoa Salad for lots of festive flavor.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Give Brussels sprouts a taste of Modena with aged balsamic vinegar, pomegranate arils, and shavings of pecorino Toscano. This side is light yet packed with flavor, offering a refined touch to your table. De Laurentiis even made a video breaking down exactly how she makes this recipe, so you can follow along and enjoy every bite.
Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta
An essential for Giada’s Thanksgiving, this stuffing brings chestnuts’ nutty texture and pancetta’s peppery depth to the classic dish. Crusty ciabatta soaks up aromatic flavors, creating a stuffing to savor. If you’ve had tough luck making stuffing (or dressing!) in the past, following our handy tips can help you avoid common pitfalls.
Italian Sheet Pan Mac and Cheese
A genius reinvention of baked pasta, this dish promises crispy, golden bites in every serving. Giada’s choice of fontina cheese delivers a buttery, nutty flavor, while a pop of cherry tomatoes adds sweetness. The taccole pasta shape, with its ruffled edges, ensures perfect texture in every bite.
Giada’s Braised Turkey Braciole
For a unique spin on turkey, Giada’s braciole method—rolling turkey breast with herby, cheesy breadcrumbs and braising in a rich tomato sauce—keeps the meat tender and flavorful. This dish embodies Italian comfort with a Thanksgiving flair, and it’s sure to look stunning when you bring it to the table.
Pumpkin Torta Caprese
An autumnal twist on the traditional gluten-free cake from Capri, Giada’s pumpkin-infused Torta Caprese is spiced with cinnamon and rich in flavor. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with gelato for a perfect finale to your Italian feast. Pair this pretty, glamorous centerpiece dessert with a simple make-ahead option for your guests who don’t love pumpkin—something like our Cranberry Crumble Bars would be perfect—and you’ll have a delectable spread on your hands.
Cannoli Pie
Imagine all the creamy, sweet, and citrusy flavors of a traditional Sicilian cannoli, but in an easy-to-make, sliceable pie. This Cannoli Pie brings all the classic texture and taste with none of the intensive pastry prep. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, offering a delightful finish to your holiday table.