17+ Soul Food Recipe For Thanksgiving Turkey Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 4, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and giving thanks for the blessings in our lives. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious soul food recipe for a Thanksgiving turkey? Soul food is a style of cooking that originated in the Southern United States and is deeply rooted in African American culture. It's known for its rich flavors and hearty, comforting dishes, making it the perfect cuisine to add to your Thanksgiving feast. In this article, we'll share our favorite soul food recipe for a juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic Cloves, Green Pepper, Bell Pepper
If you're a fan of classic soul food, then you've probably had collard greens before. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. The tender greens are slow-cooked with savory seasonings and often paired with smoked meat for added depth of flavor. Whether you're new to collard greens or a longtime fan, these beer can chicken recipes featuring this beloved dish are sure to become new favorites.
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Southern Collard Greens w/ Smoked Turkey Legs (soul...
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves
A true Southern classic, collard greens with smoked turkey legs is a dish that will transport you straight to grandma's kitchen. The combination of tender greens and smoky, savory meat is a match made in heaven. This recipe takes it up a notch by using beer can chicken to infuse even more flavor into the dish. The end result is a hearty and comforting meal that will leave you wanting more.
Black eyed peas are a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. These legumes are packed with protein and have a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings. In this recipe, beer can chicken is used to add a new dimension of flavor to this classic dish. Serve it as a side or make it a meal by adding some smoked chicken to the mix.
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Southern Smothered Turkey Necks
Main Ingredients: Turkey Necks, Seasoning Salt, Kosher Salt, Cayenne
Smothered turkey necks are a Southern delicacy that is often overlooked. These tender and flavorful cuts of meat are slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. This recipe takes it to the next level by using beer can chicken to add a depth of flavor that will have you licking your plate clean.
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Southern Soul Food Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Noodles, Half And Half, Butter, Eggs, Cream
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is beloved by many. In this recipe, the traditional dish gets a Southern twist by using beer can chicken to add a smoky and savory flavor. The end result is a creamy and cheesy dish that is perfect as a side or as a main course.
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Southern, Soul Food Deviled Eggs
Main Ingredients: Eggs, White Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Dukes Mayonnaise
Deviled eggs are a popular appetizer at Southern gatherings and potlucks. These bite-sized treats are typically made with a creamy and tangy filling, but this recipe adds a new twist by using beer can chicken to add a smoky and savory flavor. These deviled eggs are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Cornmeal, Self Rising Flour, Buttermilk
Cornbread dressing is a staple side dish in Southern cooking, especially during the holiday season. This recipe takes the classic dish to the next level by incorporating beer can chicken into the mix. The result is a hearty and savory dressing that will have your taste buds singing.
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Sweet Tea and Citrus Brined Turkey
Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt, Onion
Brining is a popular technique for adding flavor and moisture to meats, and this recipe takes it to a whole new level. The turkey is brined in a mixture of sweet tea and citrus before being cooked with a beer can chicken. The result is a tender and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your next holiday feast.
Greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. These hearty and nutritious leafy vegetables are packed with flavor and are often slow-cooked with smoked meat for added depth. In this recipe, beer can chicken is used to add even more flavor to this classic dish. Serve it as a side or add some smoked chicken to make it a meal.
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Southern-inspired Sweet Potato & Corn Muffins
Main Ingredients: Oat Flour, Cornmeal, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
Sweet potato and corn muffins are a delicious twist on traditional cornbread. The addition of sweet potato adds a touch of sweetness and extra moisture to the muffins. This recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating beer can chicken to add a smoky and savory flavor to these already delicious muffins.
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Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Cornbread, Butter, Onion, Celery, Turkey, Poultry
Cornbread stuffing is a must-have side dish at any Southern holiday feast. This recipe puts a gluten-free spin on the classic dish, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions. The addition of beer can chicken takes the flavor to the next level, making this stuffing a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table.
Giblet gravy is a staple in Southern cuisine and is often served alongside roasted meats or mashed potatoes. This recipe takes it to the next level by incorporating beer can chicken to the mix. The result is a rich and flavorful gravy that will have you going back for seconds.
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Air Fryer Traditional Southern Soul Food Buttermilk...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour
Fried chicken is a Southern classic that is loved by many. This recipe puts a healthier spin on the traditional dish by using an air fryer instead of deep frying. The addition of buttermilk and beer can chicken adds a depth of flavor and moisture to this crispy and delicious chicken.
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Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey Legs, Onion, Garlic, Sea Salt, Black Pepper
Black eyed peas are a Southern staple and are often served alongside collard greens and cornbread. This recipe adds a twist by incorporating smoked turkey and beer can chicken into the mix. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter night.
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Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Frozen Green Beans, Turkey Leg, Water, Minced Garlic
Green beans are a popular side dish in Southern cooking, and for good reason. They are simple to prepare and pair well with a variety of seasonings and meats. This recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating smoked turkey and beer can chicken into the mix, adding a smoky and savory flavor to this classic dish.
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Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Turkey Bacon, Onion, Minced Garlic, Chicken Broth
Slow cookers are a busy cook's best friend, and this recipe for collard greens is no exception. By using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors of the collard greens and beer can chicken to meld together over several hours. The end result is tender and flavorful greens that are perfect as a side dish or as a meal on their own.
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Easy Instant Pot Southern-Style Soul Food Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Green Beans
Instant pots are another great tool for busy cooks, and this recipe for green beans is a perfect example. By using an instant pot, you can have these flavorful and tender green beans on the table in no time. The addition of beer can chicken adds a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Turkey salad is a popular dish in Southern cuisine and is often served as a light lunch or snack. This recipe adds a twist by incorporating beer can chicken into the mix, adding a smoky and savory flavor to this classic dish. Serve it on crackers, in a sandwich, or on top of a bed of greens for a delicious meal.
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Soul-Food Style Frozen Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Chicken Broth, Apple Cider Vinegar
If you're short on time but still crave the flavors of classic soul food, then this recipe is for you. Frozen collard greens are cooked with beer can chicken to add a depth of flavor and make them taste like they've been slow-cooked all day. Serve them as a side dish or add some smoked chicken to make it a meal.
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Chicken and Waffles | Southern Soul Food
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenderloin, Water, Kosher Salt, Self Rising
Chicken and waffles may seem like an unlikely combination, but in the South, it's a match made in heaven. This recipe takes it up a notch by using beer can chicken to add a smoky and savory flavor to the chicken. Serve it on top of a crispy and fluffy waffle for a meal that will satisfy all of your cravings.
The Key Ingredients
1. The Turkey
The star of any Thanksgiving dinner is, of course, the turkey. For this soul food recipe, we recommend using a fresh, organic turkey for the best flavor. The size of the turkey will depend on the number of guests you're serving, but we suggest a 12-14 pound turkey for a family of 8-10 people. Make sure to thaw the turkey completely before preparing it for cooking.
2. The Seasoning
The key to any good soul food recipe is the seasoning. For our Thanksgiving turkey, we recommend using a combination of sage, thyme, and rosemary for a classic herb flavor. You can also add in black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for an extra kick of flavor. Be generous with your seasoning and make sure to rub it both inside and outside the turkey for even flavor distribution.
3. The Stuffing
No Thanksgiving turkey is complete without some delicious stuffing. For a soul food twist, we suggest using cornbread stuffing mixed with chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers. This will add a unique texture and flavor to your turkey that will have your guests raving.
The Cooking Process
Once your turkey is seasoned and stuffed, it's time to get it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the turkey in a roasting pan. Cover the turkey with foil and cook for 2 ½ hours, basting every 30 minutes with melted butter and chicken broth. Then, remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to get a crispy, golden skin. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the oven.
The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
After following this soul food recipe, you'll have a perfectly seasoned and tender Thanksgiving turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast. Serve it alongside all your favorite soul food sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato casserole for a truly delicious and comforting meal. Give this recipe a try this Thanksgiving and watch as your family and friends go back for seconds and thirds. Happy cooking!
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