Thanksgiving Food Sides Southern: 7 Comforting Classics

Name: Thanksgiving Food Sides Southern: 7 Comforting Classics
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 cups collard greens, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cornmeal; 2 cups buttermilk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

January 1, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, Southern Thanksgiving! It’s a time filled with warmth, family, and of course, the most delicious food. Growing up, I remember the heavenly aroma of collard greens simmering on the stove, mingling with the sweet scent of baked sweet potatoes. In the South, side dishes are the heart and soul of our Thanksgiving meals. They don’t just accompany the turkey; they elevate the entire feast! My Southern Thanksgiving food sides are classic dishes that bring folks together around the table. Trust me, you can’t have a proper Thanksgiving without these comforting, flavorful sides that are sure to impress your guests and fill their hearts with joy. Let’s dive into the goodness of these beloved recipes!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Food Sides Southern

To whip up these classic Southern Thanksgiving food sides, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. I love how each one plays a unique role in making these dishes sing!

4 cups collard greens, chopped: Fresh collard greens are a must! They bring a hearty texture and rich flavor to the table. Be sure to wash them well and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This will help sauté our veggies and add a lovely richness. Feel free to substitute with bacon grease for a traditional Southern twist!
1 onion, diced: A sweet onion adds depth to the collard greens. Dice it up small so it softens nicely when sautéed.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic punch that elevates the dish. You can adjust this to your taste, but I always say more garlic is never a bad thing!
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of your greens. You can always adjust this to suit your palate.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
1 cup cornmeal: This is the base for our comforting cornbread! It gives that classic Southern texture and flavor we all love.
2 cups buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and a tangy flavor that makes the cornbread delightfully rich. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute!
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Who doesn’t love cheese? It brings a creamy, savory element to the cornbread that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Sweet potatoes are sweet and comforting. Make sure to use fresh ones for the best flavor; they’ll be mashed into a heavenly side!
1/2 cup brown sugar: This adds a lovely sweetness to the mashed sweet potatoes, balancing out their natural flavors perfectly.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of spice to the sweet potatoes, making them irresistible.

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Food Sides Southern

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get cooking! I promise you, these steps will guide you through preparing these delightful Southern Thanksgiving food sides with ease. Grab your apron, and let’s dive in!

Cooking Collard Greens

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant—oh, that smell is heavenly! Next, add in the chopped collard greens along with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together and cover the pot. Let them cook down for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and wilted. Trust me, this step is essential for bringing out the flavors!

Making Cheddar Cornbread

While the collard greens are cooking, you can whip up the cheddar cornbread. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of cornmeal and 2 cups of buttermilk. Give it a good stir until it’s well mixed. Then, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until everything is evenly incorporated. Now, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth it out. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cornbread for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

Preparing Sweet Potatoes

For the sweet potatoes, start by peeling and cubing 4 cups of fresh sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add in 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. If you want an even silkier texture, you can use a hand mixer. Serve these sweet potatoes warm, and watch everyone rave about them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern flavors that bring a taste of home to your Thanksgiving table.
Simple ingredients and easy preparation make these sides perfect for any cook.
The collard greens and sweet potatoes are nutritious and comforting—ideal for family gatherings.
Cheddar cornbread adds a cheesy twist that pairs beautifully with any main dish.
These dishes complement turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian feast wonderfully.
They can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with family.
Each recipe is flexible—adjust ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to create these amazing Southern Thanksgiving food sides, here are some of my best tips to ensure everything turns out perfect. Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way!

Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! If you love it a little spicier, add more black pepper to the collard greens. For the sweet potatoes, if you prefer them sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
Bacon Boost: For a traditional twist, you can add cooked bacon to your collard greens. Just sauté some chopped bacon in the pot before adding the onions and garlic. It adds a smoky richness that’s out of this world!
Cheddar Choices: If you want to switch things up, try different cheeses for the cornbread! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, while a mild cheese keeps it classic. Just make sure it’s shredded for easy melting.
Sweet Potato Texture: For the smoothest sweet potatoes, mash them while they’re still hot. If you like a bit of texture, you can leave some chunks for a more rustic feel. Either way, they’ll be delicious!
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your collard greens during cooking. Overcooking can lead to mushy greens. You want them tender but still holding their shape and vibrant color!
Make Ahead: These sides are perfect for preparing in advance! You can cook the collard greens and sweet potatoes a day ahead and simply reheat them before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After the feast, you’ll likely have some delicious Southern Thanksgiving food sides left over. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat them so they taste just as good as they did fresh out of the oven!

For collard greens, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If they seem a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture.

For the cheddar cornbread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 30-45 seconds, but I recommend the oven for the best texture!

The sweet potatoes can also be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave for quick convenience, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm. If you prefer the stovetop, just add a little milk or butter to a saucepan and heat over low until smooth and creamy again. This will help maintain that delightful texture!

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor every bite of your Southern Thanksgiving food sides long after the holiday has passed. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these Southern Thanksgiving food sides, it’s always good to know what you’re munching on! Below are the estimated nutritional values per serving, based on the ingredients used. Keep in mind that actual values can vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 6g

This information is a great way to keep track of what you’re serving up, especially during the holiday season. Enjoy these delicious sides while feeling good about the wholesome ingredients that bring them to life!

FAQ Section

Can I make collard greens ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the collard greens a day in advance. Just reheat them gently on the stovetop before serving. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, making them even more delicious!

What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you’re out of buttermilk, no worries! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 2 cups of regular milk with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ve got a perfect buttermilk stand-in!

How do I store leftover sweet potatoes?
You can store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or butter for extra creaminess.

Can I add other ingredients to the cornbread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in ingredients like jalapeños for some heat, or even sweet corn for added sweetness and texture. Just ensure that whatever you add is finely chopped so it blends well!

Are these Thanksgiving food sides suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these dishes are vegetarian-friendly! The collard greens and sweet potatoes are packed with flavor and nutrients, and the cheddar cornbread is a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. Just be cautious with any bacon you may choose to add to the greens!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your Southern Thanksgiving food sides ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them! These dishes are not just delicious on their own; they pair beautifully with a variety of main courses and drinks that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast even more.

Turkey: Of course, you can’t go wrong with classic roasted turkey. The savory flavors of the collard greens and sweet potatoes complement the turkey perfectly, making for a well-rounded plate.
Honey-Baked Ham: If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, honey-baked ham is a fantastic choice. The sweetness of the ham pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the mashed sweet potatoes.
Smoked Brisket: For a Southern twist, consider serving smoked brisket. Its smoky, tender goodness works wonderfully with the cornbread and collard greens.
Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sides, balancing out the meal beautifully.
Biscuits: Fluffy Southern biscuits are the perfect accompaniment for mopping up any leftover juices or sauces. Plus, who doesn’t love a good biscuit?
Sweet Tea: When it comes to drinks, you can’t beat a glass of sweet tea. Its sweetness pairs well with the savory sides and adds a refreshing note to the meal.
Red Wine: If you prefer something a bit more sophisticated, a light red wine like Pinot Noir complements the flavors of the meal without overpowering them.

These suggestions will not only enhance your Southern Thanksgiving food sides but also create a memorable and festive dining experience for you and your loved ones. Enjoy the feast!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.