The best roundup of soul food Thanksgiving side dishes, bringing all the comfort, flavor, and tradition to your holiday table! These classic sides will make your Thanksgiving dinner unforgettable.
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If you’re planning your Thanksgiving dinner and want to add some Southern side dishes, you’re in the right place!
Thanksgiving is one of those special holidays that we look forward to all year long! Even if the holiday’s historical significance doesn’t resonate with you, the holiday season is the best time of year to gather with family and friends, reflect on gratitude, and, of course, enjoy some amazing food!
A typical Black Thanksgiving meal includes turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, candied yams, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Dessert often features sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and peach cobbler. Many African American families also enjoy dishes like spaghetti, green beans, and dinner rolls on Thanksgiving. Cakes are a must, with favorites like Sock It To Me cake, coconut cake, caramel cake, yellow cake, and chocolate cake making an appearance.
Be sure to check out our soul food Thanksgiving menu for recipes like Thanksgiving turkey and sweet potato pie.
Best Soul Food Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Candied Yams
These Southern soul food candied yams are a holiday staple and the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. They're sweet and buttery and feature brown sugar and warm spices.
Baked Mac and Cheese (with egg, condensed milk)
Indulge in this Southern soul food-style baked macaroni and cheese featuring cheddar, Monterey jack, and mozzarella. This recipe uses no roux and is rich, decadent, and comforting. It's an absolute must-try for anyone looking to savor a taste of the South.
Soul Food Collard Greens
This black folks collards recipe is a Southern classic and features slow simmered greens with ham hocks, onions, and a dash of red pepper flakes.
Chicken and Dressing
A classic African Americans chicken and dressing recipe made with shredded chicken and homemade buttermilk cornbread.
Southern Cornbread Dressing
This Southern dressing recipe is a standout addition to your Thanksgiving feast and a true Southern soul food comfort that’s as rich in tradition as it is in taste. I like to take leftover turkey with dressing and make sandwiches.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping
Our old fashioned sweet potato casserole is a classic holiday side dish for Thanksgiving (mom's secret recipe!). It's made with simple ingredients like fresh sweet potatoes, milk, sugar, and eggs, and is so easy and delicious!
Baked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese (with a roux)
Our baked Gouda Mac and Cheese boasts a velvety, creamy sauce made with a flour roux and a blend of Gouda, sharp cheddar, and Colby Jack cheese. It’s perfect for celebratory occasions like Thanksgiving.
Best Green Bean Casserole (with Fresh Green Beans)
Make the best green bean casserole with fresh green beans, Campbell's cream of chicken soup, and crispy fried onions.
Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
If you like Southern cuisine, then you will love this collard greens recipe made with smoked turkey legs and a blend of savory spices. Simmered to perfection, these soul food style collard greens are tender, full of flavor, and sure be a crowd pleaser on Thanksgiving Day.
Fried Cabbage
Southern Fried Cabbage is a soul food side dish elevated by the combination of crispy bacon, smoked sausage, and a medley of seasonings. Serve it alongside your favorite main for a simple, satisfying, and flavorful meal.
Homemade Cornbread Recipe
Our soul food cornbread recipe is easy to follow and yields a moist, tender crumb. It combines the rich tang of buttermilk with classic ingredients like butter and sugar for a delightful side dish that complements any Southern meal.
How to Cook Black Eyed Peas
Our Black Eyed Peas features smoked neck bones, onion, bell pepper, and celery is a soul food classic.
Green Beans and Potatoes
Fresh green beans and potatoes are simmered in a rich and flavorful broth with smoked turkey, onion, garlic, and seasonings. It's a classic Southern soul food recipe that's perfect for festive holidays like Thanksgiving.
How to Make Dirty Rice (Louisiana Cajun Recipe)
Learn how to make dirty rice with us! This Cajun rice recipe is perfect as a side dish or a main dish. It has that classic brown color and is full of bold flavor from the seasoned meats, veggies, and spices.
Sweet Potato Cornbread
This sweet potato cornbread is perfectly moist and flavorful, made with fresh, mashed sweet potatoes, a touch of cinnamon, and the magic of beaten egg whites. Topped with a luscious coat of melted butter for the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner companion.
Cabbage
This Southern cabbage recipe features boiled cabbage in a smoky, meaty broth with seasonings and spices. A savory and succulent Southern side dish that is a staple on our Thanksgiving dinner table!
Creamed Corn Recipe
Sweet, tender corn kernels are simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, making this dish a true comfort classic that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. This cream corn recipe only takes 30 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying Thanksgiving side dish.
Collard Greens and Cabbage (Mixed Greens)
Collard greens and cabbage (mixed greens) are cooked together, simmered in a flavorful smoky broth, with seasonings, onions, ham hocks, and red pepper flakes.
📖 Recipe
Soul Food Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray or softened butter
- 5 medium sweet potatoes orange-fleshed about 3 pounds
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt or ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Get the recipe for our baked candied yams.
Jackie says
The candied yams are my absolute favorite! This is a great list, everything looks amazing.
Angelia Jones says
Thanks for sharing