Thanksgiving on the Grill: Smoked Turkey, Southern Sides & Sweet Endings
Take your Thanksgiving feast outdoors with these smoky, southern favorites! From smoked turkey and honey ham to sweet potato casseroles, cornbread dressing, and decadent pies, this “Thanksgiving on the Grill” round-up has everything you need for a holiday packed with flavor.
There’s something special about Thanksgiving when the grill plays a starring role. The smoky aroma, the sizzle of meat over open flame, the warmth of sides rich with butter, spice, and tradition …
A Little Thanksgiving Nostalgia
If you happen to be a fan of the TV show Friends, you already know that Joey Tribbiani understood Thanksgiving strategy: when the meal is big enough, you need Thanksgiving pants. 😂 With smoked turkey, Southern sides, casseroles, and desserts on the menu, we suggest something with an elastic waistband—and absolutely no judgment about going back for seconds.
This year, Backyard Texas Grill is bringing you a full menu built for grill-loving gatherings: tantalizing appetizers, juicy smoked turkey and honey ham, southern classics like cornbread dressing and cheesy corn casserole, sweet potato casseroles (two ways!), apples sautéed in cinnamon, and desserts that end the meal in style.
Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking! This is going to be the best Thanksgiving ever! Oh, and don't forget to wear your Thanksgiving pants!
Appetizers to Kick Things Off
Deviled Eggs
No Southern Thanksgiving gathering is complete without a platter of classic deviled eggs! These Southern Deviled Eggs are creamy, tangy, and full of old-fashioned flavor, just like the ones Grandma used to bring to every family gathering. They're the perfect little appetizer to keep everyone happy while the turkey's cooking and the rest of the Thanksgiving feast comes together.
Smoked Candied Bacon
If there's one thing we Texans know how to do, it's take bacon to a whole new level! Our Smoked Candied Bacon combines smoky, salty goodness with a sweet, caramelized coating that's downright irresistible. Set out a platter for your Thanksgiving guests to nibble on before the big feast, but don't expect it to last long—this is the kind of appetizer that disappears before everyone even makes it to the table!
Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey Drizzle
If you want to get your Texas Thanksgiving gathering off to a delicious start, this Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey Drizzle is just the ticket! Slowly smoked until warm and creamy with a beautiful smoky flavor, then finished with a generous drizzle of golden honey, it's the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky. Serve it with your favorite crackers and watch your guests gather around for just one more bite before the turkey even makes its grand entrance!
Savory Southern Corn Dip
Nothing says Southern hospitality quite like a big bowl of homemade corn dip, and this Savory Southern Corn Dip is sure to be a hit at your Texas Thanksgiving gathering! Loaded with sweet corn and plenty of savory flavor, it's a crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings a little down-home goodness to the holiday spread. Set it out with a big bowl of tortilla chips and watch everyone dig in while the turkey's finishing up on the smoker!
Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon and Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly
Want to bring a little sweet heat to your Texas Thanksgiving appetizer table? This Smoked Cream Cheese with Bacon and Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly combines rich, smoky cream cheese with savory bacon and a sweet-and-spicy cranberry topping that's just right for the holidays. It's a festive twist on a Southern favorite, and served with crackers, it's the kind of appetizer that'll have everyone coming back for another bite before Thanksgiving dinner even begins!
The Main Event: Meats
The Perfect Smoked Turkey on the Grill
Nothing says Texas Thanksgiving quite like a beautifully smoked turkey fresh off the grill! Our Perfect Smoked Turkey on the Grill is tender, juicy, and infused with that irresistible wood-smoked flavor that takes a traditional holiday centerpiece to a whole new level. With its gorgeous golden skin and mouthwatering smoky goodness, this bird just might steal the show—and have everyone wondering why they ever cooked a Thanksgiving turkey in the oven!
The Ultimate Guide to Smoking a Turkey
Thinking about smoking your Thanksgiving turkey this year but aren't sure where to start? Our Ultimate Guide to Smoking a Turkey walks you through everything you need to know to create a juicy, flavorful bird with that unmistakable Texas barbecue goodness. From choosing the right wood to getting the temperature and timing just right, this guide will help you serve up a Thanksgiving turkey that'll have the whole family talking long after the leftovers are gone!
Smoked Drunken Chicken
Juicy, tender, and infused with flavor from the inside out, this beer-can style chicken is a showstopper on the grill. The steam keeps the meat moist while the smoke adds that irresistible backyard flavor. It’s the perfect alternative (or addition!) to turkey for your holiday feast, and a great way to serve a smaller crowd.
The Perfect Smoked Honey Ham
Move over, turkey! There's another star of the show at our Texas Thanksgiving table, and it's this mouthwatering Smoked Honey Ham! Slowly smoked to perfection and finished with a sweet, sticky honey glaze, this holiday favorite delivers that irresistible combination of smoky, savory, and sweet in every bite. It's a wonderful second meat option for a big Southern gathering, and don't be surprised if your guests have a hard time deciding between the ham and the turkey!
Southern Sides
Perfect Texas Dinner Rolls Two Ways
What's a Southern Thanksgiving feast without a basket of warm, homemade dinner rolls? Our Perfect Texas Dinner Rolls Two Ways bring that irresistible fresh-from-the-oven goodness to your holiday table, with two delicious options to please the whole family. Soft, fluffy, and perfect for slathering with butter or soaking up every last drop of turkey gravy, these rolls are the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that makes Thanksgiving dinner feel complete!
Jalapeño Cheddar Bread
Want to bring a little Texas heat to your Thanksgiving table? These Jalapeño Cheddar Bread Rolls are a delicious change of pace from traditional holiday rolls! With savory cheddar cheese and the unmistakable flavor of jalapeños, they're a wonderful companion to smoked turkey, holiday ham, or a big bowl of Southern-style dressing. Serve them warm with a little butter, and don't be surprised if folks reach for a second rolle. What a fun way to give your Thanksgiving bread basket a little Lone Star State personality!
Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad
Every Southern Thanksgiving table needs something bright and refreshing to balance out all those rich, hearty dishes, and our Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad is just the ticket! The sweet, juicy mandarin oranges pair beautifully with tart cranberries, bringing a burst of festive color and flavor to your holiday spread. It's a delicious change of pace between bites of smoky turkey, creamy potatoes, and buttery dressing—and a beautiful addition to any Texas Thanksgiving feast!
Rustic Mashed Potatoes
There's nothing quite like a big bowl of homemade mashed potatoes at a Southern Thanksgiving feast, and our Rustic Mashed Potatoes bring all that old-fashioned comfort straight to the table! Made with the skins left on for extra texture and down-home goodness, these buttery, creamy potatoes are hearty enough to stand up to a true Texas holiday spread. Pile them high on your plate, make a little well in the middle, and pour on that rich turkey gravy—because Thanksgiving just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes!
Old-Fashioned Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
There's something about a bubbling dish of homemade scalloped potatoes that just belongs on a Southern Thanksgiving table! Tender slices of russet potatoes are tucked into a rich, buttery cream sauce and baked until perfectly soft with a beautiful golden top. These old-fashioned scalloped potatoes are a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs beautifully with holiday turkey, ham, or smoked meats.
Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon
If your family believes there's no such thing as too much cheese or bacon, these Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon deserve a spot on your Thanksgiving table! Tender potatoes are smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with savory bits of bacon throughout. It's the kind of hearty, comforting Southern side dish that has everyone coming back for another spoonful. Perfect alongside roasted turkey, holiday ham, or smoked brisket!
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
No Southern Thanksgiving table is complete without a big, bubbling dish of Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese! Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, this down-home favorite bakes up with a beautifully golden top that makes it downright irresistible. Whether you're serving smoked turkey, honey-glazed ham, or a little of both, this comforting classic is guaranteed to have everyone reaching for a generous helping—and maybe sneaking back for seconds!
Sweet Potato Casserole (Two Ways)
What's Thanksgiving in Texas without a big dish of sweet potato casserole on the table? Our Sweet Potato Casserole Two Ways gives you two delicious ways to serve this beloved Southern holiday favorite, so you can choose the version your family loves best—or make both! With its comforting sweetness and old-fashioned holiday flavor, this is one of those Thanksgiving side dishes that tastes almost like dessert and always has folks coming back for seconds.
Easy Ranch Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Looking for a savory alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole? These Easy Ranch Roasted Sweet Potatoes are seasoned with ranch flavor and roasted until tender with deliciously golden edges. They're a simple, colorful addition to the Thanksgiving table and a welcome change from all those sugary holiday sides. Best of all, they're easy to prepare without taking up much of your holiday cooking time!
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
Bring a little sweetness to your Texas Thanksgiving table with these beautiful Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots! Tender carrots are coated in a buttery glaze made with brown sugar and honey, creating that perfect balance of sweet and savory that pairs beautifully with smoked turkey, holiday ham, and all your favorite Southern sides. With their gorgeous color and irresistible flavor, these carrots might just convince even the pickiest vegetable eaters to come back for seconds!
Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing
You simply can't have a proper Southern Thanksgiving without a big pan of homemade cornbread dressing! Our Southern Cornbread Dressing brings all those comforting, old-fashioned flavors to the holiday table, with tender, savory cornbread baked to golden perfection. Spoon it onto your plate alongside smoky Texas turkey, add a generous ladle of gravy, and you've got the kind of Thanksgiving goodness that brings back memories of Grandma's kitchen and family gatherings around the table!
Traditional Green Bean Casserole
Some Thanksgiving traditions are simply too good to change, and Traditional Green Bean Casserole is one of them! Tender green beans nestled in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with those irresistible crispy fried onions make this old-fashioned favorite a must-have on any Southern holiday table. It's the kind of comforting side dish that brings back memories of Thanksgiving at Grandma's house, and it pairs perfectly with smoky Texas turkey, honey-glazed ham, and a generous helping of cornbread dressing!
Honey Cornbread on the Smoker
Sweet cornbread kissed with smoke, baked on the smoker and infused with honey—it’s golden, moist, and full of Southern charm. Perfectly pairs with turkey, ham or your cheesy sides to soak up every bit of flavor.
Slow Cooker Honey Cream Corn
When Thanksgiving oven space is at a premium, our Slow Cooker Honey Cream Corn comes to the rescue! Sweet corn simmers in a rich, creamy sauce with a touch of honey, creating a comforting Southern side dish that pairs beautifully with smoked turkey, holiday ham, and all the fixings. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you more time to enjoy family and friends while this sweet and savory favorite practically makes itself!
Cheesy Corn Casserole
If there's one thing we Texans love, it's a good cheesy casserole, and this Cheesy Corn Casserole deserves a place at your Thanksgiving table! Sweet corn and rich, cheesy goodness come together in a warm, comforting side dish that's right at home alongside smoked turkey, honey-glazed ham, and Grandma's cornbread dressing. It's the kind of Southern comfort food that has everyone reaching for another spoonful, even when their plates are already piled high with holiday favorites!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Skillet
Who says Thanksgiving sides have to be traditional? Here in Texas, we love adding a little Tex-Mex flair to our holiday tables, and this Easy Mexican Street Corn Skillet is a delicious way to do just that! Sweet corn is tossed in a rich, creamy, flavorful sauce with just the right amount of seasoning and a sprinkling of cheese. It's a fun alternative to traditional creamed corn, bringing a little extra personality to the Thanksgiving spread. Best of all, it's made on the stovetop, leaving that precious oven space free for the turkey, dressing, and casseroles!
Sautéed Cinnamon Apples (Perfect with Pork!)
Bring a little old-fashioned Southern sweetness to your Texas Thanksgiving table with these irresistible Sautéed Cinnamon Apples! Tender apple slices are cooked in a buttery cinnamon sauce until they're warm, fragrant, and perfectly delicious. Serve them alongside smoked ham or turkey for a sweet contrast to all those savory holiday dishes, or spoon them over a warm dinner roll for an extra-special treat. They're the kind of simple, comforting goodness that reminds everyone of Grandma's kitchen!
Sweet Finishes
Old-Fashioned Cast Iron Pumpkin Pie
Nothing says Texas Thanksgiving quite like a homemade pumpkin pie baked in a trusty cast-iron skillet! Our Cast-Iron Pumpkin Pie brings all those warm, cozy fall flavors together in a rich, creamy filling surrounded by a beautifully golden crust. It's a rustic Southern twist on a beloved holiday classic, perfect for serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream after a big Thanksgiving feast. And there's just something extra special about bringing that cast-iron skillet straight to the holiday table!
Texas Sheetcake Skillet Brownies
Who says Thanksgiving dessert has to be all about pies? Our Texas Sheet Cake Skillet Brownies bring a big helping of Lone Star State chocolate goodness to the holiday table! Rich, fudgy, and packed with that irresistible old-fashioned Texas sheet cake flavor, these skillet brownies are perfect for chocolate lovers who want something a little different after the turkey and dressing. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and don't be surprised if they give the pumpkin pie a run for its money!
Easy Southern Hummingbird Cake
This easy Southern hummingbird cake starts with a white cake mix and is baked in a cast-iron skillet with bananas, pineapple, coconut, pecans, warm spices, and cream cheese frosting.
No Bake Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie
After a big Texas Thanksgiving feast, who wouldn't love a cool, creamy slice of No-Bake Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie? This delightful holiday dessert combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice with a rich, velvety cream cheese filling for a delicious twist on traditional pumpkin pie. Best of all, there's no oven required, so you can make it ahead of time and save that precious oven space for the turkey, dressing, and all those wonderful Southern side dishes!
Texas Trash Pie
Texas Trash Pie is a sweet-and-salty Texas dessert loaded with chocolate, pecans, coconut, pretzels, and caramel. Bake it in the oven or smoker for an unforgettable pie that's perfect for cookouts, potlucks, church suppers, and family gatherings.
Spiced Apple Dump Cake (Grill-Baked in Cast Iron)
Warm, spiced apples meet buttery cake mix in this easy dump cake baked right on the grill in a cast iron skillet. It’s simple, rustic, and full of cozy fall flavor—perfect for rounding out your Thanksgiving feast.
Pumpkin Spice Skillet Cake
Nothing brings a little Texas charm to the Thanksgiving dessert table quite like a homemade Pumpkin Spice Skillet Cake! Baked in a trusty cast-iron skillet and filled with those warm, comforting fall spices we all love, this cake is a delicious alternative to traditional holiday pies. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch your guests come back for another slice of this cozy Southern favorite!
Fudgy Pecan Pie
A rich, chocolate twist on a holiday classic—perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Sweet Potato Pie Dump Cake
Easy to make and full of cozy fall flavors, this dump cake is both rustic and indulgent.
Pumpkin Pie (Two Ways)
From our friends at Out of the Box Baking, a delicious Thanksgiving pie you can't resist!
Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Cinnamon Glaze
Spiced, soft, and topped with a sweet glaze—ideal for nibbling all holiday long.
Old-Fashioned Cowboy Cookies
Hearty, chewy cookies loaded with oats, chocolate, and nuts—perfect for rounding out the meal with a touch of nostalgia.
Tips for a Successful Grill Thanksgiving
- Brine your turkey at least 10 hours ahead for juicy meat.
- Use your grill for meats and maybe one side, then free your oven for casseroles and desserts.
- Prep sides a day in advance so you can focus on the grill.
- Invest in a good meat thermometer—nothing ruins Thanksgiving faster than under- or over-cooked turkey.
- Follow this link for more Fall Comfort Foods!
Make Thanksgiving a Little Easier!
While the turkey might be the star of the show, those delicious Southern side dishes deserve some attention, too! If you're hoping to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family this year, check out my A More Relaxed Thanksgiving: 12 Make-Ahead Southern Side Dishes. You'll find everything from creamy casseroles and homemade dressing to dinner rolls and sweet potatoes, along with practical tips for preparing, storing, and transporting your holiday favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The smoker handles the turkey and ham beautifully, and most sides can be prepped the day before or cooked in the oven while the grill does the heavy lifting. A little planning goes a long way.
Plan on roughly 30 minutes per pound at 225°F–250°F. A 14-pound turkey typically takes 6–7 hours. Always pull by internal temp (165°F in the thickest part of the thigh), not time.
It's highly recommended. An overnight brine (at least 10–12 hours) keeps the meat juicy during the long cook and adds flavor all the way through. Don't skip it!
Apple and cherry are crowd favorites — mild, slightly sweet smoke that won't overpower the turkey. Pecan is another great option for a nuttier flavor.
You can if your grill has the capacity! The ham is already cooked, so it just needs to come up to temperature and absorb smoke — about 2–3 hours. Start the turkey first and add the ham later.
Most casseroles (sweet potato, cheesy corn, green bean) can be assembled the day before and refrigerated, then baked day-of. That frees you up to focus on the grill.
A reliable instant-read meat thermometer. It's the difference between a perfectly smoked turkey and a Thanksgiving disaster.
Free Download!
Planning Thanksgiving on the grill? Grab your FREE Holiday Menu Planner! It’s packed with links to smoked turkey, Southern sides, and sweet endings. Just click and download your copy instantly!
Thanks for Stopping By!
...and we hope your Thanksgiving is grill-licious!
Whether you stick to tradition or try a new smoky twist, this collection of recipes will help you host a Thanksgiving your guests will never forget. Pick your favorites, fire up the grill, and enjoy a holiday filled with good food and even better company.
👉 Don’t forget to share your grill-Thanksgiving photos with us! And if you want more tips, recipes, and Texas-style cooking inspiration, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
For more holiday-ready comfort classics, visit our full Texas comfort food guide.
Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?
About the Pit Master
Zach Morrow is the Texas pit master behind Backyard Texas Grill. Known for his smoky meats and southern sides, Zach brings extra flair to the holidays.
From juicy smoked turkey to honey-glazed ham and all the fixin’s, he believes Thanksgiving tastes best when it comes off the grill.
