Grandma’s Best Thanksgiving Recipes That We'll Always Make

It's just not Thanksgiving without Grandma's favorite dishes.

Pam’s Pecan Pie
Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

When it's time to plan the Thanksgiving menu, even if you want to try a few new recipes or cut down the amount of food that's made, there's some dishes that have to be served year after year: Grandma's best Thanksgiving recipes. From the deviled eggs to the roasted turkey to the pumpkin pie, there are just some recipes that must make an appearance. Especially those treasured family recipes that may only be served for Thanksgiving dinner. We're talking Homemade Cranberry Sauce, Southern Cornbread Dressing, Yeast Rolls, and more.

Whether you have the pleasure of dining at Grandma's house for Thanksgiving dinner this year or want to honor her memory by recreating her favorite dishes, these Thanksgiving recipes are Grandma-approved.

01 of 15

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Assistant Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Though there are many different iterations of green bean casserole, Thanksgiving calls for the old-fashioned version. We're talking about the version that's made with canned mushroom soup and topped with fried onions.

02 of 15

Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Grandma knows that there's truly no occasion where a deviled egg plate isn't welcome in the South, Thanksgiving included.

03 of 15

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

While we know that some families traditionally serve canned cranberry sauce, others think the meal isn't complete without a homemade one. This recipe for the homemade version calls for 3 cups of cranberries.

04 of 15

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing
Photographer: Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

Aside from the turkey, dressing is perhaps the most important dish on the Thanksgiving menu. Grandma knows the best version is made with plenty of cornbread.

05 of 15

Pumpkin Pie

Classic Pumpkin Pie
Photographer: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This recipe for classic pumpkin pie is simple yet delicious, just like when Grandma made it. The piecrust leaves on top add a fun touch, but you can also serve the pie without if preferred.

06 of 15

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes in a bowl to serve

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

The gravy isn't just for the turkey and dressing. It's also for making homemade mashed potatoes even more delicious.

07 of 15

Roasted Turkey

Simple Roasted Turkey
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Grandma knows the secret to roasting the turkey for Thanksgiving is in the prep work. Make sure it has plenty of time to thaw before cooking and remember to reserve the drippings to make the homemade gravy.

08 of 15

Yeast Rolls

Thanksgiving Yeast Rolls
Iain Bagwell

Thanksgiving calls for homemade rolls and this recipe for classic yeast rolls will taste just like when Grandma makes them, or at least pretty close.

09 of 15

Pam Lolley's Pecan Pie

Pam’s Pecan Pie
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Pecan pie can be topped with whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or simply enjoyed plain.

10 of 15

Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Southern Living Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese in the dish to serve with a serving scooped out

Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Thanksgiving means the mac and cheese should be homemade, not from a box. Just like Grandma, make sure to grate your own cheese so it'll melt evenly and taste better than the pre-shredded kind.

11 of 15

Turkey Gravy

Turkey Gravy
Greg Dupree

It's just not Thanksgiving without gravy that's made from scratch with drippings from the roasted turkey in Grandma's gravy boat.

12 of 15

Savory Corn Pudding

Savory Corn Pudding
Emily Laurae / Southern Living

With so many dishes being prepared for Thanksgiving dinner, Grandma knows it's always good to have a few dishes that can be made ahead of time and corn pudding fits the bill.

13 of 15

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows - Southern Living

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Classic sweet potato casserole should be topped with marshmallows and cornflakes.

14 of 15

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

At Grandma's house, one thing is for certain: there will never be a shortage of desserts. In addition to the pumpkin pie and then pecan pie, there's always room for apple pie on the Thanksgiving table as well.

15 of 15

Cranberry Fluff Salad

Cranberry Fluff Salad

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Whether you think of it as a dessert or a side, Thanksgiving will never be complete without a pink fluff salad on the table.

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles