by Stacey Updated: Nov 20, 2023
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This is your ultimate Thanksgiving Menu Guide- all the Thanksgiving recipes you need in one, convenient place! Categorized with an easy table of contents that lets you browse side dishes, appetizers, main dishes, breads and butters, drinks, salads and desserts, everything you need to whip up and serve your Thanksgiving dinner has been organized and put right at your finger tips!
![The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (2) The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (2)](https://i0.wp.com/southerndiscourse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ultimate-thanksgiving-dinner-planning-menu-guide-copy.jpeg)
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time, the hundredth time or bringing a special side dish or dessert, this list of Thanksgiving recipes is your new best friend!
Be Thanksgiving Ready: How to Set An Inviting Buffet Table, Cozy Thanksgiving Table with Copper
Find all the Thanksgiving classics– like Chicken and Dressing, Sweet Potato Casseroles with Pecan or Marshmallow Toppings, Green Bean Casserole, even Ambrosia and Jello Salads, plus a few new dishes your friends and family are sure to enjoy- organized and ready to make your Thanksgiving preparations simple and convenient!
Table of Contents
- Appetizers
- Drinks
- Salads
- Side Dishes
- Main Dishes
- Desserts
Appetizers
TIP: No matter at what time you are serving your Thanksgiving meal, your family and friends will love a little bite or two to nibble as they wait. Nothing invites gathering ’round, settling in and catching up like a seasonal appetizer or two.
Consider that guests will eat 2-3 finger food servings before a m. This will help you decide how many appetizers and how much of each you will need to make.
Favorite Southern Pimento Cheese Ball
Honey Spiced Pecans
Best Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs
Easy Italian Marinated Olives
Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Drizzle
BEST Creole Sausage Balls
Homestyle Deviled Eggs
Southern Cheese Straws
Drinks
TIP: Having a signature drink for the day is one way to make this Thanksgiving stand out from all the rest. Serve these sippers with your apps or save the hot drinks for dessert! Either way, your guests will feel special.
Spiced Caramel Apple Cider in Your Crock Pot
Sparkling Rosemary Apple Cider
Ruby Grapefruit Punch
Apple Spice Mint Tea with Blackberries
Pumpkin Mocha Coffee Creamer
Salads
TIP: No southern table is complete without a fruit salad. This year, mix it up and throw a green salad in there too. With all of the rich, starchier holiday sides, your guests will love the balance!
Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream Dressing
Cranberry Jello Salad
Apple, Cheese, Celery Salad
Classic Fruit Salad with Old Fashioned Century Sauce
Strawberry Jello Salad: A Southern Tradition
Southern Macaroni Salad
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Strawberries
Side Dishes
TIP: We all have our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes (Isn’t Thanksgiving really all about the sides anyway?). Whether you’re wanting to recreate a family favorite or looking for something special that will fit in with what your family expects, there’s always room on the Thanksgiving table for another side dish. To create a delicious meal, consider including different colors and textures when choosing side dishes.
Learn 3 Tips for Successfully Adding New Foods to You Holiday Meal here.
Southern Chicken and Dressing
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole (no canned soup)
Louisiana Dirty Rice
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
Fried Cinnamon Apples
Southern Cornbread Pudding
Southern Oyster Dressing
Sausage Apple Cranberry Dressing
Fluffy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Soup
Garlic Honey Glazed Carrots
Southern Pimento Mac and Cheese
Homemade Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese
Parmesan Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes
Easy, Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (no canned soup)
Main Dishes
Tip: A bone-in turkey breast or pork tenderloin is a great option for small gatherings or when you need extra but not enough to cook a whole ham or turkey.
Cranberry Bacon Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Collard Greens
Creole Roasted Turkey Breast
Southern Pecan Crusted Ham
Holiday Prime Rib
Pineapple Mustard Glazed Ham
Breads & Butters
TIP: A little extra special touch here is another one of those details that can really set this year apart from others! Want to bring a fun hostess gift? Make one of these easy whipped butters. They make a wonderful, thoughtful surprise!
Cranberry Holiday Butter
Whipped Pumpkin Honey Butter
Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread
Savory Rosemary Cheddar Biscuits
Shortcut Pull Apart Rolls
Desserts
TIP: My go-to dessert rule is to serve something that’s easy to pick up and nibble, like cookies, bars or a candy, along with the main dessert, like a cake or a pie. This is a great option for kids and for that someone who just wants “a little something sweet,” but not a whole serving of dessert. Also, as the evening wears on, everyone loves a grab a little sweet treat to snack on!