Southwest Florida's favorite Thanksgiving side dishes (with recipes!)

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey — side dishes are the true stars of the table. After polling Southwest Floridians, we’ve uncovered the region’s top-five side dish favorites.

Now, we’re sharing recipes from delish so you can bring these beloved dishes to your holiday feast. From classic stuffing to creamy macaroni and cheese, these recipes are guaranteed to please a crowd.

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1. Stuffing

Winner, winner, Thanksgiving dinner! According to Southwest Florida, stuffing reigns supreme as the region's favorite side dish.

Stuffing is the quintessential Thanksgiving side, blending savory herbs and bread into a dish that feels like home.

Ingredients :

• 1 loaf of bread, cubed (use your favorite type: sourdough, white, or whole grain)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp poultry seasoning
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions :

1. Prep Your Bread: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in an oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly dry. Let cool.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the toasted bread cubes with the cooked onion mixture. Gradually add broth, tossing gently, until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake: Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.

Add that Southwest Florida flair with shrimp or oysters for a seafood-inspired version.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving essential, offering comforting richness to the meal.

Ingredients :

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• ½ cup unsalted butter (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions :

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into equal-sized chunks, about 1 inch each. This ensures even cooking.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 20 minutes). Test by inserting a paring knife—there should be no resistance.
3. Drain: Drain the potatoes thoroughly to prevent them from overcooking or becoming waterlogged.
4. Mash: While the potatoes are still warm, mash them until smooth. Use a potato masher, ricer, or handheld mixer, depending on your preferred texture.
5. Heat Milk and Butter: In a small pot, heat the milk and butter together until the butter is fully melted. Pour the warm mixture over the mashed potatoes and stir to combine.
6. Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust as needed.
7. Serve: Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl. Add a few pieces of butter on top to melt and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

3. Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing combines the comforting flavors of freshly baked cornbread with savory sausage, herbs, and aromatics. This Southern classic is a must-have on Thanksgiving tables in Southwest Florida.

Ingredients :

• 1 cup fine-ground yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Dressing:

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage (or hot, for a spicier option)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions :

Step 1: Make the Cornbread

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8-inch square baking pan or 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Add the dry ingredients and stir until combined into a thick batter.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is pale golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cornbread cool completely in the pan, then cut it into 2-inch pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it into chunks with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 8 minutes). Transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl.
2. In the same skillet, add butter and cook the onion and celery for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add sage, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the skillet’s bottom (deglazing). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Add the cooled broth mixture to the bowl with the sausage.

Step 3: Assemble the Dressing

1. Add the cornbread pieces, eggs, and milk to the sausage mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir gently with a wooden spoon, breaking the cornbread into a mix of crumbs and chunks.
2. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter. Transfer the dressing mixture to the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Bake the dressing at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the center is set.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.

4. Mac and Cheese

Rich, creamy, and baked to perfection, mac and cheese is a classic holiday treat.

Ingredients :

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions :

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
3. Mix in cheeses until melted. Combine with pasta and transfer to a greased baking dish.
4. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

5. Sweet Potato Casserole

Florida's overall favorite, Sweet potato casserole , blends creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy topping — striking the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients :

Sweet Potato Filling:

• 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional; substitute walnuts or omit as desired)

Marshmallow Topping:

• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions :

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly to prevent the eggs from scrambling when added.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Add the eggs, melted butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and optional spices (cinnamon and nutmeg).
2. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or two forks, leaving some texture if preferred. Mix until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and pecans (if using) until combined.
2. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato filling.

Step 5: Add the Marshmallows

1. Top the casserole with mini marshmallows, ensuring even coverage for maximum visual impact.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

1. Bake the casserole at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through (ensuring the eggs are fully cooked).
2. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

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These recipes showcase the diverse and delicious tastes of Southwest Florida. Whether you stick with the classics or try the regional twists, these dishes will surely make your Thanksgiving memorable.

Which recipe will you try first? Share your creations with us, and let the flavors of Southwest Florida bring your holiday table to life.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at NBC2!

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