15 Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a day to give thanks for the blessings of the year and to spend time with family and friends. The holiday has its roots in a feast held by the Pilgrims in the early 1600s to celebrate a successful harvest.
The traditional celebration of Thanksgiving includes a big family meal, usually featuring a roasted turkey as the main dish, along with other foods such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many people also decorate their homes with autumnal themes and gather with loved ones to watch parades, football games, and to share stories and memories.
Thanksgiving is often considered a time of reflection and gratitude, and many people take the opportunity to give back to their communities and help those in need. It is a time to be thankful for the people and things in our lives and to come together in unity and generosity.
1.Turkey
Turkey is a large bird native to North America and is widely consumed as a meat, especially for special occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. The meat is flavorful and versatile, and can be roasted, grilled, fried, or made into soups or stews. It is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
In addition to its culinary uses, turkey is also an important cultural symbol in the United States and has a prominent place in American history, particularly in the story of the first Thanksgiving.
Turkeys come in a variety of breeds, with some being raised specifically for their meat and others for their feathers, which are used for decoration and insulation. The domesticated turkey is different from its wild ancestor, the wild turkey, which is native to North America and is also hunted for its meat.
2. Gravy
Thanksgiving gravy is a sauce typically made from the drippings of a roasted turkey. The drippings, which contain the flavors of the turkey and the seasonings used during cooking, are mixed with a roux (a mixture of flour and fat) to create a smooth and flavorful sauce.
Gravy is typically served with the main dishes of a Thanksgiving meal, such as the roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, to add extra flavor and moisture to the meal. It is usually seasoned with salt and pepper, and other seasonings such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or garlic can be added to taste.
In addition to its role as a condiment, gravy is also an important part of the Thanksgiving meal, adding to the overall flavor and experience of the celebration. Making a smooth and flavorful gravy can be a bit of an art, but with some practice and the right ingredients, it can be a delicious and satisfying addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
3. Stuffing
Thanksgiving stuffing, also known as dressing, is a dish made from a mixture of bread, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings that is traditionally baked in the cavity of a turkey or served as a separate dish.
Ingredients for stuffing can vary, but typically include bread, onions, celery, carrots, herbs (such as sage, thyme, and rosemary), spices, broth or stock, eggs, and sometimes meat such as sausage. The ingredients are combined to form a moist mixture, which is then baked in the oven or in the cavity of the turkey.
Stuffing is a staple dish of the traditional Thanksgiving meal and is served alongside other dishes such as roasted turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Different regions and families may have their own unique variations of stuffing, but it is a universally loved and enjoyed dish on Thanksgiving.
Making delicious stuffing requires balancing the flavors and textures, but with a good recipe and some patience, it can be a crowd-pleaser at any Thanksgiving meal.
4. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a traditional dish commonly served during Thanksgiving in the United States. They are made by boiling potatoes, mashing them with butter, milk, and seasoning, and then serving them as a side dish. Mashed potatoes are often paired with roasted turkey, gravy, and other Thanksgiving staples.
Full Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Mashed potatoes Recipe
5. Green Beans
Green beans are another common side dish served during Thanksgiving in the United States. They are usually prepared by boiling or steaming the beans, and then seasoning them with ingredients such as butter, garlic, onion, or bacon. Some popular green bean dishes include green bean casserole and garlic butter green beans. They are a healthy and tasty addition to the Thanksgiving feast.
6. Corn
Corn is a staple food in many Thanksgiving feasts in the United States. It is often served as a side dish, either on the cob or as creamed corn. Corn on the cob is boiled or grilled and served with butter and salt. Creamed corn is a mixture of whole kernels and cream, simmered with seasonings. Some families also use corn in stuffing or as an ingredient in other dishes like cornbread or corn pudding. Regardless of the preparation, corn is a delicious and versatile addition to the Thanksgiving table.
7. Macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish served during Thanksgiving in the United States. It is made by boiling macaroni pasta, mixing it with a cheese sauce made of melted cheese, milk, and seasonings, and then baking it until it’s hot and bubbly. Macaroni and cheese is a comforting and hearty dish that can be a delicious side dish or main course. Some families like to add ingredients like breadcrumbs or bacon to their macaroni and cheese for added flavor and texture.
Full Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Macaroni and cheese Recipe
8. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a staple condiment served during Thanksgiving in the United States. It is made by cooking fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, water, and spices, resulting in a sweet and tart sauce. Cranberry sauce is often served as a side dish, alongside turkey and other traditional Thanksgiving foods. Some families like to add ingredients such as orange juice or zest, ginger, or nuts to their cranberry sauce to give it a unique flavor. It can also be served either warm or cold, depending on personal preference.
Full Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Cranberry sauce Recipe
9. Rolls
Rolls are a staple bread item served during Thanksgiving in the United States. They are typically made from a simple yeast dough, shaped into rolls, and then baked until they are soft and fluffy. Rolls are served as a side dish to the main meal, often accompanied by butter or honey. Some families like to add herbs, cheese, or other ingredients to their rolls to give them extra flavor. They can also be served as a base for sandwiches or as a snack on their own. Regardless of how they are served, rolls are a staple item on many Thanksgiving tables.
10. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a traditional dessert served during Thanksgiving in the United States. It is made from a mixture of cooked pumpkin, spices, sugar, and milk, baked in a flaky pie crust. Pumpkin pie is often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and is a staple dessert for many families during the holiday season. Some variations of pumpkin pie include adding ingredients such as ginger, nutmeg, or cinnamon to enhance the flavor, or using different types of crust such as graham cracker or gingersnap. Regardless of the variation, pumpkin pie is a delicious and popular dessert that is enjoyed by many during Thanksgiving.
11. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer often served during Thanksgiving in the United States. They are made by boiling eggs, cutting them in half, and removing the yolks. The yolks are then mixed with ingredients such as mayonnaise, mustard, and spices to create a filling, which is then spooned back into the egg whites. Deviled eggs are a popular and easy dish to make, and can be served as a snack or as a part of a larger spread. They are a tasty and classic addition to the Thanksgiving table.
12. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a sweet and nutty dessert that is often served during Thanksgiving in the United States. It is made with a filling of pecan nuts, corn syrup, sugar, butter, and eggs, baked in a pie crust. Pecan pie is known for its rich, caramel-like flavor and its crunchy texture from the pecans. Some variations of pecan pie include adding ingredients such as chocolate, maple syrup, or bourbon to enhance the flavor. Pecan pie is a popular alternative to pumpkin pie and is enjoyed by many during the Thanksgiving holiday season.
Full Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Pecan pie Recipe
13. Cornbread
Cornbread is a type of bread made from cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder. It is a staple dish in Southern cuisine, and is often served during Thanksgiving in the United States as a side dish. Cornbread can be sweet or savory, and is often enjoyed with butter, honey, or syrup. Some families also use cornbread as a base for stuffing or crumble it over casseroles. Cornbread is a versatile dish that adds a unique and delicious touch to the Thanksgiving table.
Full Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Pecan pie Recipe
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Candied yams are a sweet and comforting side dish often served during Thanksgiving in the United States. They are made by boiling or baking sweet potatoes until they are tender, and then tossing them in a mixture of sugar, butter, and spices. The result is a sweet and caramelized dish that pairs well with the other traditional foods served during Thanksgiving. Some variations of candied yams include adding ingredients such as marshmallows, pecans, or maple syrup to enhance the flavor. Regardless of the preparation, candied yams are a staple dish on many Thanksgiving tables and are enjoyed by many.
Full Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Candied yams Recipe
15. Squash Casserole
Squash casserole is a side dish often served during Thanksgiving in the United States. It is made by cooking yellow squash and combining it with ingredients such as breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices, then baking the mixture until it is hot and bubbly. Squash casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that adds a touch of sweetness to the Thanksgiving table. Some families also add ingredients such as onion, green peppers, or mushrooms to their squash casserole for added flavor and texture. Regardless of the variation, squash casserole is a staple dish on many Thanksgiving tables and is enjoyed by many.
Full Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Squash casserole Recipe
