Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: 17 Easy Kids’ Table Treats, From Buttered Toast to Jelly Bean Bark

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is one of the sweetest holiday traditions in America. In the 1973 TV special written by Charles M. Schulz, a beagle and his little bird friend serve Thanksgiving dinner of buttered toast, popcorn, pretzel sticks, jelly beans and ice cream sundaes. Generations of kids thought it looked like the best meal ever. This year, bring that menu to life for your kids’ table, then follow the gang to Grandma’s house for the real turkey and pie. Every recipe below is easy enough for little helpers..

The Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Menu, Made Real

In 1973, a beagle served a Thanksgiving dinner of buttered toast, popcorn, pretzel sticks and jelly beans, and kids everywhere wanted a seat at that table. Charles Schulz wrote that scene, and the special went on to win an Emmy. It is still the easiest kids’ table menu you will ever make. Start with this simple setup, then pick your favorites below..

You will need: A small folding table, a fall tablecloth, paper plates and cups, 8 slices buttered toast, 1 big bowl popcorn, 1 cup pretzel sticks, 1 cup jelly beans, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, cherries.

How to make it: 1. Set up a low table for the kids with a cheerful fall cloth. 2. Make the toast last so it stays warm. 3. Fill one big bowl with popcorn and a cup with pretzel sticks. 4. Pour jelly beans into a small dish. 5. Keep the ice cream in the freezer until dessert time. 6. Scoop sundaes, add sauce and a cherry, and let the kids dig in.

Snoopy’s Buttered Toast, Done Right

The very first dish on the famous menu was plain buttered toast, and kids have loved that scene for more than 50 years. The secret to great toast is real butter on hot bread, so it melts into every corner. Cut each slice into triangles like the cartoon and stack them high. It is the easiest way to start a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for little ones. Crusts on or crusts off?

You will need: 1 loaf thick-sliced white or potato bread, 1/2 cup salted butter (soft), optional honey, jam or cinnamon sugar for topping, a big platter.

How to make it: 1. Toast the bread until deep golden in a toaster or under the broiler. 2. Spread the butter right away while the toast is hot. 3. Cut each slice corner to corner into 2 triangles. 4. Stack the triangles on a platter. 5. Set out small bowls of honey and jam for dipping. 6. Make a second round, because it always goes fast.

Cinnamon Sugar Toast Sticks

Here is the toast course with a sweet twist. Cut buttered bread into sticks, roll them in cinnamon sugar and bake them until crisp. They taste like a churro met a piece of French toast. Kids can help shake the sugar for your Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and the whole house smells like a bakery. Serve them warm with a little cup of melted butter or maple syrup for dipping. Would your kids pick these over plain toast?

You will need: 8 slices sandwich bread, 6 tbsp butter (melted), 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, maple syrup for dipping.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F and line a baking sheet. 2. Cut each slice of bread into 4 sticks. 3. Mix the sugar, cinnamon and salt in a shallow dish. 4. Brush the sticks with melted butter on all sides. 5. Roll them in the cinnamon sugar and lay them on the sheet. 6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until crisp.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Popcorn, the Stovetop Way

In the special, the popcorn is made in a pan on the stove, not in a microwave bag. Stovetop popcorn is fluffier and tastes better, and it only takes about 5 minutes. Keep the lid on and shake the pan so nothing burns. Pour it into a big bowl for your Charlie Brown Thanksgiving table and let everyone grab a handful. Salty or sweet popcorn?

You will need: 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, 3 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp fine salt, a large heavy pot with a lid.

How to make it: 1. Add the oil and 3 kernels to the pot over medium-high heat and cover. 2. When those kernels pop, add the rest in an even layer. 3. Cover, take off the heat for 30 seconds, then return it. 4. Shake the pot gently as the corn pops. 5. When popping slows to 2 to 3 seconds apart, pour it into a bowl. 6. Toss with melted butter and salt.

Maple Butter Popcorn Mix

Take the popcorn course up a notch with a quick maple butter glaze. It bakes into a thin, crunchy coating, a lot like the caramel corn you buy at the fair but much easier. Toss in pecans or a handful of pretzels for a sweet and salty mix. It also makes a cute Charlie Brown Thanksgiving gift in a mason jar for neighbors and teachers. Do you like it with nuts or without?

You will need: 12 cups popped popcorn, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1 cup pecans (optional).

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 250 F and line a large sheet pan. 2. Put the popcorn and pecans in a big bowl. 3. Boil the butter, maple syrup, brown sugar and salt for 3 minutes. 4. Stir in the vanilla and baking soda, which makes it foam. 5. Pour it over the popcorn and toss well. 6. Spread on the pan and bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, then cool.

Pretzel Stick Turkeys for a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Pretzel sticks were also on that famous menu, so why not turn them into turkeys? A chocolate sandwich cookie makes the body, pretzel sticks and candy corn make the feathers, and candy eyes bring them to life. They are a perfect activity to keep the kids’ table busy while the grown-ups finish cooking. Set out the parts and let everyone build their own. How many feathers will yours have?

You will need: 12 chocolate sandwich cookies, 36 thin pretzel sticks, 1/2 cup candy corn, 24 candy eyes, 12 orange candy-coated chocolates for beaks, 1/2 cup melted chocolate chips.

How to make it: 1. Twist apart each cookie, or keep it whole. 2. Dip the end of 3 pretzel sticks in melted chocolate and press them into the back of the cookie filling. 3. Glue 3 or 4 candy corn pieces between the pretzels with chocolate. 4. Add 2 candy eyes on the front with a dot of chocolate. 5. Press an orange candy below the eyes for the beak. 6. Let them set 20 minutes before serving.

Jelly Bean Bark

Jelly beans were the fourth dish Snoopy served, and here they become a pretty candy bark. Melted white chocolate gets a shower of jelly beans and broken pretzels, then you chill it and snap it into pieces. It takes about 10 minutes of work and is the prettiest sweet on a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving table. It is colorful, crunchy and chewy all at once, and it travels well to Grandma’s house. Do you eat the black jelly beans or pick them out?

You will need: 16 oz white chocolate or candy melts, 1 cup jelly beans, 1/2 cup broken pretzel sticks, a pinch of flaky salt, a sheet pan lined with parchment.

How to make it: 1. Melt the white chocolate in 30 second bursts in the microwave, stirring each time. 2. Spread it about 1/4 inch thick on the parchment. 3. Scatter the jelly beans and pretzels on top. 4. Press them in gently. 5. Sprinkle with a little flaky salt. 6. Chill 30 minutes until firm, then break into pieces.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Jelly Bean Snack Mix

For a no-cook option, mix the jelly beans right into a big bowl of snacks. Toss popcorn, pretzel sticks, cereal and jelly beans together and you have every crunchy part of the cartoon menu in one bowl. It is cheap, fast and fun for kids to scoop into paper cups. Add candy corn for a fall color pop. This is the snack most kids ask for again the next year.

You will need: 6 cups popped popcorn, 2 cups pretzel sticks, 2 cups square corn or rice cereal, 1 cup jelly beans, 1 cup candy corn, 1 cup mini marshmallows, small paper cups or bags.

How to make it: 1. Pop the popcorn and let it cool completely. 2. Pour it into your largest bowl. 3. Add the pretzels and cereal and toss. 4. Fold in the jelly beans, candy corn and marshmallows. 5. Scoop into paper cups or bags. 6. Keep extra in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Sundae Bar for the Kids’ Table

The cartoon dinner ended with ice cream sundaes, and that is the part kids remember most. Set up a simple sundae bar with two flavors and lots of toppings so everyone can build their own. It is a great way to let little ones feel like they planned their own Charlie Brown Thanksgiving dessert. Which topping goes on first? A) Hot fudge B) Sprinkles C) Whipped cream D) A cherry

You will need: 2 quarts vanilla ice cream, 1 quart chocolate ice cream, 1 cup hot fudge sauce, 1 cup caramel sauce, whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, maraschino cherries, chopped nuts, sliced bananas, mini cups or bowls.

How to make it: 1. Take the ice cream out 10 minutes before serving so it scoops easily. 2. Warm the hot fudge and caramel in small jars. 3. Put the toppings in small bowls with spoons. 4. Pre-scoop the ice cream into cups and keep them in the freezer until serving. 5. Let each child add sauces and toppings. 6. Finish with whipped cream and a cherry.

The Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Snack Board

Put the whole menu on one board and it looks like a party. Line up toast triangles, popcorn, pretzel sticks and jelly beans, then add apple slices and cheese so there is something healthy too. Little cups of chocolate pudding stand in for the sundaes. It is a fun centerpiece for a kids’ table or a family movie night when the special airs. What would you add to the board?

You will need: 8 slices buttered toast (cut into triangles), 4 cups popcorn, 2 cups pretzel sticks, 1 cup jelly beans, 2 apples (sliced), 8 oz cheddar (cubed), 4 small pudding cups, a large board or tray.

How to make it: 1. Set the pudding cups on the board first as anchors. 2. Fan out the toast triangles on one side. 3. Pile popcorn in two corners. 4. Stand pretzel sticks in a cup or lay them in rows. 5. Fill the gaps with apple slices, cheese and jelly beans. 6. Serve right away so the toast stays warm.

Toast Stuffing Bites

Toast was the star of the cartoon, so here is a grown-up way to use it: stuffing! Cubes of toasted bread with butter, celery, onion and sage get baked in a muffin pan. Each bite has crispy edges and a soft middle, and they are easy for little hands to grab. Make them a day ahead and warm them up before your Charlie Brown Thanksgiving dinner. Do you call it stuffing or dressing?

You will need: 8 cups toasted bread cubes, 1/2 cup butter, 1 onion (diced), 2 celery ribs (diced), 1 tbsp fresh sage (chopped), 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 2 eggs, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F and grease a 12-cup muffin pan. 2. Cook the onion and celery in the butter for 6 minutes. 3. Stir in the sage and thyme. 4. Whisk the broth and eggs and pour over the bread cubes with the vegetables. 5. Season and pack the mix into the muffin cups. 6. Bake 25 minutes until golden and crisp on top.

Mini Turkey Sliders for Peppermint Patty

In the special, Peppermint Patty is not happy to see toast and popcorn instead of turkey. These mini turkey sliders are the answer, with real turkey for anyone who wants it. Use leftover roast turkey or deli turkey, melt cheese on top and add a smear of cranberry sauce. They bake all at once in one pan, so the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving menu finally has turkey. Turkey, cheese and cranberry or turkey and gravy?

You will need: 12 slider buns (in one slab), 1 lb sliced roast turkey, 6 slices Swiss or provolone, 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup butter (melted), 1 tsp poppy seeds, 1/2 tsp onion powder.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F. 2. Slice the slab of buns in half and set the bottoms in a baking dish. 3. Spread with cranberry sauce and layer the turkey and cheese. 4. Add the tops. 5. Mix the butter, poppy seeds and onion powder and brush over the tops. 6. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 more.

At Grandma’s House: Easy Roast Turkey

The story ends at Grandma’s house, where the real Thanksgiving dinner is waiting. If you are hosting a smaller crowd, a roast turkey breast is easier than a whole bird and still feels special. A good herb butter under the skin keeps it juicy. Check the temperature, not the clock, and your Charlie Brown Thanksgiving gets a happy ending. Who is the turkey carver in your family?

You will need: 1 bone-in turkey breast (6 to 7 lb), 1/2 cup soft butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp chopped sage, 1 tsp thyme, zest of 1 lemon, salt and pepper, 1 onion (quartered), 1 cup chicken broth.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F and pat the turkey dry. 2. Mix the butter, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt and pepper. 3. Rub half under the skin and half on top. 4. Set the turkey on the onion in a roasting pan and add the broth. 5. Roast 1 1/2 to 2 hours until it reaches 165 F in the thickest part. 6. Rest 20 minutes before slicing.

At Grandma’s House: Easy Pumpkin Pie

No trip to Grandma’s is complete without pumpkin pie. This easy version uses canned pumpkin and a store-bought crust, so even beginners can make it. Cut a few leaves from extra dough to decorate the top like a bakery pie. It is the perfect sweet ending to your Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, for kids and grown-ups. Whipped cream or plain?

You will need: 1 unbaked 9 inch pie crust, 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree, 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, extra dough for leaves.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425 F. 2. Whisk the pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, spices and salt until smooth. 3. Pour into the crust and add the dough leaves on top. 4. Bake 15 minutes. 5. Lower the heat to 350 F and bake 40 to 45 minutes until the center is just set. 6. Cool at least 2 hours before slicing.

Fall Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls are a vintage treat that grandmas used to make every fall. A warm marshmallow mix holds the popcorn together, and fall sprinkles make them festive. They fit right in with a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Butter your hands well so they do not stick. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and tie it with a ribbon for a sweet Thanksgiving place card. Did your grandma make popcorn balls too?

You will need: 10 cups popped popcorn, 4 tbsp butter, 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows, 1/2 tsp vanilla, a pinch of salt, 1/3 cup fall sprinkles or candy corn, extra butter for your hands.

How to make it: 1. Put the popcorn in a big buttered bowl. 2. Melt the butter and marshmallows on low heat, stirring until smooth. 3. Stir in the vanilla and salt. 4. Pour over the popcorn and fold with a buttered spatula. 5. Add the sprinkles. 6. With buttered hands, shape into 12 balls and let them set on parchment.

Graham Cracker Doghouses

Every kid knows the famous red doghouse, so build one out of graham crackers. This is a fun Charlie Brown Thanksgiving craft and snack in one, like a gingerbread house but quicker. Use frosting as glue, red candy along the roof line and pretzels for a little fence. Set them out as place markers at the kids’ table or as a rainy day project over the long weekend. Who will build the best one?

You will need: 1 box graham crackers, 2 cups thick white royal icing or store-bought frosting, red licorice laces or red candy melts, pretzel sticks, mini candies, a serrated knife, small paper plates as bases.

How to make it: 1. Use 2 full crackers for the sides and 2 halves for the front and back. 2. Gently saw the front and back pieces into a peak shape with a serrated knife. 3. Glue the walls together on a plate with thick icing and hold for 1 minute. 4. Add 2 crackers for the roof. 5. Line the roof edges with red candy. 6. Stand pretzels around it as a fence and let it dry 1 hour.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Movie Night Hot Cocoa

Finish the day the way many families do: snacks on the couch and the special on TV. It first aired on CBS on November 20, 1973, and it now streams on Apple TV+ every holiday season. Read the history of the 1973 special, and find more fun ideas in our Thanksgiving treats for kids. A mug of creamy hot cocoa with marshmallows makes it perfect. Is watching it a tradition in your house?

You will need: 4 cups whole milk, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1 tsp vanilla, mini marshmallows, whipped cream.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the cocoa, sugar, salt and 1 cup of the milk in a pot until smooth. 2. Add the rest of the milk. 3. Heat on medium, stirring, until hot but not boiling. 4. Stir in the chocolate chips until melted. 5. Add the vanilla. 6. Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows and whipped cream.