Southern Holiday Recipes Part 2 of 2
Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather and share a delectable feast that captures the essence of the season. Click here to view the recipes in part 1. Now, let’s take a look at five more mouthwatering Thanksgiving recipes, including Southern Fried Turkey, Squash Dressing, Oyster Dressing, Pecan Pie, and Carrot Soufflé. Each dish comes with ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions, showcasing why these recipes are considered some of the best holiday dishes.
Southern Fried Turkey:
Ingredients:
12-14 pound turkey
2 gallons of peanut oil
1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
Thaw the turkey and remove the giblets and neck. Rinse and pat dry.
In a large pot, heat the peanut oil to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the Cajun seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, making sure to coat it thoroughly.
Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil, using a turkey basket or a turkey frying rig. Fry for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Carefully remove the turkey and let it rest before carving.
Why it’s a Thanksgiving Favorite:
Southern Fried Turkey is a standout Thanksgiving dish because it combines the succulence of a perfectly cooked turkey with a crispy, flavorful crust. The Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick, making it a memorable centerpiece for your holiday meal.
Squash Dressing:
Ingredients:
2 pounds yellow squash, sliced
1 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Steam or boil the squash until tender. Drain and mash.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion, bell peppers, and celery until they’re soft.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed squash, sautéed vegetables, 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden and bubbly.
Why it’s a Thanksgiving Favorite:
Squash Dressing is a beloved Thanksgiving side dish because it combines the earthy flavors of squash and aromatic sautéed vegetables with the comforting richness of cheese and breadcrumbs. It’s a delightful and flavorful alternative to traditional stuffing.
Oyster Dressing:
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup butter
1 cup shucked oysters with their liquid
8 cups day-old French bread, cubed
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the celery, onion, bell peppers, and parsley until they’re soft.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, oysters, and their liquid, cubed French bread, fresh sage, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s golden and crispy on top.
Why it’s a Thanksgiving Favorite:
Oyster Dressing is a treasured Thanksgiving dish that marries the briny goodness of oysters with the aromatic blend of herbs and vegetables. It’s a rich and unique side dish that adds a coastal flair to your holiday feast.
Pecan Pie:
Ingredients:
1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
1 cup light corn syrup
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Arrange the pecan halves in the bottom of the unbaked pie crust.
Pour the syrup mixture over the pecans.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the pie is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Why it’s a Thanksgiving Favorite:
Pecan Pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert that boasts a perfect combination of sweetness and crunch. The sugary filling is balanced by the nutty richness of pecans, making it a delightful way to cap off your Thanksgiving meal.
Carrot Soufflé:
Ingredients:
2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Boil or steam the carrots until they are tender. Drain and mash them.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed carrots, sugar, melted butter, flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the soufflé is set and golden.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving (optional).
Why it’s a Thanksgiving Favorite:
Carrot Soufflé is a sweet and creamy side dish that provides a perfect balance to the savory elements of a Thanksgiving feast. The natural sweetness of carrots is enhanced by sugar, butter, and vanilla, creating a silky and flavorful accompaniment.
These Thanksgiving recipes are beloved for their ability to capture the essence of the holiday season. Southern Fried Turkey, Oyster Dressing, Pecan Pie, and Carrot Soufflé each bring a unique blend of flavors and textures to your Thanksgiving table. From the crispy Cajun kick of the fried turkey to the sweet and nutty richness of the pecan pie, these dishes are bound to create lasting holiday memories.
