Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, food! But let’s be honest—who doesn’t look forward to those delicious dishes that have become a tradition year after year? If you’re looking for new ideas that will excite your taste buds and make this Thanksgiving extra special, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five Thanksgiving recipes that your whole family will love, and they’re easy enough to make even if you’re short on time!
Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the turkey takes center stage. It’s the showstopper that everyone eagerly anticipates, and for good reason! A perfectly roasted turkey with crispy skin and juicy meat is nothing short of divine. But what makes this turkey extra special is the herb butter that infuses every bite with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, halved
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season it with salt and pepper.
- Mix the softened butter with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Gently loosen the skin on the turkey and spread the herb butter underneath. Also, rub some butter on top of the skin.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon halves and any extra herbs you have.
- Roast the turkey in the oven for 3-3.5 hours, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
This turkey is so flavorful, your family will be begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without mashed potatoes. These creamy mashed potatoes are smooth, buttery, and the perfect side dish to pair with your turkey.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer.
- Add the butter and heavy cream, and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in chopped chives for an extra burst of flavor.
These mashed potatoes are rich and fluffy—perfect for scooping up gravy and making every bite of turkey even better!
Savory Stuffing with Sausage and Apples
Stuffing is one of those dishes that everyone has their own version of, but we think this savory stuffing with sausage and apples is something that will win over even the pickiest eaters. The savory sausage pairs perfectly with the sweetness of apples, creating a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed
- 1 pound sausage (Italian sausage works great)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 teaspoons sage
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast the bread cubes on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- While the bread is toasting, cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and apples to the skillet and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the sage, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and sausage mixture. Add the chicken broth and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
This stuffing has the perfect balance of savory and sweet, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
If you’re looking to add a veggie to your Thanksgiving spread, look no further than these roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze. They’re crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with a hint of tanginess from the balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy.
- While the sprouts are roasting, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts just before serving.
These Brussels sprouts are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and they’ll make even Brussels sprouts skeptics change their minds!
Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a delicious dessert, and this pumpkin pie is a classic for a reason. The rich, spiced pumpkin filling paired with a flaky crust is a comforting way to end your meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the pie cool before serving with a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream.
This pumpkin pie is sweet, spiced, and perfect for finishing off your Thanksgiving dinner on a high note.
Conclusion
These five Thanksgiving recipes are sure to make your holiday meal unforgettable. Whether you’re roasting a flavorful turkey, serving up creamy mashed potatoes, or indulging in a sweet pumpkin pie, these dishes will have your family asking for seconds. The best part? They’re all simple enough to prepare, leaving you more time to spend with the people who matter most. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every bite!
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FAQs
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Yes, many of these dishes can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat before serving!
How do I keep my turkey from drying out?
Basting the turkey periodically and using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the right temperature will help keep the meat juicy.
Can I substitute other vegetables in the Brussels sprouts recipe?
Absolutely! Roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips would work well in place of Brussels sprouts.
Is pumpkin pie gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free pie crust, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.