Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet Ideas

This year for thanksgiving why not try something different then the usual sit down dinner. How about a buffet style meal? This will allow for more family time and less time in the kitchen. First you will need to decide what types of food you would like at your thanksgiving buffet. Do you want to have turkey and mashed potatoes or would you like to do turkey sandwiches and different salads and side dishes? The easiest would be to go the sandwich route.

A lot of this could be done ahead of time .You could cook the turkey the day before, this would allow you to have plenty of time to slice the turkey and chill it. You may want to consider cooking a ham as well to offer a choice to those who aren't big turkey fans. Provide several different types of breads and rolls. Also have a variety of condiments such as mustard, Miracle whip, etc. You can also offer your thanksgiving buffet guests some different types of cheese including American, Swiss, and Colby, just to name a few. Have lettuce and tomatoes, along with a pickle assortment.

You can also offer a vegetable tray with dip. Some great vegetables to include would be cucumber, celery, carrots, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, and whatever others you wish to include. Here is a recipe for a wonderful vegetable dip to have on your Thanksgiving buffet table.

Vegetable Dip
1 tbsp chives
tsp garlic salt
1/tsp paprika
½ tsp dill weed
tbsp lemon juice
1-cup mayonnaise or miracle whip
1-cup sour cream

Combine all the ingredients and mix well, chill for at least one-hour .The longer the better for the flavors to blend.
You could also offer a fruit tray and fruit dip with your Thanksgiving buffet style dinner. Some good fruits to include would be strawberries, apples, cantaloupe, pineapple, grapes, or any other fruit in season. Here is an easy fruit dip recipe that will go great with any fruit you choose.

Fruit Dip
1 8 oz package cream cheese
1 7oz jar of marshmallow creme

Combine the two ingredients until smooth and creamy, place in bowl and serve with fruit. You will want to offer several different side dishes with your thanksgiving buffet. Some great choices would be Potato salad, macaroni salad, 7-layer salad, green bean casserole, and any other favorites you might have. Here is a recipe for a great 7-layer salad. It can be made a day ahead of time for the best taste.

7 Layer Salad
6 cups chopped lettuce
8 hard-boiled eggs (peeled and sliced)
2 cups thawed frozen peas
16 oz bacon (cooked crispy, crumbled)
8oz shredded cheddar cheese
1-cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 ½ tbsp sugar
¼ cup sliced green onions including tops
Paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Place half of the lettuce in a big glass bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Next add a layer of the boiled eggs. Follow with a layer of the frozen peas; next add the remaining lettuce, followed by the crumbled bacon and the shredded cheese. Mix together the mayo and the sugar spread this on top of the layers making sure to cover it completely. Cover and place in fridge overnight to allow the flavors to mix. Sprinkle with paprika and green onions to garnish before serving. This will make enough for around 12-15 people.

Have some varieties of chips and pretzels along with some delicious desserts and you will have a terrific Thanksgiving buffet Style dinner .You can use throwaway plates and silverware to make cleanup easy. Another idea is to have your guest each bring a favorite side dish to share at the buffet. This way everyone gets to try something new and the cooking time is cut down on the hostess. Just because its Thanksgiving doest mean you have to have a formal dinner. This way everyone can make their plates and sit around and visit. No one ever said you have to work all day to have a great meal.