15+ Thanksgiving 2024 Recipes For A Delicious Feast

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday celebrated across the United States, bringing families and friends together to express gratitude and indulge in a delightful feast. In 2024, Thanksgiving will be observed on Thursday, November 28th, providing an opportunity to create lasting memories and savor mouthwatering dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these 15+ recipes will guide you in crafting a memorable Thanksgiving spread, from classic favorites to innovative twists.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey

Let’s begin with the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal: the turkey. Roasting a juicy, golden-brown turkey is an art, and with these tips, you’ll master it effortlessly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect turkey:

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons of salt
• 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• Herbs of your choice (e.g., thyme, rosemary)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the cavity with salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Stuff the cavity with the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
5. Tuck the wings under the bird and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
6. Brush the turkey with melted butter, ensuring an even coating.
7. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up.
8. Roast the turkey for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
9. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Savory Sides and Starters

A Thanksgiving feast is incomplete without a variety of savory sides and starters to complement the main course. Here are some delicious options to consider:

Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ¹⁄₂ cup of unsalted butter
• ¹⁄₂ cup of whole milk
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, chives)
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes until tender.
2. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Add butter, milk, garlic, and herbs, then mash until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup of French fried onions
• 1/2 cup of condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup of milk
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes.
2. Drain and combine with mushrooms, French fried onions, soup, and milk.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Buttery Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of whole milk
• 1/4 cup of melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, and butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
5. Bake in a greased pan for 20-25 minutes.

Sweet Treats for Dessert

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a selection of sweet treats to satisfy your guests' cravings. Indulge in these delectable desserts:

Apple Pie with Cinnamon Spiced Crust

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup of sugar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ cup of cold butter, cubed
• 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add water gradually to form a dough.
5. Roll out the dough and line a pie dish.
6. In a separate bowl, mix apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, and salt.
7. Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Ginger Snap Crust

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of ginger snap crumbs
• 1/4 cup of melted butter
• 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 3 eggs
• 15 ounces of pure pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup of sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Combine ginger snap crumbs and melted butter, then press into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in pumpkin puree.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared crust.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set.
7. Cool and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Pecan Pie with a Twist

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of pecan halves
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 3 eggs
• 1 unbaked pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Combine pecan halves, chopped pecans, corn syrup, sugars, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Beat eggs and mix into the pecan mixture.
4. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set.
6. Cool and serve.

Beverages to Accompany the Feast

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a refreshing beverage to complement the flavors. Here are some drink options to consider:

Spiced Apple Cider

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
• ¹⁄₂ cup of brown sugar
• 1 orange, sliced

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
3. Serve warm.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients:

• 2 shots of espresso
• ¹⁄₂ cup of steamed milk
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup
• Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine espresso, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla syrup.
2. Stir well and pour into a mug.
3. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Cranberry Spritzer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of fresh cranberries
• ¹⁄₂ cup of sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup of water
• 1 bottle of sparkling water
• Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture and let it cool.
4. Pour the cranberry syrup into a pitcher and add sparkling water.
5. Serve over ice with a lime wedge.