Thanksgiving is one of those magical times when family and friends gather around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, a fantastic meal. I can still remember how my grandmother would wake up before dawn, filling the house with the mouthwatering aroma of roasting turkey and baking pies. This *dinner thanksgiving* recipe captures that heartfelt spirit perfectly! With a beautifully roasted turkey at its center and all the classic sides, it’s a celebration on a plate. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the joy of carving into a golden-brown turkey, surrounded by loved ones, and creating memories that last a lifetime. This meal is not just about the food; it’s a tradition that warms the heart!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this unforgettable *dinner thanksgiving* feast!
- Turkey: 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs) – This is the star of the show, so choose a fresh, high-quality bird if you can!
- Salt: 1/4 cup – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the turkey’s flavors.
- Pepper: 2 tablespoons – A must-have for a bit of spice!
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup – Helps to keep the turkey moist and adds flavor.
- Butter: 1 cup – Because everything is better with butter!
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced – Adds that wonderful savory depth.
- Onions: 2, chopped – Sweetness that complements the turkey beautifully.
- Celery: 3 stalks, chopped – For crunch and flavor in the stuffing.
- Carrots: 3, chopped – Adds sweetness and color.
- Chicken broth: 4 cups – Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Stuffing mix: 1 package – A classic side that’s a must-have for Thanksgiving!
- Cranberry sauce: 1 can – The perfect tart contrast to the savory turkey.
- Green beans: 1 lb – Fresh and vibrant, these are a great side dish!
- Mashed potatoes: 5 lbs – Creamy, buttery goodness to complete your plate.
- Pumpkin pie: 1 – The quintessential Thanksgiving dessert!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures your turkey cooks evenly and to perfection!
- Next, let’s prepare the turkey! Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Now, rub the turkey all over with salt, pepper, and olive oil. This is where the magic begins!
- Now, it’s time to stuff that bird! In a bowl, mix together the butter, minced garlic, chopped onions, celery, and the stuffing mix. Stuff the turkey cavity generously with this delicious mixture – it’ll keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Place the turkey in a large roasting pan, breast side up, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will help it cook evenly while keeping it moist.
- Roast the turkey in the oven for about 3 hours. Make sure to baste it with its own juices every 30 minutes. This is a critical step for that golden, crispy skin!
- For the last hour of cooking, remove the foil. This allows the skin to brown beautifully. You’ll love the smell filling your kitchen!
- While the turkey is roasting, prepare your green beans. Boil them in a pot of salted water for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Now for the mashed potatoes! Peel and chop your potatoes, boil them until fork-tender, then mash them with butter and a splash of milk until creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt to taste!
- Once the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part, take it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute!
- Finally, serve the turkey alongside the stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, and those heavenly mashed potatoes. Finish with a slice of pumpkin pie for the perfect Thanksgiving meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic Thanksgiving feast that brings everyone together around the table.
- Simple, straightforward instructions make it easy for cooks of all skill levels.
- The flavors are comforting and nostalgic, evoking warm memories of family gatherings.
- You’ll impress your guests with a beautifully roasted turkey and delicious sides.
- It’s a meal that’s not just about eating, but about celebrating traditions and creating new memories.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *dinner thanksgiving* turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, don’t forget to let your turkey sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting; this helps it cook evenly. When basting, use a turkey baster or a ladle to avoid splatters! If you find the turkey browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent burning. Also, make sure to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the turkey; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. And finally, always let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving – this keeps the meat juicy and tender. Trust me, these little details make a huge difference!
Nutritional Information
This *dinner thanksgiving* meal is a hearty one! Each serving is approximately 800 calories, packed with 40g of fat and 45g of protein. You’ll also find about 80g of carbohydrates and 5g of fiber. Keep in mind, these values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they provide a good estimate of the deliciousness on your plate!
FAQ Section
Can I prep the turkey the night before?
Absolutely! You can season the turkey and prepare the stuffing the night before. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. This makes the day of the feast a lot smoother!
What if my turkey is still frozen?
If you forgot to thaw your turkey, don’t panic! You can still cook it from frozen, but it’ll take longer—about 50% more time. Just be sure to cook it to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How can I make my turkey skin crispy?
To get that gorgeous crispy skin, pat the turkey dry before seasoning, and don’t skip the last hour of roasting without foil. Basting also helps, so keep those juices flowing!
What sides can I serve with my Thanksgiving dinner?
Alongside the turkey, classic sides like sweet potato casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a fresh salad can complement your *dinner thanksgiving* beautifully!
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance; just keep it in the fridge. Then stuff the turkey right before roasting for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your *dinner thanksgiving*, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers, and trust me, they’re just as good the next day! To store, let everything cool down to room temperature first. Then, place the turkey, stuffing, and sides in airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze the turkey and sides for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for best results!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For turkey, slice it for quicker reheating, and don’t forget to add a splash of broth to keep it moist!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your *dinner thanksgiving*, consider adding a few delightful sides that perfectly complement the main event! A creamy sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows brings a lovely sweetness to the table. Roasted Brussels sprouts, seasoned with olive oil and garlic, add a savory crunch. If you want something fresh, a crisp autumn salad with apples, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette can brighten up your meal. And let’s not forget about a warm dinner roll, perfect for soaking up all those delicious turkey juices. Trust me, these additions will make your Thanksgiving feast even more memorable!
Z nadrukami
Dinner Thanksgiving: 5 Heartfelt Recipes for Tradition
- Całkowity Czas: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 10 servings
- Dieta: Halal
Opis
A delicious Thanksgiving dinner featuring classic dishes.
Składniki
- Turkey – 1 whole (12-14 lbs)
- Salt – 1/4 cup
- Pepper – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup
- Butter – 1 cup
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Onions – 2, chopped
- Celery – 3 stalks, chopped
- Carrots – 3, chopped
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Stuffing mix – 1 package
- Cranberry sauce – 1 can
- Green beans – 1 lb
- Mashed potatoes – 5 lbs
- Pumpkin pie – 1
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the turkey by rubbing it with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Stuff the turkey with a mixture of butter, garlic, onions, celery, and stuffing mix.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Roast the turkey for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last hour to brown the skin.
- Cook green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Prepare mashed potatoes by boiling and mashing with butter and milk.
- Serve turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, and mashed potatoes.
- Finish the meal with pumpkin pie for dessert.
Uwagi
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Use leftover turkey for sandwiches.
- Make extra stuffing for a side dish.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 3 hours
- Kategoria: Dinner
- Sposób: Roasting
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 plate
- Kalorie: 800
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 1500mg
- Kwasy: 40g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 15g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 20g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 80g
- Włókno: 5g
- Białko: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving dinner, turkey, holiday meal










