As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, it’s time to start thinking about the most important meal of the year: Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a cozy feast for just a few, the pressure to create a memorable menu can be overwhelming. But fear not! With these 20 festive recipes, you’ll have everything you need to make your Turkey Day celebration one to remember.
From classic roast turkey with herb butter to savory herb stuffing with sausage, and from creamy garlic mashed potatoes to sweet potato casserole with pecan topping, we’ve got you covered. And don’t even get us started on the sides – think roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, maple glazed ham with pineapple, and crispy fried onion strings. So go ahead, gather your loved ones around the table, and let the feast begin!
Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
A timeless holiday classic, this recipe yields a juicy and flavorful roasted turkey, elevated by a rich herb butter. Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together butter, parsley, thyme, and garlic until well combined.
4. Rub the herb butter all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Season the turkey with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
7. Roast for approximately 3-3 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3-3 1/2 hours
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potato game with this rich and flavorful recipe that combines the comfort of potatoes with the pungency of garlic and creaminess of butter.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: grated cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half until fully incorporated.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, stir in grated cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
This sweet and tangy cranberry sauce gets a boost of flavor from the addition of orange zest, making it a perfect accompaniment to your holiday turkey or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the salt.
5. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Traditional Green Bean Casserole
This beloved American side dish combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy French-fried onions for a comforting casserole that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook green beans according to package instructions or steam until tender.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened.
4. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth.
5. Combine cooked green beans with the sauce mixture.
6. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with French-fried onions.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Buttery Honey Glazed Carrots
This recipe transforms humble carrots into a sweet and savory masterpiece, perfect as a side dish or added to salads. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying caramelized carrot goodness in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss carrots with butter, honey, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange carrot pieces in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until carrots are tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Herb Stuffing with Sausage
This hearty stuffing combines savory sausage with fresh herbs and soft bread, perfect for a holiday feast or casual dinner party. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine bread, melted butter, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked sausage to bread mixture; toss until well combined.
5. Transfer stuffing to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts with the smoky richness of crispy bacon, creating a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, cook bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
6. Remove Brussels sprouts from the oven and toss with cooked bacon.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping: A classic Southern dessert that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the crunch and flavor of pecans.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
3. Add heavy cream and melted butter; mix until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Rich and Creamy Pumpkin Pie
This recipe yields a velvety-smooth pumpkin pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends during the holiday season. With its rich and creamy texture, this pie is perfect for serving as a centerpiece or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, milk, sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs until well combined.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Pour filling into pie crust and smooth top.
7. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking for an additional 30-40 minutes or until filling is set.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fluffy Dinner Rolls with Garlic Butter
These soft and fluffy dinner rolls are infused with a rich garlic butter flavor, perfect for accompanying your favorite meals. This recipe yields a deliciously tender and flavorful treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water (105°F – 115°F)
– 1/4 cup garlic butter (see below for recipe)
Garlic Butter Recipe:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Gradually add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
7. Brush garlic butter on top of each roll and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Elevate your holiday gathering with this irresistible maple glazed ham, perfectly paired with sweet and tangy pineapple rings. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/4 cup pineapple rings, drained
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
3. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the surface in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, then arrange pineapple rings on top.
5. Roast for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
Elevate your comfort food game with this easy-to-make baked macaroni and cheese recipe, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb mixture.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Stir until coated.
7. Transfer macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cauliflower Gratin with Gruyère Cheese
Elevate your side dish game with this creamy, cheesy cauliflower gratin that’s sure to become a new favorite. With its rich flavors and velvety texture, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your next meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cauliflower and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the cauliflower and cook for 1 minute.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together Gruyère cheese and heavy cream. Pour mixture over the cauliflower and stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spiced Apple Cider Gravy
Elevate your fall gatherings with this comforting Spiced Apple Cider Gravy, perfect for serving over roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually pour in the apple cider, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened to your liking.
5. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cornbread with Honey Butter
This classic Southern-style cornbread gets a sweet twist with a drizzle of honey butter on top. The perfect combination of crumbly, golden cornbread and creamy honey butter is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. While cornbread is still warm, drizzle with honey butter (see note).
8. Serve warm.
Note: To make honey butter, mix together 2 tablespoons softened butter and 1 tablespoon honey. Adjust to taste.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Warm up with this comforting and nutritious soup made by roasting butternut squash to bring out its natural sweetness, then blending it with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, peeled and chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup coconut milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and place on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 45 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
5. Scoop flesh into a blender or food processor with onion, garlic, and vegetable broth.
6. Blend until smooth, then stir in coconut milk.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Crispy Fried Onion Strings
Crispy Fried Onion Strings Recipe
Elevate your meals with this simple yet impressive recipe for Crispy Fried Onion Strings. These crunchy, flavorful bites are perfect as a snack or added to burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Ingredients:
• 1 large onion
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Thinly slice the onion into rings.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip each onion ring into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place coated onions on a plate or tray.
5. Heat about 1/2-inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry onion strings in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pecan Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream
Elevate your holiday dessert game with this classic pecan pie recipe infused with the smoothness of bourbon and topped with a creamy whipped cream. This indulgent treat is sure to be the star of any gathering.
Ingredients:
For the pie:
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the whipped cream:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Stir in pecan halves until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
4. Pour into a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set.
5. Allow pie to cool completely before serving.
6. For whipped cream, beat heavy cream, bourbon whiskey, and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
7. Top cooled pie with whipped cream and serve.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Garlic Herb Roasted Root Vegetables
Elevate your side dish game with this simple recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of root vegetables. This flavorful combination of garlic, herbs, and roasted goodness is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together the chopped root vegetables, garlic, olive oil, thyme, and rosemary until they are evenly coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the vegetable mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
This recipe yields a tender and juicy turkey breast with a rich, savory gravy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless turkey breast
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons brown gravy mix
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a slow cooker, combine sliced onion and minced garlic.
3. Place the turkey breast on top of the onion mixture.
4. Pour in chicken broth, white wine (if using), and brown gravy mix.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove the turkey breast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
7. Strain the cooking liquid to remove excess fat and serve as a rich, savory gravy.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to feast this Thanksgiving with these delicious and festive recipes! From classic roast turkey with herb butter to creamy garlic mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest, and traditional green bean casserole, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on savory herb stuffing with sausage, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, and sweet potato casserole with pecan topping. And don’t forget about dessert – rich and creamy pumpkin pie, fluffy dinner rolls with garlic butter, and pecan pie with bourbon whipped cream are sure to please. Start planning your Thanksgiving menu now!
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