After hearing the news that the club my husband works has closed doors, we believe this will be our last Thanksgiving in Memphis, so I thought why not go all out with the southern menu?
If you follow me on Instagram or Tiktok you may know I'm currently making a Nigella Christmas series, where I'm making 40 recipes from Nigella's Christmas book, so I thoiughtthis was a great opportunity to tackle some of the recipes.
Thanksgiving in Memphis is more than just a meal; it’s an event, a celebration, and, let’s be honest, an excuse to eat until you’re as stuffed as the turkey you didn’t actually cook.
Picture this: a house full of loved ones, the smell of bourbon-glazed ribs wafting through the air, and a menu that would make even your grandma proud. I'll tell you how it all went down, but first let me show you the tablescape!
Now let's get to the good part, the food!
Fully Loaded Potato Skins: The Gateway Appetizer
We kicked things off with fully loaded potato skins. These aren’t just any potato skins; these are potato skins that have gone to a spa, had a makeover, and come out ready to party. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with cheese, bacon, and a dollop of sour cream—these little guys disappeared faster than a turkey on Thanksgiving.
Pro Tip: Make more than you think you need because Uncle Bob will eat at least five by himself while telling you the same story about his fishing trip for the third time.
Main Course: Bourbon Glazed Ribs
Who needs turkey when you can have ribs slathered in a sticky, sweet bourbon glaze? These ribs are the epitome of Southern comfort food, and they were the star of our Memphis Thanksgiving. The bourbon glaze gives them a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender meat. Plus, you get to say “bourbon” a lot, which makes everyone feel a little bit fancier.
Warning: The smell of these ribs cooking might attract neighbors, delivery drivers, and random passersby. Proceed with caution.
Spoonbread: The Mysterious Side Dish
If you’ve never had spoonbread, let me enlighten you. It’s like cornbread and soufflé had a baby—a light, fluffy, corn-filled baby that you eat with a spoon. It’s comfort food at its finest and a perfect complement to those bourbon-glazed ribs. Just don’t ask anyone to explain what spoonbread is because no one really knows. It’s like the Bigfoot of side dishes: delicious and elusive.
Fun Fact: Spoonbread is so good that even people who claim they “don’t like cornbread” will be scraping their plates for more.
Macaroni Cheese de Luxe: The King of Carbs
Mac and cheese is a staple at any Southern table, but this Macaroni Cheese de Luxe takes it to a whole new level. Imagine creamy, gooey cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget all about counting calories and just dive in headfirst.
Pro Tip: Wear stretchy pants. You’ll thank me later.
Christmas Coleslaw: A Refreshing Twist
To balance out all the richness, we served Christmas coleslaw—a bright, crunchy mix of cabbage, onions, beetroot, and a tangy dressing that adds a refreshing twist to the meal. The color is so festive and I couldn't believe how delish it was. It’s like a little palate cleanser between bites of ribs, spoonbread, and mac and cheese. Plus, it adds a nice pop of color to the table, which makes everything look even more appetizing.
Secret: This coleslaw is so good, even the kids ate it without complaining. That’s a Thanksgiving miracle in itself.
Seasonal Breeze Mocktail: The Perfect Sip
And to wash it all down, we served the Seasonal Breeze mocktail—a delightful, fruity concoction that’s perfect for toasting to good food and great company. It’s a refreshing mix of cranberry juice,apple juice and orange juite (added a spash of ginger beer and it was delish) even the kids loved it, and it made us feel festive without any next-day regrets.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of bourbon to your own glass when no one’s looking. It’s Thanksgiving; you’ve earned it.
A Feast to Remember
Hosting a Southern Thanksgiving dinner with a Nigella twist was a culinary adventure that brought together the best of both worlds. The food was delicious, the company was delightful, and the memories we made were priceless. So, if you’re looking to spice up your Thanksgiving with a touch of Southern charm and a dash of Nigella’s magic, give this menu a try. Just remember: stretchy pants are non-negotiable.
Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!
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