Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. From the perfect turkey to indulgent desserts, here are ten essential Thanksgiving recipes that will help you create a feast to remember.
1. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-14 lb) turkey, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the turkey dry and gently loosen the skin over the breast. Rub the herb butter under the skin and all over the turkey.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
2. Traditional Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 tsp dried sage
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and parsley. Pour in chicken broth gradually until moistened.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is crispy.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
4. Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in green beans and half of the French fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining French fried onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden.
5. Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add cranberries and orange zest. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool before serving.
6. Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust, unbaked
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, cream, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until set.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
7. Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with mini marshmallows if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and marshmallows are golden.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until caramelized and crispy.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving, if desired.
9. Classic Gravy
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup pan drippings from turkey
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat pan drippings over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
10. Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread in a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.
These ten essential Thanksgiving recipes will help you create a memorable and delicious holiday feast that your family and friends will cherish. Enjoy the season of gratitude and delicious food!
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