14 Turkey and Side Dish Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner

🦃 Thanksgiving is the dress rehearsal for the holidays

The October long weekend shows up with a full table to feed and a turkey that still scares plenty of people. It is the best time to practice: less pressure than Christmas Eve, and nobody is counting plates. You will find two ways to roast the bird, the side dishes that actually matter, a few fall desserts, and above all what to cook with the leftovers the next day. Because the leftovers are usually the best part of the weekend.

Ads

Boursin stuffed mushrooms with pecans

Something to put on the table while the bird finishes resting. The Boursin melts into the caps, the pecans bring the crunch. They vanish before the last guest takes their coat off.

See the recipe

Ads

Butternut squash and pumpkin soup

A small bowl to open the meal without filling anyone up. Two squashes, roasted, blended until smooth. Make it the day before and that is one less thing on the big day.

See the recipe

Ads

Clementine and cranberry turkey

Citrus and cranberry cut the richness and keep the breast from drying out. The skin comes out lacquered and the smell takes over the house. This is the centrepiece.

See the recipe

Ads

Perfectly juicy Christmas roast turkey

It says Christmas, but October is exactly when you want to practice. The method is what matters: the brine, the temperature, the resting time. Follow it and dry turkey stops being a thing at your table.

See the recipe

Ads

Turkey drumsticks with cranberry BBQ sauce

For a small table, a whole bird makes no sense. Drumsticks give you the same flavour without carving in front of everyone. The cranberry barbecue sauce is worth doubling.

See the recipe

Ads

Boursin Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes that need no gravy to be worth eating. Garlic and herb Boursin melts right in and seasons everything at once. Plan for more than you think, people go back.

See the recipe

Ads

Parsnip and Green Pea Purée

A side that brings colour to a plate where everything else is beige. Parsnip is sweeter than potato and the peas keep it bright. It comes together while the turkey rests.

See the recipe

Ads

Bacon and maple Brussel sprouts

Bacon and maple convert the people who swore they hated sprouts. Roast them hard so the edges char. The tray comes back empty, every time.

See the recipe

Ads

Cauliflower Au Gratin Recipe (Cheesy Bacon)

Raclette, bacon and cauliflower under a golden crust. It holds in a warm oven while you deal with everything else. Comfort food that earns its spot next to the turkey.

See the recipe

Ads

Pumpkin Pie Recipe (Old-Fashioned)

The one that has to be there. Homemade purée, real spices, and a crust that stays crisp under the filling. Bake it the night before and forget about it.

See the recipe

Ads

Honey and pecan pie

Honey instead of corn syrup, and the whole pie stops being cloying. The pecans toast on top while the centre stays soft. One thin slice is plenty, which is saying something.

See the recipe

Ads

Pumpkin Crème Caramel

For the table that already has a pie. Silky, cold, and lighter than anything else on the dessert plate. It has to be made a day ahead, which is exactly what you want.

See the recipe

Ads

Turkey pie with leek, bacon and white beer

Tuesday’s answer to Monday’s bird. Leeks, bacon and white beer turn the leftovers into something people ask for on purpose. Make two, it freezes well.

See the recipe

Ads

Creamy turkey and leek soup

The last stop for the carcass. Simmer the bones, add the leftover meat and the leeks, and lunches are handled for the week. The best part of the weekend is often this bowl.

See the recipe

Ads