10 Essential Thanksgiving Recipes

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.

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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:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a bowl, mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat the turkey dry and gently loosen the skin over the breast. Rub the herb butter under the skin and all over the turkey.
4. 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).
5. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

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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:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook until softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and parsley. Pour in chicken broth gradually until moistened.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is crispy.

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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:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
2. Add heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
3. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.

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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:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
2. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in green beans and half of the French fried onions.
3. 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.

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5. Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil.
2. Add cranberries and orange zest. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
3. Remove from heat and let cool before serving.

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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:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, cream, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth.
3. 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.
4. Let cool before slicing and serving.

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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:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with mini marshmallows if desired.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and marshmallows are golden.

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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:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until caramelized and crispy.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving, if desired.

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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:

1. In a saucepan, heat pan drippings over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

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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:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread in a greased baking dish.
3. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the apples.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.

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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!