A Southern Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, treat your family to a traditional Southern-style Thanksgiving with all the fixings. Prime their appetites with a tart pickle platter and freshly shucked oysters. Then show off your low country hospitality by cooking up all the classic sides, from spicy collards to smoky stewed rutabagas, perfect for surrounding a cornbread-stuffed turkey. Finish the meal on an extra sweet note with a creamy pumpkin cake roll and some bourbon-laced pecan pie. And of course, don't forget to keep the sweet tea and whiskey cocktails flowing!

The Menu

More About This Menu

Assemble the bread and butter pickles, pickled beets, and eggs on a platter, along with any other favorite pickles, with plenty of toothpicks for easy snacking. Pickles make a great appetizer since they can be prepared far ahead of time, and won't spoil anybody's appetite.
Having some of your family grill and shuck the oysters outside will not only de-clutter your kitchen, but it will also keep those certain family members with sticky fingers away from the main meal.
To save time, prep your macaroni and cheese ingredients the day before: cube the cheese and prepare the spice mixture, and precook the pasta, which can be reheated by rinsing under hot water. The homemade butter, minted cranberry sauce, sweet tea, and desserts can all be made the day before serving.
For more inspiring recipes for southern sides, see our recipe collection »