10 Thanksgiving Day Recipes For A Delicious And Nutritious Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, delicious food. This year, elevate your Thanksgiving feast with a variety of mouth-watering recipes that will impress your guests and leave them satisfied. From classic comfort foods to innovative dishes, we've got you covered with a diverse range of options. Let's dive into these 10 mouth-watering recipes that will make your Thanksgiving celebration truly memorable.

1. Herb-Roasted Turkey with Apple-Sage Stuffing

The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast is the iconic roasted turkey. This recipe takes it up a notch with a herb-infused brine, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bird. The apple-sage stuffing adds a sweet and savory contrast, making every bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey, about 12-14 lbs
• 2 cups of water
• ¹⁄₂ cup of salt
• ¹⁄₄ cup of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 10 cups of cubed sourdough bread
• 1 cup of chopped apple
• ¹⁄₂ cup of chopped onion
• ¹⁄₄ cup of chopped fresh sage
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Brine the turkey: In a large pot, combine water, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then let it cool. Submerge the turkey in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
2. Prepare the stuffing: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix bread cubes, apple, onion, sage, and melted butter. Stuff the turkey with the mixture.
3. Roast the turkey: Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for 2-3 hours, basting occasionally. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Classic Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives

A Thanksgiving meal is incomplete without creamy mashed potatoes. This classic recipe adds a hint of garlic and chives for an extra kick of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• ¹⁄₄ cup of butter
• ¹⁄₂ cup of milk
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, garlic, and chives. Mash until smooth, adding more milk if needed.
3. Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness.

3. Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup

Add a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving spread with this roasted butternut squash recipe. The natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced by the maple syrup, creating a perfect side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the squash: In a large bowl, combine squash cubes, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated.
3. Roast the squash: Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

4. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans

Brussels sprouts get a flavorful upgrade with this recipe. The combination of crispy bacon and toasted pecans adds a delightful crunch and a savory taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup of pecans, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the bacon fat.
2. Sauté the sprouts: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and add the Brussels sprouts. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
3. Add the bacon and pecans: Return the bacon to the skillet and stir in the chopped pecans. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping

A Thanksgiving favorite, this sweet potato casserole is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The marshmallow topping adds a unique texture and a touch of nostalgia.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs of sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ¹⁄₂ cup of butter, melted
• ¹⁄₂ cup of brown sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1 cup of mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Boil the sweet potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes. Add melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
3. Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mini marshmallows. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

6. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Elevate the classic cranberry sauce with a twist of orange zest. This simple yet flavorful recipe adds a refreshing citrus note to the traditional dish.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup of water
• 1 orange, zested

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, mix cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest.
2. Cook the sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens.
3. Serve and enjoy: Let the sauce cool and serve it chilled. The orange zest adds a delightful aroma and flavor.

7. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

A classic side dish, this green bean casserole gets an upgrade with crispy onion topping. The creamy sauce and crispy onions create a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ¹⁄₂ cup of milk
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 cup of French fried onions

Instructions:

1. Boil the green beans: Place the green beans in a large pot and cover with water. Boil for 5-7 minutes until tender.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Assemble the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a baking dish, layer the green beans and pour the sauce over them. Top with French fried onions.
4. Bake and serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. The crispy onions add a delightful crunch.

8. Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping

Take your mac and cheese to the next level with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This recipe combines creamy cheese sauce with a crispy texture, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz of elbow macaroni
• 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• ¹⁄₄ cup of all-purpose flour
• 3 cups of milk
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of mustard powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of paprika
• ¹⁄₂ cup of panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Boil the macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk, mustard powder, and paprika, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens.
3. Assemble the mac and cheese: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
4. Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese.
5. Bake and serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. The crunchy breadcrumbs add a delightful texture.

9. Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Whipped Cream

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a pumpkin pie. This recipe takes it to the next level with a spiced whipped cream topping, adding a touch of elegance to the classic dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) of pumpkin puree
• ³⁄₄ cup of granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of ground ginger
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₈ teaspoon of ground cloves
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk
• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the pie crust in a pie dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Add beaten eggs and evaporated milk. Stir until well combined.
3. Bake the pie: Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Make the whipped cream: In a separate bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add a pinch of cinnamon and beat until combined.
5. Serve and enjoy: Let the pie cool, then top with spiced whipped cream. The cinnamon adds a warm spice to the creamy dessert.

10. Apple Crisp with Oatmeal Crumble Topping

This apple crisp recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and crunchy textures. The oatmeal crumble topping adds a delightful contrast to the tender apple filling.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup of granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₂ cup of all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup of rolled oats
• ¹⁄₄ cup of brown sugar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of salt
• 4 tablespoons of butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, mix sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
3. Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Top the apple filling: Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple filling.
5. Bake and serve: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The crumble adds a delightful crunch to the warm apple crisp.