Thanksgiving Dinner
A heartwarming Thanksgiving Dinner recipe that brings family together over a blend of traditional flavors, including juicy turkey, flavorful stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet pumpkin pie.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole whole turkey (12-14 pounds) The star of your Thanksgiving Dinner.
- 2 cups stuffing Choose a store-bought option or make your own.
- 4 cups turkey broth Essential for moist turkey and flavorful gravy.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes Creamy and buttery; a classic side.
- 1 cup gravy Homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- 1 can cranberry sauce A sweet counterpart to the savory flavors.
- 1 pie pumpkin pie For dessert, a slice of nostalgia.
- whipped cream whipped cream for serving Adds a delightful touch to your pumpkin pie.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. Rinse the turkey and let it reach room temperature for better cooking. Chop any vegetables for the stuffing if you choose to make it from scratch.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the turkey by seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with your stuffing of choice, ensuring it’s packed loosely to allow for even cooking. Place the turkey in a roasting pan with the breast side up.
Cooking
- Roast the turkey in the oven for about 3-4 hours, basting it every hour until an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached.
- While the turkey cooks, peel and chop potatoes, then boil them until tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste.
- While the turkey rests, heat turkey broth in a saucepan. Whisk in flour or cornstarch to thicken if desired, creating a rich gravy.
- Open the can of cranberry sauce or prepare it from scratch if you prefer.
- Slice the pumpkin pie into wedges and prepare whipped cream for serving.
Serving
- Arrange all the dishes on your dining table and enjoy the beautiful spread of your Thanksgiving Dinner with loved ones.
Notes
After your Thanksgiving Dinner, cool leftovers to room temperature before storing in airtight containers. Store the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes separately. For reheating, the oven works best for turkey and stuffing, while mashed potatoes can be warmed on the stovetop or in the microwave. Consider dietary adjustments by using plant-based options.