This post shows you 5 traditional Thanksgiving dinner meals that will guarantee your family finger-licking
Thanksgiving is always a wonderful time to gather with loved ones, it is a season of tradition dinner. It is a time to be loving and grateful.
Most importantly, it is a time to enjoy a beautiful, delicious meal together! That is why I have put together this pleasurable traditional dinner ideas. I guarantee you will love!
If you’re looking to create a memorable Thanksgiving feast for your family this year, I’ve always got you covered.
What I have for you today are 5 mouth–watering Thanksgiving meals that will leave everyone at the table satisfied and happy!
Let’s dive in!
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1. Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
We all know that Thanksgiving is incomplete without a beautifully roasted turkey. This dish is the center-piece of the meal and can be surprisingly simple to prepare. The key is to season the turkey well and cook it slowly to let it marinate. This is to ensure it stays juicy and flavory.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instruction:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and chopped herbs.
3. Gently loosen the turkey’s skin and spread the herb butter underneath it.
4. Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom.
6. Roast for about 3–4 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
7. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
TIP: For an extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
2. Savoury Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Stuffing is hands-down my favorite side dish on Thanksgiving dinner, and honestly, Thanksgiving is all about the sides for me. Each one just keeps getting better and better!
Stuffing is a Thanksgiving staple, and this savoury sausage and apple version adds a delicious twist to the traditional recipe.
The combination of sweet apples, savory sausage, and fresh herbs creates a tantalising side dish that can be easily paired perfectly with turkey.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, celery, and apples until softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, bread cubes, parsley, and sage.
5. Gradually add the chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
6. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
TIP: For a richer flavor, use a mix of white and whole wheat bread cubes.
3. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a must–have on any Thanksgiving table, and this creamy garlic version takes potatoes to the next level. With a smooth, buttery texture and a hint of garlic, these mashed potatoes are the perfect food for any person.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the cream, butter, and garlic until the butter is melted.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes and mash until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped chives, if desired, and serve warm.
TIP: For an extra-creamy texture, use a potato ricer or food mill to mash the potatoes.
4. Maple-Glazed Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy plus colourful addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. I like this recipe because you can simply feature any variety of vegetables you like, all coated in a sweet and tangy maple glaze. The roasting process caramelises the vegetables, making its natural sweetness to be enhanced.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes), peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
TIPS: Boil the vegetables for a short period(I do mine for 5-10 minutes) to maximise nutrients value intake. Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or dried cranberries for an extra layer of flavour and texture.
5. Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Whipped Cream
Pumpkin pie is easily the ultimate classic in every Thanksgiving dinner. This recipe includes a rich and creamy pumpkin filling with a perfectly spiced whipped cream topping. It’s a dessert that always never fails to capture the essence of the season.
Ingredients for the pie:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for spiced whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, cream, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and smooth the top.
4. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
5. Let the pie cool completely before serving.
6. For the whipped cream, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl until soft peaks form.
7. Serve slices of pie with a dollop of spiced whipped cream on top.
TIP: Make the pie a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Conclusion
Preparing a Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these five delicious recipes, you can create a meal that your family will love and cherish. Leaving them to daydream and ask you when you will be preparing for this, haha.
Each dish is crafted to bring out the best flavors of the season, making your Thanksgiving celebration truly special.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are simple enough to follow and will ensure your holiday meal is a success. So, gather your loved ones, set the table, and enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner filled with love, laughter, and, of course, incredible food! Bon Appétit!
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This post showed you 5 delicious thanksgiving meals that will leave your family finger-licking
