Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner List: 7 Heartwarming Essentials

Name: Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner List: 7 Heartwarming Essentials
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Turkey – 1 whole (12-14 lbs); Stuffing – 1 box (16 oz); Mashed Potatoes – 5 lbs; Gravy – 1 jar (12 oz); Cranberry Sauce – 1 can (14 oz); Green Beans – 1 lb; Sweet Potatoes – 3 lbs; Pumpkin Pie – 1 whole; Butter – 1 cup; Salt – to taste; Pepper – to taste

November 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet, where we’re diving headfirst into the heartwarming tradition of a Thanksgiving dinner! There’s something truly magical about gathering family and friends around the table, sharing laughter and creating memories over a delicious meal. The *traditional Thanksgiving dinner list* is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a celebration of togetherness, gratitude, and the joy of sharing food that warms the soul. From the golden turkey to the sweet pumpkin pie, every dish holds a special place in our hearts and bellies. Trust me, you’re going to love every moment spent in the kitchen preparing this feast, and I can’t wait to share my tips and tricks with you!

Ingredients for Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner List

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
1 box stuffing (16 oz)
5 lbs mashed potatoes
1 jar gravy (12 oz)
1 can cranberry sauce (14 oz)
1 lb green beans
3 lbs sweet potatoes
1 whole pumpkin pie
1 cup unsalted butter
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste

How to Prepare the Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the best part—getting everything ready for this fabulous feast! It might seem like a lot, but trust me, with a little planning and some fun music in the background, you’ll have it all sorted in no time. So, let’s break this down step by step!

Preparing the Turkey

First things first, let’s show that turkey some love! Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While that’s warming up, rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat it dry with some paper towels. Season it generously with salt and pepper, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor. Now, it’s time to stuff it! Fill the cavity with your stuffing mixture, then tuck the wings under the bird and place it breast-side up in a roasting pan. Cover it loosely with foil and pop it in the oven. Roast for about 3 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Don’t forget to let it rest for 30 minutes before carving—this is crucial for juicy slices!

Making the Side Dishes

While the turkey is roasting, let’s tackle those scrumptious sides! Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes for your creamy mashed potatoes. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with a cup of butter, adding salt to taste. Now, for the green beans, just cook them in boiling water for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green and crisp-tender. For the sweet potatoes, you can either bake them in the oven or mash them up with a bit of butter and brown sugar for that sweet, comforting flavor we all love.

Serving the Meal

Once everything is cooked and smelling heavenly, it’s time to serve! Arrange the turkey on a large platter, and don’t forget to drizzle some of that rich gravy over the top. Surround the turkey with your vibrant sides: the creamy mashed potatoes, tender green beans, and sweet potatoes. Timing is key here, so make sure to serve everything while it’s still warm. Gather everyone around the table, and get ready to dig in! Trust me, the smiles and gratitude will make all the effort worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a timeless classic that brings everyone together around the table.
Family-friendly dishes that please even the pickiest eaters.
Simple preparation steps make it easy for anyone to join in on the fun.
Rich, comforting flavors that evoke the warmth of the holiday spirit.
Perfect for leftovers, so you can enjoy the feast long after the big day.
Each dish is a crowd-pleaser, from the juicy turkey to the sweet pumpkin pie.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Thanksgiving dinner is a hit! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to help you out. First off, don’t rush the turkey resting time—30 minutes is key for juicy meat, so resist the urge to carve it too soon! Also, if your turkey is on the larger side, you might need to adjust the cooking time, so keep an eye on that thermometer. For the mashed potatoes, I recommend using a potato ricer for that ultra-smooth texture—trust me, it’s worth it! And when it comes to the gravy, whisk it well to avoid lumps and add a splash of turkey drippings for extra flavor. Lastly, get everyone involved! Cooking together builds anticipation and makes the meal even more special. You’ve got this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve enjoyed your fabulous Thanksgiving feast, let’s talk about storing those delicious leftovers! First, make sure everything is completely cooled before packing it away. I like to use airtight containers to keep the turkey, mashed potatoes, and sides fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, but if you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to label your containers with the date, so you know how long they’ve been hanging out in there!

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super easy. For the turkey, I recommend slicing it and warming it in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. The mashed potatoes can go in the microwave or on the stovetop; just add a bit of milk and butter while reheating to bring back that creamy goodness. And there you have it—delicious leftovers that taste almost as good as the day of the feast!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers—nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this an estimate. On average, one plate of this traditional Thanksgiving dinner will have about 750 calories, with 35g of fat, 40g of protein, and 75g of carbohydrates. You can expect around 15g of sugar and 900mg of sodium as well. Remember, it’s all about balance, so enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Can I prepare the turkey a day in advance?
Absolutely! You can season and stuff the turkey the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.

What if I don’t have stuffing mix?
No worries! You can make your own stuffing using cubed bread, herbs, broth, and your favorite mix-ins like celery and onions. It’s super easy and adds a personal touch to your *traditional Thanksgiving dinner list*!

How do I know when the turkey is done?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear when you cut between the drumstick and the body.

Can I make the sides ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat before serving. For the green beans, they’re best cooked fresh, but you can blanch them a few hours ahead and then finish cooking right before serving.

What are some good leftovers ideas?
Leftover turkey is perfect for sandwiches, soups, or even a turkey pot pie! And don’t forget about the mashed potatoes—mix them with eggs and cook them up as potato pancakes for a fun breakfast the next day!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.