Holiday Recipes Thanksgiving: 7 Savory Dishes to Savor

Name: Holiday Recipes Thanksgiving: 7 Savory Dishes to Savor
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Turkey – 12 pounds; Butter – 1 cup; Garlic – 4 cloves, minced; Fresh rosemary – 2 tablespoons, chopped; Salt – 2 teaspoons; Pepper – 1 teaspoon; Green beans – 2 pounds; Olive oil – 2 tablespoons; Cranberries – 1 bag; Sugar – 1 cup; Water – 1 cup; Pumpkin pie – 1

October 29, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite times of the year! It’s all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in some truly delicious food. I remember helping my grandma prepare the turkey when I was little, and that warm kitchen filled with the aroma of herbs and spices is a memory I’ll cherish forever. That’s why I’m excited to share my collection of holiday recipes for Thanksgiving! These recipes not only celebrate tradition but also bring a modern twist to the table. Get ready to impress your guests with a delectable turkey, vibrant sides, and a sweet finish. Let’s make this Thanksgiving unforgettable!

Ingredients List

Turkey – A 12-pound bird, the star of your Thanksgiving feast that will be juicy and flavorful when cooked to perfection.
Butter – 1 cup, unsalted and softened, for rubbing on the turkey to help it brown beautifully.
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced, to add a fragrant punch that elevates the turkey’s flavor.
Fresh rosemary – 2 tablespoons, chopped, bringing a wonderful earthy aroma to the dish.
Salt – 2 teaspoons, to season the turkey and enhance all those delicious flavors.
Pepper – 1 teaspoon, freshly cracked if possible, to add a subtle kick.
Green beans – 2 pounds, fresh and vibrant, perfect for a colorful side that balances the meal.
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the green beans until they’re tender and glossy.
Cranberries – 1 bag (usually about 12 ounces), fresh for making a tangy and sweet cranberry sauce.
Sugar – 1 cup, to sweeten the cranberry sauce and balance its tartness.
Water – 1 cup, to help cook down the cranberries into a luscious sauce.
Pumpkin pie – 1, because no Thanksgiving is complete without a slice of this classic dessert!

How to Prepare Instructions

Preparing the Turkey

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, let’s prep the turkey! Rub the entire bird with a generous amount of softened butter, making sure to get it everywhere for that golden skin. Then, sprinkle minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper all over it. This is where the magic happens! Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up, and pop it in the oven. Roast for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Oh, and don’t forget to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to keep it juicy!

Cooking the Green Beans

While your turkey is roasting away, let’s turn our attention to those beautiful green beans! In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the fresh green beans and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant and crunchy. You want them to retain that lovely color! Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Making the Cranberry Sauce

Now for the cranberry sauce, which is super easy! In a saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as the cranberries start to burst—this usually takes about 10 minutes. You’ll hear those delightful pops! Once they all burst open, reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Just like that, you’ve got a tangy, sweet sauce to complement your turkey!

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve, carve the turkey and arrange the slices on a beautiful platter. Surround it with those vibrant green beans and a generous bowl of cranberry sauce. Don’t forget the pumpkin pie for dessert—it’s the cherry on top of your Thanksgiving feast! For an elegant touch, garnish with some fresh rosemary or parsley. Your table will look stunning, and your guests will be so impressed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a classic, juicy turkey recipe that’s easy to prepare and always impresses guests.
The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and butter creates an unforgettable flavor that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Quick and simple sides like green beans and cranberry sauce mean you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying time with your family.
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, making it a go-to for Thanksgiving celebrations and other special occasions.
It’s a complete meal with a delicious dessert—pumpkin pie—so you won’t need to stress about what to serve after the main course.
Leftovers taste amazing, so you get to enjoy the deliciousness even after the holiday is over!

Tips for Success

To really nail this Thanksgiving feast, start with the freshest ingredients you can find—trust me, it makes a world of difference! For the turkey, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting; this helps it cook more evenly. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as ovens can vary. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is the magic number! And don’t rush the resting period; letting the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes ensures those juices stay locked in. Finally, feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste—cooking is all about making it your own!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content for one serving of this delicious Thanksgiving feast:

Calories: 600
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is an estimate. Always check your own ingredients for the most accurate nutritional information!

FAQ Section

What is the best way to cook a turkey?

The best way to cook a turkey is by roasting it in the oven! Start by preheating to 350°F (175°C) and rub the turkey with butter, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), which usually takes about 3 hours for a 12-pound bird. Don’t forget to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to keep it juicy and tender!

Can I prepare the cranberry sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the cranberry sauce a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It actually tastes better after sitting, as the flavors meld together beautifully!

What are alternative sides for Thanksgiving?

If you’re looking for alternative sides to complement your turkey, consider whipped potatoes, stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sweet potato casserole. A fresh salad with seasonal greens can also add a nice crunch. You can mix it up based on your family’s favorites!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After the feast, don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! To store your turkey and sides, place them in airtight containers and refrigerate them within two hours of serving. The turkey should stay fresh for about 3–4 days, while the green beans and cranberry sauce will last about the same time. When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the turkey covered in foil to keep it moist, for about 20–30 minutes. The green beans can be quickly sautéed in a pan with a little olive oil until warmed through. Enjoy every last bite!

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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.