50 Best Southern Thanksgiving Menu Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

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This crispy snack is basically just a fried version of cornbread so it’s the perfect way to kick off your Southern-style feast. You can serve it up as a holiday appetizer without too much effort.

If you really want to impress your friends and family, look no further than bacon-wrapped turkey! It’s not just a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table, it’s so delicious, too!

Made with butter, bacon, and a little sugar for sweetness, these butter beans are a delicious nod to the South.

There’s something so comforting about this thick, creamy, and slightly sweet side dish. If you can’t find fresh corn in November, frozen corn works just fine. Just be sure to reserve about 2 cups of the kernels to pulse in a food processor for a creamy result.

This fudgy, chocolate-y version of pecan pie is hard to resist—even if you’re the type of person who likes to stick to the classics. It will appeal to both pecan pie lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike!

Many Southern menus include both turkey and ham. To switch things up, try serving DIY ham sliders. It’s such a fun twist!

Your guests won’t believe this Southern fried okra was made in an air fryer! It’s just as crispy and delicious as the original recipe—especially when served with the spicy, pickle-infused dipping sauce.

Chicken might not be the traditional bird for Thanksgiving, but this Southern favorite is a fun alternative. Plus, it’s served with plenty of gravy.

Skip the canned mushroom soup in favor of this scratch-made casserole for the holidays this year. It’s rustic, hearty, and so delicious.

There are so many ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into your family feast, but this simple baked recipe is always a hit. Switch up the toppings based on your preferences—you can go salty with bacon or sweet with honey.

This holiday centerpiece is a classic for a reason. It's simple, flavorful, and comes out perfect every time. Just be sure to check out Ree's Thanksgiving timeline for some helpful tips.

Not all Southern recipes need to be traditional. This unconventional casserole is full of Southern-inspired flare including bacon and lots of butter.

You won't have to fuss with rolling out pie dough to make these delectable pecan pie bars. They have a press-in shortbread crust that's just as delicious.

You can't go wrong with sweet taters topped with pecans— especially if you add some mini marshmallows to the mix. Now that's sure to become a new Southern favorite!

This homemade casserole is made with colorful Southern pimentos and plenty of cheese. Top it off with crunchy panko breadcrumbs or french fried onions, if you prefer.

While butter is a key ingredient in Ree Drummond's delicious mashed potatoes, it's the cream cheese that really takes these spuds to a new level of dreaminess.

Kick off your Southern-inspired feast with a holiday starter the whole family will love. Best of all, you can prep them ahead and freeze them before frying.

This Southern-style pot pie is a fun (and easy) alternative main course for your holiday feast. You can even use the same pie crust recipe that you use for dessert.

One of the most popular ways to cook okra in the South is to fry it— and it's no surprise why! The crispy, cornmeal crusted veggie makes a great snack on Thanksgiving Day.

It's not Thanksgiving without a variety of delicious pies. Instead of your typical fall flavors, try something a little unexpected like a bright and colorful cherry pie.

Making your savory stuffing will save you space in the oven. The kitchen appliance will also help give the dish a creamy interior.

This Thanksgiving appetizer is a retro Southern favorite. Serve it with a platter of veggies, buttery crackers, or even toasted bread.

This cheesy gratin-style casserole swaps the potatoes for seasonal Brussels sprouts. Get a head start on cooking by trimming and halving the sprouts up to two days in advance.

This Southern pie tastes just as sweet and custardy as it looks. The cornmeal helps to thicken the pie and it gives the filling a little bit of texture.

Looking to kick your cornbread up a notch? Try topping it with melty cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. It takes Southern food to the next level.

Ingredients like sweet, chewy dried fruit and crunchy nuts make this cornbread dressing an obvious addition to any Southern Thanksgiving menu. For Ree, it also conjures up fond memories of her late mother-in-law, Nan: "This is one of my very favorite food memories of my Nan," she says. "We created this recipe together."

It's not a Southern Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes! This fluffy, garlicky version of the classic recipe is a must-try for any holiday hostess.

It's as filling as any Southern side should be, but this casserole won't weigh you down. It's full of hearty, healthy ingredients like parsnips, kale, and (of course!) butternut squash.

Simple and classic, this cornbread dressing is one of Ree's favorite things to serve on Turkey Day. "It isn’t soggy at all; even after baking, it remains light and crumbly and beautifully textural," she notes. "A real feast for the senses!"

If you're used to feeling stressed and frazzled on Thanksgiving, this recipe's here to save the day: A base of frozen shredded hash browns means you can seriously cut down on prep time.

Jellied cranberry sauce may be an American tradition, but this year, consider going the homemade route instead. This easy, 30-minute tutorial will lead the way.

Biscuits and the South go together like, well...Ree and Ladd! Cinnamon-honey butter adds sweetness and a touch of heat.

Bring on the butter and cream! Instant Pot fans, you'll love the convenience of this recipe.

Get this: An entire pound of freshly grated cheese goes into Ree's macaroni and cheese recipe.

The beloved pairing of sweet potatoes and marshmallows never disappoints. Prepare to want seconds of this creamy, beautiful dessert.

A mix of caramelized onions, apple slices, and Italian sausage make it easy to fall in love with this dressing. It's also super simple to pull off: You can prep the entire dish up to two days in advance, then cover, refrigerate, and bake on Thanksgiving Day.

Using a skillet to make cornbread yields a crisp exterior and moist interior. "Crispy on the outside—just the way I like it!" Ree says.

Cheers! This cozy mulled cider recipe contains a generous amount of bourbon, making it the ultimate accompaniment for any Southern-style Thanksgiving dinner.

Ree loves cranberry sauce. Scratch that: She "loves, loves, loves" it. This recipe, which calls for pomegranate seeds, is a refreshing twist on the traditional version—and you're gonna love, love, love it too!

The secret to these out-of-this-world roasted vegetables (besides that unique pecan crumble)? A mix of sweet brown sugar and spicy paprika.

Rich and decadent, this apple pie recipe features a crumbly topping of butter, flour, sugar, and pecans. The result is a bubbly, golden brown beauty that's best served with Ree's boozy "Hard Sauce."

Here's something that may surprise you: This classic recipe calls for a pinch of baking soda. The ingredient neutralizes the tannins in the tea, making it smoother and more palatable.

It's no surprise that corn pudding is such a well-loved Southern side dish. In fact, for many people, it's just as expected on the table as dressing and gravy.

Bacon in stuffing? Yes, please. This cornbread-based dish is loaded with it, in addition to fragrant parsley, rosemary, basil, and thyme.

This scalloped potatoes dish is so satisfying and hearty, it could very well be a meal in and of itself. It's also one of Ree's favorite ways to use up leftover ham.

Simple, basic, and sinfully good, this pecan pie recipe is a must-try. It's got a delicious custardy, caramelized center.

When it's made properly, gravy is more than just a supporting character; it's a veritable side dish in its own right. This one can be made up to five days in advance of your meal.

You likely won't find an easier biscuit recipe out there. Sometimes called "Southern Biscuits," these feature self-rising flour. They also contain buttermilk—but if you don't have any on hand, you can always make it yourself using the instructions in this recipe.

A green bean casserole is all but expected at a Southern Thanksgiving dinner. Here, brown sugar and toasted, sliced almonds add sweetness and crunch to an already mouthwatering side.

Ree uses Monterey Jack to whip up this casserole, but anything goes: cheddar, parmesan, or whatever else you've got in your fridge. It's a delightful, crispy-crunchy side fit for any holiday meal.

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50 Best Southern Thanksgiving Menu Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

This crispy snack is basically just a fried version of cornbread so it’s the perfect way to kick off your Southern-style feast. You can serve it up as a holiday appetizer without too much effort.

Hushpuppies

If you really want to impress your friends and family, look no further than bacon-wrapped turkey! It’s not just a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table, it’s so delicious, too!

Bacon-Wrapped Turkey

Made with butter, bacon, and a little sugar for sweetness, these butter beans are a delicious nod to the South.

Butter Beans

There’s something so comforting about this thick, creamy, and slightly sweet side dish. If you can’t find fresh corn in November, frozen corn works just fine. Just be sure to reserve about 2 cups of the kernels to pulse in a food processor for a creamy result.

Creamed Corn

This fudgy, chocolate-y version of pecan pie is hard to resist—even if you’re the type of person who likes to stick to the classics. It will appeal to both pecan pie lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike!

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Many Southern menus include both turkey and ham. To switch things up, try serving DIY ham sliders. It’s such a fun twist!

Honey-Glazed Ham and Checkerboard Rolls

Your guests won’t believe this Southern fried okra was made in an air fryer! It’s just as crispy and delicious as the original recipe—especially when served with the spicy, pickle-infused dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Okra

Chicken might not be the traditional bird for Thanksgiving, but this Southern favorite is a fun alternative. Plus, it’s served with plenty of gravy.

Chicken Fried Chicken

Skip the canned mushroom soup in favor of this scratch-made casserole for the holidays this year. It’s rustic, hearty, and so delicious.

Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole

There are so many ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into your family feast, but this simple baked recipe is always a hit. Switch up the toppings based on your preferences—you can go salty with bacon or sweet with honey.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

This holiday centerpiece is a classic for a reason. It's simple, flavorful, and comes out perfect every time. Just be sure to check out Ree's Thanksgiving timeline for some helpful tips.

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Not all Southern recipes need to be traditional. This unconventional casserole is full of Southern-inspired flare including bacon and lots of butter.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

You won't have to fuss with rolling out pie dough to make these delectable pecan pie bars. They have a press-in shortbread crust that's just as delicious.

Pecan Pie Bars

You can't go wrong with sweet taters topped with pecans— especially if you add some mini marshmallows to the mix. Now that's sure to become a new Southern favorite!

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This homemade casserole is made with colorful Southern pimentos and plenty of cheese. Top it off with crunchy panko breadcrumbs or french fried onions, if you prefer.

Green Bean Casserole

While butter is a key ingredient in Ree Drummond's delicious mashed potatoes, it's the cream cheese that really takes these spuds to a new level of dreaminess.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Kick off your Southern-inspired feast with a holiday starter the whole family will love. Best of all, you can prep them ahead and freeze them before frying.

Mac and Cheese Balls

This Southern-style pot pie is a fun (and easy) alternative main course for your holiday feast. You can even use the same pie crust recipe that you use for dessert.

Turkey Pot Pie

One of the most popular ways to cook okra in the South is to fry it— and it's no surprise why! The crispy, cornmeal crusted veggie makes a great snack on Thanksgiving Day.

Southern Fried Okra

It's not Thanksgiving without a variety of delicious pies. Instead of your typical fall flavors, try something a little unexpected like a bright and colorful cherry pie.

Cherry Crumb Pie

Making your savory stuffing will save you space in the oven. The kitchen appliance will also help give the dish a creamy interior.

Crock-Pot Stuffing

This Thanksgiving appetizer is a retro Southern favorite. Serve it with a platter of veggies, buttery crackers, or even toasted bread.

Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball

This cheesy gratin-style casserole swaps the potatoes for seasonal Brussels sprouts. Get a head start on cooking by trimming and halving the sprouts up to two days in advance.

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

This Southern pie tastes just as sweet and custardy as it looks. The cornmeal helps to thicken the pie and it gives the filling a little bit of texture.

Chess Pie

Looking to kick your cornbread up a notch? Try topping it with melty cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. It takes Southern food to the next level.

Bacon-Cheddar Skillet Cornbread

Cornbread Dressing with Dried Fruit and Nuts

It's not a Southern Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes! This fluffy, garlicky version of the classic recipe is a must-try for any holiday hostess.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

It's as filling as any Southern side should be, but this casserole won't weigh you down. It's full of hearty, healthy ingredients like parsnips, kale, and (of course!) butternut squash.

Butternut Squash Casserole

Simple and classic, this cornbread dressing is one of Ree's favorite things to serve on Turkey Day. "It isn’t soggy at all; even after baking, it remains light and crumbly and beautifully textural," she notes. "A real feast for the senses!"

Cornbread Thanksgiving Dressing

If you're used to feeling stressed and frazzled on Thanksgiving, this recipe's here to save the day: A base of frozen shredded hash browns means you can seriously cut down on prep time.

Cheesy Potato Casserole

Jellied cranberry sauce may be an American tradition, but this year, consider going the homemade route instead. This easy, 30-minute tutorial will lead the way.

Double Cranberry Sauce

Biscuits and the South go together like, well...Ree and Ladd! Cinnamon-honey butter adds sweetness and a touch of heat.

Skillet Biscuits with Cinnamon-Honey Butter

Bring on the butter and cream! Instant Pot fans, you'll love the convenience of this recipe.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Get this: An entire pound of freshly grated cheese goes into Ree's macaroni and cheese recipe.

Macaroni & Cheese

The beloved pairing of sweet potatoes and marshmallows never disappoints. Prepare to want seconds of this creamy, beautiful dessert.

Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue

A mix of caramelized onions, apple slices, and Italian sausage make it easy to fall in love with this dressing. It's also super simple to pull off: You can prep the entire dish up to two days in advance, then cover, refrigerate, and bake on Thanksgiving Day.

Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Apples

Using a skillet to make cornbread yields a crisp exterior and moist interior. "Crispy on the outside—just the way I like it!" Ree says.

Skillet Cornbread

Cheers! This cozy mulled cider recipe contains a generous amount of bourbon, making it the ultimate accompaniment for any Southern-style Thanksgiving dinner.

Mulled Cider with Bourbon

Ree loves cranberry sauce. Scratch that: She "loves, loves, loves" it. This recipe, which calls for pomegranate seeds, is a refreshing twist on the traditional version—and you're gonna love, love, love it too!

Cranberry-Pomegranate Sauce

The secret to these out-of-this-world roasted vegetables (besides that unique pecan crumble)? A mix of sweet brown sugar and spicy paprika.

Roasted Vegetables with Pecan Crumble