Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when families gather around the table, sharing laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food. I absolutely love this holiday because it’s all about gratitude and togetherness. One of my favorite traditions is preparing a *classic Thanksgiving menu list* that truly brings everyone together. I can still remember the aroma of my grandma’s turkey wafting through the house, making my mouth water long before the feast began. For me, nothing beats her creamy mashed potatoes slathered in rich gravy – they’re the star of the meal! So, if you’re ready to create your own unforgettable Thanksgiving feast, let’s dive into this classic menu that will leave your family raving for years to come!
Ingredients List
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1 batch of stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 can of cranberry sauce (or homemade for an extra touch)
- 4 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 quart of gravy (preferably made from turkey drippings)
- 2 cans of green beans
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of fried onions
- 1 pumpkin pie (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup of whipped cream (for that perfect pie topping)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) for the turkey. It needs to be nice and hot to get that beautiful golden skin!
- While the oven heats up, let’s prepare the stuffing. If you’re using homemade stuffing, mix it up now. If you’re going store-bought, just follow the package instructions. Once it’s ready, stuff the turkey generously but don’t overdo it; we want it to cook evenly!
- Now, it’s time to roast the turkey! Place it breast side up in a roasting pan, and pop it in the oven. A general rule of thumb is about 13-15 minutes per pound, so for a 12-14 pound turkey, plan for around 3 to 4 hours. Don’t forget to baste it with its juices every hour for moisture and flavor!
- While the turkey is roasting, peel and dice your potatoes. Boil them in salted water until tender, then mash them with butter and milk until creamy. Trust me, that’s the secret to fluffy mashed potatoes!
- For the gravy, save those delicious turkey drippings! Once the turkey is done and has rested for at least 20 minutes (seriously, let it rest!), pour the drippings into a saucepan, add some flour, and whisk until smooth. Add water or broth as needed to get the right consistency.
- Next, combine the green beans with the cream of mushroom soup in a baking dish, and sprinkle those crispy fried onions on top. Bake it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden.
- Finally, slice up that turkey and serve it with all your delicious sides. And don’t forget the pumpkin pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream for dessert – it’s the perfect way to end the meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a timeless classic that brings back warm memories of family gatherings.
- Simple, straightforward preparation that even beginners can master.
- Delicious flavors that everyone, from kids to grandparents, will adore.
- Flexibility to customize dishes, making it perfect for your family’s tastes.
- Leftovers that can be transformed into new meals for days of enjoyment!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to make sure your Thanksgiving feast is a resounding success!
- Timing is everything: Start your turkey early! A 12-14 pound turkey can take up to 4 hours to roast, so plan accordingly. It’s also a good idea to prepare your sides while the turkey is roasting to maximize your time.
- Rest the turkey: After roasting, let your turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t skip the baste: Basting the turkey every hour keeps it moist and adds flavor. Use a baster or a spoon to drizzle those delicious drippings over the skin.
- Customize your stuffing: Feel free to add your favorite herbs, nuts, or even sausage to the stuffing for a personal touch.
- Presentation matters: Arrange the sides beautifully on the table. A well-presented meal heightens the festive spirit!
Nutritional Information
This classic Thanksgiving menu is a feast that’s not just delicious but also packed with hearty goodness! Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 1500
- Fat: 70g (Saturated Fat: 20g, Unsaturated Fat: 30g, Trans Fat: 0g)
- Protein: 80g
- Carbohydrates: 150g (Sugar: 20g, Fiber: 15g)
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portions. But hey, it’s Thanksgiving – enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about the classic Thanksgiving menu? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
How do I adjust the cooking time for a larger turkey?
If you’ve got a turkey over 14 pounds, plan on about 15 minutes per pound. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh is your best friend!
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and stuff the turkey right before roasting. This helps those flavors meld beautifully!
What if I don’t like green bean casserole?
No worries! You can swap it out for roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli. They’re both delicious alternatives that still add a pop of green to your plate!
How can I use leftover turkey?
Leftover turkey is a dream! You can shred it for sandwiches, toss it in soups, or make a hearty turkey pot pie. The options are endless!
Can I freeze leftover gravy?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to use it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from your classic Thanksgiving feast are a treasure! To keep everything fresh, store the turkey, sides, and gravy in airtight containers. Most leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to extend their life, consider freezing them. Turkey and gravy can be frozen for up to three months, just make sure to cool them completely before sealing them up.
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop until they’re heated through. For best results, cover them with foil to retain moisture. Enjoy the flavors all over again!
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Classic Thanksgiving Menu List: 7 Timeless Favorites
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A classic Thanksgiving menu featuring traditional dishes.
Ingredients
- Turkey – 1 whole (12-14 pounds)
- Stuffing – 1 batch, homemade or store-bought
- Cranberry Sauce – 1 can or homemade
- Mashed Potatoes – 4 pounds of potatoes
- Gravy – 1 quart
- Green Bean Casserole – 2 cans of green beans, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of fried onions
- Pumpkin Pie – 1 pie
- Whipped Cream – 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven for the turkey.
- Prepare the stuffing and stuff the turkey.
- Roast the turkey according to weight.
- Boil and mash the potatoes with butter and milk.
- Prepare the gravy from turkey drippings.
- Mix green beans with soup and top with fried onions.
- Bake the green bean casserole until bubbly.
- Serve pumpkin pie with whipped cream.
Notes
- Let the turkey rest before carving.
- Make gravy using turkey drippings for flavor.
- Customize stuffing with herbs or sausage as desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 1500
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 70g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 150g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 80g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: classic thanksgiving menu list
