Alton Brown’s Top 10 Thanksgiving Recipes
If Food Network Star Alton Brown has one talent that stands out from the rest, it’s explaining what exactly it is about a particular recipe that makes it so great. He’s devoted a majority of his career to improving our collective culinary IQ and he’s definitely done some homework of his own. This is why people trust Alton Brown — especially his Thanksgiving recipes. Here are the 10 most-searched-for Alton Brown recipes that fans are looking for come Turkey Day.
There’s no denying that Alton’s turkey recipe is highly sought-after. It has over 5,500 reviews on Food Network’s website, and a five-star rating to boot. Perhaps its sheer popularity comes from the fact that Alton has mastered the art of achieving a beautifully bronzed, perfectly crispy layer of skin. Our food team gave this recipe a spin and agreed that the skin is the star of this turkey.
Oyster dressing is a little old-fashioned but deeply beloved by those who consider it a must on their Thanksgiving tables. If you’re up for it, Alton Brown’s recipe requires making freshly made cornbread, which is then crumbled and combined with oyster crackers, fresh herbs, oysters, and eggs.
If you’re brave enough to attempt Alton’s Good Eats Roast Turkey, consider making the logical next step from the drippings (if there are any): his gravy. Combine with broth and red wine, and scrape the bottom of the pan until the mixture reduces. Alton warns that the gravy will seem thin in the pan, but will thicken in time for serving.
Add a little spice to all that seasonal fare in the form of these chipotle pepper-laden sweet potatoes. They’re certainly a departure from run-of-the-mill, marshmallow-topped ones!
In the wise words of Oprah, I love bread. I also happen to think that a Thanksgiving table is incomplete without it! Cue Alton’s classic Parker House rolls recipe. Tons of commenters who tried them said they were a hit.
Up the ante on your average pecan pie by adding bourbon. According to a few taste testers, the recipe is a little tricky to follow. But if you nail all the steps, this pie is sure to be a stunner.
If we’re being honest, Alton Brown’s best green bean casserole ever might not be the best ever. According to our tester, Sheela, the crispy onions were not exactly foolproof and ended up tainting the final product. But hey, if you’re a huge AB fan, you do you.
Okay, okay, so Alton’s green beans didn’t exactly impress, but guess what? His mashed potatoes are just right. Kelli gave this recipe a go and says that “they tasted exactly like what I crave when I think of classic, no-frills mashed potatoes.” Not to mention the recipe includes some really smart tips to quicken the process and streamline any post-dinner cleaning.
Read more: I Tried Alton Brown’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes
If you’re planning on serving your guests pickled beets (?) this Thanksgiving, consider making Alton’s five-star reviewed recipe for them! It’ll add a bright punch of color to your plate.
Alton himself calls this soup “the essence of Thanksgiving in liquid form,” and that sounds about right. If you’d prefer to eat the remains of your feast in the form of a hot bowl of soup, Alton’s got you covered.