Southern Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving in the South is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of love, family, and soul-warming comfort food. From buttery cornbread dressing to creamy mac and cheese, golden-fried turkey, and sweet potato pie, every dish tells a story of tradition and togetherness.

If you’ve ever dreamed of serving a Thanksgiving spread that feels like home—warm, hearty, and full of flavor—this Southern-inspired menu is your answer. These recipes are beginner-friendly, made with pantry staples, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with a smile.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a simple Southern-inspired menu to get you started:

For Southern Cornbread Dressing:

• 6 cups crumbled cornbread (day-old works best)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For Baked Mac & Cheese:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For Sweet Potato Pie:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 unbaked pie crust

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Cornbread Dressing
   • Sauté onion and celery in melted butter until tender.
   • In a large bowl, combine cornbread, sautéed veggies, broth, eggs, and seasonings.
   • Pour into a greased casserole dish and bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
2. Baked Mac & Cheese
   • Cook pasta until al dente; drain.
   • In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and slowly add milk. Cook until slightly thick.
   • Stir in cheese until smooth. Combine with pasta and season.
   • Pour into a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
3. Sweet Potato Pie
   • Beat together sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
   • Pour mixture into pie crust.
   • Bake at 350°F for 50–55 minutes until set. Cool before slicing.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Both dressing and pie can be made the day before and reheated before serving.
• Thicker Sauce: For richer mac and cheese, stir in a little cream cheese or heavy cream.
• Perfect Pie Texture: Don’t overbake—pie should jiggle slightly in the center when removed.

Recipe Variations

• Protein Swap: Instead of turkey, serve fried chicken for a Southern twist.
• Lighter Option: Use reduced-fat milk and cheese in mac & cheese.
• Sweet Upgrade: Top sweet potato pie with toasted marshmallows or pecans.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with collard greens or green beans for balance.
• Add homemade cranberry sauce or gravy for extra Southern flair.
• Don’t forget fluffy biscuits or dinner rolls to soak up all the flavors.

Conclusion

This Southern Thanksgiving menu is the heart of cozy holiday cooking—warm, soulful, and made for gathering loved ones around the table. With just a few pantry staples and easy steps, you can bring the comfort of the South to your Thanksgiving feast. Serve it hot, share it with love, and make this holiday one to remember.