Southern Thanksgiving Menu: 7 Comfort Food Favorites

Name: Southern Thanksgiving Menu: 7 Comfort Food Favorites
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 6 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Turkey – 1 whole (12-14 lbs); Buttermilk – 1 quart; Cornbread – 1 batch (for stuffing); Green beans – 2 lbs; Mashed potatoes – 5 lbs; Gravy – 4 cups; Cranberry sauce – 2 cups; Pecan pie – 1 large; Sweet potatoes – 3 lbs; Marshmallows – 1 bag

november 5, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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When I think of a *Southern Thanksgiving menu*, I’m instantly transported to my childhood kitchen, where the aroma of roasted turkey mingled with sweet potatoes and cornbread stuffing filled the air. Thanksgiving in the South is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and delicious comfort food. I remember one year, my grandmother’s pecan pie was so good that we almost forgot to carve the turkey! Each dish tells a story, from the crispy green beans to the creamy mashed potatoes, and they all come together to create a feast that warms the heart. Trust me, the flavors and love in this menu will make your Thanksgiving unforgettable!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a memorable *Southern Thanksgiving menu*. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
1 quart buttermilk
1 batch cornbread (for stuffing, around 8×8 inches)
2 lbs green beans (trimmed and washed)
5 lbs potatoes (for creamy mashed potatoes, peeled and quartered)
4 cups turkey gravy (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups cranberry sauce (preferably homemade for that extra touch)
1 large pecan pie (for dessert, because who can resist?)
3 lbs sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
1 bag marshmallows (for topping those sweet potatoes)

Make sure you have everything ready before you begin—trust me, it makes the cooking process so much smoother!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s dive into the heart of the *Southern Thanksgiving menu*. I promise, following these steps will lead you to a feast that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Preparing the Turkey

First, let’s brine that turkey! Submerge it in the quart of buttermilk and let it soak for at least 24 hours. This step is crucial for juicy, flavorful meat. When you’re ready to roast, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Don’t forget to let it rest for at least 30 minutes after roasting; this helps the juices redistribute, making every slice tender and moist.

Making the Stuffing

While the turkey is roasting, let’s tackle the stuffing! First, bake your cornbread as per your favorite recipe or box instructions, then let it cool completely. Once it’s cool, crumble it into a large bowl. Add in your favorite seasonings—think sage, thyme, and a bit of onion and celery sautéed in butter for that classic flavor. Mix it all together with some broth until it’s moist but not soggy. Stuff it into the turkey or bake it in a separate dish if you prefer a crispy top!

Cooking the Sides

Let’s move on to those sides! Start with the mashed potatoes: boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and cream until smooth and creamy. For the green beans, simply steam or boil them until tender, about 5-7 minutes. If you like, toss them with a little butter and garlic for added flavor. Lastly, for the sweet potatoes, boil the chunks until soft, then mash them up and mix in some brown sugar, cinnamon, and top with marshmallows. Bake until the marshmallows are golden and gooey—trust me, it’s heavenly!

Preparing the Gravy

Now onto the gravy! After you’ve roasted your turkey, don’t throw away those glorious drippings! Pour them into a saucepan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. You can add a bit of flour to thicken it up, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can store it in the fridge and reheat it right before serving. Just add a splash of water to loosen it up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Traditional flavors: Each dish in this *Southern Thanksgiving menu* is packed with authentic flavors that remind you of home and family gatherings.
Feeds a crowd: With generous portions, this menu is perfect for large gatherings—everyone will leave full and happy!
Comfort food: These dishes are the epitome of comfort food, bringing warmth and joy to your table, especially during the holiday season.
Family-friendly: From kids to grandparents, everyone loves the hearty, familiar tastes of a Southern Thanksgiving feast!

Tips for Success

To make your *Southern Thanksgiving menu* truly shine, here are some pro tips that I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make a world of difference!

Plan Ahead: Take the time to prep your ingredients the day before. Chop your vegetables, make the cornbread, and even prepare the cranberry sauce to save you time on the big day.
Brine for Flavor: Don’t skip the buttermilk brining! It’s the secret to a juicy and flavorful turkey. Make sure to start this process at least 24 hours in advance.
Rest the Turkey: After roasting, let your turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring each slice is succulent and tender.
Keep an Eye on Timing: Coordinate your cooking times. Start with the turkey, then while it roasts, work on the sides. This way, everything will be hot and ready to serve at the same time!
Make Gravy Ahead: If you’re tight on time, prepare your gravy a day in advance. Just reheat it on the stove, adding a little water if it thickens up too much.
Don’t Overcook the Sides: For the green beans and sweet potatoes, aim for tenderness without mushiness. A quick steam or boil is all you need—keep that vibrant color!
Adjust to Taste: Cooking is all about personal preference. Taste as you go, especially with seasonings in the stuffing and sweet potatoes, to make sure everything is just right.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a *Southern Thanksgiving menu* that’ll have your friends and family raving about it for years to come!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying a *Southern Thanksgiving menu*, it’s good to know what you’re serving up! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving, which I’ve calculated based on a generous plate filled with turkey, sides, and a slice of pie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: Approximately 800
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Carbohydrates: 80g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 35g

These estimates give you a good idea of the heartiness of this meal. It’s a feast, after all, meant to nourish both body and soul during the holiday season! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to savor the moments with your loved ones while you dig in!

FAQ Section

What’s the best way to brine the turkey?
Brining the turkey in buttermilk is my favorite method! It not only keeps the meat juicy but also infuses it with a rich flavor. Just make sure to soak it for at least 24 hours for the best results.

Can I make some dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cornbread and cranberry sauce a day or two in advance. The gravy can also be made ahead of time; just reheat it when it’s time to serve!

How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from getting too sweet?
I recommend tasting as you go! Start with a little brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, then adjust to your liking. You can always add more sweetness, but it’s harder to take it away!

What can I serve with the Southern Thanksgiving menu?
You can never go wrong with some homemade biscuits or cornbread on the side! A fresh salad is also a great way to add some crunch and balance to the meal.

Can I use frozen green beans for this menu?
Yes, frozen green beans work well! Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions to retain their color and crunch. They’re a convenient option, especially when you’re busy prepping the rest of the meal!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After your amazing *Southern Thanksgiving menu*, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers. To keep them fresh, store everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Most dishes will last about 3-4 days, but trust me, they won’t last long because they’re just too good!

For reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cover your turkey and sides with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until everything is warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just make sure to cover your food to retain moisture. Enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first round—there’s nothing like a second helping of Thanksgiving goodness!

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Over mij

Hoi, mijn naam is Julia. Ik ben het hart van Vihaad Recipes en een gepassioneerde liefhebber van lekker eten. Mijn liefde voor koken begon al in mijn kindertijd, geïnspireerd door de heerlijke maaltijden van mijn grootmoeder. Vandaag de dag deel ik smakelijke recepten die mensen samenbrengen door het gedeelde plezier van eten.