Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. However, coming up with the perfect dish to impress your guests can be a daunting task. That's why we've compiled a list of 7 popular Thanksgiving day recipes that are sure to be a hit at your holiday feast. From savory sides to delectable desserts, these recipes are not only delicious but also easy to make. So, let's get cooking and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!
1. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, giblets removed
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently lift the skin of the turkey and rub the herb butter mixture underneath, covering as much of the meat as possible. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Why it's popular:
This classic Thanksgiving dish is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. The herb butter adds a delicious depth of flavor and keeps the turkey moist and juicy. Plus, the beautiful golden brown skin makes for an impressive presentation.
2. Classic Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups cooked green beans
- 1 1/3 cups French's Crispy Fried Onions
In a 2-quart casserole dish, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Add in the cooked green beans and 2/3 cup of the French's Crispy Fried Onions. Top with the remaining onions. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Why it's popular:
This simple yet delicious casserole has been a staple on Thanksgiving tables for decades. The crispy fried onions add a satisfying crunch to the creamy green bean mixture, making it a must-have side dish for the holiday.
3. Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened. Add in the cubed butternut squash, broth, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth. Serve hot with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
Why it's popular:
This creamy and comforting soup is the perfect starter to any Thanksgiving meal. The butternut squash adds a hint of sweetness, while the nutmeg adds a warm and cozy flavor. Plus, it's a great option for vegetarian or vegan guests.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup melted butter
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, and vanilla extract. Spread the mixture in a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potato mixture. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Why it's popular:
Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving favorite for its sweet and savory flavors. The crunchy pecan topping adds a delightful texture to the creamy sweet potato base. It's like having dessert and a side dish all in one.
5. Apple Cider Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour the apple cider over it. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Spread this mixture over the ham. Bake for about 2 hours, basting with the pan juices every 30 minutes. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Why it's popular:
While turkey may be the star of Thanksgiving, many people also enjoy a glazed ham as an alternative main dish. The apple cider glaze adds a touch of sweetness and complements the savory ham perfectly.
6. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 4 eggs
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, flour, and pumpkin pie spice. Add in the pumpkin puree and eggs, one at a time, beating until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set. Let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing the pan and letting it cool completely in the fridge.
Why it's popular:
This decadent dessert takes the traditional pumpkin pie to a whole new level. The creamy and tangy cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the spiced graham cracker crust. Plus, it's a great make-ahead option for a stress-free Thanksgiving dessert.
7. Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 orange
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the orange in long strips. In a saucepan, combine the orange zest, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil and let it cook until the sugar dissolves. Add in the cranberries and let them cook until they pop, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.
Why it's popular:
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without cranberry sauce, and this recipe adds a refreshing twist with the addition of orange. The tangy and sweet sauce pairs perfectly with all the savory dishes on the table.
These 7 popular Thanksgiving day recipes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these dishes are easy to make and will impress your guests. So, start planning your holiday menu and get ready to create a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast.