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Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas

Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas 1

  • Author: basmer1517
  • Total Time: 5 hours
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

A classic Thanksgiving dinner menu designed for a joyful feast, featuring traditional flavors and manageable preparation for a stress-free holiday. This menu balances beloved tastes with make-ahead options, ensuring a delicious and memorable meal for family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed
  • 1 cup butter, salted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 cups bread cubes (½-inch pieces)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 5 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 2 cups green beans
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • 1 pumpkin (for pie)
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 prepared pie crust

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, inside and out. Rub all over with softened butter. Place breast-side up on a roasting rack in your pan.
  2. Roast turkey for 3-4 hours, basting every hour with pan juices. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
  3. While the turkey roasts, sauté the onion and celery in butter until soft (about 5 minutes).
  4. In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, eggs, and sage until combined but not mushy. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until golden and moist.
  5. Boil the chopped potatoes until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  6. For the green bean casserole, mix green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and half the fried onions in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Top with the remaining fried onions and bake for 5 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. For the pumpkin pie, blend pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour into the prepared pie crust. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for another 30 minutes. Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Thaw turkey in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before cooking.
  • Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to ensure juicy meat.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as you go, especially for the mashed potatoes.
  • Many components of this Thanksgiving dinner menu can be prepped the night before, such as chopping vegetables and measuring dry ingredients for the stuffing.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Turkey freezes well.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Holiday
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 850
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 75g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 50g
  • Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving dinner menu, Thanksgiving menu ideas, classic Thanksgiving recipes, roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, holiday feast, Thanksgiving meal planning

Find it online: https://www.recipesmollybaz.com/thanksgiving-dinner-menu-ideas/