27 Southern Menu Ideas For Thanksgiving Dinner

Even if you want a turkey dinner any night of the week or you’re only having a small gathering, this slow cooker turkey breast has you covered. It’s simple and full of flavor, the perfect choice that will help you free up your oven for any classic Southern side. 

Your Thanksgiving turkey just got a whole lot easier. Yes, you CAN put the whole bird into your slow cooker. You’ll wind up with juicy meat your small group will want to eat!

Giblet gravy is a must for any proper Southern Thanksgiving. You can use the pan drippings from the turkey pan after roasting or from your slow cooker to help whip up homemade gravy in minutes. You need this on your Thanksgiving spread.

Homemade cornbread is another Southern side dish that everyone loves. This one is super simple, with creamed corn and Jiffy mix to help you pull it together. And it's one of our favorite sides that we eat for more than just special occasions.

Tired of dry and crumbly cornbread? My recipe shows you how to make it more moist and delightful for your Thanksgiving meal with sour cream and a few more ingredients. The holiday season is complete with this perfect side dish.

Old-fashioned cornbread dressing is another staple of traditional Southern Thanksgiving dinners. The difference between dressing and stuffing is that this classic recipe is made in its own casserole dish rather than in the bird. The Southern cornbread dressing is slightly sweet, slightly savory, and totally perfect!

Buttery and moist corn pudding is one of those side dishes I can never seem to make enough of! Even with this big casserole dish portion, it disappears so fast that if I don’t snag a bite, I’ll never get one. And this recipe is perfect with all of those Thanksgiving side dishes.

Thanksgiving turkey always needs that iconic mountain of mashed potatoes beside it on your dinner plate. Add a river of gravy to the top, and it’s one of the reasons why Thanksgiving is everyone’s favorite holiday. Plus, the holiday table isn't the same without potatoes.

Sweet corn melded with a little spicy green chilies and balanced with plenty of cheese makes this corn casserole a hit every time. If you’re looking for something different to jazz up your usual side dish offerings for your holiday dinner, let it be this one.

This green bean casserole is made with fresh green beans and a few other ingredients that have it ready to bake in just minutes. You’re already busy enough in the kitchen, so let this easy recipe allow you to get back out there and enjoy the holiday with your favorite friends and family before the Thanksgiving feast.

The brown sugar and pecan crust on the top of this famous sweet potato casserole is truly to die for. Everyone needs this type of Southern side dish on the table, and this no-fail recipe will ensure it is thoroughly devoured. Your holiday meal will never be the same with the addition of this popular side dish.

Would you prefer a savory sweet potato side dish? Then this recipe is for you, topped with pecans and gooey mini marshmallows for the perfect finish. Southern comfort foods usually include sweet potatoes, and this classic dish never disappoints on Thanksgiving day.

If you’re tired of the classic sweet potato casserole, sorghum glazed sweet potatoes can be the change you need to see. They’re sweetly caramelized on top and fill your whole home with a delightful aroma. 

No table is complete without tart cranberry sauce. It pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes, but if you don’t want to make it from scratch with fresh cranberries or just don’t want to dump out a can and call it a day, try this recipe that helps you make it taste just like fresh!

Now hear me out…you may think pineapple casserole sounds bizarre. I promise, though, that the buttery cracker crumbs, cheddar cheese, and pineapple truly create the most exquisite Southern side dish you’ll ever have. People beg me for the recipe, and they will do the same to you, too. 

While cornbread may be a southern staple on the Thanksgiving table, if you’re doing cornbread dressing, it may be overkill. These homemade dinner rolls are the perfect bread accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner. 

It doesn’t get much more southern than banana pudding for dessert. This creamy indulgence should be a part of your dessert table. 

It’s heavenly, simple, yet utterly decadent. If you’ve never made bread pudding, you will not be disappointed by this dessert. It's great for this time of year but good year-round, too.

Is it even Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie? This recipe shows you the best way to make it, giving you the perfect flavors in every bite. Don’t forget to have plenty of whipped cream for serving!

Can’t decide between pie or cobbler? This pecan pie cobbler is the best of both worlds and an easier way to get this traditional southern Thanksgiving flavor on your table.

If you’re as much of a chocoholic as I am, then you must have a chocolate dessert for Thanksgiving. This simple chocolate pie will indulge you in every creamy, delightful bite.

It wouldn’t be a typical southern Thanksgiving dinner without sweet potato pie. If you’d rather skip sweet potato casserole and turn that sweet root veggie into dessert, this recipe has you covered. 

One of the best Southern Thanksgiving recipes is Dad’s pecan pie, a family recipe that has earned a permanent spot in our recipe lineup. 

This classic pie from generations ago is as easy as it gets. It starts with a store-bought pie crust and a few simple ingredients, rendering a creamy custardy filling that is truly out of this world. 

Even more prevalent on southern Thanksgiving tables is buttermilk pie. It’s a sweet tradition, one that you may forever claim as your own once you taste it.

This sweet pound cake with its irresistible butter pecan glaze will be the ultimate addition to your southern Thanksgiving. It’s dense and delicious, a spectacular way to conclude your feast. 

Apple pie is a tradition on the Thanksgiving dinner menu. It offers so many delicious flavors and is perfect for any occasion. It's the ultimate comfort food.