Master Southern Thanksgiving Sides Like a Pro

Molly Dupont
Molly Dupont
Published on January 17, 2026
30 min Prep Time
60 min Time
8 Servings
Medium Difficulty
4.7 (20 ratings)

Get ready to impress with these Southern Thanksgiving sides! From rich turkey gravy to flavorful cornbread dressing and perfectly caramelized sweet potatoes, each dish brings comfort to the table. You’ll wanna save this recipe for your next family feast!

Whisking roux in pan showing smooth, foaming mixture before stock addition, demonstrating proper roux preparation for gravy
Cornbread dressing in casserole dish with golden-brown top showing bread texture and herb distribution

What You'll Need

  • 4 cups cornbread, crumbled (I use Bob's Red Mill mix for the best texture)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sage, dried (or fresh if you can find it)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Kerrygold butter
  • 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 cups turkey gravy, homemade or store-bought

How To Do It

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Candied sweet potatoes with caramelized glaze and pecan topping, showing golden-brown surface and bubbly edges
Whisking roux in pan showing smooth, foaming mixture before stock addition, demonstrating proper roux preparation for gravy

1. For the best cornbread texture, let it sit overnight before using it. It’ll soak up flavors better. 2. If you’re short on time, use store-bought gravy. Kerrygold butter adds richness, though! 3. You can prep the cornbread dressing a day ahead - just keep it covered in the fridge. 4. Don’t skip the foil during the first bake; it keeps moisture in. 5. Sweet potatoes can be made ahead too - just reheat them gently before serving.

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