We’ve created the best southern Thanksgiving menu packed full of classic southern side dishes, appetizers, and desserts for a southern-style holiday meal.

Collage of the Best Southern Thanksgiving Menu


 

My family always serves a traditional southern Thanksgiving menu that includes classic Thanksgiving recipes such as green bean casserole, southern cornbread dressing, and pecan pie.

To help you plan your Thanksgiving dinner menu this holiday season I’ve pulled together all of my favorite southern recipes to create the perfect Thanksgiving feast!

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Thanksgiving Appetizers

Every Thanksgiving meal starts with a few simple appetizers. I suggest something that can be made ahead of time and served cold or room temperature. That way you can just put them on a platter for guests without having to interrupt your cooking. Two of my favorite southern appetizers are deviled eggs and a classic cheese ball made with cheddar cheese and pecans.

A cheese ball with pecans and crackers on a plate.
Classic Cheese Ball
This Classic Cheese Ball recipe is an easy appetizer made from a blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped pecans, and spices.
Check out this recipe
Southern Deviled Eggs on a black platter
Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe
This is the BEST Classic Deviled Eggs recipe with relish, mustard, mayonnaise, and a little paprika on top. A great addition to Easter dinner and summer potlucks!
Check out this recipe

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

The sides my be my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner! Creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, classic sweet potato casserole…these easy Thanksgiving side dishes are the perfect accompaniment to a southern meal. I’ve gathered up my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes for you. I suggest choosing 2-3 (we’ve been known to make 4!) southern sides to add to your Thanksgiving table.

how to make Cornbread Dressing
Southern Cornbread Dressing
This moist, delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing is a traditional stuffing recipe that makes the perfect Thanksgiving side dish!
Check out this recipe
Creamed Corn Casserole on a black plate and fork
Creamed Corn Casserole
Creamed Corn Casserole is a cheesy corn pudding casserole recipe made with Jiffy mix. It's a great side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners!
Check out this recipe
spoonful of Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a classic southern recipe with lots of flavor! A must have Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish.
Check out this recipe
Not Your Mom’s Mashed Potatoes in a black bowl
Not Your Mom’s Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are rich and creamy and made with a secret ingredient that is going to make your next dinner extra special!
Check out this recipe
A bowl of Cranberry Fluff
Cranberry Fluff Salad
This Cranberry Fluff Salad, otherwise known as cream cranberry salad, is a delicious combination of fresh cranberries, red grapes, pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans all tossed together in a creamy whipped topping.
Check out this recipe
a plate with Cranberry Jello Salad
Cranberry Jello Salad
This delicious cranberry jello salad is made with fresh cranberries, apples, oranges and pecans. Great for a dessert, side or snack.
Check out this recipe
Cheesy potato casserole in a black dish.
Pineapple Casserole
This easy Pineapple Casserole is a traditional southern recipe that makes the perfect side dish to go with ham at any pot luck or Easter dinner.
Check out this recipe
serving Asparagus Casserole
Asparagus Casserole
This easy, cheesy Asparagus Casserole is a simple spring dish made with fresh asparagus, eggs, bacon, and homemade cheese sauce.
Check out this recipe
Broccoli Cheese Casserole in black casserole dish
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This Broccoli Casserole, made with mushrooms, sour cream and cheddar cheese is creamy and delicious. The perfect side dish recipe to serve with any meal.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Collard Greens in a black bowl
Instant Pot Collard Greens
Instant Pot Collard Greens (or turnip greens) are a classic, slow-cooked, Southern side dish made quick and easy with the help of a pressure cooker!
Check out this recipe
spoonful of Grape Salad
Easy Grape Salad
This Easy Grape Salad is a creamy mix of green and red grapes, sweetened cream cheese, and sour cream, topped with crunchy pecans and a sprinkle of brown sugar. It’s a classic Southern side dish that is perfect for summer potlucks!
Check out this recipe
Creamed Corn on a spoon
Stovetop Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn is a delicious blend of corn kernels and milk, simmered on the stovetop to make a creamy, slightly sweet, classic corn side dish.
Check out this recipe

Main Course

A typical southern Thanksgiving dinner has a turkey as the main course but if you’re feeding a lot of people or just aren’t a big fan of turkey, ham is often served as well. We’re sharing 3 ways to cook roast turkey breast along with an amazing honey glazed ham recipe that is coated in a brown sugar glaze. Both just take a few simple ingredients and a little cooking time to make a delicious main course that is perfect for the holidays.

sliced turkey breast with gravy on a black plate
3 Easy Ways to Cook Turkey Breast
This simple recipe for roasted turkey breast is the perfect choice for a moist and delicious turkey dinner.
Check out this recipe
Honey glazes ham on a table with sides
Honey Glazed Ham
Honey Glazed Ham is a beautiful, fully-cooked ham, basted with a sweet ham glaze made with honey, brown sugar, and orange zest. The perfect addition to a holiday dinner.
Check out this recipe

Classic Southern Desserts

The best southern Thanksgiving recipes are the dessert recipes. We’ve got three southern classics that need to be on your dessert table!

a slice of pecan pie on a black plate
Southern Pecan Pie
This easy Southern pecan pie recipe is a classic dessert that anyone can make! A simple ooey gooey filling packed with pecans is baked into a pie crust for the perfect holiday dessert every time. Ingredients:
Check out this recipe
whole Chocolate Chess Pie and slice on plate
Chocolate Chess Pie
Chocolate Chess Pie is a classic southern pie recipe made with just a few simple ingredients that bake up into a rich, delicious chocolate dessert that is perfect for the holidays!
Check out this recipe
sweet potato pie on a black plate with fork
Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is the southern alternative to pumpkin pie that you must try. This traditional Thanksgiving pie recipe will complete your holiday dinner!
Check out this recipe

That’s it! Everything you need to fill your Thanksgiving dinner table with delicious southern food!

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Handwritten signature for Kat & Melinda