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Home » Thanksgiving

Southern Thanksgiving Recipes

Published: Nov 15, 2022 · Modified: Sep 20, 2024 by Melanie Cagle · Leave a Comment

More than 50 Old Fashioned Southern Thanksgiving Recipes for your eyes to pour over. Southern Thanksgiving tables everywhere will be heavily stocked with many of these dishes.

A collage of four images showing southern thanksgiving recipes.
Southern Thanksgiving Recipes

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With classic southern sides and different flavors there's some of grandma's recipes in here too, naturally.

Thanksgiving is time for a bit of southern flair and extra effort. Great food, southern recipes and lots of belly-rubbing for the football game!

POTATO RECIPES

From sweet potatoes to potato salad and everything in-between.

1
Overhead shot of a sweet potato fluff in a dish, with a spoon missing.
Sweet Potato Fluff
A tasty sweet potato fluff - which is a version of a sweet potato casserole, with a tasty, light and fluffy layer of toasted marshmallow on top.
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2
A dish full of yams with a treacle being poured over the top.
Candied Yams
Spice up your Thanksgiving dinner with this simple and mouth-watering candied yams recipe made on the stove top.
Check out this recipe
3
a close up image of a large bowl of Cajun potato salad with green onions sprinkled on top
Cajun Potato Salad Recipe
This Cajun Potato Salad Recipe is a deliciously creamy, full of flavor version that is typically made to accompany a good bowl of gumbo.
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4
a dish full of crispy potatoes in front of an instant pot
Crispy Instant Pot Potatoes
Delicious crispy Instant Pot Potatoes are a perfect side dish for any occasion. They're relatively hands off cooking that is full of flavor.
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5
Close up of a corner of a baking dish with broccoli casserole, with a scoop missing.
Broccoli Casserole
A creamy and delicious broccoli casserole topped with melted cheese and crackers. This step-by-step recipe will have you enjoying a comforting, tasty side dish in no time.
Check out this recipe
6
picture of a bowl of saltgrass baked potato soup with bacon and cheese on top with a spoon digging in
Saltgrass Baked Potato Soup Recipe
This deliciously creamy and soul warming soup is a must during the colder months. A copycat Saltgrass Baked Potato Soup Recipe that's easy to make and tastes just like the real deal cannot be beat.
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7
Overhead closeup shot of sweet potato fritter recipe.
Sweet Potato Fritter Recipe
Delicious and crispy sweet potato fritters are perfect as a snack or as a tasty side during your feast.
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8
A bowl full of mashed potatoes with brown gravy on top.
Popeyes Mashed Potatoes
This copycat recipe for Popeyes Mashed Potatoes is the perfect side. Creamy, smooth and so flavorful - it'll be hard not to eat the whole bowl.
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9
Close up of southern giblet gravy in a gravy boat.
Southern Giblet Gravy Recipe
This homestyle old fashioned gravy is heaven poured over some creamy mashed potatoes.
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10
close up of a spoon digging into a hash brown casserole.
Crockpot Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
These cheesy hash browns are very addictive and full of flavor.
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11
A scoop of loaded green bean casserole being lifted out of the dish.
Loaded Green Bean Casserole
A loaded green bean casserole recipe that's easy to make and 'loaded' with tasty ingredients. Bacon, cheese, crispy fried onions, sour cream to name a few...
Check out this recipe
12
Close up of a corner of a dish of sweet potato casserole with a scoop missing.
Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole
One bite is never enough of this Cracker Barrel classic. The creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crispy sugar glaze is heavenly.
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13
Slow cooker roast potatoes recipe with a wooden spoon digging in.
Slow Cooker Roast Potatoes
These Slow Cooker Roast Potatoes are super simple and a great way to fix and leave them while you make the rest of the meal.
Check out this recipe
14
Close up of a pan of roasted potatoes and broccoli.
Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
Slightly crunchy and perfectly seasoned roasted potatoes and broccoli are a great side dish for Thanksgiving or even a weeknight meal.
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15
Close up overhead of an instant pot with potatoes and carrots.
Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots
Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots are super quick and so flavorful - with the garlic, thyme and Creole seasoning really taking it up a level.
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16
a closeup image of some popeyes cajun fries in a cylindrical flower like container with white paper towel
Popeyes Cajun Fries
Delicious homemade Popeyes Cajun Fries are fluffy and soft inside and crispy and tasty outside, with a slight heat from the spice.
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17
Close up shot of a pot of stewed potatoes.
Stewed Potatoes
These stewed potatoes are a classic southern old fashioned recipe - you likely saw grandma cook potatoes like this.
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18
Close up of some crispy sweet potatoes cropped into a square picture.
Crispy Sweet Potatoes
Make those sweet potato fries nice and crispy.
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19
Plate full of fried cabbage and potatoes.
Fried Cabbage and Potatoes
A delicious southern classic of fried cabbage and potatoes that is easy, yet so satisfyingly comforting.
Check out this recipe

VEGETABLE DISHES

An assortment of wonderful southern influenced vegetables for your feast.

20
Close up shot of a spinach madeleine dish in a pan with a scoop missing.
Spinach Madeleine
The freshness of spinach, the depth of cheeses, the slight kick of spices-all coming together in a divine union that leaves you craving another bite even before you've finished the first. Spinach Madeleine is a southern masterpiece.
Check out this recipe
21
Close up of a spoon inside a corn casserole in a crock pot.
Jiffy Corn Casserole In The Crock Pot
A Jiffy Corn Casserole in the Crock Pot is a simple way to cook this tasty side dish. Deliciously flavorful and perfectly moist, it's a perfect Thanksgiving side dish.
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22
Close up of an eggplant casserole in a baking dish, with a piece missing.
Eggplant Casserole
Looking for the perfect comfort food dish? This eggplant casserole recipe is not only easy to make, but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Give it a try and taste the deliciousness for yourself!
Check out this recipe
23
overhead close up of some smoked asparagus with some lemon on the side cropped square.
Smoked Asparagus
If you have a smoker use this recipe to give you the most exceptional smoked asparagus you ever ate.
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24
Close up of a bowl of southern black eyed peas and collard greens.
Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
Black eyed peas and collard greens are an all time southern classic. A Thanksgiving meal would not be complete without some greens.
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25
Overhead view of a dish inside the basket of an air fryer with green bean casserole.
Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Did you know cooking green bean casserole in the air fryer like this could really free up space in your oven for that busy cooking day.
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26
www.themagicalslowcooker.com
Slow Cooker Baby Carrots
Delicious sweet and buttery baby carrots cooked in the slow cooker really helps free up your time in the kitchen.
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27
close up of a skillet of mac and cheese with some missing.
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe
This restaurant favorite is creamy, cheesy and the best mac and cheese you'll ever eat. No southern meal is complete without a side of this.
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28
close up of a ceramic bowl full of cajun green beans with bacon
Cajun Green Beans
Cajun green beans are simple, yet seasoned to perfection to really make them pop with some crispy bacon dotted throughout.
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29
Close up shot of a dish of cornbread pudding with a wooden spoon resting.
Cornbread Pudding
Soft and flavorful this cornbread pudding is the perfect side dish for any meal.
Check out this recipe
30
Close up of a spoon digging into a slow cooker cajun mac and cheese dish.
Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese
A creamy, spicy twist on a Southern classic! Loaded with tender pasta, gooey cheddar, and a kick of bold Cajun seasoning with Andouille, it's the ultimate comfort food with a Louisiana flair.
Check out this recipe

DISHES WITH CRANBERRIES

Cranberries are a staple over Thanksgiving. Here's some ideas:

31
close up of a dished out plate of cranberry apple rice pilaf
Cranberry Apple Rice Pilaf
Delicious cranberries and tart granny apples in a simple combination of wild rice mixed with brown rice combined with crunchy chopped pecans and herbs.
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32
A bowl of salad with apples and red onions and cranberries with a spoon on the side
Apple Cranberry Salad
Delicious seasonal Apple Cranberry Salad, with pecans and bacon make this the perfect salad around Thanksgiving time. Perfect side dish, or maybe add leftover turkey to make this a meal unto itself.
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33
Overhead shot of a full bowl of a copycat cracker barrel kale salad.
Cracker Barrel Kale Salad
This copycat Cracker Barrel Kale Salad recipe is super simple with four key ingredients plus a tasty sweet maple dressing.
Check out this recipe
34
a jar of reddish purple vinaigrette - cranberry vinaigrette
Cranberry Vinaigrette
Delicious Cranberry Vinaigrette, made with just a few ingredients - perfect to compliment a fall salad with a sweet and slightly tangy drizzle.
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35
close up overhead image of a bowl of dried cranberry sauce with some orange zest sprinkled on top.
Dried Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Making a cranberry sauce out of dried cranberries is easier than you'd think. This dried cranberry sauce recipe is easy and super tasty.
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36
Overhead cropped in shot of a bowl of cranberry pecan chicken salad.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
A creamy and slightly tangy cranberry pecan chicken salad that is full of fall flavors.
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37
A cropped square image of a bowl of cranberry salad with some cranberries and marshmallows on top.
Cranberry Salad
A fluffy and creamy cranberry salad full of delicious textures and flavors.
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BREADS AND STUFFINGS

My favorite part. Bread, stuffing, dressing... whatever your want to call it. It's all good.

38
A corner of a dish with Cajun cornbread dressing made in it, with a corner scooped out.
Cajun Cornbread Dressing Recipe
An old fashioned recipe for a Southern Cornbread Dressing that has been used for generations as a Thanksgiving dressing.
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39
Close up of a dish full of mirliton dressing, with a scoop missing.
Mirliton Dressing
Mirliton dressing is a Creole dish with savory, herb-infused flavors, showcasing Louisiana's culinary charm.
Check out this recipe
40
Close up of the corner of a casserole dish of Cajun rice dressing.
Cajun Rice Dressing
Cajun rice dressing made just like grandma made. Perfectly moist with the use of chicken gizzards and livers for added depth of flavor and texture.
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41
Stuffed garlic bread slightly opened to show inside.
Stuffed Garlic Bread
A stuffed garlic bread recipe with simple ingredients that yields a crusty outside, soft inside loaf of cheesy, garlicky heaven.
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42
A baking dish with garlic butter rolls just cooked.
Garlic Butter Rolls
These Garlic Butter Rolls are the perfect dinner rolls for any occasion. Light, fluffy and coated in a delicious garlic and parsley butter.
Check out this recipe
43
www.themagicalslowcooker.com
Slow Cooker Stuffing
Made with cut up baguette and plenty of butter and herbs - making your stuffing in the slow cooker is a great way to free up the stove or oven.
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44
close up shot of an oyster dressing in a casserole dish.
Baked Oyster Dressing
Delicious flavors of New Orleans in this Baked Oyster Dressing. It's a southern classic recipe to its core and has all the seasoning required to make it the best dressing for Thanksgiving.
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45
Overhead shot of a Dutch Oven Ham, cropped square.
Dutch Oven Ham
Maple mustard glazed Dutch Oven Ham is the juiciest, flavor packed ham you ever tried.
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46
slice of cornbread having honey drizzled on top
Skillet Cornbread Recipe
This Southern Skillet Cornbread is so simple to make you'll be making it for every meal! It is such a perfect accompaniment to so many dishes - it has just the right amount of sweetness with a yummy crunchy buttery crust. A homemade cornbread recipe for everyone.
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47
Close up side view of an Amish Pumpkin bread with slices taken from it.
Amish Pumpkin Bread
This Amish pumpkin bread recipe is perfectly moist with just the right amount of pumpkin pie spice to give you all the flavors of fall.
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48
air fryer basket with biscuits inside
Air Fryer Biscuits
Delicious every time - frozen biscuits in the air fryer are easy and quick. Nice and crispy/toasty on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. Air fryer biscuits are the best.
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TURKEY TIME

Oh boy. The turkey. That smell on Thanksgiving when you walk into the house. It just can't be beat.

49
An overhead shot of deep fried turkey, cropped square.
Deep Fried Turkey
Delicious and crispy on the outside, soft and juicy inside, deep fried turkey is a treat for Thanksgiving.
Check out this recipe
50
Southern Baked Turkey Legs on a bed of lettuce.
Southern-Style Baked Turkey Legs
These Southern-Style Baked Turkey Legs are unbelievably juicy and tender with perfectly crispy, seasoned skin. It's the easiest, most flavorful way to enjoy turkey, any time of year!
Check out this recipe
51
www.themagicalslowcooker.com
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Turkey Breast
Cooked low and slow with lemon juice and lemon zest, this turkey breast is a great addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
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52
Overhead shot of a bowl of butter with seasonings and a whisk about to stir.
Cajun Turkey Injection Recipe
A delicious, flavorful Cajun Turkey Injection recipe that will spice up your turkey meat in the most perfect way.
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53
A sliced Cajun Turkey breast laid out sloping toward the camera.
Cajun Turkey Breast
This perfectly seasoned and moist Cajun roast turkey breast is the perfect choice for a small family meal at Thanksgiving.
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54
A cropped square image showing a pellet grill smoked turkey.
Pellet Grill Smoked Turkey
This pellet grill smoked turkey recipe yields a perfectly juicy, bursting with flavor smoked turkey that everyone will love.
Check out this recipe
55
bowl-me-over.com
Crockpot Turkey & Dressing
Cooking your turkey recipe in the slow cooker really takes the pressure off.
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56
bowl-me-over.com
Easy Turkey Recipe
This simple turkey recipe is an old fashioned recipe that comes out perfect every time.
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THE DESSERT TABLE

Some delicious dessert ideas for your dessert table.

57
Single serving of Southern Ambrosia Salad.
Old Fashioned Southern Ambrosia Recipe
Light and fluffy, this old fashioned classic is the perfect dessert after any special meal.
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58
An overhead shot of 3 no bake mini pumpkin pies.
No Bake Mini Pumpkin Pies
These individually portioned pumpkin pies are a no bake classic version.
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59
a plate full of maple bacon fudge with a maple leaf in the background and some bacon slices
Maple Bacon Fudge
For a bite of sweet and salty, maple bacon fudge is a fall favorite in the south.
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60
Close up of a slice of white pumpkin pie being taken out of a pie dish.
White Pumpkin Pie
If you've not tried white pumpkins to make your pumpkin pie you're really missing out. They're a little sweeter and really give it an edge.
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61
A slice of old fashioned chess pie with a dusting of powdered sugar, cropped square.
Old Fashioned Chess Pie
Old Fashioned Chess Pie is a tasty custard filled pie crust with a delicious layer of toasted cornmeal on top.
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62
Overhead shot of a sweet potato pie with swirls of cream.
Grandma's Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
My grandma's sweet potato pie has been the best since I remember. We make it her way for every Thanksgiving dinner, the old fashioned recipes are the best.
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63
A dish full of no bake banana pudding with a few pieces missing.
Southern No Bake Banana Pudding Recipe
A deliciously creamy and rich southern banana pudding that is simple to put together but hard to stop eating.
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64
Close up square image of a slice of no bake pumpkin cheesecake.
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
A no bake pumpkin cheesecake recipe that adds a slight twist to this version of a fall classic.
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65
Close up of fried apples with a wooden spoon.
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
Fried apples can be a dessert, or served alongside the turkey.
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66
a louisiana crunch cake on a cake stand looking down from overhead, with icing and coconut
Louisiana Crunch Cake
In Louisiana this is a classic special occasion dessert, perfect for Thanksgiving.
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67
A close up shot of a stack of three pumpkin spice macarons.
Pumpkin Spice Macarons
Macarons are a solid favorite for a lot of people. These pumpkin spice ones are a cute little bite for after you finish your turkey.
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68
Close up of the top of a country apple pie recipe.
Country Apple Pie Recipe
Apple Pie is a southern masterpiece. It's an American tradition and apples are abundant for Thanksgiving.
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69
a plate with a slice of pecan pie with a ball of ice cream sitting on top
Old Fashioned Pecan Pie
What would Thanksgiving be without a slice of Pecan Pie at the end of your meal.
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70
Close up of a pumpkin spice donut with a bite taken out, with more in the background.
Pumpkin Spice Donut Recipe
These donuts are made from pumpkins and filled with fall spices.
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71
close up of an Amish pumpkin pie with a fork having just taken a piece from the front of the pie - a dollop of cream on top
Amish Pumpkin Pie Recipe
This famous Amish Pumpkin Pie will have you reaching for a second slice every time. It's creamy, with an awesome mouth-feel.
Get Recipe
72
Cropped square image of a trifle dish with nutella trifle.
Nutella Trifle
Whoever thought of using Nutella in trifle is a genius. They must be from the south!
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73
dish with a southern peach cobbler with pie crust, some missing, cropped square.
Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe with Pie Crust
The best peach cobbler recipe and is a great dessert for ending the summer - peaches are still in the stores and a peach cobbler is a great Thanksgiving dessert.
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74
Close up overhead shot of a no bake cherry pie with a graham cracker crust.
No Bake Cherry Pie With Graham Cracker Crust
An easy cherry pie made with just a handful of ingredients.
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75
Square cropped shot of the inside of a southern lemon pie with some cream and lemon slices on top.
Southern Lemon Pie Recipe
Lemon pie is another southern classic that is easier to make than you'd think.
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76
A slice of Amish Peanut Butter Pie on a plate with the pie dish behind.
Amish Peanut Butter Pie
This peanut butter pie, made famous by the Amish, is pure heaven on a plate.
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More Thanksgiving Recipes

  • Southern Baked Turkey Legs on a bed of lettuce.
    Southern-Style Baked Turkey Legs
  • Overhead shot of a bowl of butter with seasonings and a whisk about to stir.
    Cajun Turkey Injection Recipe
  • A cake stand full of cranberry pecan cheese ball bites with a bite taken out of one.
    Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites
  • a dish full of crispy potatoes in front of an instant pot
    Crispy Instant Pot Potatoes

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