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Your Guide To Thanksgiving Dinner

What is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is just around the corner — a joyous time to gather with friends and family, share a delicious meal and practise gratitude. 

Whether you’re hosting for the first time or looking to perfect your festive spread, planning your Thanksgiving recipes ahead of time can make all the difference. From picking the best Thanksgiving food ideas to what to bring to a Thanksgiving dinner at someone else’s house, we’ve rounded up the tips, tricks and recipes to make your Thanksgiving as stress-free as possible. 

Thanksgiving dinner

Planning the Ultimate Thanksgiving Menu

The best Thanksgiving dinners combine traditional delicacies such as roast turkey with new and exciting recipes such as a tasty nut roast for vegetarian guests.  Here are a few ideas to help you create a satisfying and delicious Thanksgiving.

 

Traditional Dishes for a Classic Thanksgiving Dinner

Traditional Thanksgiving recipes include a roast turkey, stuffing, buttery mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and a green bean casserole. 

 

How to Prep Your Ingredients for a Stress-Free Day

Cooking a Thanksgiving feast can be stressful so preparation is key. Here’s a breakdown of what you can prepare ahead of time to make sure you get to enjoy yourself on the day.

One to two days before: Prepare and refrigerate your cranberry sauce and any desserts that will keep in the fridge (e.g. cheesecake or pumpkin pie). Make your stuffing mix.

The day before: Wash and chop your vegetables and make your gravy. 

Thanksgiving morning: Start preparing your turkey as soon as you wake up as it will need several hours to roast. 

 

Smart Tips for Turkey Perfection

Turkey is the ultimate Thanksgiving food. Follow these tips for a juicy and succulent centrepiece for this year’s feast.

 

Roasting Techniques for a Juicy Bird

Brine your turkey before roasting to help the meat retain moisture whilst cooking. Wet-brine in salt water or dry-brine with salt and herbs. 

When roasting your turkey, a good rule of thumb is to allow 20 minutes of cooking time per kg of turkey, plus 70 minutes for a 2-3.9kg turkey or 90 minutes for a turkey over 4kg. These timings do not account for stuffing, so add the weight of the stuffing to the weight of the turkey to work out the optimal cooking time.

 

Basting and Seasoning Tips

Every 30 minutes baste your turkey with its own juices or broth mixture. Add herbs such as rosemary, thyme or sage for a flavourful and fragrant bird. 

 

Thanksgiving Sides and Delicious Additions to Your Dinner

Unsure what to take to a Thanksgiving dinner hosted at a loved one's home or just looking for new Thanksgiving side ideas? These side dishes will be sure to add flavour and excitement to the traditional spread. 

 

Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole

Slowly becoming a Thanksgiving food must-have in many households, sweet potato casserole is a family favourite. Top with marshmallows or brown sugar crumble and don’t skimp on the cinnamon! 

 

Fresh Takes on Green Beans and Stuffing

Make a twist on classic green beans by adding bacon or mushrooms. For a unique stuffing, add apples or cranberries to the mixture.

 

Dessert Ideas to End on a Sweet Note

Every feast needs to end with a sweet treat and Thanksgiving dinner is no exception. Our go-to’s include classic pumpkin and pecan pies or apple tarte tatin served with a dollop of fresh cream.

 

Make the Most of Leftovers

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a fridge filled with leftovers and there are lots of ways to enjoy them after the big day. 

Thanksgiving leftovers

Creative Dishes with Turkey, Veggies, and More

Turn Thanksgiving dinner leftovers into delicious recipes such as a warming autumnal soup, sweet potato curry, or why not add leftover turkey to a cheese toastie at lunchtime?

 

Storing and Freezing Leftovers for Extra Freshness

Store leftovers such as Thanksgiving sides in airtight containers and refrigerate once cooled. Consume within 3-4 days or freeze in freezer-safe bags.

 

Explore More Tips Here…

Ready to make this Thanksgiving one to remember? Head to the Beside The Pint blog for more family-friendly recipes and kitchen tricks and tips.