Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather loved ones and indulge in a delicious feast filled with time-honored traditions. For those who cherish the flavors of a classic Thanksgiving, I’ve put together a menu with all the essentials: a beautifully roasted turkey, comforting sides, and, of course, two delicious desserts that make the perfect ending to your meal. Let’s dive in and bring these timeless recipes to life!
The Ultimate Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
Main Course: Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy
A well-roasted turkey is the centerpiece of every Thanksgiving table. This recipe, with its flavorful herb butter and rich gravy, brings out the best in this classic dish.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken or turkey stock (for gravy)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Rinse and pat the turkey dry, then set it in a roasting pan.
2. Prepare the Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the Turkey: Gently loosen the turkey skin and spread some of the herb butter under it for extra flavor. Rub the remaining butter over the turkey skin.
4. Roast the Turkey: Cover loosely with foil and roast for about 3-4 hours, basting with pan drippings every 30 minutes. For a crispier skin, remove the foil during the last hour. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Make the Gravy: Transfer the turkey to a platter. Pour the pan drippings into a saucepan, add stock, and simmer. Whisk occasionally until the gravy thickens.
Side Dish 1: Homemade Stuffing with Sage, Onions, and Celery
This classic stuffing, with its blend of sage, onion, and celery, is sure to bring back memories of family dinners.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 cups chicken stock
**Instructions:**
1. Toast the Bread: Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Melt butter in a skillet, add onions and celery, and cook until softened.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix toasted bread, cooked vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper. Add stock gradually until the mixture is moistened but not soggy.
4. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
Side Dish 2: Mashed Potatoes with Turkey Gravy
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a must-have side at Thanksgiving. Top with a generous ladle of turkey gravy for the ultimate comfort food.
**Ingredients:**
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup warm milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Boil the Potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add butter and warm milk, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the gravy, use the pan drippings from the turkey or refer to the turkey gravy recipe above.
Side Dish 3: Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions
This classic casserole, with creamy green beans and a crunchy topping, is always a crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cooked
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together soup, milk, green beans, salt, and pepper.
2. Bake: Pour mixture into a casserole dish. Top with crispy fried onions and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Dessert 1: Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream
Pumpkin pie is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert. Its warm spices and smooth texture are simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, and spices. Beat in the eggs, then add evaporated milk, mixing well.
2. Bake: Pour filling into the pie crust. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Serve: Let cool, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Dessert 2: Pecan Pie with a Flaky Crust
For those who love a rich, nutty treat, pecan pie is a must. Its sweet filling and crunchy pecans make it a dessert to remember.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir in pecans.
2. Bake: Pour filling into the pie crust and bake at 350°F for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set.
3. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool before slicing.
With these recipes, your Thanksgiving dinner will have all the flavors of a traditional feast. From the savory turkey and stuffing to the sweet finish of pumpkin and pecan pie, this menu has it all. Gather your loved ones, set the table, and let these comforting dishes bring warmth to your celebration. Happy Thanksgiving!