5 Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes You Must Try

The holiday season is upon us, and nothing brings families and friends together quite like Thanksgiving dinner. This traditional feast is not just about giving thanks; it's an opportunity to showcase culinary skills with dishes that have been passed down through generations, and perhaps, introduce new flavors to the table. Here are five delicious Thanksgiving dinner recipes that you must try this year to impress your guests and make your celebration even more memorable.

Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham

Nothing says Thanksgiving like a succulent ham, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, infusing it with sweet and savory flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 8-10 lb spiral-sliced ham
  • 1 cup honey
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• Instructions:
  1. Place the ham, cut side down, into the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and cloves to form a glaze.
  3. Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until ham is heated through.
  5. Remove the ham from the slow cooker, place on a platter, and allow it to rest. Meanwhile, strain the cooking juices into a saucepan.
  6. Boil the juices until thickened to make a sauce for drizzling.
  7. Slice the ham and serve it with the warm glaze drizzled on top.

📢 Note: Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 140°F (60°C) before serving.

Classic Roast Turkey with Giblet Gravy

This timeless centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table is the definition of comfort food, with the added richness of a homemade giblet gravy.

• Ingredients:
  • 15-20 lb turkey, thawed
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 onion, cut into quarters
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 bunch of fresh thyme
  • For Giblet Gravy:
    • Giblets and neck from turkey
    • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • Pan drippings
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Pat the turkey dry, season inside and out with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Stuff with onion, lemon, and thyme.
  3. Rub the outside of the turkey with the softened butter.
  4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up. Tuck the wing tips under the body.
  5. Roast until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C).
  6. Remove turkey from the oven, tent with foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  7. For Giblet Gravy:
     • Simmer the giblets in broth while the turkey is roasting. When cooked, remove giblets and chop.
     • Over medium heat, whisk flour into the pan drippings in the roasting pan.
     • Gradually add the giblet broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened.
     • Add chopped giblets to the gravy and serve hot.

⚠️ Note: If the turkey browns too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent over-browning.

Herbed Stuffing

A Thanksgiving spread wouldn't be complete without this quintessential side dish, filled with aromatic herbs and flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 loaf of white bread, cubed and dried
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 3-4 cups chicken or turkey stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until soft.
  3. Stir in the herbs, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with the vegetable mixture. Gradually add stock until moist but not soggy.
  5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown.

🌿 Note: Feel free to add nuts, dried cranberries, or sausage to the stuffing for additional texture and flavor.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish, offering a creamy, buttery base to soak up all the delicious gravy.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain and return to the pot to dry out over low heat for a minute.
  3. Using a ricer or masher, mash the potatoes. Heat the cream and butter together until melted.
  4. Add the cream and butter mixture to the potatoes, mashing until smooth. Season with salt to taste.

📝 Note: Use a potato ricer for the fluffiest results.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

This isn't your typical cranberry sauce; the addition of orange zest and juice adds a vibrant, fresh note to cut through the rich dishes.

• Ingredients:
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (approximately 2 large oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • Pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, and salt.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Allow to cool and then refrigerate. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

🍊 Note: This sauce can be made a few days ahead to save time on Thanksgiving Day.

By integrating these five mouthwatering recipes into your Thanksgiving menu, you'll create a feast that's both classic and innovative. Each dish brings its own unique flavor to the table, ensuring your guests have a memorable dining experience. The Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham simplifies the preparation process while offering a sweet and savory delight. The Classic Roast Turkey remains a beloved tradition, enhanced by the rich and flavorful giblet gravy. Your stuffing will be anything but ordinary with the Herbed Stuffing, and the Creamy Mashed Potatoes will serve as the perfect canvas for your gravy. Finally, the Cranberry Orange Sauce will offer a bright contrast to the richness of the other dishes. These recipes blend tradition with creativity, ensuring your Thanksgiving dinner is both a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.

Can I prepare these Thanksgiving recipes ahead of time?

+

Yes, some dishes like the Cranberry Orange Sauce can be made a few days ahead. For others, you can prep ingredients in advance, such as chopping vegetables or preparing the stuffing. However, the ham and turkey are best cooked fresh on Thanksgiving Day.

How long will these Thanksgiving leftovers last?

+

Most Thanksgiving leftovers will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store them in airtight containers to preserve their quality and flavor.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

+

Absolutely! Feel free to make adjustments based on dietary needs or taste preferences. For example, you can use maple syrup instead of honey for the ham glaze, or substitute vegan butter in the mashed potatoes for a dairy-free version.