Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and indulge in a sumptuous feast that celebrates gratitude and togetherness. It is also my Favorite holiday - you get to be around family, eat great food, watch football and nap! The star of the show, of course, is the Thanksgiving dinner. In this blog post, we'll explore a delectable Thanksgiving dinner menu featuring a succulent Big Green Egg-smoked turkey, along with delicious sides and desserts. Get ready to learn how to create an unforgettable Thanksgiving spread and make the most of this special occasion.
Big Green Egg-Smoked Turkey: A Feast for the SensesThe centerpiece of any Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey, and smoking it on a Big Green Egg adds a unique, smoky flavor that your guests will love. I start with soaking the turkey in a brine for 12-24 hours. (I use this recipe, only I use orange juice in place of apple juice - https://montanahappy.com/best-turkey-brine-recipe/. After the turkey soaks, my husband places the turkey on a stand and in a pan with a few cut up apples and a can of beer. (similar stand here - https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Vertical-Poultry-Roasting-Smoking/dp/B07PDTVDHL). He cooks it for about 3 hours at 350 degrees, he then lets in sit in a cooler for about 30 minutes before craving it up.
Green Bean Casserole: A Classic Side DishThe green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that combines crisp green beans with creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions. This is one of my favorite dishes to make and eat! Normally I tweak this recipe to taste but this is the base recipe I follow - https://life-in-the-lofthouse.com/best-green-bean-casserole/#view_recipe. I do always add a can of cream of mushroom soup to this!
Cheesy Potato Casserole: Comfort on a PlateCheesy potato casserole is pure comfort food. This rich, cheesy dish combines potatoes, sour cream, and cheese, and that perfect golden-brown crust. Here is a good recipe to follow - https://www.allthingsmamma.com/cheesy-potato-casserole-recipe/.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A Sweet TwistSweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness to the Thanksgiving menu. This is something that we don't normally do but I like a little twist and this seemed perfect! The best part is that you can make this sweet or savory depending on what you like! Here are a couple recipe options -
Stuffing: A Flavorful EssentialA good stuffing can make or break your Thanksgiving dinner. This one you can take the easy route and just buy a box from the store or make it your own! This is the best recipe I have found - I am not a celery fan so I opt to leave that out and I like to use butter bread instead of french bread! https://www.averiecooks.com/classic-traditional-thanksgiving-stuffing/#mv-creation-1320-jtr
Deviled Eggs: A Nostalgic FavoriteDeviled eggs are a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfectly seasoned and garnished deviled eggs that can be served as a pre-dinner treat or with dinner. This is the best recipe I have found - https://thewoodenskillet.com/deviled-eggs/.
Cranberry Sauce in a Jar: A Time-SaverFor those who prefer convenience without sacrificing flavor, a jar of cranberry sauce can be a lifesaver. Honestly any store brand will work! This was my sisters and dads favorite so we alway get it!
Gravy: The Nectar of ThanksgivingGravy is the finishing touch that ties the meal together. I don't ever really follow a recipe for gravy, but it one of my favorites to make with the drippings from the turkey! Just take about 2 cups of the drippings from the pan the turkey was cooking in, add in salt/pepper and a couple tablespoons of flour, cook on the stove until will combined and let thicken before serving.
Rolls: Freshly Baked PerfectionNo Thanksgiving dinner is complete without warm, buttery rolls. To be honest I love using King's Hawaiian rolls but here is a link to a good recipe I found - https://www.savorynothings.com/easy-homemade-dinner-rolls/
Pumpkin Pie: A Classic Thanksgiving DessertFinish the meal with a classic pumpkin pie with a flaky pie crust and a spiced pumpkin filling. Don't forget to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream! We usually buy these premade as well to save on time but here is a great recipe to follow - https://kristineskitchenblog.com/classic-pumpkin-pie/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=1151400542_56763094_100165
Thanksgiving dinner is a time-honored tradition, and with this menu, you'll be well-prepared to host a memorable gathering. From the smoky aroma of the Big Green Egg-smoked turkey to the sweet and savory sides and the comforting desserts, this Thanksgiving feast will leave your guests feeling thankful for your culinary skills. Enjoy the warmth, love, and joy that a well-prepared Thanksgiving dinner can bring to your table.
Until the next time, keep laughing, loving, and making memories!
🌟 Brittany
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