Impress Your Guests with These Easy-to-Make Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But if you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. After all, you want to make sure your guests have a great time and that the food is delicious. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy-to-make Thanksgiving recipes that will impress your guests and make your dinner a success.

Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a roasted turkey. This recipe is easy to make and will be sure to impress your guests. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Then, take a 4-5 pound turkey and rub it with a mixture of 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of dried sage. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

While the turkey is baking, make the herb butter. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of dried sage. Once the turkey is done baking, brush the herb butter over the top and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

This cranberry orange sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your roasted turkey. Start by combining 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the cranberries have softened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool. Serve the cranberry orange sauce alongside your roasted turkey.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish. To make them, start by peeling and cubing 4 large sweet potatoes. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork, then stir in 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Serve the mashed sweet potatoes warm.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple. To make it, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Then, in a large bowl, combine 2 cans of drained and rinsed green beans, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of diced onion, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a pumpkin pie. To make it, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together 1 can of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of evaporated milk and 2 eggs. Pour the pumpkin mixture into a 9 inch pie crust and top with the egg mixture. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set. Let the pie cool before serving.

FAQs

What is the best way to cook a turkey?

The best way to cook a turkey is to roast it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, then rub the turkey with a mixture of butter and herbs. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

How do I make mashed sweet potatoes?

To make mashed sweet potatoes, start by peeling and cubing 4 large sweet potatoes. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork, then stir in 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Serve the mashed sweet potatoes warm.

How do I make pumpkin pie?

To make pumpkin pie, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together 1 can of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of evaporated milk and 2 eggs. Pour the pumpkin mixture into a 9 inch pie crust and top with the egg mixture. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set. Let the pie cool before serving.