news | March 22, 2026

Best Southern Thanksgiving Recipes | Country Living

These iconic sides, desserts, and mains will more than easily feed a crowd.

By
Dana Gallagher

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food for your Thanksgiving menu, the South has everything you'd want. The simple, ingredient-forward recipes are as rich and delicious as they come.

We've rounded up some of our absolute favorites, including Cajun recipes, Appalachian fare, the food ways of the Coastal South, and the Southwest, just to name a few. But no matter where you live or where you're from, add a little Southern flare to your menu this Thanksgiving!

1

Simple Herbed Turkey with Easiest Ever Gravy

simple herbed turkey with easiest ever gravy
Hector M. Sanchez

Some recipes are all the more delicious because they're so simple. This classic bird doesn't call for anything but a fistful of herbs and a whole lot of butter.

Get the recipe for Simple Herbed Turkey with Easiest Ever Gravy.

2

Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping

southern thanksgiving menu ideas sweet potato pie
Becky Lugart-Stayner
3

Cornmeal Butter Biscuits with Chive Butter

southern thanksgiving menu ideas cornmeal biscuits
Becky Lugart-Stayner

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

4

Pimento-Cheese Potato Gratin

southern thanksgiving menu pimento cheese potato gratin
Dana Gallagher
5

Classic Cornbread Dressing

classic cornbread dressing
Christopher Testani
6

Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter

skillet cornbread with honey butter
Charity Burggraaf

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

Oyster Stuffing with Bacon-Scallion Cream Sauce

oyster stuffing with bacon scallion cream sauce
Hector M. Sanchez
8

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

southern thanksgiving menu ideas roasted brussels sprouts
Brian Woodcock
9

Mashed Potatoes

southern thanksgiving menu ideas mashed potatoes
ANNA WILLIAMS

Sometimes the classics are the best! Something magical happens when you mix tender russet potatoes with butter, heavy cream, and some salt.

Get the recipe for Mashed Potatoes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

10

Spiced Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Star Anise

southern thanksgiving menu ideas spiced cranberry sauce with orange and star anise
ANNA WILLIAMS
11

The Best, Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

southern thanksgiving menu ideas pumpkin pie
Becky Lugart-Stayner
12

Baked Two-Cheese Rigatoni

southern thanksgiving menu ideas baked two cheese rigatoni
Brian Woodcock

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

13

Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding

nana’s famous corn pudding
Hector M. Sanchez

Creamy corn pudding is a traditional Southern Thanksgiving side — as well as an anytime dish — from all over the South, but especially Appalachia. A casserole that's similar to bread pudding, it's a simple, hearty dish that easily rounds out a meal, or adds to the fare at a potluck.

Get the recipe for Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding.

14

Pecan-Brownie Pie

pecan brownie pie
Hector M. Sanchez
15

Scallion Cornbread

southern thanksgiving menu ideas scallion cornbread
Brian Woodcock

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

16

Molded Cranberry Sauce

molded cranberry sauce
Hector M. Sanchez
17

Fresh Herb Stuffing

southern thanksgiving menu ideas fresh herb stuffing
Dana Gallagher
18

Lima Bean and Corn Succotash

lima bean and corn succotash
Hector M. Sanchez

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

19

Squash Casserole

southern thanksgiving menu squash casserole
Brian Woodcock
20

Jalapeño-Green Chile Spoonbread

jalapeño green chile spoonbread
Johnny Miller

Watch Next
 

preview for Country Living US Section - Food & Drinks

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The Best Thanksgiving Ideas for 2023

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below