21 Southern Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

When it comes to Thanksgiving in the South, it’s more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of family, heritage, and the flavors that make Southern cuisine so beloved.

Southern Thanksgiving tables are known for their hearty, flavorful dishes, often passed down through generations, with recipes that speak to the region’s rich culinary traditions.

From crispy fried chicken to creamy casseroles and decadent desserts, a Southern Thanksgiving is as warm and comforting as it gets.

Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a smaller dinner, adding a Southern twist to your menu is a great way to celebrate the holiday with bold, comforting flavors.

Think buttery cornbread, smoky greens, and sweet potato pie. These dishes don’t just fill plates; they create memories.

In this post, we’ve rounded up 21 mouthwatering Southern Thanksgiving menu ideas to help you craft a holiday feast that’s as welcoming and flavorful as the South itself. Get ready to wow your guests with these soulful classics!


21 Southern Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

Main Courses

1-Fried Turkey

grandbaby-cakes.com

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, fried turkey is a Southern staple that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.

2-Country Ham

leitesculinaria.com

A salt-cured, slow-baked ham glazed with honey and brown sugar adds a savory-sweet flair to your table.

3-Smothered Pork Chops

therealfooddietitians.com

Tender pork chops cooked in a rich, creamy gravy are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Stuffing and Dressings

4-Cornbread Dressing

spicysouthernkitchen.com

This Southern classic combines crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and sage for a dish that’s full of flavor.

5-Oyster Dressing

allrecipes.com

This Southern classic combines crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and sage for a dish that’s full of flavor.

Vegetables and Greens

6-Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

blackpeoplesrecipes.com

Slow-cooked collard greens with smoky ham hocks make a flavorful and hearty side dish.

7-Southern Green Bean Casserole

blackpeoplesrecipes.com

This version of the classic includes a touch of bacon and a creamy, cheesy sauce.

8-Candied Yams

thekitchn.com

Sweet and tender yams glazed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter are a must-have on any Southern table.

9-Fried Okra

spicysouthernkitchen.com

Crispy, golden fried okra is a simple yet irresistible Southern side.

10-Black-Eyed Peas

africanbites.com

Simmered with onions, garlic, and a touch of bacon, black-eyed peas add a warm and earthy element to your meal.

Potatoes and Bread

11-Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

melskitchencafe.com

This Southern favorite combines sweet potatoes with a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping.

12-Buttermilk Biscuits

thecozycook.com

Fluffy, buttery biscuits are perfect for sopping up gravy or just enjoying on their own.

13-Hush Puppies

smalltownwoman.com

These deep-fried cornmeal fritters are crispy on the outside and soft inside—perfect for dipping into gravy or sauces.

Gravy and Sauces

14-Red-Eye Gravy

thespruceeats.com

This Southern classic, made with coffee and pan drippings, pairs beautifully with ham or biscuits.

15-Bacon Gravy

cookthestory.com

Creamy, savory, and packed with bacon flavor, this gravy elevates any side dish it touches.

Desserts

16-Sweet Potato Pie

allrecipes.com

A Southern classic, this spiced pie with a creamy sweet potato filling is a Thanksgiving favorite.

17-Pecan Pie

tastesbetterfromscratch.com

Rich, gooey, and packed with pecans, this dessert is the perfect sweet ending to your meal.

18-Chess Pie

thepioneerwoman.com

This simple yet decadent pie, made with butter, sugar, and eggs, is a Southern dessert staple.

19-Banana Pudding

allrecipes.com

Layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and wafers topped with whipped cream make for a nostalgic and delicious treat.

Drinks

20-Sweet Tea

thekitchn.com

No Southern meal is complete without a pitcher of refreshing, ice-cold sweet tea.

21-Bourbon Punch

southernliving.com

A festive drink combining bourbon, citrus, and spices for a holiday-appropriate kick.


FAQs

What defines a Southern Thanksgiving menu?

A Southern Thanksgiving menu is known for its bold flavors, hearty dishes, and recipes rooted in tradition. It often includes classics like cornbread dressing, collard greens, sweet potato casserole, and pecan pie.

Can I make these dishes ahead of time?

Yes! Many Southern dishes, like cornbread dressing and pies, can be prepared ahead of time. Reheat them just before serving to save time and reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day.

How can I adapt these recipes for dietary restrictions?

For gluten-free options, substitute gluten-free cornbread in the dressing or use alternative flours in biscuits. Many recipes can also be made vegetarian by omitting meats like ham hocks or bacon.

What drinks pair best with a Southern Thanksgiving meal?

Sweet tea is a classic non-alcoholic option, while bourbon punch or even a glass of red wine complements the bold flavors of a Southern feast.

Can I mix Southern dishes with traditional Thanksgiving recipes?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate Southern dishes alongside classic options like roast turkey or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded menu.


Bottom Line

Southern Thanksgiving menus are all about flavor, comfort, and tradition. These 21 ideas bring the best of the South to your holiday table, ensuring your guests leave full and happy.

From crispy fried turkey to decadent pecan pie, each dish is a celebration of Southern hospitality and culinary heritage.

Whether you’re a lifelong Southerner or simply want to add a bit of Southern charm to your Thanksgiving, these recipes will make your holiday unforgettable.

So grab a glass of sweet tea, set the table, and get ready for a feast that’s as soulful as it is delicious. Happy Thanksgiving!