During the holidays in South Carolina, the lights shine brighter, the casseroles get creamier, and everything somehow tastes better when it's served with a side of rivalry. This time of year is all about family, celebration, and embracing the traditions that make the Palmetto State feel like home. And for Gamecock fans, that means blending a little Garnet & Black magic straight into the holiday menu. Whether you are hosting a festive watch party, setting the table for Thanksgiving dinner, or just looking for an excuse to work some team spirit into your seasonal spread, these Gamecock-inspired dishes bring the joy, comfort, and Carolina flavor.
So, grab your apron, warm up the oven, and let's get ready to set the table. Here are three standout dishes for holiday cheer, each with their own nod to a little South Carolina and Gamecock pride.
1. Garnet & Black Pimento Cheese Crostini
Ingredients (serves ~8-10):
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp white cheddar (trust me, freshly grated makes it creamier)
- 1 cup freshly grated yellow cheddar
- 1 (4 oz.) jar diced pimentos, drained (save a tablespoon of juice)
- ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise (non-negotiable in South Carolina)
- 2–3 teaspoons pimento juice (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, but gives it that fan-favorite kick)
- Salt to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- Garnet/black accents: sprinkle finely chopped black olives (for black) and diced roasted red pepper (for garnet) on individual crostini for team color pop
Instructions:
- Stir the mayonnaise, pimento juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne together in a large bowl.
- Fold in the grated cheeses until everything is well-coated and creamy.
- Add the diced pimentos and mix until evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust salt, spice, or pimento juice as needed.
- Chill at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors settle in like fans on a cozy game day couch.
- Garnish with the color-coded toppings (black olives + red pepper).
2. Slow-Roasted Carolina Mustard BBQ Turkey Breast
For the main event, borrow the mustard-based BBQ tradition of the Carolinas. Use it in a holiday-style turkey breast recipe to merge festive meal with some tailgate roots.
Ingredients:
- ~5-6 lb turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: smoked paprika, garlic powder
Method:
- Pre-heat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a saucepan, whisk mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne, and butter. Gently simmer until slightly thickened; set aside.
- Season turkey breast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika & garlic powder.
- Place turkey on roasting rack. Brush generously with the mustard sauce.
- Roast for 2–2½ hours or until internal temp is ~165°F). Baste with sauce every 30 minutes.
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
3. Pecan-Bourbon Mini Pies with Garnet Glaze
Dessert is the equivalent of a pick-six return touchdown. It always brings warmth and indulgence to any holiday meal, and the pecan pie is a Southern holiday icon. Add a little bourbon twist (my favorite holiday drink) and some garnet icing to tie this dessert back to the beloved Gamecocks.
Ingredients (makes ~12 mini pies):
- 1½ cups pecan halves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup corn syrup (or light golden syrup)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (and a sip or two for the cook)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 pre-made mini pie shells
- For Garnet Glaze: ¼ cup powdered sugar + 1 tablespoon milk + red gel food coloring (optional)
Method:
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, bourbon, vanilla. Stir in pecans.
- Fill each mini shell ~¾ full.
- Bake ~20-25 minutes or until filling is set (slightly jiggles). Let cool.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk and a drop of red gel coloring to get a deep garnet glaze. Drizzle over each mini pie.
- Optional: top with whipped cream and a single pecan half for presentation.
So whether you’re carving turkey, clinking glasses, or arguing over who will win the game Saturday or whose coach should be fired, these Garnet & Black holiday dishes will bring the season to life, Gamecock style! The holidays are meant for good food, good people, and the kind of joy that feels like a fourth-quarter touchdown in Williams-Brice.
So pile your plates high, keep your spirits bright, and let the sounds of laughter and “Go Cocks!” carry you through the season. From our tailgate to your table, may your holidays be warm, delicious, and unapologetically Carolina.