Every family has their own unique dishes that are a part of their holiday. To me, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without my mom’s cornbread dressing, my aunt’s sausage and rice casserole, and my grandmother’s recipe for corn pudding. When I lived out in San Diego, I never got to come home for the holiday, so I learned to roast a turkey and make all these dishes myself, which I served up to a group of friends out there. Southern cooking meets SoCal went over very well indeed! The one dish that always brought curious comments was the corn pudding. Many had never heard of it, but after one bite, they were sold.
Recently one of my Twitter buddies, DrBabyMamaDrama, was in search of a new side dish to add to her early Thanksgiving feast, so I suggested the corn pudding. A few days later, she happily reported that it was a hit!
Even though we all have our tried & true recipes that make up our menu, it’s fun to add something new every now and then. I’m quite sure she’s not the only one out there searching for some inspiration, so I thought I’d round up some great dishes I’ve made over the past year that would be an awesome addition to any Thanksgiving table! Click on the titles to take you to the original post which contains the recipe:
Spiced Pecan Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Cauliflower Gratin with Toasted Almond Crust
I’m searching for something fabulous myself, so I’d love to hear about your favorite dishes. Share a link or even an entire recipe in the comments section, and I’ll choose one to make for my family. If I choose yours, I’ll feature it here on the blog, giving you full credit, of course!
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Nashville Nosher — November 10, 2010 @ 7:01 am
Those all look great! I have a great recipe for squash souffle which is a staple for thanksgiving and christmas at my house. I’ll try and post it soon!
Beth replied: — November 10th, 2010 @ 2:27 pm
Squash souffle? I’m intrigued. I love squash, so definitely get me the recipe!
Traci — November 10, 2010 @ 1:54 pm
For the past 9 years we’ve had these grits on the table for Thanksgiving, I originally had them at a business holiday luncheon and they were amazing! I can’t get my hands on the handwritten recipe right this second, but I saw this one from the Pioneer Woman recently and it’s almost identical….
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/creamy-cheese-grits-with-chilies/comment-page-2/
Last year we cooked for 20 people and for the first time we did more of a buffet style rather than a traditional seating. I made these Sweet Potato balls, and while the prep took a little longer than I wanted, they were a HUGE hit with everyone and I’ve been asked to make them again. Just be sure to watch them carefully during baking.
http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/view2/sweet_potato_balls/
Beth replied: — November 10th, 2010 @ 2:26 pm
For my family gatherings (yes, I have 2 in 1 day!), we have about 50 people for lunch, and 30 for dinner, so both are buffet style as well. I’ve made a recipe similar to this one for grits before and they were incredible, so that is definitely a good option!
Those sweet potato balls look insanely decadent!
ehalvey — November 10, 2010 @ 6:07 pm
I might need to try out the corn pudding. Is it similar to Monell’s in consistency?
We tend to have more “adventurous” sides with Christmas and Easter dinners than Thanksgiving. I’ll need to dig for a recipe.
Beth replied: — November 11th, 2010 @ 8:10 am
Sadly, I’ve never had Monell’s corn pudding, so I’m not sure. I like adventurous, so dig away and give me something good! ;-)
Kate (Southern-Belle-Simple) — November 11, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
My mom makes my great-grandmother’s recipe for Oyster Casserole which is basically just canned oysters in a delicious white sauce with saltines crumbled on it. I’m making the Bluewillow Inn’s Buttery Biscuits and they are to-die-for!
sarah — November 11, 2010 @ 8:55 pm
These all look delicious Beth! I dream of one day eating with you (:
Beth replied: — November 12th, 2010 @ 6:56 am
Thanks Sarah! and I hope the same….
Tabitha — November 12, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
You wouldn’t happen to have that rice and sausage casserole recipe would you? That sounds delicious.
Beth replied: — November 12th, 2010 @ 2:43 pm
pretty sure I have it at home…will look for it this weekend and email to you!
ehalvey — November 13, 2010 @ 6:09 pm
Are you a cabbage fan? I’ve got a crispy cabbage side that I’ve made for Christmas Eve and Easter. Or I can get an egg mayonnaise recipe from my sister-in-law for a standard Christmas appetizer.
My grandma’s Thanksgiving sides are…um…questionable at best. And my mom doesn’t stray far from stuffing, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots due to picky eating, and my in-laws are Irish so they don’t do Thanksgiving.
Beth replied: — November 14th, 2010 @ 12:18 pm
yes, I love cabbage!
ehalvey — November 15, 2010 @ 6:29 pm
Here’s the original recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/brussels-sprouts-with-pancetta-recipe/index.html
Since I don’t like Brussels Sprouts (except the ones at ChaChah), I substitute finely shredded cabbage. I find the pre-cubed pancetta is easier than dicing thick cut bacon or prosciutto. Add some shallots with the garlic.
Marcia Truitt — December 2, 2010 @ 1:41 pm
I have made your Grandmother’s Corn Pudding three times already this year. It is always a huge hit and SO delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Beth replied: — December 2nd, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
oh, I’m so glad!! I think I’ve had at least 8 or 9 people tell me that they made it for their Thanksgiving this year! It would have made my grandmother very happy to know that so many people have enjoyed it :-)
Rilla — November 22, 2011 @ 8:58 am
My italian husband requires something in the pasta family at Thanksgiving…red sauces just dont work for me on such a traditional day, so we have compromised with this butternut squash lasagna. Its truly divine and I have handed out the recipe MANY times over the years.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/butternut-squash-lasagna-recipe/index.html
danielle — November 22, 2011 @ 9:38 am
We made the cheddar apple crunch last year – it was a huge hit! So delicious!