Southern Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes Your Family Will Love

Thanksgiving in the South is more than just a meal; it’s a rich tapestry of flavors, traditions, and family gatherings. Southern Thanksgiving dinner recipes embody warmth and hospitality, featuring hearty main dishes, delectable sides, and mouthwatering desserts that reflect the region’s culinary heritage. This guide will navigate you through the essential components of a Southern Thanksgiving menu, offering classic recipes that evoke nostalgia and celebration.

Essential Equipment for Southern Thanksgiving Cooking

Before diving into the recipes, it’s crucial to ensure you have the right tools to create a memorable Thanksgiving feast. Here’s a list of essential equipment:

• Large roasting pan for turkey
• Cast iron skillet for cornbread and sides
• Heavy-duty mixing bowls
• Meat thermometer for perfectly cooked turkey
• Food processor for quick chopping and mixing
• Whisk and wooden spoons for stirring
• Serving platters and bowls for an inviting presentation

Classic Southern Thanksgiving Main Dishes

The centerpiece of any Southern Thanksgiving dinner is the main dish, often featuring succulent meats that are seasoned and cooked to perfection. Here are some classic recipes:

Southern Roast Turkey

This traditional roast turkey is brined for flavor and moisture, then roasted to golden perfection.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 gallon water
  • Herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

Method:

1. In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and herbs. Bring to a boil, stirring until dissolved. Let cool.
2. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
3. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove turkey from brine, rinse, and pat dry.
4. Rub softened butter all over the turkey and place onion and garlic inside the cavity.
5. Roast for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes: Brining can be done with various herbs or citrus for different flavors. Leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Honey-Glazed Ham

A Southern holiday favorite, this ham is sweet, savory, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
2. In a bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham and place in a roasting pan.
4. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

Notes: This ham can be served warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Traditional Southern Side Dishes

Side dishes are equally important in a Southern Thanksgiving meal, often showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty. Here are some beloved recipes:

Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

This dish is a staple in Southern cooking, with a rich, smoky flavor that complements any main course.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs collard greens, cleaned and chopped
  • 2 smoked ham hocks
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add ham hocks, collard greens, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours until greens are tender.
4. Stir in apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper before serving.

Notes: Collard greens can be frozen for future meals. Adjust vinegar to taste for a tangier flavor.

Southern Cornbread Dressing

This stuffing is a delightful blend of cornbread, vegetables, and spices, perfect for soaking up gravy.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups crumbled cornbread
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet, sauté onion and celery until soft.
2. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, herbs, and broth.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

Notes: This dressing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Add cooked sausage or nuts for extra flavor.

Southern-Style Thanksgiving Breads

Breads are a comforting addition to any Southern Thanksgiving spread, offering a perfect vehicle for gravy and sides. Here are two must-try recipes:

Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy and buttery, these biscuits are a Southern classic, ideal for sopping up gravy.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add buttermilk and stir until just combined.
4. Turn onto a floured surface, knead gently, and roll out to 1-inch thickness. Cut into rounds.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

Notes: For lighter biscuits, handle the dough as little as possible. Freeze unbaked biscuits for quick meals later.

Cornbread

This slightly sweet bread is a staple in Southern cooking, perfect alongside savory dishes.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and sugar.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Notes: Cornbread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Must-Have Southern Thanksgiving Desserts

No Southern Thanksgiving is complete without a selection of desserts that capture the essence of the South. Here are two iconic recipes:

Pecan Pie

This classic Southern dessert is rich, sweet, and filled with toasted pecans, making it a favorite.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 unbaked pie crust
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
2. Stir in chopped pecans and pour into the pie crust.
3. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set.

Notes: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Pecan pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish combines sweet potatoes with a crunchy topping, making it a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving table.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed pecans
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
2. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with crushed pecans and mini marshmallows if desired.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and marshmallows are golden.

Notes: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving.

Common Mistakes To Avoide

Even the most seasoned cooks can encounter challenges during Thanksgiving preparations. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid or fix them:

• Overcooking the Turkey: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C).
• Dry Biscuits: Avoid overworking the dough. Handle it gently and bake immediately after mixing.
• Undercooked Sides: Plan cooking times carefully, and start with the longest-cooking dishes first.
• Too Much Salt in Greens: If collard greens become too salty, add a little sugar or vinegar to balance the flavors.

With these classic Southern Thanksgiving dinner recipes and helpful tips, you can create a memorable holiday feast that celebrates tradition, flavor, and togetherness. Embrace the warmth of Southern hospitality and enjoy a delightful gathering with family and friends.