When it’s time to plan the Thanksgiving menu, even if you want to try a few new recipes or cut down the amount of food that’s made, there’s some dishes that have to be served year after year: Grandma’s best Thanksgiving recipes. From the deviled eggs to the roasted turkey to the pumpkin pie, there are just some recipes that must make an appearance. Especially those treasured family recipes for cranberry sauce and cornbread dressing that may only be served for Thanksgiving dinner.
Whether you have the pleasure of dining at Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving dinner this year or want to honor her memory by recreating her favorite dishes, these Thanksgiving recipes are Grandma-approved.
Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Assistant Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Though there are many different iterations of green bean casserole, Thanksgiving calls for the old-fashioned version. We’re talking about the version that’s made with canned mushroom soup and topped with fried onions.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Grandma knows that there’s truly no occasion where a deviled egg plate isn’t welcome in the South, Thanksgiving included.
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
While we know that some families traditionally serve canned cranberry sauce, others think the meal isn’t complete without a homemade one. This recipe for the homemade version calls for 3 cups of cranberries.
Photographer: Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin
Aside from the turkey, dressing is perhaps the most important dish on the Thanksgiving menu. Grandma knows the best version is made with plenty of cornbread.
Photographer: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
This recipe for classic pumpkin pie is simple yet delicious, just like when Grandma made it. The piecrust leaves on top add a fun touch, but you can also serve the pie without if preferred.
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
The gravy isn’t just for the turkey and dressing. It’s also for making homemade mashed potatoes even more delicious.
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
Grandma knows the secret to roasting the turkey for Thanksgiving is in the prep work. Make sure it has plenty of time to thaw before cooking and remember to reserve the drippings to make the homemade gravy.
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Micah Morton, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner
Thanksgiving calls for homemade rolls and this recipe for classic yeast rolls will taste just like when Grandma makes them, or at least pretty close.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Pecan pie can be topped with whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or simply enjoyed plain.
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Thanksgiving means the mac and cheese should be homemade, not from a box. Just like Grandma, make sure to grate your own cheese so it’ll melt evenly and taste better than the pre-shredded kind.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It’s just not Thanksgiving without gravy that’s made from scratch with drippings from the roasted turkey in Grandma’s gravy boat.
Emily Laurae / Southern Living
With so many dishes being prepared for Thanksgiving dinner, Grandma knows it’s always good to have a few dishes that can be made ahead of time and corn pudding fits the bill.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Classic sweet potato casserole should be topped with marshmallows and cornflakes.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Whether you think of it as a dessert or a side, Thanksgiving will never be complete without a pink fluff salad on the table.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox
At Grandma’s house, one thing is for certain: there will never be a shortage of desserts. In addition to the pumpkin pie and then pecan pie, there’s always room for apple pie on the Thanksgiving table as well.