Southern-Style Thanksgiving Dinner
This Thanksgiving, take a cue from your neighbors to the South with these home-style Turkey Day recipes full of soul and bursting with rich flavor. Mix-and-match appetizers, sides, and desserts for the perfect Southern holiday menu.
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Courtesy of Southern chef extraordinaire Scott Peacock, this classic roast turkey recipe will wow your guests. His signature bird features roasted citrus fruits and veggies. But, the secret to this recipe is a flavor-enhancing 24-hour kosher salt brine.
In Cajun country, turkey prep happens just as often in the deep fryer as it does in the oven. Once you taste this juicy, cayenne-spiced recipe, you'll see why. Plus, by freeing up the oven you'll have plenty of room for more pies.
Want to add more flavor to your turkey this year? Try the injection method, which has grown in popularity around the South. Whether you're infusing your bird with extra spice or this sweet honey-herb blend, you won't be disappointed.
No matter if you pour it over biscuits, potatoes, or rice, gravy is essential to any traditional Southern Thanksgiving feast. This simple pan gravy can be prepared in minutes.
Give your gravy extra flair by adding in your favorite herbs and spices. This thick, Southern-style sauce features rosemary, thyme, and sage.
This down-home spicy party mix makes a perfect, no-fuss hors d'oeuvre. Set it out in bowls as guests arrive. They'll be so busy snacking, they won't notice when you sneak away to check on the turkey.
A twist on the deviled Southern favorite, these slathered eggs make a big statement whether they're passed around before dinner or served alongside the turkey.
Bring a smile to your guests' faces with these warm and fluffy biscuits. Make them in true Southern style, with buttermilk and lard instead of butter.
Crusty golden cornbread adds instant Southern charm to any Thanksgiving table. This recipe, flavored with sharp shredded cheddar cheese, tastes delicious with a smear of cranberry sauce.
Crisply sweet and sour, this updated gelatin salad features celery, cucumber, and green onions. It pairs beautifully with the richness of other traditional Southern favorites.
With its sparkling champagne dressing and juicy kumquats, this salad evokes the mimosa -- a Southern brunch favorite.
Drowned in peppered bacon drippings and cream, these rich Brussels sprouts will win over even your non-veggie-loving guests.
These bold-flavored collard greens are a Southern staple. Whipping cream, onion, and garlic make this easy-prep side dish sing.
Infuse rich garlic flavor into this traditional side dish by sprinkling the garlic with a pinch of salt before chopping. The salt will soak up the garlic flavor and transfer it to the beans.
No Southern Thanksgiving potluck is complete without at least one green bean casserole. This classic version is topped with dried breadcrumbs and diced pimento.
Your guests will love this dressed-up butternut squash casserole featuring rich créme fraiche and a layer of spinach. Cut predinner stress by prepping this dish ahead of time.
Jazz up your corn dish this year by preparing it in true South Louisiana style. This maque choux recipe gives corn an extra kick with the addition of onion, tomato, and sweet pepper.
Loaded with fresh cranberries, this crisp salad gets a Southern twist with a sprinkling of toasted pecans.
The brilliance of this holiday relish lies not only in the fact that it's ready in 15 minutes, but that it combines a handful of delicious flavors such as cinnamon, currants, toasted almonds, and orange peel.
On some Southern Thanksgiving tables, dressing takes the place of stuffing. Loaded with sweet potatoes, pecans, and greens, this recipe doesn't leave anything out.
In the true spirit of Southern hospitality, this stuffing recipe can be completely customized to your guests' tastes. Start with breadcrumbs flavored with celery and onion, and then mix in whatever you think will strike their fancy.
This sweet casserole comes out of the oven warm and bubbly. Vanilla, brown sugar, and chopped pecans make it irresistible.
Whipped Yukon Gold potatoes get even richer with the addition of buttermilk. Top with salt, pepper, and chives for the perfect balance of flavor.
Part side dish, part dessert, this mashed sweet potato medley showcases maple syrup, nutmeg, and tiny marshmallows.
If raisins, nutmeg, and cinnamon aren't enough to make this pie extra special, add a splash of bourbon for a true Southern specialty.
South of the Mason-Dixon line, bread pudding reigns supreme on any dessert menu. This version gets the full Thanksgiving treatment with a pound of pumpkin and crumbled roasted chestnuts.
These supercute cakes can be made ahead of time for a no-fuss dessert. Topped with cream cheese frosting and filled with sweet potato goodness, they make the perfect sweet ending to any Thanksgiving celebration.
Pumpkin pie never tasted so good. Crusted with pecans and filled with brown sugar and spice, this deep-dish pie is sure to be a hit.
Smooth and silky, this old-fashioned Southern dessert pairs well with a topping of navel oranges. Buttermilk gives the pudding a subtle tang.
Pralines can be difficult to perfect, but our holiday pie makes it easy to incorporate all the flavors of this country confection without the fuss. Top with whipped cream and hot fudge for extra decadence.
