13 Southern Thanksgiving recipes for a spread that covers every inch of the sideboard

Thanksgiving side dishes can crowd the oven and leave the sideboard feeling like a puzzle. This lineup brings together Southern staples, from cornbread and biscuits to vegetable casseroles, three mac-and-cheese options, and a classic pie. The recipes cover different schedules too, with quick deviled eggs alongside slow cooker macaroni and dishes that can be assembled ahead. Choose the ones that suit your menu, then make room for one more serving spoon. Cornbread Stuffing Herb-scented with a crisp top, Cornbread Stuffing gives the holiday plate a familiar anchor. The recipe makes 12 servings and takes 1 hour 20 minutes, with cubed cornbread, onion, celery, sage, rosemary, parsley, broth, and eggs in the mix. Its tender center and browned edges bring a classic Southern feel to Thanksgiving. Set it beside turkey and gravy when everyone is ready for a generous scoop. Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing Deviled Eggs A platter of jewel-topped halves brings a bright note to the grazing table, and Deviled Eggs are ready in about 22 minutes for eight servings. The filling blends cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon, and thyme, while cranberry marmalade and pecans finish each egg. Warm spices give them a holiday look and a sweet-tart contrast. Keep the chilled tray near the kitchen so helpers can snack between cooking tasks. Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs Green Bean Casserole Creamy sauce and a crunchy onion lid make Green Bean Casserole a familiar side with plenty of texture. It serves six and takes about 55 minutes, combining green beans with mushroom soup, milk, sharp cheddar, and crispy onions. The mix of soft beans and savory topping fits naturally beside turkey, stuffing, and other holiday favorites. Bring it to the table while the onion layer is still crisp and let guests scoop their own portions. Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole Southern Cornbread Golden edges and a soft middle give Southern Cornbread a welcome place among the Thanksgiving sides. The recipe makes 12 servings in about 35 minutes, using cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter for a tender crumb with a gentle tang. Its one-bowl method helps keep prep simple when the kitchen is busy. Serve squares warm with butter or set them out to pair with stuffing and gravy. Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Sweet Potato Casserole A toasted, craggy topping makes Sweet Potato Casserole stand out among the savory dishes on the sideboard. It serves eight and takes 1 hour 25 minutes, layering mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar pecans and optional mini marshmallows. The creamy filling and crisp-sweet top bring the holiday flavors many guests expect. Assemble it a day or two ahead, then bake it fresh when oven space opens up. Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole Four Cheese Mac n Cheese Bubbling pasta with a golden top makes Four Cheese Mac n Cheese an easy crowd favorite to tuck between the vegetable sides. It serves six and takes 45 minutes, bringing Cheddar, Gouda, mozzarella, and Parmesan together in a creamy sauce. The baked finish gives the dish a crisp top and a smooth center, so it feels right at home in a Thanksgiving spread. Set it out while warm as a hearty side for guests of all ages. Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese Squash Casserole Golden cracker crumbs add a crisp finish to Squash Casserole , a Southern-style vegetable side with a creamy middle. It serves eight and takes 1 hour 30 minutes, combining roasted yellow squash and onion with cheddar, sour cream, mayonnaise, thyme, and a Ritz cracker-Parmesan topping. Roasting and draining the squash helps keep the casserole from turning watery. Bring it to Thanksgiving dinner when the menu needs a savory vegetable dish with a little crunch. Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese When oven space is at a premium, Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese keeps a creamy pasta side cooking off to the side. The recipe serves eight and takes 3 hours 10 minutes, with uncooked macaroni, cheddar, mozzarella, whole milk, and evaporated milk cooked together in the slow cooker. Stir it once or twice for a smooth sauce, then switch the cooker to warm. It is a handy fit for a long holiday meal or potluck table. Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese Buttermilk Biscuits Tall, flaky layers make Buttermilk Biscuits feel right at home alongside gravy and holiday casseroles. The recipe yields 12 biscuits in about 35 minutes, using flour, cold butter, and buttermilk for tender centers and golden tops. Serve them warm with butter or honey, or pass them around to catch the last of the gravy. Their familiar shape and simple serving options make them useful from the first meal to the leftovers. Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits Broccoli Casserole A cheesy cracker crust gives Broccoli Casserole a crisp top over its creamy vegetable center. It serves six and takes 55 minutes, combining broccoli with cheddar, mushroom soup, mayonnaise, eggs, and crushed cheese crackers. The dish can be assembled up to a day ahead and baked before dinner, which helps when several dishes need oven time. Put it beside the other casseroles for a holiday plate with a savory, crunchy bite. Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole Chess Pie A smooth custard slice offers a sweet pause after the savory dishes, and Chess Pie serves eight in about 1 hour 5 minutes of baking and prep. Its filling uses sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and a spoonful of cornmeal inside a pie crust, giving the top a deep golden finish. The simple pantry-style dessert suits a traditional Southern holiday table. Bake it ahead and let it cool fully before slicing for Thanksgiving dessert. Get the Recipe: Chess Pie Corn Casserole Soft and gently sweet, Corn Casserole brings an easy scoopable side to a crowded holiday table. The recipe serves eight, with creamed corn, whole kernel corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, butter, and cheddar in the bake. The oven portion takes about 45 to 55 minutes, including the final cheese melt, and a short rest helps it firm before serving. Place it near the cornbread and other casseroles for guests who like a tender, cheesy side. Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole Mac and Cheese A crisp breadcrumb top hides a creamy center in Mac and Cheese , a quick option when the menu needs one more familiar side. It makes four servings in about 20 minutes, using elbow pasta, cheddar, Parmesan, milk, butter, and mustard for a smooth sauce. The shorter cook time can help when the oven and stovetop are already busy. Serve it warm as a small-batch addition for a family gathering or a second round of sides. Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese The post 13 Southern Thanksgiving recipes for a spread that covers every inch of the sideboard appeared first on Food Drink Life . More from this section News Holiday Traditions at Evermore Orlando Resort Now Come With Conversation Prompts Updated Nov 7, 2026 News I’m an artist who works with glass – here’s how the physics and chemistry of glassblowing work Updated 16 hrs ago Associated Press Cousins breaks tie with 2:18 left in the Senators' 4-2 victory over the Mammoth Nov 7, 2026 Texas Cheapest gas stations in San Antonio Updated 17 hrs ago Inside Killeen Podcast