December is here and you know what that means—more holiday food coming soon! Even though you may still be stuffed from Thanksgiving, now is the time to start planning your Christmas, New Year, and other holiday meal planning and menus. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a side dish to someone else’s table, we have some fabulous Southern-style recipes for you. Whatever the main course may be, we really think that the side dishes are the true stars of the show. These are a few of our favorite holiday comfort foods that we think belong on the holiday table this year and every year.
Best-Ever Mac & Cheese
Hot and bubbly and oh so delicious! Baked macaroni and cheese is a wonderful addition to any table. It’s also a welcome option for vegetarians who may not be partaking in the main course (if it’s meat). Customize it with your favorite cheeses.Recipe here.
Southern-Style Shrimp & Grits
Don’t be intimidated by this Southern classic. This recipe takes a bit of a shortcut by using quick-cooking grits. No judgment here! It’s the holidays, so we’ll take all the help we can get. The rest is done in one pan so it’s fuss-free. What’s not to love?Recipe here.
Southern Collard Greens
Collard greens are a Southern staple on the holiday table. This green leafy vegetable is in theBrassica family, so not only is it delicious—but good for you! Then there’s the pot likker, which is the rich broth left behind (if you know, you know). So good!Recipe here.
Skillet Cornbread
Is there any better way to make cornbread than in a cast iron skillet? No! This is a truly classic dish from the South that is popular all year long. This is not a sweet cornbread like you might find elsewhere, this is the savory version that pairs well with so many things.Recipe here.
Oyster Dressing/Stuffing
First off, we’re not getting into the debate of whether it’s called dressing or stuffing. That’s a topic for another day. But we are going to talk about putting oysters in your stuffing/dressing. This is not just a Southern thing, it actually dates back many centuries and to many coastal places where oysters are abundant and available. Don’t knock it ’til you try it! Recipe here.
Homemade Pecan Pie
Is it even a holiday without pecan pie on the table? Not in the South! This classic dessert favorite can be made at home with a few simple ingredients (and is easier to make than you might expect). If you want to speed things up even more, you can opt for a ready-made pie crust instead of making your own. Again, no judgment! Recipe here.
Make it a true Southern holiday by spending it here in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. We have holiday vacation rentals ready for you and yours, so take a look around and find your place in the sand. A coastal Christmas is always a good idea!
