Description
Celebrate Thanksgiving with these three unique and mouthwatering dinner ideas featuring a perfectly roasted turkey, classic sides like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, and delightful baked treats including cornbread and pumpkin pie. This meal captures traditional flavors with a special twist to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage), to taste
Sides
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups green bean casserole
- 1 cup gravy
Baked Goods
- 1 loaf cornbread
- 1 pumpkin pie
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Season the Turkey: Generously season the whole turkey with salt, black pepper, and your blend of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage for deep flavor.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), verifying doneness in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Prepare Sides: While the turkey roasts, prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling and mashing potatoes until creamy. Assemble the green bean casserole according to your recipe and bake as directed.
- Bake Cornbread and Pumpkin Pie: Bake the cornbread loaf and the pumpkin pie in the oven until both are golden and cooked through, timing them to finish close to the turkey’s completion.
- Serve the Meal: Slice the roasted turkey and plate it alongside mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cornbread, and pumpkin pie. Add cranberry sauce and warm gravy as flavorful accompaniments.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is safe to eat.
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to keep it juicy.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact or dried herbs if fresh are not available.
- You can prepare the sides and baked goods ahead of time to streamline serving.
- Adjust seasoning of sides like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole according to taste.
