Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and of course, food! Planning a feast for a big crowd can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for appetizers to start off the meal or hearty sides and desserts to finish things on a sweet note, here are 35 Thanksgiving dish ideas that are sure to leave everyone feeling thankful.
Appetizers to Get the Party Started
Before the main course rolls out, keep your guests satisfied with these delicious and easy-to-make appetizers.
1. Deviled Eggs
These creamy, tangy eggs are a classic and will disappear from the table in no time. Add a little paprika for an extra kick!
2. Honey Butter Biscuits
Soft, fluffy biscuits brushed with sweet honey butter—perfect for nibbling while everyone waits for the turkey to finish.
3. Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken skewers seasoned to perfection and grilled or baked. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
4. Hush Puppies
Golden, crispy fried cornmeal balls with a tender inside—these hush puppies are a Southern favorite.
5. Salmon Croquettes
Lightly fried salmon patties made with onions, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Serve with a dipping sauce for a seafood twist.
6. Crab Cakes
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these crab cakes are packed with fresh crab meat and flavor.
7. Spinach Dip
A warm, creamy spinach dip made with cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan. Serve with chips or toasted bread for dipping.
8. Fried or Sauced Chicken Wings
Whether you like them crispy and plain or smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce, fried chicken wings are a crowd favorite.
9. Meatballs
Tender meatballs simmered in a rich sauce—these are great as an appetizer and are easy to make in large batches.
10. Pigs in a Blanket
Mini sausages wrapped in flaky crescent dough and baked to perfection. These are always a hit with both kids and adults!
Main Courses
When it’s time to bring out the main dishes, these hearty and flavorful options will be the stars of your Thanksgiving feast.
11. Oven Roasted Turkey
The traditional centerpiece of any Thanksgiving table. Season your turkey with herbs, butter, and garlic, and roast it until it’s golden brown and juicy.
12. Turkey Wings
For those who prefer the wings over the whole bird, smothered roasted turkey wings are a flavorful and tender alternative.
13. Fried Turkey
Want something different? A deep-fried turkey is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—just be careful when frying!
14. Honey-Glazed Ham
A sweet and savory ham coated in pineapples, honey, and brown sugar, baked until it’s perfectly caramelized.
15. Whole Roasted Chicken
Not a fan of turkey? A whole roasted chicken seasoned with garlic and herbs with lemon and rosemary is a delicious alternative for your feast.
16. BBQ Ribs
Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in BBQ sauce bring that smoky, Southern flavor to the table.
17. Oxtail Stew
Rich, slow-cooked oxtails in a savory gravy with carrots, onions, and garlic—this dish is full of flavor and comfort.
Sides That Steal the Show
The side dishes are just as important as the main event. Here are some soul-warming sides that will have your guests coming back for more.
18. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and baked to a golden brown and topped with breadcrumbs—no Thanksgiving meal is complete without this beloved dish.
19. Macaroni Salad
A cold, creamy pasta salad made with tuna, mayo, celery, onions, bell peppers and boiled eggs. It’s the perfect complement to heavier dishes.
20. Potato Salad
Made with mayo, mustard, relish, and boiled eggs, this potato salad is a family favorite at any gathering.
21. Cornbread Dressing (Stuffing)
A Southern-style stuffing made with crumbled chicken, cornbread, celery, onions, and sage—savory and delicious.
22. Candied Yams
Sweet potatoes baked in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until caramelized and topped with melted marshmallows. A sweet and comforting side dish.
23. Collard Greens
Slow-cooked collard greens with smoked turkey or ham, seasoned to perfection—soul food at its finest.
24. Fried Cabbage
Cabbage sautéed with onions, bacon, sausages and a touch of seasoning, making it a flavorful side dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.
25. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Fluffy rice served with a savory gravy made from turkey drippings. Simple but oh-so satisfying.
26. Red Rice and Sausage
A flavorful, one-pot dish made with red rice, smoked sausage, bell peppers, and spices.
27. Rice and Beans
A hearty side made with seasoned rice and tender beans. This dish is filling and pairs perfectly with almost any main course.
Desserts to End on a Sweet Note
Finish the feast with these delicious desserts that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds)!
28. Pumpkin Pie
A creamy, spiced pumpkin pie is a must-have for Thanksgiving. Serve with whipped cream for the ultimate dessert.
29. Sweet Potato Pie
A Southern classic made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and warm spices—perfect for those who prefer sweet potatoes over pumpkin.
30. Peach Cobbler
Sweet, syrupy peaches baked under a fluffy, golden biscuit topping. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a real treat.
31. Banana Pudding
Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, bananas, and Nilla wafers, topped with whipped cream. This dessert is always a crowd-pleaser!
32. Pound Cake
A rich, buttery cake with a dense texture that melts in your mouth. Flavor it with vanilla, lemon, or even a touch of rum.
33. Red Velvet Cake
This moist, red-tinted cake with cream cheese frosting is a showstopper on any dessert table.
34. Carrot Cake
A spiced cake loaded with grated carrots and walnuts, topped with creamy frosting—both comforting and delicious.
35. Lemon Meringue Pie
A tart lemon filling topped with fluffy, golden meringue—this pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or are a seasoned pro, these 35 dishes will help you create a feast that’s full of flavor and love. From appetizers to desserts, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Have fun cooking, and don’t forget to make extra—you know everyone will be wanting leftovers!
