Why I Made This Southern Thanksgiving Menu & How I Put It All Together

This seasonal menu came from a place of comfort and craving. Thanksgiving always pushes me toward warm, soulful food, and nothing feels more satisfying than Southern dishes made completely from scratch. I wanted a menu that tasted like home but also felt intentional—something that brought together seasonal ingredients, cozy flavors, and the kind of cooking that fills the whole house with warmth.

I built my menu around seven dishes that fit perfectly together: Southern yams, collard greens, mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, homemade green bean casserole, balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts, and stuffing. These are foods I grew up around, but I made each one my own with fresh ingredients and a few small touches to brighten the flavors.

I chose this menu because each dish balances the others. The yams add sweetness, the collards bring that earthy depth, and the mashed potatoes give the plate a creamy base. The homemade cranberry sauce cuts through all the richness with a bright, tart pop. The green bean casserole is warm and comforting without relying on canned soup—my version uses fresh mushrooms and a homemade sauce. The Brussels sprouts are roasted until crispy and finished with a balsamic glaze that adds a sweet-tangy contrast. And finally, the stuffing ties everything together with herbs, broth, and that perfect mix of soft center and golden crunchy edges.

Putting the menu together was honestly fun. I roasted the Brussels sprouts to keep things simple. The cranberry sauce only took a few minutes on the stove, and the collard greens simmered low and slow while I worked on the other dishes. The casserole baked while the stuffing browned on top. Everything had its own moment, but the timing flowed naturally.

I made this menu because I wanted a Thanksgiving spread that felt warm, thoughtful, and homemade. Southern food has always been comforting to me, and bringing these dishes together into one seasonal meal made it feel special—like something worth sharing with people I care about. This menu isn’t fancy or complicated; it’s just real, good food made with intention, and that’s exactly why I love it.