Last Updated on October 17, 2025 by Soul Food Cooking
Can you believe how fast this year has gone by? The holidays are almost here, and that means it’s time to start planning one of my favorite meals of the year — Thanksgiving dinner! One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it’s never too early to start thinking about your Thanksgiving menu. Every year, I look forward to cooking up my classic Southern soul food dishes for my family — the kind of recipes that fill the house with warmth, laughter, and love.
Whether it’s deciding between a juicy roasted turkey or a crispy fried turkey, or choosing collard greens or mixed greens, I always like to keep things fresh with a few fun twists on my traditional favorites. That’s what keeps every Thanksgiving special!
So this year, I’m sharing 24 must-have Southern Thanksgiving recipes straight from my kitchen to yours. Each dish is made with love, flavor, and that authentic soul food touch that’s been passed down through generations. From macaroni and cheese to candied yams and cornbread dressing, these recipes will help you create a feast your family will never forget.
If you love this roundup, be sure to check out some of my other holiday favorites like Sweet Potato Casserole, Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon, and Butter Pound Cake.
Honey Glazed Ham Recipe – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a delicious Honey Glazed Ham. Honey glazed ham is so delicious with the sweetness of the glaze and the tender juicy meat. Baked ham can serve as a great addition to your holiday dinner or an alternative to the tradition turkey.
How to Make The Best Cornbread Dressing – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
I really look forward to cornbread dressing during the holidays. There is something about this dressing that solidifies that it’s the holiday season for me. This dressing is made with homemade bread crumbs, spicy sausage and the best homemade cornbread. Your family is going to love it.
How to Make The Best Southern Collard Greens
Every soul food Thanksgiving menu will have Collard Greens at the top of the list. Collard greens are flavorful and is an essential side dish on your soul food plate.
Easy Cranberry Sauce Made with Orange Marmalade
For years I ate the wonderful cranberry sauce in the can until I decided to make homemade cranberry sauce. If you haven’t had homemade sauce then you are truly missing a treat. It is fresh and delicious.
How to Make the Best Sweet Potato Pie – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Sweet potato pie is a delicious and easy to make dessert that is the essence of the holiday season. Made with sweet potatoes, cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s the perfect blend of that familiar holiday taste.
Juicy Oven Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is a great addition to or substitution for your traditional Thanksgiving turkey. If your guest list is small then opting for a roasted chicken over a turkey dinner may be a great decision.
Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Mac and cheese is a must for my Thanksgiving menu. I hate to brag but it is usually the star of the show on my holiday dinner table. Everyone loves mac and cheese!
The Best Fried Turkey: How to Deep Fry a Turkey
Upgrade the main attraction this Thanksgiving and prepare a Deep Fried Turkey! I had my first deep fried turkey many years ago and I have to admit it was one of the best turkeys I’ve every tasted. Fried Turkey is so crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes
Tasty Oven-roasted potatoes are a side that is easy to make and loved by all. Seasoned to perfection with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. This simple recipe combines russet potatoes with a blend of flavorful spices and herbs, resulting in a side dish that complements any meal. In this
5 Secrets to Perfect Fried Chicken – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Since I was a kid, fried chicken has been on my holiday menu. Yes there was turkey and ham, but in my family fried chicken was equally as essential.
Sausage Green Beans and Potatoes the Way Grandma Use to Make
Green bean and potatoes are a perfect side dish. During the holidays you may serve it in addition to or in place of collard greens.
Peach Cobbler Recipe – The Best Southern Peach Cobbler
The desert of choice during the holidays in my home is homemade peach cobbler. It is usually the first to go on the dessert table. Nothing taste better that peach cobbler with a side of vanilla ice cream. Oh so good!
Cranberry Apple Cider Recipe – How to Make Cranberry Apple Cider
Cranberry Apple Cider Recipe – How to Make Cranberry Apple CiderCheck out my Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/soulfoodcookingThis is an easy holiday…
The Best Candied Yams Recipe- From The Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Candied yams are the perfect sweet addition to any soul food dinner plate. Made with all the flavors of the holiday. It would be Thanksgiving without this on the menu.
Best Potato Salad Recipe – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Potato Salad yes potato salad for Thanksgiving. I love this summertime classic side dish just as much during the holiday season. Potato salad is a holiday tradition at my house.
Southern Cornbread Recipe – From The Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Cornbread is so great with collard or mixed greens, I love to make it to soak up the potlikker. So if you have a pan leftover after making your cornbread dressing, go ahead and add it to the menu.
The Best Pecan Pie – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Pecan pie has a rich, sweet, and nutty flavor that is irresistible. The pecans add a nice crunch to the pie, and the filling is smooth and creamy. It is a holiday favor in my home.
How to make Mixed Greens – Easy Mixed Greens Recipe
If you want to make your collard greens even more delicious, then add more greens. Mixed Greens are a great variant to simple collard greens. Any combination of kale, turnip or mustard green will yield a tasty side dish everyone will love.
The Perfect 7Up Pound Cake Recipe – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Seven up pound cake is a classic soul food dessert that is a must have for the holidays.
Easy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Gumbo is a tradition in many homes doing the holidays. This is a recipe for shrimp and sausage gumbo. It can be served as a main or side dish.
Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Red Velvet Cake is a decedent dessert. The moist cake paired with the creamy cream cheese icing makes it the perfect dessert.
Best Deviled Eggs Recipe – How to Make Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs can serve as a side dish or appetizer during your holiday gathering. This is a classic recipe for deviled eggs but it’s easy to be creative with these so don’t be afraid to try something new.
Banana Pudding – An Iconic Summertime Dessert
Banana pudding is another classic soul food dessert that everyone love. This recipe is made with homemade pudding, vanilla wafers and sweet fresh bananas.
Salmon Recipe – How to Make Honey Glazed Salmon
Honey Glazed Salmon is a great menu item for those who prefer not to eat turkey or chicken. This recipe for honey glazed salmon is quick, easy and simply delicious.
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