If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or bringing a dish you’ve probably started thinking about what you’re going to bring. I’ve made the entire Thanksgiving meal from start to finish many times! Here are the recipes that I make that never fail!

Thanksgiving Menu

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THE TURKEY

All you need to know about ROASTING A TURKEY here. Cooking for just a few people? Try this Roasted Turkey Breast.

THANKSGIVING APPETIZERS

THE SIDES

ROLLS

In my opinion, Lion House rolls are all you need. Thankful Rolls can be made from any bread dough and get the conversation going.

FINALLY, THE DESSERTS…

All these pies can be made ahead of time!

THANKSGIVING TROUBLESHOOTING

On Thanksgiving there’s so much pressure for the big meal to turn out right. Here are some solutions to common Thanksgiving mishaps.

1) THE TURKEY IS STILL FROZEN – If you realize the night before or day of that your turkey is still frozen, a cold water bath will save you. Give your turkey a bath in the sink with cold water, turning frequently.

2) NOT SURE IF YOUR TURKEY IS DONE – The biggest worry of most people is if the turkey is done. Everyone’s so afraid of serving undercooked turkey that they overcompensate and cook it too long giving the bird it’s reputation for being dry. Get a meat thermometer! Check the temperature and know for sure. Your turkey is safe to eat when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh is 165 degrees F. The breast will be at a higher temperature. Remember that the turkey will continue cooking as it rests.

3) TURKEY SKIN IS LOOKING BURNT – If the skin on your turkey is looking too dark but the turkey is not done, cover with a foil tent.

4) ONLY ONE OVEN – Timing is everything when you only have one oven. Make an oven schedule and rotate dishes in and out. Remember your turkey needs to rest for about 20 minutes before slicing so your oven will be free to reheat sides. Most sides can be made a few days ahead.

Get creative. Use your slow cooker, instant pot, stove, even your grill to keep things warm. Some dishes like these sweet potatoes or scalloped potatoes can be reheated in the microwave with no issue!

5) GRAVY ISN’T RIGHT –

TOO RUNNY: Gravy continues to thicken as it cools, so keep that in mind. If really runny, make a slurry with cornstarch or flour, and whisk into gravy.
TOO LUMPY: To fix lumpy gravy, pour it into a blender and blend for 30 seconds.
TOO THICK: Whisk in some turkey or chicken stock until you get the desired consistency.
TOO BLAND: Season with thyme, sage, bay leaves, Worcestershire, salt, or pepper.

6) LUMPY MASHED POTATOES – Try remashing your potatoes by hand or using a ricer.

7) THE TOP OF YOUR PIE IS CRACKED – Cover with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or caramel!

8) BURNING PIE CRUST – If the center of your pie isn’t set but the crust is on the verge of burning, cover with a pie crust shield or make your own circular shield with foil while the pie continues to bake.

****STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions feel free to email me at [email protected]! Email is the quickest way for me to answer your questions. Or message me on Instagram.

Happy Thanksgiving! You got this.

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Christy Denney
Christy is the voice behind The Girl Who Who Ate Everything! She is no stranger to making meals that kids and adults will love. She grew up in Mesa, Arizona as the youngest of ten kids. She can always be found in her kitchen with music playing and cooking with her kids. She published her first cookbook in 2014. She loves party food that gets the conversations going!
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