Description

Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with this menu featuring seven classic dishes that bring comfort and festive flavors to your holiday table. From a perfectly roasted whole turkey to creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, flavorful green beans, sweet mashed sweet potatoes, rich gravy, and a luscious pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream, this menu is designed to serve 8 people and create lasting memories.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)

Stuffing and Sauces

1 box stuffing (gluten-free bread optional)
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 jar gravy (or homemade from turkey drippings)

Side Dishes

5 lbs mashed potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold)
2 lbs green beans (steamed or sautéed)
3 lbs sweet potatoes (mashed or baked)

Dessert

1 pumpkin pie
1 cup whipped cream (freshly whipped recommended)

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Instructions

Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven and prepare the turkey by rinsing and patting it dry. Season inside and out with your preferred herbs and spices. Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.
Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste occasionally to keep it moist.
Prepare the Stuffing: Follow the box instructions to prepare the stuffing. Alternatively, use gluten-free bread if required, and cook according to package directions.
Cook the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and boil Yukon Gold potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste until creamy and smooth.
Prepare the Green Beans: Steam or sauté green beans until tender but crisp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a touch of butter or olive oil.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and boil or bake the sweet potatoes. Mash them with a bit of butter and brown sugar or cinnamon, depending on your preference.
Make or Heat Gravy: Use the turkey drippings to make homemade gravy or heat a jarred gravy according to package instructions for convenience.
Serve Cranberry Sauce: Place cranberry sauce in a serving dish to accompany the turkey for a tangy contrast.
Serve Pumpkin Pie: Serve the pumpkin pie sliced with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a classic finish to the meal.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread in the stuffing.
Fresh homemade cranberry sauce enhances flavor but pre-made is fine for convenience.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is safely cooked.
Yukon Gold potatoes make the best texture for mashed potatoes.
Reheat leftovers within 3 days and store properly.