Thanksgiving Plates Soul Food: 5 Heartwarming Classics

Name: Thanksgiving Plates Soul Food: 5 Heartwarming Classics
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Soul Food
Ingredients: Turkey – 1 whole (12-15 lbs); Collard Greens – 2 lbs; Macaroni and Cheese – 1 large casserole; Sweet Potatoes – 4 medium; Cornbread – 1 batch; Gravy – 2 cups; Stuffing – 1 large bowl; Cranberry Sauce – 1 can; Green Beans – 1 lb; Pecan Pie – 1 whole

January 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday; it’s a heartfelt celebration filled with rich traditions and mouthwatering flavors that warm the soul. When I think of *thanksgiving plates soul food*, I’m transported to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air is thick with the scent of savory turkey roasting and sweet potatoes baking to perfection. Each dish tells a story—like the collard greens that symbolize prosperity and the macaroni and cheese that brings everyone together around the table. It’s all about family, love, and sharing our heritage through food. Over the years, I’ve perfected my soul food recipes, and I can’t wait to share these beloved dishes with you. Trust me, once you try this Thanksgiving spread, it’ll become a cherished part of your holiday tradition, just like it is for me!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Plates Soul Food

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating a memorable Thanksgiving feast! Here’s what you’ll need for my soul food spread:

1 whole turkey (12-15 lbs) – Make sure it’s thawed and ready for seasoning!
2 lbs of collard greens – Fresh is best for that tender, flavorful bite.
1 large casserole of macaroni and cheese – Cooked and cheesy, just the way we love it!
4 medium sweet potatoes – These will be baked and mashed to creamy perfection.
1 batch of cornbread – Fluffy and golden, it’s a must-have on the table.
2 cups of gravy – Homemade from the turkey drippings for that rich flavor.
1 large bowl of stuffing – Stuffed inside the turkey or cooked separately, your choice!
1 can of cranberry sauce – For a sweet, tangy contrast.
1 lb of green beans – Fresh or canned, seasoned just right.
1 whole pecan pie – The perfect sweet ending to your feast!

These ingredients come together to create a soul food experience that’s sure to please everyone around your table!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Plates Soul Food

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything to life! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise, it’s easier than it looks. Let’s dive in!

Preparing the Turkey

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, let’s get our turkey ready! Start by patting the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy! Now, season it generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and any of your favorite spices—think garlic powder, thyme, or paprika for a little kick. Place it in a roasting pan and pop it into the oven for about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the size. You’ll want to baste the turkey every hour with its own juices for maximum flavor. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once it’s done, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This keeps all those delicious juices locked in!

Cooking the Sides

While the turkey is roasting away, let’s tackle those sides! For the collard greens, wash and chop them up, then cook them in a large pot with some water, a bit of salt, and a splash of vinegar for about 45 minutes until tender. Next, for the macaroni and cheese, cook your pasta according to the package instructions, then mix it with your creamy cheese sauce and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

As for the sweet potatoes, bake them for about 45 minutes until soft, then mash them with butter and a sprinkle of sugar. For the cornbread, whip up your favorite recipe and bake according to instructions—usually about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Stuffing can go inside the turkey if you prefer, or you can prepare it separately, baking for about 30 minutes. Finally, heat the green beans in a pan with a bit of olive oil and season to taste. All these flavors will come together beautifully, creating a Thanksgiving plate that’s not just food, but a celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a true celebration of tradition, bringing families together around the table.
The rich, soulful flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Simple preparation steps make it easy for anyone to join in the cooking fun.
Perfect for serving a large group, ensuring no one leaves hungry.
Each dish is a beloved classic that warms the heart and fills the belly.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Thanksgiving plates soul food turns out perfectly, here are some trusty tips I swear by! First, always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients—this makes a world of difference in flavor. When prepping the turkey, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking; this helps it cook evenly. Timing is everything, so while the turkey roasts, tackle your sides to keep things moving smoothly. Don’t forget to taste as you go—seasoning is your friend, and you can adjust to your liking. Also, make sure to let your turkey rest after cooking; it’ll keep it juicy and tender. Lastly, enlist help from family or friends if you can—cooking together makes the experience more enjoyable and memorable!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying my Thanksgiving plates soul food, it’s good to know what you’re serving up! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving, based on typical ingredients and generous portions:

Calories: 800
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 1200mg
Total Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 90g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 150mg

These values can vary based on how you prepare your dishes, so keep that in mind as you dig into this delicious spread!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect *thanksgiving plates soul food*? You’re not alone! Here are a few common queries I get, along with my best answers to help you out:

Can I prepare the turkey the night before?
Absolutely! You can season the turkey the night before and let it marinate in the fridge. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before roasting for the best results.

What can I substitute for collard greens?
If collard greens aren’t available, you can use kale or mustard greens. They’ll give you a similar texture and flavor, just be mindful of the cooking times!

How do I keep the macaroni and cheese creamy?
To keep it creamy, make sure not to overcook the pasta and add a little extra milk or cream to the cheese sauce before baking. A sprinkle of cheese on top before it goes in the oven also helps!

Can I make stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven before serving to get that delicious, warm flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best taste, reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This keeps everything nice and crispy, especially the turkey and cornbread!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your *thanksgiving plates soul food*, consider serving some homemade biscuits or a buttery dinner roll on the side—perfect for sopping up all that delicious gravy! A refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette can also add a nice contrast to the rich flavors on your plate. And don’t forget a festive drink; sweet tea or a spiced apple cider pairs wonderfully with the meal and brings a touch of holiday cheer. These additions will round out your feast and keep everyone coming back for more!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your feast, it’s important to store those delicious leftovers properly! First, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. You can keep turkey, sides, and pies in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to save them for later, feel free to freeze portions! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in freezer bags—this helps prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to reheat, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cover your dishes with foil to keep them from drying out. Heat until everything is warmed through, and enjoy that comforting soul food magic all over again!

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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.