Martha Stewart Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests

Name: Martha Stewart Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Turkey – 1 whole (12-14 lbs); Butter – 1 cup, softened; Salt – 2 tbsp; Pepper – 1 tbsp; Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) – 1 cup, chopped; Garlic – 4 cloves, minced; Onion – 1 large, quartered; Celery – 2 stalks, chopped; Carrots – 2, chopped; Chicken broth – 4 cups

November 1, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Thanksgiving is such a special time of year, isn’t it? I always look forward to gathering with family and friends around the table, sharing laughter and love over a delicious meal. Martha Stewart’s Thanksgiving recipes have a way of elevating that experience, turning a simple holiday dinner into something truly memorable. With her focus on traditional dishes that burst with flavor and heart, you can create a feast that not only looks stunning but tastes incredible. Trust me, when you serve up a beautifully roasted turkey or a flavorful side, you’ll see smiles all around. Let’s dive into these recipes that will surely make your Thanksgiving unforgettable!

Martha Stewart Thanksgiving Recipes Overview

Martha Stewart’s Thanksgiving recipes encompass everything you need for a perfect holiday spread. From the star of the show, a beautifully roasted turkey, to classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant green bean casseroles, each dish is crafted with care. You’ll also find delightful appetizers, like savory stuffed mushrooms, and sweet finishes, such as pumpkin pie that melts in your mouth. These recipes not only celebrate tradition but also bring a touch of elegance to your table. Every bite is a testament to the joy of gathering and sharing a meal with loved ones.

Essential Ingredients for Thanksgiving Turkey

For the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey, you’ll want to gather some essential ingredients that truly elevate the flavors. Start with a whole turkey, ideally between 12 to 14 pounds—this size is perfect for feeding the family with some leftovers! You’ll need a cup of softened butter to create that golden, crispy skin, along with two tablespoons of salt and a tablespoon of pepper for seasoning. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage add a fragrant touch, so grab a cup, chopped. Don’t forget four cloves of minced garlic, a large quartered onion, two chopped celery stalks, and two chopped carrots to stuff inside. Lastly, have four cups of chicken broth ready to pour around the turkey for a moist, flavorful roast!

Turkey Preparation

Preparing your turkey is easier than you might think! First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to get that perfect roasting temperature. Remove the giblets from the turkey’s cavity and pat the bird dry with paper towels—this helps achieve that crispy skin we all love. Next, rub the turkey all over with the softened butter, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. This not only flavors the meat but also helps the skin brown beautifully. Now, you’re ready for the fun part—stuffing it with all those delicious ingredients!

Seasoning and Stuffing the Turkey

Seasoning and stuffing your turkey is where the magic happens! Start by generously sprinkling salt and pepper all over the turkey, ensuring even coverage. Then, take your fresh herbs, minced garlic, quartered onion, chopped celery, and carrots, and stuff them into the cavity of the turkey. This mix adds an incredible flavor while the turkey roasts. You can even tuck a few extra herb sprigs under the skin for an extra burst of flavor. Trust me, this step is what makes every bite taste like a warm hug on a plate!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that your turkey is prepped and stuffed, it’s time to get it roasting! Place the turkey in a large roasting pan, making sure it fits comfortably. Pour the chicken broth around the base of the turkey—this will keep it moist and delicious while it cooks. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it roast for about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of your turkey. I always recommend checking the internal temperature around the 2-hour mark. You’ll want it to reach a juicy 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Once it’s ready, take it out and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. This resting period lets those flavorful juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and succulent!

Roasting the Turkey

Roasting the turkey is where the magic truly happens! After you’ve placed the turkey in the oven, it’s crucial to keep an eye on it. Start checking for doneness about 2 hours in. Remember, a 12 to 14-pound turkey typically takes around 3 hours to roast, but every oven is different. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C). If it’s not quite there yet, pop it back in and keep checking every 15 minutes until it’s perfectly done. The skin should be a gorgeous golden brown, too!

Basting Tips

Basting is key to keeping your turkey moist and flavorful! I recommend basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices. This not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve that beautiful, crispy skin we all crave. Use a baster or a spoon to carefully drizzle the juices over the turkey, making sure to cover all those golden areas. Just be careful when opening the oven—every second counts when roasting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious flavor that captures the essence of Thanksgiving and family traditions.
Simple and straightforward preparation, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
Classic ingredients that create a beautifully roasted turkey everyone will rave about.
Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices for a personal touch.
Leftovers can be transformed into delightful dishes, extending the enjoyment of your holiday meal.
Bringing people together around the table, making memories that last a lifetime.

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying your Thanksgiving turkey, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Each serving, about one slice of turkey, contains approximately 200 calories, making it a hearty yet manageable option. You’ll find 10 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat, and a solid protein boost with around 30 grams per serving—perfect for keeping everyone satisfied. Just keep in mind that sodium content is around 500mg, so you might want to balance it out with some fresh veggies on the side. Remember, these values can vary based on the ingredients you use, but rest assured, you’re serving a classic that’s both delicious and nourishing!

Tips for Success

To truly nail your Thanksgiving turkey, there are a few tried-and-true tips that I swear by! First, brining your turkey overnight can make a world of difference in flavor and juiciness—trust me, it’s worth the extra effort. Also, don’t skip the resting time after roasting; letting it sit for 20-30 minutes helps keep the meat tender and juicy. If you’re nervous about carving, use a sharp knife and take your time—there’s no rush! Lastly, always keep a meat thermometer handy to ensure you’re cooking it to perfection. You’ve got this!

FAQ Section

How long should I roast the turkey?

This is a great question and one that many home cooks wonder about! The general rule of thumb is to roast your turkey for about 13 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C). So, for a 12 to 14-pound turkey, you’re looking at around 2 to 3 hours of roasting time. Just remember to start checking the internal temperature around the 2-hour mark to avoid overcooking. You want that perfect juicy turkey, and it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Trust me, your family will thank you for it!

Can I prepare the turkey ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make your Thanksgiving prep a breeze by preparing the turkey ahead of time. One option is to brine the turkey the night before and let it sit in the fridge. This enhances flavor and moisture. You can also stuff the turkey the day before and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to roast it. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven for even cooking. This way, you can relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones on the big day!

What to do with leftovers?

Leftovers are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving, right? There are so many delicious ways to use up that extra turkey! You can make classic turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce—seriously, it’s a must-try! Or, how about whipping up a comforting turkey soup with veggies and noodles? You could even turn it into a savory turkey casserole with some creamy sauce and cheese. The possibilities are endless, and I love using leftovers to create new meals that keep the holiday spirit alive long after the feast!

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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.