Ultimate Southern Thanksgiving Menu for a Cozy Feast

Thanksgiving in the South is like a big warm hug wrapped in a cozy blanket of comfort food. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cornbread wafting through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of pecan pie, while your family gathers around the table, sharing laughter and stories. pumpkin shepherd’s pie The Southern Thanksgiving Menu isn’t just about filling plates; it’s about creating memories that linger long after the last bite. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo recipe.

Now, picture this: your cousin’s face as he takes a bite of your famous collard greens and his eyes light up like he’s just spotted Santa Claus. Southern Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole That’s what a Southern Thanksgiving is all about—delicious food that brings everyone together to celebrate love, gratitude, and maybe a little too much food.

Sharing this feast always brings smiles from my family as they reminisce about past Thanksgivings filled with laughter and love.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Turkey: A 12-14 pound bird works best; choose one with healthy skin for maximum flavor.

• Collard Greens: Fresh greens are best; look for deep green leaves without wilting.

• Cornbread Mix: Opt for a quality mix or homemade for fluffy texture and sweetness.

• Pecan Pie Filling: Choose natural ingredients for that authentic Southern taste; it makes all the difference.

For the Sides:

• Green Beans: Fresh beans add crunch; look for bright green ones with no blemishes.

• Mashed Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for creamy mash; don’t skimp on butter!

• Cranberry Sauce: Homemade sauce with real berries packs a punch compared to store-bought varieties. homemade cranberry sauce recipe.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Rub the turkey with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper for crispy skin.

Cook Your Collard Greens: In a large pot, sauté diced onions in bacon fat until translucent. Add chopped collard greens along with chicken broth and simmer until tender.

Bake Your Cornbread: Prepare your cornbread mix according to package instructions. Pour into a greased skillet and bake until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

Create Your Pecan Pie Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine corn syrup, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Stir until smooth before pouring into an unbaked pie crust.

Make Your Green Beans**: Blanch fresh green beans in salted water until bright green. Drain them quickly and sauté with garlic for added flavor.

Whip Up Mashed Potatoes**: Boil peeled Yukon Gold potatoes until fork-tender. Drain well before mashing them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.

Enjoying these flavorful dishes during Thanksgiving creates cherished moments that linger long after dinner ends. ham and cheese pinwheels Your Southern Thanksgiving Menu will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

You Must Know

• A Southern Thanksgiving menu is all about comfort and tradition
• The aromas of roasted turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet potato casserole create a feast for the senses
• Don’t forget to include cornbread and pecan pie to elevate your gathering

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting the turkey first, then prepare sides like stuffing and sweet potatoes simultaneously for maximum efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap traditional ingredients for healthier alternatives or add spices that reflect your taste preferences.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days; reheat gently in the oven to maintain flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Always let your turkey rest before carving; this keeps it juicy
• Use homemade broth for stuffing to add depth of flavor
• Keep an eye on casseroles to prevent over-browning—nobody wants burnt edges on their sweet potatoes!

The first time I made a Southern Thanksgiving menu, my uncle claimed it was “the best meal ever.” I almost cried—mostly because I forgot the gravy! For more inspiration, check out this Banana Split Dump Cake recipe.

FAQ

What is included in a traditional Southern Thanksgiving menu?

A traditional menu features turkey, stuffing, collard greens, cornbread, and pecan pie.

How can I make a Southern Thanksgiving menu healthier?

Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt and use whole grain bread for stuffing.

What’s the best way to keep turkey moist during cooking?

Basting every 30 minutes with its juices helps retain moisture and enhance flavor.

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Southern Thanksgiving Menu

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• Author: Luna Martinez
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 10 1x

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Description

Thanksgiving in the South is a heartwarming celebration filled with soul-soothing dishes that create lasting memories. Picture the rich aroma of roasted turkey, savory collard greens, and sweet pecan pie wafting through your home as family gathers around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (12-14 lb) whole turkey
• 1 lb fresh collard greens
• 1 cup cornbread mix
• 1 cup pecan pie filling (natural ingredients preferred)
• 1 lb fresh green beans
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce (or store-bought)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Rub the turkey with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast according to weight, about 13 minutes per pound.
2. Cook Collard Greens: In a large pot, sauté diced onions in bacon fat until translucent. Add chopped collard greens and chicken broth, simmer until tender (about 40 minutes).
3. Bake Cornbread: Prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions. Pour into a greased skillet and bake until golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).
4. Make Pecan Pie Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine corn syrup, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth. Pour into an unbaked pie crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes.
5. Prepare Green Beans: Blanch green beans in salted water until bright green, then sauté with garlic for added flavor.
6. Whip Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled Yukon Gold potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Roasting/Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg