In November 1966, Southern Living magazine celebrated our first Thanksgiving with a foil-baked turkey, fluffy sweet potatoes, savory string beans, and pumpkin and pecan pies. Years later, the SL Test Kitchen continues to dream up delicious new ways to bring the storied dishes that have graced our tables for generations to life. And while we always welcome new additions to the holiday feast (the skillet cornbread, a new spin on mashed potatoes), Southerners always leave room on the table for the tried-and-true classics that have been passed down for generations and served on our holiday tables for decades. They have stories that are meant to be told (and retold) year after year.
To reminisce on Thanksgivings past and keep in mind the Thanksgivings of the future, we have pulled our best recipes. From appetizers to desserts, here are the top picks, pulled together from our favorite Southern Living Thanksgiving dishes over the years.
Greg Dupree
This roasted turkey was made with turkey traditionalists in mind. With a crispy, buttery skin and homemade gravy, every bite of this turkey will be delicious and perfectly seasoned.
Greg Dupree
Don’t forget the gravy! Perfect for pouring on mashed potatoes, dressing, and, oh yes, the turkey itself, we love this homemade, three-ingredient recipe.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
For some people, you cannot have Thanksgiving without spoon bread. This Buttermilk Spoon Bread is a delicious cross between a skillet cornbread dressing, cornmeal soufflé, and hot cornbread.
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christina Daley
A little salad never hurt anybody, and this salad is full of fall flavors that are sure to make everyone at your Thanksgiving table grateful. Part of Thanksgiving is celebrating the bounty of food available during the holidays, and this recipe really shines in that department.
Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
For a smaller Thanksgiving gathering, or just for people who adore white turkey meat, a roasted turkey breast is a fantastic option. It’s quick to cook and still results in juicy, tender meat with the crispiest skin.
Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
If you want to have something retro and festive on your table, nothing beats this spiced cranberry mold. It might even get you out of the age-old debate of canned versus fresh cranberries.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
It’s not stuffing, y’all; it’s called dressing. This cornbread dressing recipe has all the flavors you expect around Thanksgiving with the welcome addition of nutty pecans.
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
There’s nothing sweeter than a homemade pecan pie baked in a cast iron skillet. You may never go back to your pie plate again.
Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn / Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
There are few things in life better or more buttery than a Parker House Roll. Garnished with flaky sea salt, these savory bites will not make it through your entire Thanksgiving meal.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
The candied, textured, slightly spicy pecan topping on this recipe beautifully complements the root vegetables. A beautiful side dish that tastes just as good as it looks, everyone will be asking for seconds.
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns
In this recipe, we roast our apples for a deeper, more caramelized version of this classic treat. For an easier Thanksgiving day, you can roast your apples and make your pie crust in advance, so you only have to focus on the assembly the day of.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
The perfect cross between a custard and a souffle, this Fluffy Corn Pudding recipe is sure to impress. The secret is pureeing some of the corn to create a velvety texture.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
The South and sorghum have a history just as rich and deep as the flavor itself. Prepare these muffins the night before Thanksgiving for an easy, stress-free morning.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
What can we say? Frying makes everything taste better, and this recipe for fried apples is truly delicious. Ready in 15 minutes, this is a Thanksgiving side that will wow without too much work.
David Malosh; Prop Styling: Robyn Glaser; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero
When cooking for a crowd, sometimes it’s great to have personal-sized desserts for each guest. These treats will have everyone happy for the holidays in just one bite.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Sometimes, it’s a good thing to change up the classics. In this modern collard green recipe, the South’s favorite green gets a major update with garlic, bits of sourdough, and a quick boil.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Dare to do it deep fried? This is the only recipe you will ever need for a deep-fried turkey. Full of Creole seasonings, this Turkey is a winner, winner turkey dinner.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
We let the oysters do all the talking in this recipe. Butter, cream, crackers, oysters, and seasonings are the only ingredients you need to make this classic recipe really sing.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Just when you thought mac and cheese couldn’t get any better, we added bacon. Comforting and indulgent, everyone will love this classic side dish coated in crispy breadcrumbs and bacon throughout.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
If you are in need of a pre-Thanksgiving dinner pick-me-up, look no further than this delightful appetizer. With just a handful of ingredients, this easy recipe is the perfect snack to get your guests ready for the greatness of the dinner to come.
Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch
Elevate your side dish game with this roasted carrots recipe that uses rainbow carrots for an extra splash of color. Everyone will eat their veggies if you make this, we promise!
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Let’s face it, when it comes to Thanksgiving, it’s the sides that usually take center stage, and this simple sweet potato masterpiece is no exception. Throw raw grated sweet potatoes into a cast-iron skillet with your usual casserole components, and you have a simple side that will not disappoint.
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Are you stressed about this season? Stick to the classics, like this tried-and-true recipe, to help you get through the holiday season stress-free. You can even make this dish ahead to really help free up your time.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Mashed sweet potatoes can do glorious things. Warm, light, and rich in flavor—this sweet potato roll recipe will be the talk of the Turkey Day buffet line.
Iain Bagwell
Is your Thanksgiving menu in need of a bit of freshening up? You might want to think about trying this dressing, which is a bounty of wild rice stuffing loaded with crisp apples and celery, pungent red onion, toasted walnuts, fresh parsley and sage, and buttery sourdough bread cubes.
Micah A. Leal
Everyone should be able to enjoy a piece of pie during the holidays, but with food allergies and intolerances, it can be hard to please everyone. The filling of this pie is dairy free, so it is perfect for your friends and family who cannot consume dairy. Just be sure to use a refrigerated or homemade crust that will suit your guests.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
This unique squash dish deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving dinner table. Perfectly paired with seafood, this side is sure to impress your guests.
Jennifer Davick
Tee’s corn pudding is a classic we, and our readers, truly love to put on the table each year. This recipe gives you the rich, airy texture of soufflé for the price of cornbread casserole.
Jim Franco
These top-rated, individual desserts taste like a combination of pecan and pumpkin pies. Double the caramel-pecan sauce to drizzle on ice cream and other sweet treats if you want.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Unique candy roaster squash is the perfect veggie addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Available across the Southeast, if it’s available in your region, you need to try this cold-weather heirloom.
Photo: Hector Sanchez
Broccoli and cheese might just be one of the most delicious combinations out there, and this recipe takes it to the next level. You will love every bite of this dish from the crispy, cheesy crust to the rich, gooey rice.
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox
At first glance, this pie looks like your everyday, classic pecan pie, but slice the pie open and you will see it is so much more. We’ve combined the two favorites of pecan pie and cheesecake in this recipe that never disappoints.
Aaron Kirk; Prop Styling: Sarah-Elizabeth Cleveland; Food Styling: Julia Levy
Thanksgiving is one of the few times of the year when covering your vegetables in cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, butter, parmesan, and French fried onions is not only acceptable but expected. We love this very classic take on one of our favorite hearty casseroles.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
This is one of those recipes that you will just fall in love with. Adapted from cookbook author Sally Ann Robinson, this dish is inspired by dishes found in the Lowcountry and Sea Islands.
Iain Bagwell
With caramelized edges and an intricate presentation, this Thanksgiving side is pretty enough to stand in as the table’s centerpiece.
Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
No holiday is complete without deviled eggs, so here is our recipe to bring to the table. If you are not hosting Thanksgiving this year, bring a dish of these and your host will be mighty grateful.
Greg DuPree
We love homemade, but we also love easy. You can get the best of both worlds with this pie recipe. With just seven ingredients, you will have the simplest and best pumpkin pie you can dream of.
Jody Horton
Sometimes, baking and basting an entire bird is more trouble than it’s worth. A turkey breast is a crowd-pleasing way to get that turkey taste without all the trouble. This smoked meat is bursting with apple cider, fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage.
Iain Bagwell
Fennel lovers, rejoice: this Italian-inspired cornbread dressing will certainly earn its spot on your Thanksgiving menu. Using a whole lot of day-old cornbread and a little added sweetness from apples and maple syrup, there is a little something for everyone in this recipe.
Diana Miller
Mashed potatoes are the one staple we never plan to alter when it comes to our Thanksgiving menu. In this recipe, we add a little bit of cream cheese to give these mashed potatoes a little more savory goodness.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Sometimes you want something that warms your heart and taste buds at the same time. Add a little kick to your Thanksgiving meal this year with a bit of chorizo.
Emily Laurae/Southern Living
Bless you if you have been waiting for a biscuit recipe. These biscuits truly taste like they were sent from heaven and will make even your youngest guests happy.
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
It is not a Southern get-together without some kind of retro salad. We love this pink stuff for its festive color and its homage to holidays past.
Beth Dreiling Hontzas
Having a Thanksgiving potluck or friendsgiving? You might want to whip up this staple. Rich whipping cream and golden, bubbly parmesan cheese make this dish divine.
Southern Living
Crispy on the outside and tender and creamy on the inside, these are the best baby potatoes around. To really bring the flavor to the potatoes, we boil them with rosemary, garlic, and salt to make sure that every bite is full of flavor.
Hector Sanchez
Browned butter with spices lends a deep, nutty flavor to this Southern classic. This recipe makes two pies, so it’s perfect for a crowd or great to give to a friend who might need a little more love during the holidays.
Emily Laurae/Southern Living
This sweet potato casserole is top-rated, and we’re guessing it’s because of the toppings, which include crunchy pecans, crispy cornflakes, brown sugar, butter, and more. This recipe is a fan favorite, even if some just spoon the marshmallows off the top.
Iain Bagwell
This green bean recipe frees up precious stove-top space and reminds us of the traditional green beans our grandmothers used to make. Plus, if you have not caught on already, we firmly believe bacon belongs in nearly every Southern side.
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
We are sweet on these biscuits. They freeze beautifully and bring a little extra fall flavor to your Thanksgiving meal. Pair with a little orange marmalade and some thinly sliced salty ham for the perfect bite.
Southern Living
No holiday is complete without sausage balls somewhere in the mix! We love these pimiento cheese sausage balls because pimiento cheese makes everything just a bit more Southern.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
These candied yams can be made up to three days in advance. Just make them up to step three, put them in the fridge, and bake them on Thanksgiving day.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Turkey is a necessity for Thanksgiving. You really cannot have one without the other, and this recipe is a classic, simple take that even novice cooks can ace. We will also make sure you make just enough for everyone at the table.
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Since Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season, why not bring the holiday cheer with a beautiful cake? While the traditional Thanksgiving dessert is pie, there is always room for holiday cake.
Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck
We know that your mothers and grandmothers have spoonbreads they swear by, but this recipe using fresh corn might just be your way to make the classic your own. With fresh herbs throughout, this is a light, new take on a very beloved classic.
Hector Sanchez
Any recipe that calls for pimiento cheese and creamed spinach is a dream come true. You can put this delightful mixture into ramekins for a personalized touch or prepare it in a 2-quart baking dish.
Hector Sanchez
Three of our favorite sides got together to revolutionize Thanksgiving dinner. With a delightful cheese sauce to hold everything together, this recipe is one that will stick around long after the holidays.
Iain Bagwell
It’s time to ditch your boxed stuffing and make this homemade dressing instead. This easy recipe is made from scratch with high-quality sourdough bread, fresh parsley and thyme, celery, leeks, and garlic.
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox
This pie is the perfect fall bite. Just one taste will make you glad you switched things up this year and decided to do something a little bit different than your usual pumpkin pie.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Use your leftover Thanksgiving turkey to make this delicious turkey salad recipe. We think we’ve mastered this simple salad to make it the best ever.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Too much turkey? Leftover turkey hash is the perfect recipe to serve for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. With bright bell pepper, onion, vinegar, and so much more, this recipe is a refreshing way to use your turkey leftovers in a way that isn’t tired.
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
If you love Thanksgiving food, you can savor it a little bit longer with this casserole. Made with canned cream of mushroom soup, pasta, and many other heart-warming ingredients, you can never go wrong with this staple.
Laurey W. Glenn
Traditional cornbread dressing is an expected dish on many Thanksgiving tables. In this version, grits replace corn meal in the bread that’s then baked in a cast-iron skillet. The result is crisp and fantastic.
Micah A. Leal
These bite-size pumpkin pies will delight guests who want to sample every dessert. And the individual size makes serving easy. Perfect for after the big meal when guests want to visit with everyone.
Laurey W. Glenn
Get a head start on the turkey feast with these make-ahead rolls that can be formed in almost any shape. This recipe first appeared in the November 1995 issue of Southern Living. Make the dough, refrigerate, and let it rise at room temperature before baking.
Victor Protasio
It’s not a Southern Thanksgiving without collard greens. Use the slow cooker to free up the stovetop while these cook low and slow. You can also make these ahead of time and reheat in the slow cooker.
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox
This dish is just what our Southern hearts desire. Fall vegetables are served in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s good enough to serve as the main course for vegetarian guests.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
It’s not Thanksgiving without our favorite classics, and this ham and cheese ball is a throwback to all of the holiday parties of our youth. Smoky cheese, ham, and pecans combine for this ultra-pleasing retro app.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
It’s not a party without dip, and this creamy recipe reinvents beloved spinach dip with collard greens. For those who can’t get enough collards at Thanksgiving (and who can?), this dip is sure to satisfy.
Southern Living
What holiday gathering is complete without brie on the appetizer display? These bite-size snacks are warm, creamy, and tart thanks to cranberry sauce. Have these ready to go in minutes.
Helen Norman
A bowl of these is sure to go quickly at a big family gathering. With a little cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cayenne, and rosemary, they’re downright addictive.
Micah A. Leal
There’s room for more than one pie on the dessert buffet. Don’t leave out this classic chocolate pie. Creamy and dreamy, this decadent dessert scores points for being easy and delicious.
