Welcome to my Thanksgiving spread, where the aroma of roasted turkey, the sweetness of cranberry sauce, and the warmth of family gatherings come together in one delightful feast! I absolutely love this time of year; it’s all about sharing delicious food and creating wonderful memories with loved ones. This spread features all the traditional dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, from savory stuffing to creamy mashed potatoes. Trust me, once you serve this spread, your family will be talking about it for years to come! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making a holiday meal that truly brings everyone together. You won’t want to miss a single bite of this festive celebration!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this scrumptious Thanksgiving spread. I’ve made sure to include detailed descriptions so you can easily gather your ingredients. Let’s make this holiday meal unforgettable!
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1 box of stuffing (12 oz)
- 1 lb of green beans
- 1 can of cranberry sauce (14 oz)
- 4 large potatoes for mashing
- 1 jar of gravy (16 oz)
- 1 dozen dinner rolls
- Optional: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for seasoning the turkey
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to a Thanksgiving feast that everyone will love! Don’t forget to check your pantry for any staples you might already have on hand. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Preparing this Thanksgiving spread is all about timing and love. I promise, once you see everything come together, you’ll feel like a holiday superstar. Here’s how to do it:
Preparing the Turkey
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While that’s warming up, take your turkey and give it some TLC. Start by removing the giblets and patting it dry with paper towels. Now, season it generously with salt, pepper, and any fresh herbs you’re using—my favorites are rosemary and thyme, which add such a fragrant touch!
Next, stuff the turkey with your prepared stuffing. Don’t overpack it; just fill it enough to add flavor! Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast it for about 3-4 hours, depending on its size. A good rule of thumb is 13-15 minutes per pound. To check if it’s done, use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Remember to let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This helps keep all those juicy flavors locked in!
Making the Sides
While your turkey is roasting, it’s the perfect time to whip up those delicious sides! For the stuffing, just follow the package instructions; it’s super easy and always a crowd-pleaser. Boil your potatoes in salted water until they’re tender—about 15-20 minutes should do it. Once done, mash them with butter and milk until they’re creamy and dreamy!
Now, onto the green beans. Steam them in a pot until they’re bright green and tender, not mushy—about 5-7 minutes is perfect. For the gravy, simply heat it up in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Timing is everything here! Aim to finish your sides just as the turkey is resting so that everything is hot and ready to serve together. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this wonderful Thanksgiving spread!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just general estimates. For one plate of this delightful Thanksgiving spread, you can expect approximately 800 calories, with around 40 grams of fat, 45 grams of protein, and 60 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal that will keep you satisfied, but do be mindful of the sodium content, which is about 1500 mg per serving. Of course, if you’re watching your intake, you can adjust portions or make small changes to the recipe. I always think it’s best to enjoy the feast and savor every delicious bite—after all, it’s a special occasion! So gather your loved ones and dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Thanksgiving spread is truly something special, and I can’t wait for you to experience it! Here’s why this recipe will become a favorite at your holiday table:
- Traditional flavors: Every bite is packed with classic Thanksgiving tastes that evoke warm memories and family traditions.
- Family-friendly: This spread is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. There’s something for everyone!
- Feeds a crowd: With generous portions, you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends, making it perfect for large gatherings.
- Easy to prepare: The steps are straightforward, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel like a pro in no time!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: This spread brings everyone together, creating a festive atmosphere filled with love and laughter.
Trust me, once you serve this spread, it’ll be the highlight of your Thanksgiving celebration! Your guests will be raving about it long after the last bite is gone.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving spread is a hit, here are some of my best tips! First, always let your turkey come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting; this helps it cook evenly. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—get under the skin and really rub in those herbs and spices for maximum flavor! If you have time, consider brining the turkey overnight; it makes a world of difference in juiciness.
Timing is crucial! I like to prep my sides while the turkey is roasting, so everything is hot and fresh when it’s time to serve. And remember, patience is key—let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to keep all those delicious juices from spilling out. With these simple tips, you’ll have a Thanksgiving spread that dazzles your guests and fills their hearts with joy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Thanksgiving spread, the right accompaniments can elevate the whole experience! For appetizers, consider starting with a warm spinach and artichoke dip served with crispy tortilla chips or a platter of seasonal veggies with a creamy ranch dip. They’re always a hit and get everyone in the festive spirit!
As for drinks, I love serving a crisp apple cider or a rich red wine to complement the flavors of the turkey and sides. If you want something non-alcoholic, a sparkling cranberry mocktail is refreshing and festive! And let’s not forget dessert—after that hearty meal, a slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream is the classic way to finish. You might also want to offer pecan pie for those who crave a little extra sweetness. Trust me, your guests will appreciate the thoughtful touches!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once the feast is over, you’ll probably have some delicious leftovers to enjoy! To store your Thanksgiving spread properly, let everything cool down to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Turkey can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, while stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans are best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them—just make sure to use freezer-safe containers!
When it’s time to reheat, take your turkey out and slice it to heat evenly. I recommend using the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 20-30 minutes to keep it juicy. For sides, you can microwave them or heat them on the stovetop, just be careful not to overcook. With proper storage and reheating, you can savor that Thanksgiving goodness for days to come!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some common questions about this Thanksgiving spread that I often hear, and I’m here to help you out!
Can I prepare the turkey a day in advance?
Absolutely! If you want to save time on the big day, you can season and stuff the turkey the night before. Just keep it covered in the fridge and take it out to come to room temperature before roasting.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries! Dried herbs work just fine too. Use about a third of the amount called for fresh herbs, and you’ll still get that wonderful flavor in your turkey and stuffing.
Can I use a frozen turkey?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to allow plenty of time for it to thaw in the refrigerator—typically about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. Planning ahead is key!
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone; it should read 165°F (75°C) when done. This ensures your turkey is juicy and safe to eat!
Can I make the sides ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the stuffing, mashed potatoes, and even the green beans a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat them when it’s time to serve. This way, you’ll have more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones!
Thanksgiving Spread: 5 Reasons to Savor Every Bite
- Temps Total: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Rendement: 8-10 servings
- Alimentation: Halal
Description
A delightful Thanksgiving spread featuring traditional dishes.
Ingrédients
- Turkey – 1 whole (12-14 lbs)
- Stuffing – 1 box (12 oz)
- Green beans – 1 lb
- Cranberry sauce – 1 can (14 oz)
- Mashed potatoes – 4 large potatoes
- Gravy – 1 jar (16 oz)
- Pumpkin pie – 1 (9-inch)
- Rolls – 1 dozen
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the turkey by seasoning and stuffing it.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook for 3-4 hours.
- While the turkey cooks, prepare the stuffing according to package instructions.
- Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and milk.
- Steam the green beans until bright green.
- Heat the gravy in a saucepan.
- Serve the turkey with sides and dessert.
Notes
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Make stuffing ahead of time for easier preparation.
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 4 hours
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 plate
- Calories: 800
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 1500mg
- La graisse: 40g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 20g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 60g
- La fibre: 5g
- La protéine: 45g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 120mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving spread, turkey, holiday meal
