What You Need on the Table for The Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving has no set menu. However, there are a few items that continuously end up on our menus. If you’re struggling to figure out what to put on your menu, here’s some items to round out your Thanksgiving menu (and leave your kitchen smelling delicious!).

The main event

1. Classic roast turkey

A classic roasted turkey is the crème de la crème of a traditional Thanksgiving menu. Brine your turkey to get the most delicious and juicy meal.

2. Fried turkey

Fried turkey is a great way to give the classic dish a new twist. Coat your turkey with a dry rub and let your turkey sit until it reaches room temperature. Fill a turkey fryer with oil and heat it to 350°F. Once fully heated, lower the turkey into the hot oil until it’s fully submerged. Fry the turkey for three minutes per pound. When finished, remove turkey from oil and drain on paper towels

On the side

1. Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for turkey, whether it’s for Thanksgiving or not. For creamy mashed potatoes, press boiled potatoes through a ricer or use an electric mixer.

2. Gravy

To make a classic gravy, mix together any pan drippings from a roasted turkey, one to two cups of broth or water, some vegetable oil or butter, ¼ of a cup of all-purpose flour, and salt and pepper.

3. Stuffing

Stuffing can be made to go into your turkey or left on the side. Use cubed bread, salt, sage, thyme, poultry seasonings, and sautéed onions and celery. If you are leaving your stuffing on the side, stir everything together and bake in the oven.

4. Cranberry sauce

Cranberry sauce is simple to make and perfect for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. All you need is some cranberries, sugar, water, and salt to make this perfect tart side dish.

5. Dinner rolls/biscuits

Whether you home make them or buy them for the store, you can’t go wrong with some bread on the side to sop up all the gravy!

Vegetables

1. Green bean casserole

Green bean casserole has been a staple of the Thanksgiving table for years. Throw together some blanched green beans, a mushroom sauce, and freshly fried shallots to get a fresh twist on the old classic.

2. Brussel sprouts

Brussel sprouts may be a controversial vegetable, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have a role on your Thanksgiving table! Trim and halve the sprouts and then toss them in an olive oil, salt, and pepper mixtures and roast them in the oven.

3. Roasted carrots

Cut your carrots and toss them in an olive oil, salt, and pepper mixture and roast them. Top it all off with dill or parsley when they come out of the oven for the perfect carrot dish.

A sweet touch

1. Pumpkin pie

It’s not Thanksgiving without pie, and pumpkin pie definitely stands out among the rest as the king of Thanksgiving desserts. Find your favorite recipe online or go to your favorite bakery to make sure this makes it to your table.

2. Pecan pie

Toasted pecans, honey, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt make the perfect base for your pecan pie. Find your perfect crust recipe online or buy one from the store to make this sweet dessert a reality.