Thanksgiving always hits different! There’s something about the smells, the gathering of family, the warmth of a full table, and the joy of sharing food that just feels like home. Let’s be real…we also love our celebrities. Those same stars we follow on social media, listen to on albums, or see on-screen, we’ll happily invite them into our kitchens, at least via a recipe.
That crossover between fame and food has grown bigger than ever. Celebrities are tapping into cooking and comfort food as a way to share culture, nostalgia, and personality. Shows and platforms like CLEO TV have given Black and brown chefs, entertainers, and influencers a stage to showcase their kitchens, share family recipes, and redefine what “celebrity cooking” looks like.
This holiday season, that trend shines bright. You don’t have to be a chef to cook like a star! Below is a list of celebrity-linked Thanksgiving recipes (from soul food staples to indulgent sides and desserts) that you can try at home.
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Chef Jernard Wells – Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie (with Graham-Cracker Crust): A creamy, soulful take on sweet potatoes blended with a splash of bourbon for warmth. Recipe is from CLEO TV’s “New Soul Kitchen Remix.”
John Legend – Mac & Cheese: A baked mac-and-cheese that brings cheesy comfort and fits perfectly next to turkey and greens. His version is often recommended in celebrity recipe roundups.
Patti LaBelle – Sweet Potato Pie: A soul food classic and holiday dessert staple that’s been a favorite in many celeb-recipe lists.
Tia Mowry – Cornbread & Braised Collard Greens: For those who want greens and that down-home comfort, Tia’s Thanksgiving relies on hearty sides like greens and cornbread rather than just the usual stuffing/dressing.
Tamar & Ms. E‘s CLEO TV series Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. shows them cooking classic family dishes and bringing that Braxton warmth to the table. For Turkey Day, try their Yum Yum Cake.
Ingredients for Cake: 1 box of yellow cake mix
Ingredients for Filling: 1 can of pie-filling peaches 1 can of pie-filling apple 1 can of pie-filling cherries 1 can of pie-filling pineapple 4 medium ripe bananas 1 small container of blueberries 1 small container of strawberries
Ingredient for Pudding: 1 large pack of vanilla pudding
Method for Cake: Get one box of yellow cake mix, follow the instructions on the cake box.
Method for Pudding: Use one large pack of vanilla pudding, follow the directions on the box.
Assembling: Once your cake is cooled, cut the cake in half and place the bottom half of the cake in your trifle bowl.
Pour a layer of pudding over the cake.
Start placing the fruit in your trifle bowl.
Place the peaches around the cake until it is completely covered, followed by your apple pie filling, pineapple pie filling, cherries pie filling and add bananas to each layer.
Don’t forget that you’re layering this cake so be mindful to save enough for the other layers.
Garnish:
Once cake is built layer by layer, you can add the final touch. Cut your strawberries in half, cover the top with fresh whipped cream, place strawberries and blueberries around the edges and center. Be creative and decorate it any way you want.
Kris Jenner – Sweet Potato Soufflé: A lighter, elegant take on a Thaéksgiving classic. A soufflé that offers a dessert (or side) with soul.
Oprah Winfrey – Deviled Eggs: Bringing a nostalgic, homey flavor to your table, perfect as a starter or side.
Bringing these dishes together lets you build a Thanksgiving table that feels both familiar and elevated. Whether you’re serving old-school soul food or putting a modern twist on holiday classics, there’s something here for every vibe and family taste.
