24 Southern Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas to Try This Holiday
Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Barbara
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 my classic Southern soul food dishes for my family, the kind of recipes that fill the house with warmth, laughter, and love.
So I’ve put 24 of my favorites in one place, organized by course, so you can build your whole table from the turkey to the dessert.
Jump to: The Main Dish | Dressing, Gravy, and Cornbread | Sides and Starters | Desserts
The Main Dish
1. Deep Fried Turkey
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. I had my first deep fried turkey many years ago, and it’s still one of the best turkeys I’ve ever tasted. Prefer a classic roasted turkey? Here’s my roasted Thanksgiving turkey recipe.
2. Honey Glazed Ham
A spiral cut ham finished with a glaze of honey, brown sugar, and a touch of clove. Serve it next to the turkey or in place of it.
3. Smothered Turkey Wings
Turkey wings smothered in a rich gravy made with chicken broth, Creole seasoning, and two creamy soups. They’re a good choice when you don’t want to cook a whole bird.
4. Juicy Oven Roasted Chicken
A whole chicken roasted with butter, rosemary, and thyme. If your guest list is small, this may be all the bird you need.
Dressing, Gravy, and Cornbread
5. Southern Cornbread Dressing
Homemade cornbread with sweet and spicy Italian sausage, moist inside and crisp on top. I really look forward to this one during the holidays.
6. Turkey Gravy Without the Drippings
Made with stock, celery, onion, carrot, and thyme. There are no drippings involved, so your gravy doesn’t have to wait on the turkey.
7. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade
For years I ate the cranberry sauce from the can, until I decided to make my own. Orange marmalade and lemon juice keep this one bright and fresh.
8. Southern Cornbread
Great with collard or mixed greens, especially for soaking up the pot likker. If you have a pan left over after making your dressing, add it to the menu.
Sides and Starters
9. Baked Mac and Cheese
Six cheeses baked into one golden pan. I hate to brag, but it’s usually the star of my holiday table.
10. Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Smoked turkey wings, onion, and garlic simmered low and slow with the greens until the pot likker is rich.
11. Southern Mixed Greens
Collard, turnip, and mustard greens cooked together with salt pork, onion, and garlic.
12. Candied Yams
Yams cooked with brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and warm spices. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without these on the menu.
13. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes with cinnamon and nutmeg under a buttery brown sugar and pecan topping.
14. Sausage, Green Beans, and Potatoes
Green beans, potatoes, and smoked sausage cooked with onion, garlic, and chicken broth. Serve it in addition to your collard greens or in place of them.
15. Best Potato Salad
Potato salad? Yes, potato salad for Thanksgiving. I love this classic just as much during the holidays, and it’s a tradition at my house.
16. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts sautéed with bacon, onion, and butter for something savory and green on a rich plate.
17. Best Deviled Eggs
A classic recipe that works as a side dish or as an appetizer before dinner.
Desserts
18. Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a deep dish crust. To me, it’s the essence of the holiday season.
19. Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie
My twist on the classic. Browned butter gives the silky filling a deep, nutty sweetness.
20. Pecan Pie
Rich, sweet, and nutty, with a nice crunch from the pecans. It’s a holiday favorite in my home.
21. Peach Cobbler
The dessert of choice during the holidays in my home, and usually the first to go on the dessert table. Nothing tastes better than peach cobbler with a side of vanilla ice cream.
22. Southern Banana Pudding
A classic soul food dessert made with homemade pudding, vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas.
23. Red Velvet Cake
Moist cake paired with a creamy cream cheese icing.
24. 7Up Pound Cake
A classic soul food dessert and a must-have for the holidays.
Plan Your Thanksgiving
Once your menu is set, these guides will help you get everything done on time.
- Thanksgiving Week Checklist
- 10 Thanksgiving Dishes to Make Ahead of Time
- How to Quickly Thaw a Turkey
- How to Make Your First Thanksgiving Dinner
- How to Make Thanksgiving Dinner for Two
- What to Do with Thanksgiving Leftovers
Looking for more? Browse my 20 Thanksgiving side dishes and 20 Thanksgiving desserts, or try my Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon and Butter Pound Cake.
