Description

Celebrate Thanksgiving with this classic dinner menu featuring a perfectly roasted turkey, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, flavorful gravy, vibrant green beans, sweet potatoes, and a traditional pumpkin pie with whipped cream. This guide provides everything you need to prepare a hearty and satisfying meal for 8 to 8 people, blending convenience with homemade touches for a memorable feast.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey and Stuffing

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs) – The centerpiece of your meal, essential for that classic Thanksgiving flavor.
1 box stuffing – Adds savory depth and moisture to the turkey; consider gluten-free bread for a tasty substitute.

Sides

1 cup cranberry sauce – Provides a tangy contrast to the rich turkey; homemade versions can enhance freshness.
5 lbs mashed potatoes – Creamy comfort that pairs perfectly with gravy; Yukon Gold is recommended for the best texture.
1 jar gravy – Convenience option, but homemade from turkey drippings elevates the entire meal.
2 lbs green beans – A crunchy, vibrant addition that can be steamed or sautéed for maximum flavor.
3 lbs sweet potatoes – Offers a sweet touch to the meal; mash or bake depending on preference.

Dessert

1 pumpkin pie – Classic dessert to bring the meal to a sweet close; pre-made is fine, but homemade feels special.
1 cup whipped cream – Enhances the pumpkin pie experience; consider whipping your own for a fresh finish.

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Instructions

Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the turkey from packaging, pat it dry, and season inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the prepared stuffing or box stuffing as directed. Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 4 hours (about 13-15 minutes per pound), basting occasionally with pan juices to keep it moist. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Make the Mashed Potatoes: While the turkey is roasting, peel and boil 5 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.
Prepare the Green Beans: Steam or sauté 2 lbs of green beans. For sautéed beans, heat olive oil or butter in a skillet and cook the beans until bright green and tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut 3 lbs of sweet potatoes. Boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes, then mash with butter and a pinch of cinnamon and brown sugar, or bake whole at 400°F (204°C) for about 45 minutes until soft.
Heat the Cranberry Sauce and Gravy: Warm 1 cup of cranberry sauce and 1 jar of gravy on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Let the Turkey Rest: Once the turkey is done roasting, remove it from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 20-30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before carving.
Serve the Dinner: Carve the turkey, serve with stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce on the side. Finish the meal with pumpkin pie topped with freshly whipped cream.

Notes

Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before roasting if previously frozen.
Basting the turkey periodically helps keep it moist and flavorful.
Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness.
For a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free stuffing and gravy options.
Homemade cranberry sauce and gravy significantly enhance the freshness and flavor of the meal.
Allowing the turkey to rest after roasting ensures juicier meat.
You can prepare some dishes, like cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes, a day ahead to save time on Thanksgiving Day.