Best Thanksgiving Menu Ideas, from Appetizers to Leftovers

Planning Thanksgiving dinner and not sure where to start? This menu walks you through the whole day, from appetizers and a big bowl of punch to the turkey, the sides everybody fights over, dessert and even what to do with the leftovers. Pick a few from each section and you’ve got a complete Southern Thanksgiving menu.

Want more choices? Start with our easy Thanksgiving appetizers, then browse our full list of Thanksgiving side dishes and our best Thanksgiving desserts.

Thanksgiving Appetizers and Drinks

Something to nibble keeps folks out of the kitchen while you finish the turkey.

1Cheese Ball

1

Cheese Ball

This creamy cheese ball recipe is made with three different types of delicious cheese and seasonings, wrapped up in a smooth ball covered in crunchy pecan pieces.

Check out this recipe

A classic cheese ball that can be made the day before and set out with crackers.

2Mac and Cheese Balls

2

Golden, Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls

These crispy mac and cheese balls turn everyone’s favorite comfort food into the ultimate party snack. Creamy, cheesy centers wrapped in a golden, crunchy coating, perfect for game day, holidays, or any time you need a crowd-pleaser.

Check out this recipe

Crispy, golden mac and cheese bites that make a fun starter. One batch makes about 18.

3Pumpkin Pie Dip

3

Creamy, Delicious Pumpkin Pie Dip

Pumpkin Pie Dip is a sweet, creamy blend of pumpkin, cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and ginger that tastes just like pumpkin pie filling. It’s fast, festive, and perfect for dipping everything from gingersnaps to apple slices.

Check out this recipe

A sweet pumpkin dip for gingersnaps or apple slices that doubles as dessert.

4Pineapple Party Punch

4

Party Punch

Made with Sprite, sugar, Kool-Aid, and pineapple juice, this refreshingly sweet party punch will transport you to the tropics and is a must at your next event.

Check out this recipe

An easy pineapple punch that fills a punch bowl for the whole family.

5Creamy Root Vegetable Soup

5

Creamy Root Vegetable Soup

This hearty and comforting winter root vegetable soup is packed with nourishing ingredients and perfect for chilly days! It’s easy to make and can be customized with whatever root veggies you have on hand.

Check out this recipe

A creamy root vegetable soup that makes a cozy first course on a chilly day.

6Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

6

Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

This vegan butternut squash soup recipe is richly flavored, with garlic, sage, rosemary, and ginger. It's the perfect addition to your fall dining table.

Check out this recipe

A smooth, dairy-free butternut squash soup that’s ready in about 45 minutes.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

The sides are the real stars, so plan on a few favorites.

10Homemade Mashed Potatoes

10

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

A Southern specialty, these homemade mashed potatoes with evaporated milk are the perfect side dish, with a rich and creamy flavor.

Check out this recipe

Evaporated milk makes these mashed potatoes extra creamy, and they serve about 10.

11Crock Pot Dressing with Cornbread

11

Crock Pot Dressing With Cornbread

Grandmama's crock pot dressing with cornbread is moist and delicious; featuring all the flavors of an old-time Thanksgiving made easier and foolproof.

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Grandmama’s cornbread dressing cooks in the slow cooker so it stays moist and saves oven space.

12Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

With an always-enticing combination of sweet and savory flavors, no Southern Thanksgiving table is complete without this sensational sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.

Check out this recipe

Sweet potatoes topped with toasty marshmallows, the classic every kid asks for.

13Fresh and Creamy Green Bean Casserole

13

Fresh & Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Check out this recipe

Fresh green beans in a creamy sauce with a crunchy topping.

14Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These quick and easy mashed sweet potatoes are deliciously creamy and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness and spice, thanks to honey and cinnamon.

Check out this recipe

Creamy, fluffy mashed sweet potatoes ready in about 30 minutes.

15Candied Carrots

15

Candied Carrots

This candied carrots recipe is a popular Southern holiday side dish. It includes tender baby carrots cooked in the most delicious honey and brown sugar syrup. 

Check out this recipe

Baby carrots in a buttery brown sugar glaze, ready in about 40 minutes.

16Cranberry Fluff Salad

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Colorful Cranberry Fluff Salad

This Cranberry Fluff Salad is a creamy, fruity classic that brings a pop of color to any holiday table. Tart cranberries are sweetened and blended with pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped cream for a light, fluffy treat that tastes like dessert but pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Check out this recipe

A fluffy cranberry, marshmallow and whipped cream salad you can make ahead.

17Homemade Dinner Rolls

17

Homemade Dinner Rolls

These homemade dinner rolls (Preston Rolls) are soft, fluffy, and beginner-friendly. Made with yeast dough that keeps up to a week in the fridge, they’re perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you want fresh-baked rolls.

Check out this recipe

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls, and one batch makes about 2 dozen.

18Sweet Potato Fritters

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Golden, Crispy Sweet Potato Fritters

Crispy, golden brown on the outside and tender in the middle, these Sweet Potato Fritters are packed with flavor and come together in just 25 minutes! They make a perfect breakfast appetizer, side dish, or savory snack.

Check out this recipe

Crispy sweet potato fritters for a fun twist kids love.

What to Make with Thanksgiving Leftovers

Don’t let a single bite of that turkey go to waste.

23Turkey Hash

23

Turkey Hash

The ultimate post-Thanksgiving comfort food, my turkey hash recipe is made with leftover tender turkey breast, leftover turkey gravy, onions, peppers, cubed hash browns, and Season All.

Check out this recipe

Leftover turkey and potatoes cooked into a hearty hash for the morning after.

24Deluxe Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

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Deluxe Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole – Thanksgiving Leftover Makeover!

Remix some of those delicious leftovers into a deluxe hash brown casserole that is fit for a meal all by itself if need be!

Check out this recipe

A cheesy hash brown casserole that turns leftovers into a brand new meal.

25Handheld Chicken Pot Pies

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Flaky, Creamy Handheld Chicken Pot Pies

These handheld chicken pot pies are filled with creamy chicken and veggies tucked inside golden, flaky puff pastry. It’s a cozy classic made perfectly portable!

Check out this recipe

Flaky handheld pot pies, a great way to use up leftover turkey and vegetables.

26Homemade KFC Bowls

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Homemade KFC Bowls

A warm, cozy bowl packed with mashed potatoes, chicken, corn, cheddar, and savory gravy. This KFC bowl recipe is your go-to for when you’re craving fast food but want it homemade without a whole lot of cooking involved!

Check out this recipe

Mashed potatoes, corn, gravy and crispy chicken piled into bowls, a perfect use for leftover sides.

27Ham and Potato Casserole

27

Ham and Potato Casserole

With just 4 ingredients, this ham and potato casserole recipe is embarrassingly easy and the perfect cheesy, creamy, and hearty supper.

Check out this recipe

A cozy ham and potato casserole ready in about 30 minutes.

Thanksgiving Menu FAQs

What is a traditional Southern Thanksgiving menu?

Turkey with gravy, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes or sweet potato casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and sweet potato or pecan pie.

How far ahead can I start cooking for Thanksgiving?

Pies, cheese balls, cranberry salads and roll dough can be made a day or two ahead. Casseroles can be assembled the night before and baked on the day.

What can I make with leftover turkey?

Turkey hash, pot pies and casseroles are all great ways to use it up.