Get ready to impress your family and friends with a Thanksgiving feast that will have everyone raving! Our "Thanksgiving Menu with Make Ahead Options" is designed to take the stress out of your holiday cooking while ensuring that every dish is packed with flavor. From a succulent turkey to creamy mashed potatoes and a delightful pumpkin pie, this menu has it all. Best of all, with a little planning, you can prepare many of these dishes ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen. Dive into our recipe and discover how to create a memorable Thanksgiving dinner that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 60 mins
Cook Time: 180 mins
Total Time: 240 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 2 cups stuffing
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups green bean casserole
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 pumpkin pie
- 1/2 cup gravy
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your turkey. Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator for several days prior to cooking, if frozen. Ensure it is completely thawed before starting the cooking process.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. If desired, you can also rub butter or olive oil over the skin for added flavor and crispiness.
- Stuff the turkey with 2 cups of your prepared stuffing. Do not overstuff, as the stuffing will expand during cooking. Secure the opening with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Tuck the wing tips under the body to prevent burning.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound. For a 12-14 lb turkey, this will take approximately 3 to
- 5 hours. Baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes with pan juices to keep it moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and the stuffing should also reach this temperature.
- Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- While the turkey is resting, prepare the mashed potatoes. Peel and chop 4 cups of potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Mash until creamy and smooth. Keep warm until serving.
- For the green bean casserole, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, combine 2 cups of cooked green beans, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of crispy fried onions. Mix well.
- Bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Top with additional fried onions for the last 5 minutes of baking for extra crunch.
- Prepare the cranberry sauce by combining 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- For dessert, serve the pumpkin pie. If you have made it ahead of time, ensure it has cooled completely and is stored in the refrigerator until serving.
- To serve, carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter. Serve with the stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!
Tips
- Thawing the Turkey: If your turkey is frozen, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for several days prior to cooking. A safe thawing method is crucial for even cooking.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Generously season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, rub the skin with butter or olive oil before roasting.
- Basting is Key: Baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes with the pan juices. This helps keep the meat moist and enhances the flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest Before Carving: Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier turkey.
- Make Ahead Options: Prepare your mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce a day in advance. Simply reheat them before serving to save time on the big day.
- Pumpkin Pie Perfection: If you're making pumpkin pie from scratch, bake it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Presentation Matters: When serving, carve the turkey and arrange it on a large platter with the sides artfully displayed. A beautiful presentation elevates the entire meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 750kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 180mg
