You might think that Thanksgiving menus are pretty much the same no matter where you live in the United States—if you weren’t raised in the South, that is. Southerners go all out when it comes to food, and Thanksgiving is no exception.
Depending on where you’re from or where you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, you might find some regionally specific dishes, too. Tender, buttery fried apples are a common accompaniment, as is spoonbread, a dish that’s like a cross between a soufflé and cornbread. If you’re on the coast, you might notice fresh oysters making an appearance in the dressing or baked as a side dish.
In the South, there’s always room for another guest or two at the table, and the same sentiment applies to food. You can simply never overdo it on Thanksgiving.
Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
If “Pink Stuff” is a pair of words you’ve heard before, you know just what we’re talking about. Whether it’s based with something seasonal like cranberries or it’s an old-school grape-and-whipped cream concoction, some sort of “fluff salad” is a requirement on many Southern Thanksgiving tables.
Mayo-Roasted Turkey
Dane Tashima; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Another delicious use for mayonnaise? You don’t have to tell a Southerner twice how this popular condiment is good for so many uses beyond the typical tomato sandwich. Here, it’s used to flavor a Thanksgiving turkey and lock in juices and flavor.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Whether it’s Pineapple Casserole or Apple and Cheese Casserole, Southerners have some inventive ways to serve fruit on holidays. Trust the process, y’all. These sweet-and-savory dishes are the perfect pair with a bite of ham or turkey.
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Micah Morton, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner
A big pot of tender greens, cooked low and slow with a ham hock, is a mainstay on Southern Thanksgiving tables. This recipe was developed to be made ahead of time to help out busy hosts.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
This light and fluffy dish tastes like an airier, creamier version of cornbread. You can slice it into wedges or scoop it straight from the baking dish.
VICTOR PROTASIO; PROP STYLING: GINNY BRANCH STELLING; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL
Alongside the turkey or ham, Southern tables call for a big helping of dressing. Preferably of the cornbread variety.
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Micah Morton, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner
We love an overflowing breadbasket. While other regions will have just one or two recipes represented, Southerners are notorious for baking up all the bread, biscuit, cornbread, and roll recipes we can get our hands on.
Emily Laurae / Southern Living
At Thanksgiving, the best way to consume corn is not on the cob; it’s in a delicious corn pudding that pairs beautifully with turkey, dressing, and all the rest of the holiday menu staples.
Emily Laurae/Southern Living
In the South, gravy makes almost anything better, and that is even more true on Thanksgiving. This recipe allows you to make it ahead so you don’t have to fuss over the stovetop on the big day.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Folks in Tennessee have been making this dish for years, but we recently discovered it and fell in LOVE. Tender-crispy onions and lots of cheese? Yes, PLEASE.
Greg DuPree
This coastal favorite is a staple on Thanksgiving tables throughout the South, but especially in seaside spots like New Orleans, Savannah, Charleston, Baltimore, and North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Hector Sanchez
We certainly don’t skimp when it comes to the dessert table. While you’ll almost always see apple and pumpkin pies, you can’t leave out the pecan and sweet potato too.
Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Deviled eggs are a must at Easter, but many families also serve them for other holiday gatherings, such as Thanksgiving. After all, when they are a favorite family recipe, why not have them more than once a year?
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
One scoop of this dish is never enough. Although it’s served throughout the country on Thanksgiving, the best sweet potatoes are grown right here in the South and topped with mini marshmallows that have browned in the oven.
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
While Southerners can agree that cranberry sauce belongs on the table, we’re divided about how it must be made. Some of us swear by Grandma’s recipe while others want it right out of the can.
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Come Thanksgiving, we don’t skimp on our casseroles. Guests always notice if the crunchy, onion-topped green bean casserole is missing from the Thanksgiving Day spread.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Mashed, roasted, boiled, or baked, Southerners love potatoes in any form. Made using hash browns, these “funeral potatoes” are one of our favorite recipes
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
If you thought grits were just a breakfast food, think again. Southerners enjoy this staple for breakfast, lunch, and yes—even Thanksgiving dinner!