November is here, and with it the daunting task of planning the Thanksgiving feast. A job so formidable that the top 10 results of a quick “Thanksgiving Recipes” Google search yields over 350 suggestions. Thanks Google, but that’s just not helpful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the recipe suggestions, I’ve got you covered! Rather than pile on with another top 106 list (result 11!) to scroll through, I offer you a small selection of my favorites that I’ll be making for my own Thanksgiving table.
Turkey and Stuffing
The first time I made a turkey I was in college, somehow responsible for the family bird when no one else volunteered. Having no idea what to do, I went with a simple roast stuffed bird. Since then I’ve learned that I’m doing it wrong… apparently it needs to be brined (I disagree), fried (only if I’m in a hurry), and unstuffed for safety (haven’t gotten sick yet!). However “wrong” it is, it’s delicious, and still my favorite way to cook the Thanksgiving centerpiece.
In this recipe, I use onions, carrots, and celery as the main ingredients for the stuffing. A diced apple and lots of herbs finish it off making a sweet and savory crowd pleaser. Stuffed inside the turkey, the two complement each other and the flavors combine perfectly over many hours in the oven.
PRO TIP: If you’re using a frozen turkey, give your bird at least 5 days to thaw in the fridge, up to a week if it’s large.
The Gravy
Please trash the bag of “gravy mix” that comes inside of the turkey. I don’t know what it is, but it is not gravy, and making gravy from the pan drippings isn’t hard to do. Get yourself a fat separator and plan to spend a few minutes whisking at the stove. Your mashed potatoes will thank you. One note on this recipe – if you don’t end up with 4 cups of drippings from your turkey, either add some chicken stock to make up the extra volume or reduce the amount of roux that you make to thicken it.
The Sides
I asked friends and family for their favorite Thanksgiving dishes for this post, and nearly all of them said mashed potatoes. And while I agree, I personally like to use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to get a little decadent in the kitchen. Here is what’s usually on the menu at my house!
Leek and Artichoke Bread Pudding
This deliciously rich recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving. With lots of cheese, cream, and eggs, the Barefoot Contessa has outdone herself with this recipe!
Brussel Sprouts 3 Ways
Every Thanksgiving table needs some greens, and though a traditional green bean casserole is always a hit, I prefer fresh brussels spouts for some in-season flavor. Serve them light, bright and lemony, rich and creamy, or simply roasted.
Spinach Salad with Warm Maple Dressing
For a second helping of vegetables, I love this spinach and apple salad. Its another great recipe showcasing the season’s freshest ingredients, and a beautiful addition to your table.
Mashed Potatoes
As noted above, mashed potatoes are everyone’s favorite. They’re also the simplest thing you’ll make all night. If your kids are looking to help, there’s no easier task than mashing and stirring. After many years of potato making, the only true “secret” I’ve learned is to use an electric mixer (stand or handheld) for a result that is silky smooth and extra fluffy.
Pull Apart Milk Bread Wreath
Yes, this is a third bread dish. Don’t judge me. It’s delicious, it’s pretty, and this pull apart bread is perfect for leftover sandwiches. It’s also fun to make and another great recipe to get kids involved in preparing the feast!
The Dessert
Perfect Pie Crust
Oh the pie… I’m just gonna sit here and daydream about pie for a minute… nom nom nom…
My favorite is strawberry rhubarb, but it’s in stiff competition with a classic apple. My husband likes pecan pie, and though I’ve never been a fan of pumpkin pie, I know that Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without it. No matter your favorite pie obsession, you’ll need a perfect pie crust. Yes, you can buy premade, but if you have the time, this light and flaky homemade dough is an outstanding base for any filling. Also, your kids will love getting their hands messy mixing, kneading, and rolling out their Thanksgiving dessert.
Pumpkin Bread
Some of my fondest childhood memories are making this pumpkin bread with my mother. I have no idea where the recipe came from, but it was an annual tradition in our house. She would spend hours each year carving a large pumpkin and cooking it down before we mixed it with too much sugar to make this unbelievably moist and rich cake. These days I usually opt for canned pumpkin and carry on the tradition with my own kids. It’s one of my favorite things to cook in Fall, and I hope you love it as much as I do!
For a Bigger Crowd
If you’re hosting a larger crowd, you’ll need more than turkey and a few sides. Whenever my small family gathering turns into a large party, here are two more of my go-to Fall favorites that will be great additions to your expanded celebration.
Butternut Squash and Spiced Apple Soup
Sweet and savory and a hint of spice make this soup a perfect first course for your gathering. I love to make this all winter long, sometimes adding spicey Italian sausage or kale to make it a full meal.
Pumpkin Lasagna
If you have a vegetarian joining you, or someone that just doesn’t like turkey, this pumpkin lasagna is a great addition to your menu. It’s layer upon layer of cheesy, sweet pumpkin goodness that all your guests will love.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I hope you have much to be thankful for. Personally I’m grateful for the opportunity to write for Houston Moms and am truly honored to be able to share all of the things I love about our city. Even more, I love having an excuse to look back on all the fabulous pictures of my children exploring Houston and getting their hands messy in the kitchen!
