15 Easy Southern Recipes for Thanksgiving Gatherings

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Create an unforgettable holiday spread with these 15 easy Southern recipes for Thanksgiving. From the rich flavors of Southern Cornbread Dressing to the sweetness of Big Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie and the warm, comforting spices in Sausage Stuffing, these dishes bring true Southern charm to your holiday table. Each recipe is crafted to be simple yet delicious, making it easier than ever to enjoy classic Southern flavors during Thanksgiving!

Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet Potato Cornbread in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This easy Sweet Potato Cornbread has a warm fall flavor and that moist, crumbly texture that makes it so satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Best Southern Soul Food Candied Yams

A close-up view of candied sweet potatoes in a dish, featuring a shiny, caramelized coating.
Image Credit: Pink Owl Kitchen

Best Southern Soul Food Candied Yams are a must-have for your Thanksgiving celebration. These sweet potatoes, slow-cooked in a rich, buttery syrup, melt in your mouth and bring a taste of Southern tradition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Soul Food Candied Yams (w/ Video!)

Southern Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

A fork next to a plate of cornbread stuffing with celery and herbs.
Image Credit: Strength and Sunshine

Southern Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing is the perfect blend of classic flavors and modern dietary needs. This easy dish highlights homemade cornbread and ensures everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering can enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality.
Get the Recipe: Southern Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

Creamed Peas

Yummy Creamed Peas picture
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Creamed Peas are so easy to make. Let the peas simmer in a lightly-seasoned cream sauce, and they’ll be ready in 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Creamed Peas

Sausage Stuffing

A spoon lifting a portion of stuffing with bread, sausage, celery, and herbs, featuring a crispy top and soft interior.
Image Credit: Three Olives Branch

Sausage Stuffing offers a hearty Southern flavor that complements your Thanksgiving feast beautifully. Combining savory sausage and aromatic herbs, this recipe adds warmth and comfort to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Big Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie

A sweet potato pie with a slice removed, revealing smooth orange filling and flaky crust, sits in a white pie dish with a serving utensil nearby.
Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Big Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie delivers an authentic Southern dessert that will wow your guests. With its rich, creamy filling made from perfectly baked sweet potatoes, this pie makes a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Get the Recipe: Big Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie

Thanksgiving Rolls

Thanksgiving Rolls at its finest
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These soft and fluffy Thanksgiving dinner rolls are easy to make and extra delicious, so they’re the perfect bread for holiday meals!
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Rolls

Healthy Creamed Spinach

A white baking dish containing a creamy spinach lasagna, partially served with a wooden spoon.
Image Credit: Living Chirpy

Healthy Creamed Spinach provides a nutritious Southern-inspired side dish for your Thanksgiving meal. Featuring fresh spinach and a creamy sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between health and indulgence during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Creamed Spinach

Sweet Potato Casserole

A casserole dish with mashed sweet potatoes, topped with chopped pecans, a serving spoon inside, and extra pecans scattered nearby.
Image Credit: Living Chirpy

Sweet Potato Casserole combines the natural sweetness of Southern sweet potatoes with a delicious topping. This easy-to-make side pairs perfectly with turkey and other holiday favorites, making it an ideal choice for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Parker House Rolls

Delicious Parker House Rolls ready to be enjoyed
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These gorgeous and delicious Parker House Rolls are total showstoppers! Fluffy with a sprinkle of flaky salt, an awesome side or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Parker House Rolls

Creamed Spinach with Croutons

A white serving dish featuring creamed spinach topped with crispy croutons.
Image Credit: Mangia with Michele

Creamed Spinach with Croutons takes your vegetable side dish to the next level with Southern flair. The rich flavors and crunchy texture create an elegant addition to your Thanksgiving table that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Croutons

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

A baked casserole dish with a golden breadcrumb topping and a serving spoon.
Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe elevates traditional stuffing with homemade cornbread and fresh herbs. This family favorite ensures your Thanksgiving meal is bursting with Southern flavor, impressing all your guests.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Cajun Style Oyster Dressing Recipe (Oyster Stuffing)

A plate of oyster dressing with a fork, featuring oysters, crumbled bread, and garnished herbs.
Image Credit: Went Here 8 This

Cajun Style Oyster Dressing brings bold Southern flavors to your Thanksgiving spread with a mix of spicy sausage and fresh oysters. This unique stuffing option will wow your guests and add a fun twist to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Style Oyster Dressing Recipe (Oyster Stuffing)

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Mouthwatering Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Mashed Cauliflower may be healthier than mashed potatoes, but it tastes just as good! You won’t regret making this garlic cauliflower mash!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Southern Chicken and Dressing

A casserole dish containing stuffing made with bread, celery, and onions, accompanied by a silver spoon.
Image Credit: Pink Owl Kitchen

Southern Chicken and Dressing combines juicy chicken with homemade cornbread for a comforting dish that shines during Thanksgiving. This recipe captures the heart of Southern hospitality, making it a beloved centerpiece for holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken and Dressing

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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