27 Southern Thanksgiving Recipes Grandma Always Made

Southern Thanksgiving wasn’t just a meal — it was a whole production built on tradition, love, and dishes that never left the table. From cornbread dressing to brown sugar–glazed ham, these recipes bring back the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen, where everything simmered low and slow and every bite tasted like home.

Savory Cornbread Dressing (Best Thanksgiving Recipe)

The Best Savory Cornbread Dressing for Thanksgiving
Savory Cornbread Dressing (Best Thanksgiving Recipe). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

A rich, savory cornbread dressing made with Jiffy mix, herbs, and sausage — cozy, flavorful, and essential for every holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Dressing (Best Thanksgiving Recipe)

Butter Swim Biscuits

Butter Swim Biscuits
Butter Swim Biscuits. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Golden, buttery biscuits that practically bake themselves — crispy edges, fluffy centers, and incredible Southern flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Butter Swim Biscuits

Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole (Copycat)

Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole
Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole (Copycat). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamy sweet potatoes crowned with marshmallows and crunchy oatmeal crumble — the perfect replica of Boston Market’s beloved holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole (Copycat)

Apple Cider Turkey Brine (Juiciest Holiday Turkey)

Brine Your Turkey in Apple Cider for the Juiciest Holiday Bird
Apple Cider Turkey Brine (Juiciest Holiday Turkey). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Apple cider, citrus, and fresh herbs infuse your turkey with incredible flavor and moisture — the secret to your juiciest holiday bird ever.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Turkey Brine (Juiciest Holiday Turkey)

Mom’s Famous Jiffy Corn Pudding

Mom's Famous Jiffy Cornbread Pudding
Mom’s Famous Jiffy Corn Pudding. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Sweet, creamy corn pudding made with Jiffy mix — a simple, comforting side dish loved at every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mom’s Famous Jiffy Corn Pudding

Pineapple Glazed Holiday Ham

Pineapple Glazed Ham
Pineapple Glazed Holiday Ham. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Juicy baked ham glazed with sweet caramelized pineapple — a festive, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Glazed Holiday Ham

KFC Mac and Cheese (Copycat)

KFC Mac and Cheese
KFC Mac and Cheese (Copycat). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Silky, ultra-creamy mac and cheese made with real cheddar — smooth, rich, and even better than KFC’s version.
Get the Recipe: KFC Mac and Cheese (Copycat)

Cracker Barrel Green Beans (Copycat)

Cracker Barrel Green Beans
Cracker Barrel Green Beans (Copycat). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Tender green beans slow-simmered with bacon and onions for that classic country flavor — just like Cracker Barrel’s famous side.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Green Beans (Copycat)

Southern Chicken & Dressing Casserole

Easy Southern Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Southern Chicken & Dressing Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Tender chicken baked with seasoned cornbread dressing — a warm, comforting Southern classic perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken & Dressing Casserole

Betty Crocker Classic Deviled Eggs

Betty Crocker Classic Deviled Eggs
Betty Crocker Classic Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamy, tangy deviled eggs made the timeless Betty Crocker way — perfect for holidays, picnics, and party trays.
Get the Recipe: Betty Crocker Classic Deviled Eggs

Easy Homemade Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread Dressing
Easy Homemade Cornbread Dressing. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Classic, comforting, and full of savory flavor — this simple cornbread dressing is essential for big family meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Cornbread Dressing

Grandma’s Giblet Turkey Gravy

Grandma's Turkey Gravy With Giblets
Grandma’s Giblet Turkey Gravy. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Old-school giblet gravy made the way Grandma did — rich, silky, and full of flavor thanks to those “secret” turkey bits.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Giblet Turkey Gravy

McDonald’s Sweet Tea (Copycat)

Homemade McDonald’s Sweet Tea
McDonald’s Sweet Tea (Copycat). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Smooth, perfectly sweet iced tea made at home with just a few ingredients — tastes exactly like McDonald’s refreshing classic.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Sweet Tea (Copycat)

Bob Evans Sausage Gravy (Copycat)

Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe
Bob Evans Sausage Gravy (Copycat). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamy, peppery sausage gravy just like Bob Evans — perfect spooned over hot biscuits for the ultimate country breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Bob Evans Sausage Gravy (Copycat)

Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Slow-cooked mashed potatoes that turn out unbelievably creamy and buttery — the easiest make-ahead side for holidays or cozy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Brookville Hotel Creamed Corn (Copycat)

Brookville Hotel Creamed Corn Recipe
Brookville Hotel Creamed Corn (Copycat). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A rich, silky creamed corn made with heavy cream — the famous Kansas restaurant recipe you can make in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Brookville Hotel Creamed Corn (Copycat)

Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie

Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie
Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Ultra-creamy, silky chocolate cream pie made with rich pudding and cream cheese — the indulgent no-bake dessert everyone raves about.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie

Easy Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie
Easy Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: Stetted.

Warm, spiced sweet potato pie with vanilla and buttery crust — a cozy Southern classic that’s even easier than pumpkin pie.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Pie

Marie Callender’s Banana Cream Pie (Copycat)

Marie Callender’s Banana Cream Pie
Marie Callender’s Banana Cream Pie (Copycat). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Fresh bananas layered with smooth vanilla custard and whipped cream — a dreamy, restaurant-quality banana cream pie you can make at home.
Get the Recipe: Marie Callender’s Banana Cream Pie (Copycat)

Taste of Texas Pecan Pie

Taste of Texas Pecan Pie
Taste of Texas Pecan Pie. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A decadent Texas-style pecan pie made with brown sugar, butter, and dark corn syrup — rich, gooey, and perfect for holidays.
Get the Recipe: Taste of Texas Pecan Pie

Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Bites

Warm Sausage with Cream Cheese and Crescent Rolls Made Easy
Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Bites. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Flaky crescent rolls filled with creamy sausage — the irresistible appetizer that always disappears at brunch or game day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Bites

Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza

Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A classic party appetizer — chilled ranch-spread crescent crust topped with crisp fresh veggies for a colorful, crowd-pleasing snack.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza

Extra Soft Buttery Yeast Rolls

Buttery Yeast Rolls With Bread Flour - Extra Soft
Extra Soft Buttery Yeast Rolls. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Ultra-fluffy homemade rolls made with bread flour for pillowy soft texture — perfect for soaking up gravy or serving on holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Extra Soft Buttery Yeast Rolls

Dirty Rice (Creole Classic)

Dirty Rice
Dirty Rice (Creole Classic). Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

A flavorful Creole dish made with seasoned meat, spices, and vegetables — savory, “dirty,” and completely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice (Creole Classic)

Southern Chicken Bog

Chicken Bog
Southern Chicken Bog. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Tender chicken, rice, and rich homemade broth come together in this comforting Carolina classic — simple, hearty, and soulful.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken Bog

Popeyes Red Beans & Rice (Copycat)

Popeyes Red Beans and Rice
Popeyes Red Beans & Rice (Copycat). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamy Cajun-style red beans slow-cooked with smoky ham hock and served over tender rice — even better than Popeyes.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Red Beans & Rice (Copycat)

Boston Market Cornbread (Copycat)

Boston Market Cornbread
Boston Market Cornbread (Copycat). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Sweet, fluffy cornbread made with Jiffy mix and cake mix — the perfect balance between cake and cornbread, just like Boston Market’s.
Get the Recipe: Boston Market Cornbread (Copycat)

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

REVEALED: Copycat Secrets for 2025

free email bonus

Yes, you CAN make it at home! I'll show you how.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

homemade Olive Garden Asiago Torgelloni Alfredo with chicken on a plate

Copycat Recipe Secrets for 2025

REVEALED:

Yes, you CAN make it at home! 
I'll show you how.

FREE EMAIL BONUS