Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with loved ones and sharing delicious food that warms the heart and soul. This classic Thanksgiving feast featuring turkey, stuffing, and all the traditional sides is my absolute favorite way to celebrate. There’s something magical about the aroma of a turkey roasting in the oven, mingling with the savory scent of herbs and spices. I remember my grandma’s kitchen, bustling with family, laughter, and the clinking of plates as we all prepared our favorite dishes. What I love about this recipe is how it brings together the familiar flavors of the season—perfectly roasted turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and of course, a slice of pumpkin pie to finish it off. Trust me, this meal will create memories that last a lifetime!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Feast
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed and cleaned
- 2 cups bread cubes, preferably day-old for better texture
- 1 cup chopped celery, adds a nice crunch
- 1 cup chopped onion, for that savory base flavor
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted, for sautéing
- 1 cup chicken broth, to moisten the stuffing
- 1 tsp sage, dried or fresh, for classic flavor
- 1 tsp thyme, dried or fresh, to enhance the taste
- Salt and pepper to taste, season to your liking
- 4 cups mashed potatoes, creamy and buttery
- 2 cups cranberry sauce, for a sweet-tart contrast
- 1 pumpkin pie, for the perfect holiday dessert
How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Turkey and Sides
- First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). It’s essential to get that heat going before the turkey even enters the scene!
- Next, prepare your turkey by removing the giblets from the cavity—don’t forget to pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get nice and crispy!
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then toss in the chopped onion and celery. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the aroma is divine!
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens! Gradually add the chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
- Now, stuff that turkey with your savory bread mixture, packing it in gently. Place the stuffed turkey in a roasting pan, and cover it with foil to keep it moist.
- Pop the turkey in the oven and roast for about 3-4 hours. Make sure to baste it every hour with the juices from the pan—this keeps it juicy and flavorful! About an hour before it’s done, remove the foil to let the skin brown beautifully.
- Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), take it out and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This step is crucial, as it helps the juices redistribute!
- While the turkey rests, you can whip up your creamy mashed potatoes and serve them alongside the tangy cranberry sauce. Finally, don’t forget that delicious pumpkin pie waiting to steal the show at dessert time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic Thanksgiving dish that brings everyone together around the table.
- Easy to prepare, even for novice cooks—trust me, if I can do it, you can too!
- Family-friendly, satisfying, and perfect for all ages—kids will love it as much as the adults!
- Rich flavors from the stuffing and turkey that will have your guests asking for seconds.
- It creates a warm, joyful atmosphere filled with the delightful scents of the holiday.
- Perfect for leftovers—enjoy turkey sandwiches or reheated stuffing for days!
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To nail your Thanksgiving feast, here are my top tips! First, make sure your turkey is fully thawed at least a day before cooking—nothing worse than a frozen bird! When seasoning, don’t be shy; taste as you go to get that perfect balance. If you like it herby, feel free to add extra sage or thyme to the stuffing. For cooking times, a good rule is about 13-15 minutes per pound, but always check that internal temperature. And when it comes to serving, I love to present everything family-style on the table—everyone can help themselves, making it feel extra festive!
Serving Suggestions
To create the ultimate Thanksgiving spread, consider serving your turkey with a variety of delicious sides that complement the main event! Some of my favorites include buttery corn on the cob and roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze for a bit of sweetness. You can’t go wrong with a warm bread roll, either—perfect for soaking up all those savory turkey juices! For beverages, a crisp apple cider or a smooth red wine pairs beautifully with the meal. And of course, don’t forget the rich pumpkin pie for dessert; it’s the cherry on top of this festive feast!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Typically, one serving of this Thanksgiving feast contains about 350 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Always check your own ingredients for the most accurate information!
FAQ Section
How long does it take to cook a turkey? Cooking times can vary, but a good rule of thumb is about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C). For a 12-14 lb turkey, you’re looking at roughly 3-4 hours.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the stuffing a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just stuff the turkey right before cooking to keep it fresh and safe!
What if I have leftovers? Leftovers are the best part! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat the turkey in the oven or microwave, but be sure to add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can the turkey be cooked without stuffing? Yes! If you prefer, you can roast the turkey without stuffing for a quicker cooking time. Just season it well and enjoy!
How can I tell 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 breast and thigh.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving leftovers is super easy! First, let everything cool down to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. You can keep the turkey and stuffing in the fridge for up to four days, while cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes can also hang out in the fridge for the same amount of time. If you want to keep them longer, feel free to freeze the turkey and stuffing for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of broth to keep everything moist and tasty!
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Food for Thanksgiving: 7 Irresistible Dishes to Savor
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic Thanksgiving feast featuring turkey, stuffing, and all the traditional sides.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 2 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 pumpkin pie
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the turkey by removing the giblets and patting it dry.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until soft.
- In a bowl, mix bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken broth gradually until moist.
- Stuff the turkey with the bread mixture.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Roast for 3-4 hours, basting every hour.
- Remove foil for the last hour to brown the skin.
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Leftover stuffing can be baked separately.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of turkey with stuffing
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving, turkey, stuffing, holiday meal
