Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, a time when family gathers around the table, laughter fills the air, and the aroma of delicious food wafts through the house. There’s just something magical about a *classic thanksgiving menu list*—it’s a delightful mix of tradition and comfort. I remember my first attempt at making the full spread, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of joy and a bit of chaos! From the perfectly roasted turkey to the creamy mashed potatoes, every dish tells a story of love and togetherness. I cherish those moments spent in the kitchen, prepping the food while sharing memories and laughter with loved ones. Trust me, once you dive into this classic feast, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved tradition that warms the heart and fills the belly!
Ingredients List
- Turkey: One whole turkey, around 12-14 lbs, is perfect for a hearty feast. Make sure it’s thawed if it was frozen!
- Stuffing: Grab one box of your favorite stuffing mix—it’s a simple way to add flavor and texture to the turkey.
- Mashed Potatoes: You’ll need about 5 lbs of potatoes. I love using Yukon Gold for their creamy texture!
- Gravy: A jar of your preferred gravy makes things easy—just heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
- Cranberry Sauce: One can of cranberry sauce adds that perfect tartness to balance the meal.
- Green Bean Casserole: Use 2 cans of green beans, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of fried onions for that crispy topping.
- Pumpkin Pie: Don’t forget a delicious pumpkin pie for dessert—one whole pie should do the trick!
- Rolls: A dozen rolls to soak up all that gravy and add a warm touch to your dinner.
How to Prepare Instructions
Preparing the Turkey
First, let’s get that turkey ready! Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it’s heating up, make sure your turkey is fully thawed if it was frozen—this is crucial for even cooking! Remove the giblets and rinse the turkey inside and out under cold water, patting it dry with paper towels. Now, follow the package instructions for seasoning. I like to rub some olive oil or butter all over, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any herbs you fancy. Stuff the turkey with your prepared stuffing, but don’t overpack it—just a snug fit will do!
Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan and roast it for about 3-4 hours, depending on its size. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh is your goal! Once it reaches that temperature, take it out and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This helps keep it juicy. Trust me, the smell will have everyone gathering around!
Making Stuffing
Now, let’s talk stuffing. If you’re using a boxed mix, just follow the instructions on the package. It usually involves mixing the stuffing with hot water or broth and letting it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid. If you want to jazz it up, you can sauté some onions and celery in butter before adding them to the stuffing mix. Once it’s all combined, it’s ready to go into the turkey! Just make sure it’s not too hot when you stuff it in.
Preparing Side Dishes
While the turkey is roasting, you can whip up those delicious sides! For the mashed potatoes, peel and chop about 5 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes, then boil them in salted water until fork-tender. Drain, add butter and milk, and mash them until creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. For the green bean casserole, mix two cans of drained green beans with one can of cream of mushroom soup and pour it into a baking dish. Top with fried onions and bake for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Final Touches
As the turkey rests, it’s the perfect time to heat up that jar of gravy on the stove—just stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Serve the cranberry sauce straight from the can or give it a quick mash for a more homemade feel. Lastly, heat the rolls in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up. When everything’s ready, carve that turkey, and get ready to fill your table with a feast that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *classic thanksgiving menu list* truly embodies the essence of Thanksgiving, and here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Tradition: Each dish is steeped in history, bringing families together around the table for generations.
- Ease of Preparation: With straightforward steps and familiar ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip up this delicious spread!
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet cranberry sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
- Comfort Food: These classic dishes are the ultimate comfort food, making everyone feel warm and cozy inside.
- Memorable Moments: Preparing and sharing this meal creates lasting memories with family and friends that you’ll cherish forever.
Trust me, once you experience this meal, it’ll become a cherished part of your Thanksgiving tradition!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving feast is a hit, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, always let your turkey rest after roasting—this keeps it juicy and makes carving easier. Don’t skip the seasoning; a well-seasoned turkey is key to flavor! When making mashed potatoes, use warm milk for an extra creamy texture. For the green bean casserole, a sprinkle of extra fried onions on top right before serving adds that delightful crunch. And remember, prep as much as you can the day before to make the big day less hectic. Trust me, a little planning goes a long way!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates! On average, one plate from this classic Thanksgiving menu contains about 1500 calories, 70g of fat, 20g of sugar, and 70g of protein. It’s a hearty meal that packs a punch, so enjoy every delicious bite while being mindful of portion sizes!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare the turkey the night before?
Yes, you can prep the turkey overnight by seasoning it and letting it sit in the fridge. Just take it out a bit early to bring it to room temperature before roasting.
What can I substitute for stuffing?
If you’re looking for a different option, cornbread or wild rice make great substitutes for traditional stuffing. They add unique flavors and textures!
How do I know when the turkey is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh for safe eating.
Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a little milk if they need it.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days—perfect for turkey sandwiches!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving leftovers properly is key to enjoying those delicious meals again! First, let everything cool down to room temperature before packing it away. Use airtight containers to keep your turkey, sides, and any other dishes fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze them—just make sure to wrap items tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in freezer bags. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven for the turkey to keep it juicy, while sides can be warmed up in the microwave or on the stove. Just add a splash of water or broth to the mashed potatoes to keep them creamy! Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Imprimer
Classic Thanksgiving Menu List for Heartwarming Gatherings
- Temps Total: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Rendement: 8-10 servings
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A classic Thanksgiving menu featuring traditional dishes.
Ingrédients
- Turkey – 1 whole (12-14 lbs)
- Stuffing – 1 box
- Mashed Potatoes – 5 lbs potatoes
- Gravy – 1 jar
- Cranberry Sauce – 1 can
- Green Bean Casserole – 2 cans green beans, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup fried onions
- Pumpkin Pie – 1 pie
- Rolls – 1 dozen
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the turkey according to package instructions.
- Make stuffing and fill the turkey.
- Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 3-4 hours.
- Boil potatoes, mash them, and add butter and milk.
- Prepare green bean casserole and bake for 30 minutes.
- Heat gravy on the stove.
- Serve cranberry sauce and rolls.
- Slice the pumpkin pie and serve for dessert.
Notes
- Let the turkey rest before carving.
- Use leftover turkey for sandwiches.
- Adjust cooking times based on turkey size.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 4 hours
- Catégorie: Dinner
- Méthode: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 plate
- Calories: 1500
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 70g
- Graisses Saturées: 20g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 30g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 150g
- La fibre: 10g
- La protéine: 70g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 200mg
Mots-clés: classic thanksgiving menu list
