A Classic Thanksgiving Menu For The Traditionalist
Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with traditions. As the times change, the way we like to eat also evolves; but around the holidays, it's always a comforet to return to traditional favorites. If you're in charge of cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year but don't have mom's exact stuffing recipe, these classic recipes will be sure to satisfy and provide the traditional fall holiday flavors you crave.
Bourbon-Brined Turkey
Your turkey will be the main attraction at the dinner table with this recipe. Add extra warmth with a bourbon-infused brine. Everything in that roasting pan will get put to use when you use the drippings to make a delicious apple gravy.
For the Bourbon-Brined Turkey with Apple Bourbon Pan Gravy recipe, click here
Turkey with Cider Glaze
This autumnal recipe will help guide you to cook the perfect turkey with an added sweetness from the honey and cider glaze.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
From roasting to deep-frying, there are many ways to cook a turkey. Using a slow cooker, you will be able to dine on some tasty turkey meat in just over three hours and save precious room in your oven for all the sides. This calls for white meat, but you can also use this method to cook drumsticks or thighs.
Creamy, Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are as traditional as Thanksgiving side dishes can get. But don't just settle for lumpy mashed potatoes. This recipe uses whipping cream and plenty of butter that will make sure you get the decadent, fluffy mashed potatoes you desire.
Mashed Potatoes With Onion and Chives
It's not a traditional Thanksgiving dinner without a side of smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. This classic recipe also uses garlic cloves and fresh chives to add more flavor to your dish.
Parker House Rolls
Dinner rolls are a must-have on your Thanksgiving dinner table. Sure, you can just buy them pre-baked at the store, but fresh rolls are a game-changer.
Broccoli Casserole
If you're looking to keep your Thanksgiving dinner traditional this year, then you shouldn't forget about this easy, vintage-inspired casserole recipe. Rich and creamy, it also has an extra crunch factor from the Ritz crackers sprinkled on top.
Green Bean Casserole
This easy casserole is perfect for the holiday season. Green bean casserole is an iconic Thanksgiving side dish and comfort food that is so, so much better than just regular green beans.
Herb-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This recipe isn't just your everyday roasted Brussels sprouts. Enjoy hints of sweetness from cooking this veggie with apples and quince.
For the Herb-Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Quince recipe, click here.
Cornbread Dressing
Does your Thanksgiving table feel like it's missing something? Try adding this traditional Southern recipe that will for sure make your guests wrap around the table three times. Yummy homemade cornbread is crumbled together with sage and poultry seasoning to give your dinner hearty flavors of fall.
Sage and Sausage Stuffing
In need of a tasty stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving? This option has it all, from Italian sausage to sage, dried cranberries and more. Stuff it inside your turkey or just eat it all on its own, covered in homemade gravy.
Easy Cranberry Sauce
Don't go to the grocery store to buy the canned cranberry sauce and claim it as "homemade." All you need is three ingredients for this recipe: fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice and sugar. Simple enough even for the novice cook.
Turkey Gravy
Whether you enjoy gravy over your turkey, on the side for dipping rolls or both, this gravy recipe is perfect for all purposes. Make use of your pan drippings to give your gravy tons of turkey flavor.
Perfect Apple Pie
The dessert table is open for different and experimental recipes, but you can keep it simple this year with a classic apple pie. Apple desserts are perfect for the fall, so there's no question why this delectable dessert is on the menu this Thanksgiving.
Signature Pumpkin Pie
There are tons of pumpkin recipes that go beyond the traditional pumpkin pie, but what's wrong with keeping it traditional? Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple and easy to make in an hour. Whether you like to carve the pumpkin yourself or just pick up a canned pumpkin from the store, this pie is an essential part of the holidays.
Pear, Double Cranberry and Apple Lattice Pie
This dessert recipe may seem difficult but will definitely impress your guest this holiday season. With an extra dose of fresh and dried cranberry, the fruit's tartness is balanced with sweet pears and apples. Serve this pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
For the Pear, Double Cranberry and Apple Lattice Pie recipe, click here.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Shepherd's Pie
Thanksgiving dinner is absolutely delicious the night of, but leftovers the next day are even better. Take all of your leftovers and make a pie out of them. You can choose to either enjoy this meal without a crust, with stuffing as a crust or with regular pie crust.
For the Thanksgiving Leftovers Shepherd's Pie recipe, click here.
Leftover Mashed Potato Soup
Not all of your Thanksgiving leftovers last for a long time, so don't let food go to waste. This soup recipe combines your leftover mashed potatoes with bacon, cheese and more to create a heavenly creamy soup. While traditional Thanksgiving meals may be what you grew up on and what you love, it's good to branch out sometimes to explore new and modern versions of these recipes.
For the Leftover Mashed Potato Soup recipe, click here.
More from The Daily Meal:
The Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes for Turkey, Potatoes and More
Thanksgiving Countdown Guide: How to Plan and Cook Your Dinner in 2 Weeks