Are you looking for Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas? I’ve listed several forms of turkey and a ham recipe along with delicious sides and desserts that everyone will love.
Keep in mind that the popularity of sides will vary, depending on what region you’re in. Also family traditions come into play.
So I chose the ones that my family loves because I know they’re all delicious. I hope you find inspiration here and decide to add some of my recipes to your special dinner.
Thanksgiving Dinner Turkey and Ham
In our home, turkey and ham are the most traditional main dishes for Thanksgiving dinner. On occasion, we’ve also had fish, but that’s typically when a guest requests it.
We used to have large crowds to our house for the big feast, but the number has shrunk over the years. In fact, sometimes it’s just my husband and me.
However, that doesn’t stop us from celebrating. I just cook less of each dish, which is fine.
Here are the main dishes we like for Thanksgiving:
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – When there are only 2 or 3 of you at the table, a turkey breast might be all you need for a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner. And this recipe is so easy!
Roasted Turkey Tenderloin – Here is another easy recipe for a couple or small group at the holiday table. It’s also easy and delicious!
Herb Roasted Turkey – For a whole family or larger group, this delicious turkey recipe from Julia’s Simply Southern will garner some rave reviews.
Baked Ham with Glaze – And of course, for those who prefer ham, you’ll want to make this amazing glazed ham from Back to My Southern Roots. It’s the same recipe my mother used to use, and everyone absolutely loved it!
After all of the side dish and dessert suggestions, you’ll see a list of tips to make your Thanksgiving meal go more smoothly.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes and Desserts
Now that you have the main dish planned, it’s time to surround it with some delicious side dishes. And then create desserts to finish off your Thanksgiving celebration!
Corn Casserole Recipe with Cream Cheese & Green Chiles
Made with cream cheese, green chiles, and a few other basic ingredients, this corn casserole just might be the most popular item on your table. Make a big dish of it and see how fast it disappears.
Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These delicious mashed potatoes are loaded with lots of great flavor. You can add gravy or enjoy them as-is.
Easy Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Anyone who has eliminated gluten from their diets will appreciate and enjoy this delicious Thanksgiving dinner side.
3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce Recipe
One of the most important things on the table during the holidays is cranberry sauce! Easy to make, this delicious cranberry sauce adds color, sweetness, and texture to the Thanksgiving table.
Easy Turkey Gravy Without Flour
You can make your standard gravy. But make a little bit of this gluten-free gravy for those who are on a restricted diet.
Green Bean Casserole Deluxe
Green bean casserole has become a favorite side dish during the holidays. I’ve taken the standard recipe and added a festive touch to make it even more special.
Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole
The Thanksgiving table absolutely must have some type of sweet potato casserole. And since we’re southern, we like it with lots of pecans and marshmallows.
Simple Southern Style Cornbread Recipe
Deliciously crumbly, this southern style cornbread is a must-have for any special occasion. Be sure to make enough to enjoy later—either heated up with a meal or crumbled into a glass of milk.
Soft And Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls are so easy to make and delicious that you may never want to buy the packaged ones, ever again.
Easy Cloud Bread Recipe
These light and fluffy pieces of “bread” are perfect for anyone who is avoiding gluten. And you’d never know it because they taste just as good when buttered or dunked.
Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole
Looking for a classic mac and cheese recipe? This casserole is wonderfully comforting and delicious!
Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
If you like Brussels sprouts, you’ll love these! Roasting them brings out the best flavors you can even imagine.
Easy Creamed Spinach Recipe
When you make this creamed spinach, you won’t have to beg anyone to eat their vegetables. In fact, everyone will probably want seconds!
Easy Roasted Parmesan Carrots Recipe
Bring out the sweetness of carrots by roasting them. Parmesan cheese adds an extra element of deliciousness. This easy recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your recipe file.
Easy Deviled Eggs Recipe
When you want a crowd-pleasing appetizer, make deviled eggs. This is a southern recipe that is guaranteed to have people reaching for more.
Easy Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Make potatoes to bring smiles. Make this loaded baked potato casserole for the applause. Just be sure to make enough for people to load up their plates.
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Whether you’re serving turkey, ham, or with burgers, this creamy coleslaw is the perfect side dish. It literally goes with everything!
Easy Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Add flavor, nutrition, and a delightful crunchy texture to your meal with this yummy broccoli slaw. The contrasting colors will draw people to it, and the wonderful taste will have them returning to get more.
Mamas Easy Potato Salad Recipe
My mama’s potato salad was always the most popular food at any family reunion or potluck we attended. So I still make it and dress it up just like she did.
Pineapple Baked Beans Recipe
Every single bite of these pineapple baked beans is like a tropical vacation in your mouth. You’ll love the perfect balance of sweet, fruity flavor and savory beans.
Best Quick and Easy Balsamic Glazed Zucchini
Add a layer of sophistication to your meal with this balsamic glazed zucchini dish. Your guests don’t have to know how easy it is to make.
Sauteed Spinach and Tomatoes Recipe
Contrasting colors add a festive touch to this delicious spinach and tomatoes dish. Everyone will want more, so be sure to make plenty.
Slow Cooker Marinated Mushrooms
These delicious mushrooms are perfect for adding to other recipes. Or you can set them on the appetizer table and enjoy them all by themselves. They’re absolutely wonderful!
Mini Pumpkin Pies with a Pecan Crust
If you enjoy pumpkin pie but not the crust, make these scrumptious mini pumpkin pies. The nutty crust is gluten-free, and it’s a perfect match for the more traditional pumpkin filling.
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls (No Bake Recipe)
Peanut butter lovers rejoice! These peanut butter balls will bring a smile to your face. You can either enjoy them plain or add a chocolate coating.
Easy Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Here’s another delicious pumpkin dessert that everyone loves! Enjoy it with or without whipped cream. It’s good both ways.
Easy 3 Ingredient Lemon Bars Recipe with Cake Mix
With only 3 essential ingredients, these lemon bars are quick and easy to make. It’s good with either a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon sauce.
Easy Butterscotch Pecan Cookies Recipe
The best way to describe these cookies is “sweet and nutty.” Start out with a cake mix and a few other ingredients. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have what just might wind up being your favorite cookie.
Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Moose Munch Ever
When you need an easy sweet treat that doesn’t require utensils, make this scrumptious moose munch. Anyone who enjoys the mix of chocolate and peanut butter will think you’re a genius.
Easy No-Bake Rum Balls Recipe
These rum balls are perfect for any dessert table or food-themed gift basket. Every single time I make them, everyone requests another round.
Tips for Planning and Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner
I hope that all of the above Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas help with your planning. Hosting the Thanksgiving meal is a great way to bring people together in order to give thanks for all of the blessings.
Here are some tips on how to ensure that the event runs as smoothly as possible:
- Plan ahead by creating a menu and shopping in advance. If you want others to bring a dish to share, give them plenty of notice.
- Start thawing a frozen turkey several days in advance of the big day. The larger the turkey the longer you need to thaw it.
- Do as much prep work in advance to reduce your stress.
- Check with each guest to find out if there are any dietary restrictions and do your best to accommodate them. Offer at least a couple of dishes that everyone can enjoy.
- Serve the meal buffet-style. Label the foods with the most common allergens.
- Coordinate your timing to make sure the hot foods are served hot and the cold foods are cold.
- Don’t forget to relax and enjoy yourself. Remember that this special day is about gratitude, not perfection.