Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and togetherness. While turkey often takes center stage, the side dishes and desserts are what truly bring the feast to life. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a cozy holiday at home, these popular Thanksgiving recipes — from creamy macaroni and cheese to decadent pecan pie — are sure to make your celebration deliciously memorable. Let’s dive into some tried-and-true favorites that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds (or thirds!).

---

1. Macaroni and Cheese

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a comforting dish of macaroni and cheese. The creamy, cheesy goodness is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to make in large batches.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Once the sauce thickens, stir in the cheeses and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
5. For extra indulgence, top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Why It’s a Winner: This rich, creamy side dish is a beloved favorite for good reason. The sharp cheddar pairs perfectly with the soft macaroni, creating a comforting dish that’s always a hit.

---

2. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic Southern dish that adds a creamy, tangy bite to the Thanksgiving spread. It’s simple to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time to save yourself some stress on the big day.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, and onion to the bowl and stir to combine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.

Why It’s a Winner: This creamy, tangy potato salad is a perfect complement to the other rich dishes on your Thanksgiving table. It’s always a hit and can be made the day before to save time.

---

3. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving essential, offering the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Topped with toasted marshmallows or a crunchy pecan streusel, it’s both comforting and festive.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional for topping)

Instructions:

1. Boil sweet potatoes until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, milk, and vanilla.
2. Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a greased baking dish. Top with marshmallows if desired.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

Why It’s a Winner: The sweet and creamy base, combined with the marshmallow topping, makes this dish both comforting and indulgent — a favorite of both kids and adults alike.

---

4. Squash Casserole

This creamy, cheesy squash casserole is another Southern favorite that always makes an appearance at Thanksgiving dinners. It’s an easy way to get some veggies on the table while keeping them deliciously indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs)

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, sauté squash and onion over medium heat until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
2. In a large bowl, combine the squash mixture with cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with crushed crackers, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Why It’s a Winner: This dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a great way to enjoy squash in a hearty, comforting form.

---

5. Collard Greens

Collard greens are a staple at Southern Thanksgiving tables, and for good reason. Their rich, earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with the other hearty dishes on your menu.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1/2 lb smoked ham hocks (or turkey legs for a leaner option)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add the ham hocks (or turkey legs) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add the collard greens, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the greens are tender.
3. Stir in vinegar just before serving.

Why It’s a Winner: Collard greens are the perfect savory, slightly tangy side dish that complements the richness of the other dishes on your Thanksgiving table.

---

6. Dressing/Stuffing

Whether you call it dressing or stuffing, this classic dish is a Thanksgiving essential. With a blend of herbs, veggies, and plenty of butter, it’s the perfect side to pair with turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed( I like to use cornbread)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and celery in butter until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed vegetables and beaten eggs.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Why It’s a Winner: This savory dish is the perfect complement to turkey and gravy, and it’s loved by nearly everyone at the table.

---

7. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer that never fails to impress. With their creamy, tangy filling, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat to kick off the meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Hard-boil the eggs, peel them, and cut them in half.
2. Remove the yolks and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites and garnish with paprika.

Why It’s a Winner: These creamy, tangy bites are easy to make, and they disappear quickly at any gathering.

---

8. Rolls

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without soft, pillowy rolls to mop up gravy, sauce, or cranberry relish. These homemade rolls are buttery, light, and irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the butter and warm milk, then mix to form a dough.
2. Knead the dough until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
3. Punch down the dough, divide into rolls, and place on a greased baking sheet. Let rise for

I hope everyone enjoys this special holiday!!