Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

Thanksgiving is almost here! To celebrate, I’m sharing our favorite Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Below find our go-to Thanksgiving recipes! Some of these Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas are family favorites that we make every year, while others are twists on a classic, if you want to mix things up. All of these recipes are tried and true crowd-pleasers.

Thanksgiving Dinner Appetizers

Homemade Cheese Crackers with Pecans Recipe

This Homemade Cheese Crackers with Pecans Recipe is from my Aunt Janie. These wafer-like crackers are the perfect savory light bite before you sit down for Thanksgiving meal, plus they’re super easy to make.

Fall Pumpkin Dip Recipe

Made with pumpkin puree and cream cheese, this Fall Pumpkin Dip Recipe is just like pumpkin pie, but in dip form. Top with pumpkin seeds and serve with gingersnaps or apple slices for a perfectly-sweetened appetizer or dessert.

Sausage Balls Recipe

Sausage Balls are a delicious savory appetizer during the holidays. This recipe is easy and the perfect crowd pleaser.

Thanksgiving Dinner Main Dishes

Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey Recipe

This Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey Recipe has been my family’s go-to year after year. It’s also one of our most popular recipes and is always on our Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas list. It’s the star of the show and absolutely foolproof. This turkey recipe has honestly become one of the easiest parts of a meal during the holiday season.

Holiday Glazed Baked Ham Recipe

If you’re looking for another main dish to serve for the holiday, this classic Holiday Glazed Baked Ham Recipe is delicious and a cinch to prepare.

Thanksgiving Dinner Side Dishes

Turkey Gravy Recipe

Who are we kidding, the real star of the show is the gravy. Save your drippings from the roast turkey and pour this Turkey Gravy over everything. Or drink it through a straw.

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a sweet, tart and colorful Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas staple. With only five ingredients, it’s also the easiest dish to prepare.

Sausage and Mushroom Stuffing Recipe

Sausage and Mushroom Stuffing is a delicious classic holiday recipe, full of savory and hearty Thanksgiving flavors.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

This three-cheese Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe is super easy and flavorful! Just what any holiday dinner table needs.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Pecan Topping

Sweet potatoes are a staple for Thanksgiving, and this sweet potato casserole with a buttery, brown sugar pecan topping is a family favorite!

Cheese Broccoli Casserole Recipe

This Cheese Broccoli Casserole recipe is another holiday favorite! Who can beat those savory veggies and a crunchy topping?

Southern Green Beans and Potatoes with Vidalia Onion and Bacon Recipe

With fresh green beans, new potatoes, onion, bacon, broth and butter, this savory green bean side dish is a southern classic at home on any holiday table.

Sweet Potato Cheddar Drop Biscuits Recipe

If you have extra sweet potatoes, these Sweet Potato Cheddar Drop Biscuits make a delicious seasonal addition to the meal. They’re also great to make with leftovers too!

Thanksgiving Dinner Desserts

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe

This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie recipe takes the classic Pecan Pie to a new level with a bit of chocolate and a splash of bourbon. Trust me, we make it every year and it’s a definite crowd pleaser. And whether you’re making one pie or five, a good pie plate is a must-have.

Pumpkin Pie with Toasted Pecan Praline Topping

Pumpkin pie never tasted better! This recipe elevates classic pumpkin pie with a crunchy nutty, toasted pecan topping.

Apple Pie Recipe

Homemade Apple Pie is a classic for a reason, and a great way to finish out apple season!

Almond Oatmeal Cheesecake Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a different pie option, this Almond Oatmeal Cheesecake Pie is nutty, textured and delicious. Dense and sweet and perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with a chocolate cookie crust are a delicious twist on pumpkin pie and a sure-fire crowd pleaser. 

Southern Sweet Potato Cake Recipe

If you want a real showstopper of a dessert, this Southern Sweet Potato Cake is to die for! Made with fresh roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned with cinnamon and ginger, this cake is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table! Be sure to try it with Cinnamon Honey Buttercream Frosting.

A Few Handy Thanksgiving Dinner Tips:

• Oven temperatures vary, so use an oven thermometer for accurate cooking.
• When possible, assemble casseroles ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Thaw your turkey ahead of time, it typically takes at least 3 days. Food 52 has a handy guide on how and when to defrost your turkey.
• Don’t forget to save your turkey drippings to make gravy.
• Use brown craft paper as a tablecloth for easy cleanup. You can also set out crayons for guests to “decorate” the tablecloth for a pre-dinner craft.

Be sure to let me know in the comments if you try any of these Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas. I hope everyone has a lovely holiday! Happy cooking!