Thanksgiving in the South is a celebration steeped in tradition, family, and a deep love for comfort food. The table groans under the weight of dishes that tell stories of heritage, community, and the land. From creamy casseroles to buttery cornbread, these recipes are the heart of a Southern Thanksgiving, passed down through generations and perfected in countless kitchens. Here’s a 2,500-word dive into 25 iconic dishes that define a Southern Thanksgiving spread, complete with their cultural significance and preparation details.
1. Roasted Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing
The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving table, the Southern turkey is often brined in sweet tea or buttermilk for tenderness and flavor. Stuffed with cornbread dressing (never “stuffing” in the South), it’s seasoned with sage, onion, and celery. The cornbread base adds a slightly sweet, crumbly texture that soaks up the turkey’s juices.
Preparation Tip: Bake the cornbread a day ahead, crumble it, and mix with sautéed onions, celery, sage, and chicken broth. Stuff the turkey loosely or bake the dressing separately for a crispy top.
2. Cornbread Dressing
A standalone dish in its own right, cornbread dressing is a must. Unlike Northern stuffing, it’s made with cornbread, not white bread, and baked in a casserole dish until golden. Some families add sausage or oysters for a coastal twist.
Preparation Tip: Use day-old cornbread for texture. Mix with eggs, broth, and seasonings, and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
3. Giblet Gravy
No Southern Thanksgiving is complete without giblet gravy, made from the turkey’s neck, liver, and gizzards. It’s rich, savory, and often spiked with a splash of sherry or cream for depth.
Preparation Tip: Simmer giblets with onion and bay leaf to make a stock, then thicken with a roux and stir in chopped giblets.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
This dish is practically dessert, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel or gooey marshmallows. The sweet potatoes are mashed with butter, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon.
Preparation Tip: Boil or bake sweet potatoes until tender, mash with butter and sugar, and top with a mix of pecans, brown sugar, and flour before baking.
5. Collard Greens
Slow-cooked with ham hocks or smoked turkey, collard greens are a soulful staple. A dash of apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness, and potlikker (the cooking liquid) is often sipped or sopped up with cornbread.
Preparation Tip: Wash greens thoroughly, simmer with meat and seasonings for 1-2 hours, and serve with hot sauce.
6. Macaroni and Cheese
Southern mac and cheese is baked, custardy, and loaded with sharp cheddar. It’s a side dish that often steals the show, with a golden breadcrumb topping for crunch.
Preparation Tip: Cook pasta al dente, mix with a cheese sauce made from a béchamel base, and bake until bubbly.
7. Green Bean Casserole
This retro classic gets a Southern twist with homemade cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. Some add bacon or almonds for extra flair.
Preparation Tip: Blanch green beans, mix with a creamy mushroom sauce, top with fried onions, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
8. Cranberry Sauce with Jalapeño
While canned cranberry sauce has its place, Southern tables often feature a zesty homemade version with jalapeño for a kick. The spice balances the tart-sweet cranberries.
Preparation Tip: Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, orange zest, and diced jalapeño until thickened.
9. Deviled Eggs
A Southern appetizer staple, deviled eggs are creamy, tangy, and often spiked with pickle relish or hot sauce. They’re a crowd-pleaser before the main event.
Preparation Tip: Hard-boil eggs, mix yolks with mayo, mustard, and relish, then pipe into whites. Garnish with paprika.
10. Buttermilk Biscuits
Fluffy, flaky buttermilk biscuits are a must for sopping up gravy or spreading with butter. They’re made with cold butter and buttermilk for tenderness.
Preparation Tip: Cut cold butter into flour, add buttermilk, and fold gently to create layers. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.
11. Pecan Pie
This gooey, nutty dessert is a Southern icon. The filling, made with eggs, corn syrup, and pecans, bakes into a caramel-like custard.
Preparation Tip: Use a store-bought or homemade pie crust, fill with a mixture of eggs, sugar, and pecans, and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
12. Sweet Tea
The “house wine of the South,” sweet tea is a refreshing staple. It’s brewed strong and sweetened while hot for maximum flavor.
Preparation Tip: Steep black tea bags in boiling water, add sugar to dissolve, and chill before serving over ice.
13. Fried Okra
Crispy fried okra is a crunchy side that’s often dredged in cornmeal for texture. It’s a Southern vegetable dish with universal appeal.
Preparation Tip: Slice okra, coat in a cornmeal-flour mix, and fry in hot oil until golden.
14. Squash Casserole
Yellow squash or zucchini is baked with cheese, cream, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s a comforting dish that highlights summer’s bounty.
Preparation Tip: Sauté squash with onions, mix with cheese and cream, top with crushed crackers, and bake at 350°F.
15. Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
While turkey is king, many Southern tables feature a glazed ham as a second protein. The glaze, often made with brown sugar and mustard, caramelizes beautifully.
Preparation Tip: Score a pre-cooked ham, brush with a glaze of brown sugar, mustard, and cola, and bake until sticky.
16. Corn Pudding
This creamy, slightly sweet dish is like a cross between cornbread and custard. It’s made with fresh or canned corn and baked until set.
Preparation Tip: Mix corn with eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar, then bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
17. Redeye Gravy
Made from pan drippings of country ham and black coffee, redeye gravy is a bold, smoky sauce served over biscuits or grits.
Preparation Tip: Deglaze ham drippings with strong coffee, simmer briefly, and serve hot.
18. Mashed Potatoes with White Gravy
Creamy mashed potatoes are paired with a peppery white gravy made from sausage drippings. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Preparation Tip: Boil potatoes until tender, mash with butter and cream, and serve with a roux-based sausage gravy.
19. Ambrosia Salad
This retro fruit salad combines pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, and marshmallows in a creamy dressing. It’s a sweet, nostalgic side.
Preparation Tip: Mix canned or fresh fruit with sour cream or whipped topping and chill before serving.
20. Hoppin’ John
A Lowcountry dish of black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon, Hoppin’ John is said to bring good luck. It’s often served with greens.
Preparation Tip: Cook peas with bacon, onion, and spices, then mix with cooked rice and simmer.
21. Chess Pie
This simple custard pie, made with eggs, sugar, and butter, has a crackly top and a rich, sweet filling. Vinegar or lemon juice adds a slight tang.
Preparation Tip: Whisk eggs, sugar, butter, and vinegar, pour into a pie crust, and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
22. Candied Yams
Distinct from sweet potato casserole, candied yams are sliced and baked in a syrupy glaze of butter, brown sugar, and spices.
Preparation Tip: Slice yams, layer in a dish with a butter-sugar syrup, and bake until tender and caramelized.
23. Creamed Corn
Fresh or canned corn is simmered with cream, butter, and a touch of flour for a rich, velvety side dish.
Preparation Tip: Cook corn with butter and cream, thicken with a slurry of flour and water, and season to taste.
24. Pimento Cheese
This spreadable “Southern pâté” is served as an appetizer with crackers or celery. It’s made with sharp cheddar, pimentos, and mayo.
Preparation Tip: Grate cheddar, mix with diced pimentos, mayo, and a pinch of cayenne, then chill.
25. Banana Pudding
This layered dessert of vanilla wafers, custard, bananas, and whipped cream or meringue is a Southern classic that screams comfort.
Preparation Tip: Layer wafers and sliced bananas with homemade vanilla custard, top with whipped cream, and chill.
Cultural Significance
These dishes reflect the South’s agricultural roots, resourcefulness, and love for bold flavors. Corn, sweet potatoes, and greens tie to the land, while dishes like Hoppin’ John and collards carry African American influences from the Lowcountry. Pecan pie and sweet tea nod to the region’s sweet tooth, and retro dishes like ambrosia salad evoke mid-century gatherings. Each recipe tells a story of family, community, and resilience.
Tips for a Southern Thanksgiving
- Plan Ahead: Many dishes, like cornbread dressing and pies, can be prepped a day in advance.
- Balance Flavors: Pair rich dishes (mac and cheese, sweet potato casserole) with tangy ones (collards, cranberry sauce).
- Involve Family: Assign dishes to relatives to share the load and honor traditions.
- Use Local Ingredients: Fresh pecans, sweet potatoes, and greens from local markets elevate the meal.
Conclusion
A Southern Thanksgiving table is a tapestry of flavors, textures, and stories. These 25 recipes—from cornbread dressing to banana pudding—capture the warmth and hospitality of the South. Whether you’re a born-and-bred Southerner or just visiting, these dishes will make your holiday unforgettable. So grab a plate, pour some sweet tea, and dig into the soul of Southern cuisine.
