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- 1 whole roasted turkey (12-14 lbs) - 4 cups cornbread, crumbled - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 cup cooked and diced sausage (optional) - 1 teaspoon sage - 1 teaspoon thyme - 1 teaspoon rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed - ½ cup brown sugar - ½ cup butter, melted - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 2 cups green beans, trimmed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup onion rings, for topping To make the best Southern Thanksgiving Spread, start with the turkey. Choose a whole turkey weighing 12 to 14 pounds. Season it with salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and rosemary. This adds flavor. Next, prepare the cornbread dressing. Crumble four cups of cornbread into a large bowl. Dice one medium onion and two celery stalks. If you like, add one cup of cooked sausage. Mix in two cups of chicken broth, spices, and stir until combined. For the sweet potato casserole, peel and cube four cups of sweet potatoes. Boil them until fork-tender. This should take about 15 minutes. Mash them with half a cup of brown sugar, half a cup of melted butter, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Top it with chopped pecans. You will need a few key tools to make this feast. Gather the following: - Large roasting pan for the turkey - Skillet for sautéing vegetables - Mixing bowls for cornbread and sweet potatoes - Casserole dish for sweet potato casserole - Baking sheet for green beans and onion rings - Pot for boiling sweet potatoes - Knife and cutting board for chopping With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to create a memorable Southern Thanksgiving Spread. For the full recipe, refer to the provided details. Enjoy cooking! To start, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Take your turkey and season it well with salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Place it in the oven and roast it. You should roast it for about 13 minutes per pound. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey every 30 minutes. This helps keep it moist and adds great flavor. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery. Sauté them until they are soft, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in crumbled cornbread, chicken broth, and spices. Mix until everything is combined and moist. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top. This dish adds a great texture and flavor to your meal. For the sweet potato casserole, boil sweet potatoes in water until they are fork-tender, which takes about 15 minutes. Drain the water and mash them in a bowl. Mix in brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Once mixed well, pour it into a greased casserole dish. Top with chopped pecans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until it is bubbly. The sweet and nutty flavors will be a hit! Next, prepare the green beans. Blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain the beans and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can warm them in a skillet for added crunch. This keeps them fresh and crisp for your feast. As you get close to serving time, add crispy onion rings to the top of the green beans. Place them in the oven for an extra few minutes to heat through. This final touch adds a delicious crunch that everyone will love. Once everything is cooked, carve the turkey and arrange it on a large platter. Serve it alongside the cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, and green beans. This Southern Thanksgiving spread is not only hearty, but it also showcases the best of comfort food. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. When cooking your turkey, timing is key. Roast your turkey at 325°F (165°C). You'll need about 13 minutes per pound. For instance, a 14-pound turkey needs about 3 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The turkey should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. This will keep it juicy and safe to eat. For the cornbread stuffing, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. This will give it a nice golden color. Sweet potatoes should boil for about 15 minutes until tender. Bake them for 25 minutes to get a bubbly casserole. To really boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Add more sage, thyme, and rosemary to your turkey seasoning. They bring out the best in your dish. For the cornbread stuffing, you can add diced apples or cranberries for a hint of sweetness. In the sweet potato casserole, add a pinch of nutmeg for depth. You could also sprinkle more cinnamon on top before baking. This will make your dish smell amazing. For green beans, a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor. Presentation is important for a Southern feast. Use a large, beautiful platter for the turkey. Arrange the stuffing and casserole in colorful serving dishes. Add fresh herbs as a garnish on top of your dishes. This not only looks nice but also adds a pop of flavor. For an extra touch, place the green beans in a long dish with the crispy onion rings on top. It offers a lovely contrast. For your table, use a rustic cloth and natural elements like pinecones or small pumpkins. This brings warmth and charm to your Southern Thanksgiving spread. Don't forget to check the [Full Recipe](#) for all the delicious details! {{image_2}} You can change the stuffing to fit your taste. Use brown bread or sourdough instead of cornbread. This adds a different flavor. You can also mix in cranberries or apples for a sweet touch. If you want a richer taste, add more sausage or even bacon. You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. These swaps can make your stuffing unique and delicious. Sweet potato casserole can be fun to change. You can add marshmallows on top for a sweet finish. You might also try mixing in crushed pineapple for a fruity twist. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you love nuts, try walnuts instead of pecans. These small changes can give your casserole a new life and flavor. Green beans are easy to change up too. You could sauté them with garlic for more taste. Try adding almonds or walnuts for crunch. If you want a creamy dish, mix in some cheese and cream. You can also roast them with balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor. Each method brings out a different side of this veggie. After your Southern Thanksgiving spread is done, let the food cool. Cover the turkey and sides with plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. Keep turkey slices in a separate container to avoid drying out. Use airtight containers for sides to keep them fresh. You can mix the stuffing and sweet potatoes together. This keeps flavors combined and makes for easy serving. If you need to store food longer, freezing is a great option. Cool the dishes completely before freezing. Wrap turkey slices tightly in freezer-safe bags. For the cornbread stuffing and sweet potato casserole, use airtight containers. Label them with the date. Freeze these dishes for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating is simple! For the turkey, place slices in a baking dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover with foil and heat at 325°F (165°C) for about 20-30 minutes. For the stuffing and sweet potato casserole, reheat at the same temperature. Check for warmth, and add a bit of butter if needed. Green beans can be warmed in a skillet on medium heat. Stir until hot. Enjoy your delicious Southern Thanksgiving spread again! To keep turkey moist, start with a brine. A simple saltwater soak adds flavor and moisture. Use a mix of salt, sugar, and water. Soak the turkey for at least 12 hours. While cooking, baste the turkey every 30 minutes with its juices. This helps keep the skin crispy and the meat tender. If you need a substitute, try using regular bread or sourdough. Both can create a tasty dressing. Just cube the bread and dry it out before mixing. You can also use rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option. Add herbs and spices for flavor. Yes, you can make sweet potato casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Increase the baking time by about 10 minutes. Southern Thanksgiving flavors include sage, thyme, and rosemary. You also find sweet potatoes, cornbread, and pecans. These ingredients bring warmth and comfort to the meal. Don't forget the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for desserts. A Southern Thanksgiving spread can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store the turkey and sides in airtight containers. When reheating, make sure all dishes reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. Enjoy those leftovers! In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for a Southern Thanksgiving spread, including essential cooking tools and prep steps. I shared detailed instructions for turkey, cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, and green beans. You also learned helpful tips on cooking times, flavor, and presentation. Variations and storage info ensure your meal stays fresh and tasty. Remember, cooking is fun and a chance to share joy and flavor. With these tips, you’ll create a memorable meal for friends and family. Happy cooking!

Southern Thanksgiving Spread

Elevate your holiday feast with a delightful Southern Thanksgiving spread that will impress your guests! Learn how to perfectly roast a turkey, whip up cornbread stuffing, and create a mouth-watering sweet potato casserole topped with pecans. Don’t forget the crisp green beans with onion rings for a crunchy finish. Ready to make your Thanksgiving memorable? Click to explore these delicious recipes and bring Southern charm to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 whole roasted turkey (12-14 lbs)

4 cups cornbread, crumbled

2 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 cup cooked and diced sausage (optional)

1 teaspoon sage

1 teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup butter, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup pecans, chopped

2 cups green beans, trimmed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup onion rings, for topping

Instructions
 

Prepare the Turkey:

    - Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Season the turkey with salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Roast according to the weight, approximately 13 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey with its juices every 30 minutes.

      Make the Cornbread Stuffing:

        - In a large skillet, sauté onion and celery in olive oil until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the crumbled cornbread, sausage (if using), chicken broth, and spices. Mix until combined and moist. Bake at 350°F (175°C) in a greased baking dish for 30 minutes until golden brown on top.

          Prepare the Sweet Potato Casserole:

            - Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash in a bowl with brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Transfer to a greased casserole dish, top with chopped pecans, and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly.

              Cook the Green Beans:

                - Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. For added crunch, warm them through in a skillet.

                  Final Touches:

                    - For finishing, 5 minutes before serving, top the green beans with crispy onion rings and place in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.

                      Serve:

                        - Carve the turkey and serve on a large platter alongside the stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and green beans.

                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: | 1 hour | 4 hours | 10 servings