Classic Roast Turkey: No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a beautifully roasted turkey. Here are our best tips to ensure a moist and flavorful bird, perfect for your holiday table!

Start with a fresh or thawed turkey. After removing the giblets, pat the turkey dry and season it generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with a mix of onions. Garlic, lemons, and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. Rub the skin with a mixture or melted butter and herbs for added flavor and crispiness. Roast the turkey at 325 degrees, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Let the turkey rest before carving to ensure the juices redistribute throughout the meat.  

 

Savory Sausage and Apple Stuffing: Stuffing, or dressing if it’s baked outside the bird, is a must-have side dish. This savory sausage and apple stuffing is a delicious twist on the traditional recipes!

Brown some italian sausage in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Add chopped onions, celery, and apples, cooking until they soften. Mix in dried cranberries, fresh herbs like sage and thyme, and cubes of day-old bread. Moisten the mixture with chicken broth and bake it in a casserole dish at 350 degrees until the top is golden brown and crispy.  

 

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a staple of any Thanksgiving dinner. For the best results, use Yukon gold potatoes, which have naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture.

Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain them well and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with warm cream, melted butter, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. For extra creaminess, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese. The key is to mash the potatoes while they are still hot and to avoid over-mixing, which can make them gluey.  

 

Green Bean Casserole: Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that combines green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions.

Start by blanching fresh green beans until they are tender-crisp. In a separate skillet, saute mushrooms and onions in butter until they are soft. Stir in some flour to make a roux, then gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens. Combine green beans with the mushroom sauce and pour into a baking dish. Top with fried onions and bake at 350 degrees until bubbly and golden brown.  

 

Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce is a delightful accompaniment to roast turkey, and it’s no secret we’re huge fans here at Mud Pie. It’s simple to make and adds a bright, tangy flavor to the meal!

In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and a bit of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. For a twist, add a cinnamon stick or a splash of bourbon! Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving.  

 

Sweet Potatoe Casserole: Sweet potato casserole is a sweet and comforting side dish that’s often topped with marshmallows or a pecan streusel.

Peel and boil sweet potatoes until they are tender, then mash them with brown sugar, butter, and a splash of vanilla extract. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with mini marshmallows or a crumble made from flour,brown sugar, butte, and chopped pecans. Bake at 350 degrees until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.  

 

Pumpkin Pie: No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without dessert, and pumpkin pie is the quintessential holiday treat!

To make the filling, whisk together canned pumpkin, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and evaporated milk. Pour the mixture into a prepared or homemade pie crust and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for another 40-50 minutes, until the filling is set. Let the pie cool completely before serving with a dollop of whipped cream.