Description
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a classic and comforting feast featuring a perfectly roasted turkey, savory stuffing, steamed green beans, creamy mashed potatoes with rich gravy, tangy cranberry sauce, and a traditional pumpkin pie for dessert. This recipe guides you through preparing a memorable holiday meal that serves 8 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey
- 1 whole turkey (12-15 lbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional seasonings (e.g., thyme, rosemary), optional
- 2 cups stuffing
Vegetables
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (about 3-4 lbs potatoes)
- Butter (2-3 tbsp for mashed potatoes)
- Milk (1/2 cup for mashed potatoes)
Condiments and Sides
- 2 cups gravy
- 1 can cranberry sauce
Dessert
- 1 whole pumpkin pie (about 9 inches in diameter)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the turkey evenly and safely.
- Prepare the Turkey: Rinse the turkey if desired and pat dry. Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary. Stuff the turkey cavity with 2 cups of prepared stuffing, making sure not to overfill.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the prepared turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 3 to 4 hours, basting occasionally if desired, until the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
- Steam the Green Beans: While the turkey roasts, steam the trimmed green beans over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and season lightly with salt or butter.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the Gravy: Warm 2 cups of gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot and ready to serve.
- Serve Cranberry Sauce: Open the can and serve the cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature as a tangy complement to the turkey.
- Slice and Serve Pumpkin Pie: Cut the pumpkin pie into slices and serve as a traditional festive dessert to complete the meal.
Notes
- Ensure the stuffing’s internal temperature reaches safe levels to avoid any food safety risks.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked turkey.
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to retain juices.
- You can prepare some components like cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie ahead of time.
- Adjust seasoning in mashed potatoes and green beans according to taste.
