Tis the season to start stuffing ourselves, and our turkeys. Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? I am. And you know what? I love cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Sure, it’s stressful and there’s a lot going on, but it’s absolutely my favorite meal of the year. I’ve tried a lot of Thanksgiving recipes in my day, and there are a few favorites I always return to. The Herb Buttered and Brined Turkey recipe featured in this roundup is always my go-to Thanksgiving turkey, and my husband’s favorite “Thanksgiving in a Dish” dressing will make an appearance again this year as well…because if I didn’t make it, husband would be sad, and nobody wants a pouty husband at the Thanksgiving table.
So, in honor of the upcoming feast, I give you Chew Nibble Nosh’s Top Ten Recipes for Thanksgiving.
We’ll kick things off with a soup starter that is simple, and filled with fall flavor. And, it’s awfully pretty.
This Apple Cheddar Squash Soup is the perfect way to kick things off. And, you could make the soup ahead of time the day before, and just reheat it on Turkey Day. (You’ll notice a trend here. I’m big on make ahead dishes for Thanksgiving!)
Need an easy fall salad idea? I love this hearty Autumn Wheat Berry Salad.
It’s so pretty for the Thanksgiving table, plus it has so many flavors and textures going on. In fact, just thinking about it has pretty much convinced me that I’m going to make some for our Thanksgiving this year. Oh, and it’s another one you can make up ahead of time!
Next up, we’ll kick into turkey gear for a while. First up, that wonderful Herb Buttered and Brined Turkey I mentioned before.
If you’ve never brined a turkey before, give it a go. Seriously. Once I brined, I never went back! And then slathering it with an herbed butter before you roast it?
Oh. My. Goodness.
If you’re not serving a small army, I still have an option for you.
If you’re feeding a smaller crowd and don’t quite need the whole bird, give this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Herbs and Wine a try. It’s irresistible, and so easy that I’ve been known to make it for weeknight dinners before!
Next, we need a few good sides, right? Let’s start with the one my husband says makes his Thanksgiving table. He enjoys it so much that he claims I really don’t need to make anything else, just this dressing will do.
This “Thanksgiving in a Dish” Sausage and Maple Bread Stuffing may not be the quickest dish to put together, but you can make it up the day before, AND it’s my husband’s one request each Thanksgiving. So how can I not make it? And why wouldn’t I want to make it, since it’s so delicious? Also, don’t let the maple throw you. I’m not a huge maple flavor fan. The pure maple syrup in this dish just throws in a hint of subtle sweetness. (It doesn’t taste like pancakes. I’ve had a few people ask!)
Next up, we have Twice Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
Creamy, buttery, mashed sweet potatoes, stuffed with marshmallows and topped with pecans and brown sugar? Yes, please!!!
Now we need a little something green to even things out.
These Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a winner, and a favorite. I make them all the time. They actually convinced my father that Brussels Sprouts aren’t as awful as he remembered from his childhood. Convinced him so clearly that he’s now known to order sprouts on occasion in restaurants. This is huge, People. You have no idea. They are THAT good.
Ready for dessert?
Let’s start off with tradition.
This Sour Cream Pumpkin Pie is pretty standard, but with an extra zing from sour cream in both the pie and the whipped cream. It’s creamy, and delicious, and is picture perfect Thanksgiving.
Next up is a twist on that pumpkin pie favorite.
This Caramel Pumpkin Mousse Tart with Pecan Crumbles is a beautiful way to end a meal, and it’s so easy to put together. Every minute counts on Thanksgiving!!!
Not quite in the pumpkin mood?
Try these crowd approved Stuffed Caramel Apple Cupcakes!
I’ve made these beauties for two different parties, and they were gobbled up in no time flat. So many people requested the recipe, that it ended up on here. So, have at it!
You know what? I’m feeling generous today, so I’m going to throw in an eleventh recipe! It’s an easy-to-pick-up twist on my favorite holiday pie.
I like pumpkin, don’t get me wrong, but if you offered me either a slice of Pumpkin pie or Pecan pie, I’d go for Pecan every time. These buttery, sweet little Pecan Pie Bars have become a Thanksgiving tradition around here. They’re the little something extra I like to throw in, and they’re always a hit.
I hope you and yours have the most delicious Thanksgiving ever! If you add any of these to your Thanksgiving menu, share a picture with me on Instagram or Twitter! (@chewnibblenosh)
Happy Turkey Day!