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Thanksgiving is just around the corner — do you have your menu planned? Whether you’re cooking for two or 20, we have over 35 Thanksgiving essentials that cover the classics and also offer something a little new.
From the bird to the side dishes, desserts, and drinks, we’re sharing the essential recipes you need for a memorable and delicious holiday dinner, and a few new ideas that will bring an extra dash of delicious to your Thanksgiving celebration.
Turkey Recipes
From the traditional method (put it in the oven and roast until it’s done) to a more innovative approach (spatchcocked! grilled!) we have you covered. Either way, though, consider dry-brining your turkey for maximum juiciness and flavor.
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Deep-Fried Turkey Recipe Because turkeys cook twice as fast as deep-fried (than when traditionally roasted), you will never eat juicier, tender meat wrapped with delicous crackling skin.
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Smoked Turkey Recipe Smoking your turkey gives the mild-flavored meat a boost of flavor, the low cooking temperature helps retain the juices, and smoking frees up your oven for other dishes.
Go to Recipe Thanksgiving Sides
The trimmings get the same traditional/traditional-with-a-twist treatment here. One simple and classic recipe, and then one with a little something new.
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Gluten-Free StuffingGluten-free stuffing has nearly the same DNA as traditional stuffing: onions, celery, butter, fresh herbs, broth, eggs. Only here, we use gluten-free sandwich bread instead of wheat bread.
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Vegan StuffingThis herby, buttery stuffing recipe is a plant-based delight that can deliciously cater to everyone at the table.
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Classic Corn Bread DressingYou won't find an ounce of added sugar in this classic cornbread dressing! This cornbread dressing tastes of corn, butter, and a little tang from buttermilk.
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Vegan Green Bean CasseroleThe fall time casserole we know and love gets dairy-free makeover, and a grown-up upgrade with homemade crispy shallots. The number of pans required to make it? Just one.
Go to Recipe Breads and Salads
Bread is the star of some Thanksgiving tables, while others push it to the side. Both of these recipes are simple, classic, and always welcome. And don’t forget salad — it’s rarely something with a serious tradition attached, so you can do whatever you like.
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Buttermilk BiscuitsThe terms “tender” and “flaky” are often used together to describe baked goods like pie dough and biscuits, but very few biscuits are both. These are.
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Thanksgiving SlawThis easy, colorful slaw won’t wilt like other green salads and can sit out for a while, making it a great addition to the Thanksgiving buffet.
Desserts
There are a few classic essentials for the Thanksgiving dessert table — pumpkin pie, pecan pie. But why not switch one up this year and make an extra-spicy pumpkin pie, or pecan pie bars instead of the traditional?
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Apple PieAn easy, foolproof recipe for when you want a warm slice of apple pie as soon as possible.
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Cranberry Tart with Nut CrustThe tart is a spot-on combination for fall: the assertive nutty flavor of the crust paired with the tart berries and the maple sugar is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving.
The Drinks
Wine may be the traditional tipple on Thanksgiving but we have some more ideas. Sangria, hot punch, and a honey-rye pitcher cocktail are all welcome at a Thanksgiving happy hour.
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The Rye & HoneyThis pretty pitcher drink is a serious sip that captures the golden brown colors (just like the leaves!) and warm spicy notes of fall.
