Soul Food Thanksgiving Side Dishes - From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking (2024)

Soul Food Thanksgiving Side Dishes

As the holiday season quickly approaches, it’s time to prepare for all the festivities. I’m always committed to making Thanksgiving dinner special every year and this year is no different. Spending time with loved ones and enjoying a great meal is the ultimate goal, so planning my menu early is very important.

Thanksgiving would not be Thanksgiving for me and my family without my soul food side dishes. If you haven’t tried soul food then you will be pleasantly surprised. Soul food side dishes are made with love and full of flavor.Whether you’re serving up mac and cheese, cornbread dressing, or collard greens, soul food side dishes are a great compliment to any Thanksgiving table.

Here are some of my favorite soul food Thanksgiving side dishes:

1. Mac & Cheese

Mac & Cheese: has become my signature side dish during the holidays. Over the years I truly feel my guest come just to get a scoop of the mac and cheese. It’s made with six different cheeses that give it a flavorful and unique taste. In addition to my baked mac & cheese, I sometime treat my guest to seafood mac & cheese. is perfect for the seafood lover.

2. Cornbread Dressing -Thanksgiving Side Dish

Cornbread dressing is another classic soul food dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving. It can be prepared in several different way. My cornbread dressing recipe has evolved into one that I am happy to share and prepare. It’s made with homemade cornbread, two kinds of Italian sausage, and herbs and spices. It is baked until it is golden brown and crispy on top.

3. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a traditional Thanksgiving side dish that is both delicious and healthy. My cranberry sauce is made with fresh cranberries, sugar, lemon juice and orange marmalade. It’s simmered until the cranberries burst, soften and the sauce has thickened.

4. Collard Greens-Thanksgiving Side Dish

Collard greens can be made delicious in a variety of ways. They’re can be cooked with bacon, ham hock or smoked turkey until they are tender and flavorful. Here are two recipes to try one made with bacon and the other with turkey. Both are equally as delicious and pairs great with cornbread. Collard greens are often served with a side of cornbread to soak up all the delicious juices.

5. Mixed Greens

Mixed greens are a healthy and refreshing side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving. Soul food mixed greens can be a combination of collards, kale, turnip and mustard greens. They are rich with flavor and equally as tasty as collards alone.

6. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs can serve as an appetizer or side dish and they can be made in a variety of ways. I love the classic deviled egg recipe but adding seafood can elevate them to a gourmet treat.

7. Green Beans & Potatoes -Thanksgiving Side Dish

Green beans and potatoes are a comfort dish that serves great as a holiday side dish. They are both delicious and healthy.

8. Mashed Potatoes -Thanksgiving Side Dish

Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish that you will find on every holiday table. They can be prepared in a variety of ways depending on your taste buds. Garlic is the secret ingredient to my perfect mashed potatoes.

9. Fried Cabbage

Fried cabbage is a delicious and easy-to-make soul food side dish. It pairs well with cornbread or as a Thanksgiving side, with cornbread dressing.

10. Cornbread

Cornbread is perfect for Thanksgiving not just as an ingredient in your cornbread dressing. This is a recipe for skillet cornbread. It is easy to make and delicious.

11. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a classic soul food dish but in my home, it is always on my Thanksgiving menu. Having a large guest list, I love to make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.

12. Candied Yams -Thanksgiving Side Dish

Candied yams are a sweet addition to your holiday plate. They are the Thanksgiving side dish that is both delicious and easy to make.

How to Serve Soul Food Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Soul food Thanksgiving side dishes are typically served on a buffet table so that guests can choose their own favorites. They can be served hot or cold, and they are often paired with a variety of meats, such as turkey, ham, and fried chicken.

Tips for Making Soul Food Thanksgiving Side Dishes

• Use high-quality ingredients. This will make the biggest difference in the flavor of your dishes.
• Don’t be afraid to use bold flavors. Soul food is known for its bold and hearty flavors.
• Don’t overcook. Soul food is typically meant to be cooked until it is tender and flavorful, but not overcooked.
• Serve your dishes with love. Soul food is more than just a cuisine. It’s a way of life.