The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, food! If you’re tasked with making the big Thanksgiving feast this year, you might be feeling a little bit of pressure. After all, there’s a lot riding on that turkey! But never fear, we’re here to help. With our guide to making the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, your meal is sure to be a hit. So put on your apron and let’s get started!
The Turkey
Let’s start with the star of the show: the turkey! When it comes to picking the perfect bird, size matters. You’ll want to make sure you get a turkey that’s big enough to feed everyone at your table, with some leftovers for good measure. But don’t go too overboard—a turkey that’s too big will be hard to cook evenly. As a general rule of thumb, you should allow for about 1 pound of turkey per person.
Once you’ve selected your turkey, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to prepare it. Will you roast it? Smoke it? Deep fry it? The possibilities are endless! Roasted turkey with rosemary and sage, or apple cider-brined smoked turkey are both guaranteed to please.
No matter how you decide to cook your turkey, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. First, make sure you give yourself plenty of time. A 20-pound turkey can take upwards of 5 hours to cook through completely, so plan accordingly. Secondly, baste your bird regularly during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful. And finally, let it rest before carving! Cutting into a hot turkey straight out of the oven will cause all the juices to run out, leaving you with dry meat.
The Sides
Now that we’ve covered the main event, it’s time to move on to the supporting players: the side dishes! When creating your menu, try to mix up both classic favorites and new twists on old classics. That way, there’s something for everyone at the table. Some of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes include mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans with crispy shallots, and sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. And, of course, you have to learn how to make skillet cornbread for the occasion too!
And no Thanksgiving feast would be complete without cranberry sauce! If you’re looking for something a little different, try pairing cranberry sauce with orange zest and ginger for an unexpected flavor combination that’s sure to tantalize taste buds.
Desserts
Last but not least, we have dessert! Pumpkin pie is always a popular choice this time of year, but why not switch things up with something new? Choose a recipe for pumpkin cheesecake that is light and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness. Or if pumpkin isn’t your thing (no judgment here!), try a decadent chocolate pecan pie instead. It’s rich and chocolatey with a crunchy pecan topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds…or thirds!
Your Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so it’s time to start planning your menu! With our guide to making the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, your meal is sure to impress your guests. From picking the perfect turkey to creating mouthwatering side dishes and desserts, you’ll have everything covered. Enjoy!
