Unlock the Secrets of a Perfect Thanksgiving with Good Housekeeping
The Turkey
When it comes to fresh versus frozen turkey, both options can work well. Just ensure you take the time to properly thaw your turkey in the fridge, allowing about 1 day for every 4 pounds. Our assistant food editor Samantha MacAvoy recently tested Butterball's new cook-from-frozen premium whole turkey, and it turned out surprisingly good. This could be a great option if you don't want to deal with thawing.
Resist the urge to baste the turkey. Opening the oven repeatedly lowers the heat, affecting cooking and browning. Do your seasoning before putting it in the oven and ensure all nooks and crannies are covered. You can use oil, butter, or a combination. And if you haven't tried brining your bird yet, this is the year to do it.
The Sides
In the Test Kitchen poll, Yukon Gold potatoes emerged as the clear winner for mashed potatoes. However, some food editors like to add a couple of Russet potatoes to boost fluffiness. For example, if a recipe calls for 4 pounds of potatoes, consider using 1 pound of Russets and 3 pounds of golden spuds.
Our food producer Tina Martinez developed a make-ahead mashed potato casserole that is a game-changer. Cook and mash the potatoes, then stir in cream cheese, butter, and sour cream and transfer to a casserole dish. It only needs about 35-40 minutes of oven time on the day of. If you don't want to do the make-ahead, our chief food director Kate Merker recommends microwaving your typical mash and adding a splash of dairy to rehydrate.
For vegetable dishes that can compete with stuffing and mashed potatoes, green beans are a great sidekick. Blanch, roast, or air fry them and toss with a vinaigrette or a mixture of jam and vinegar for a sweet tart glaze.
Stuffing
In terms of stuffing, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your taste preference and the other ingredients you're adding. We often lean towards country bread or ciabatta as it's hearty and doesn't have a strong flavor. It actually tastes better when the bread is a bit stale (like 2-3 days old). But we've also made stuffings with cornbread and even croissants, which were decadent and delicious.
For Vegans and Vegetarians
Many traditional Thanksgiving sides are inherently vegetarian or can be made vegetarian by skipping a few ingredients. Skip adding bacon and sausage to Brussels sprouts and stuffings and use vegetable broths instead of chicken broth. Stuffed squash is a great option that feels hearty and special. We also have a Vegan Pumpkin Risotto recipe that gets a boost of flavor from nutritional yeast.
Other Tips
Our recipe editor Susan Choung tested different techniques to keep food warm before serving. Using a rice cooker to keep mashed potatoes warm and packing up a casserole in a cooler are some of her suggestions.
For the best wine to serve at Thanksgiving, Susan, our wine expert, recommends reds like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais (a.k.a. Gamay) for whites, look for versatile, fruit-forward varietals like dry Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris. Avoid too dry or high-alcohol wines and steer clear of oaky wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and California Chardonnay. Champagne is always a great choice.
When it comes to making microwaveable steam fresh veggies look like your own, it's all about presentation. Transfer cooked vegetables onto a pretty platter and add garnishes like a drizzle of oil, fresh herbs, or chopped toasted nuts. You can also toss them with a tablespoon or two of your favorite salad dressing to add extra flavor.
For reliable store-bought shortcuts, always suggest store-bought rolls to save time on baking or heating. In the bakery section, look for a bag of croutons instead of chopping or drying out bread for stuffing. Go for pre-crimped pie crust in a pie tin for dessert. And canned jellied cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple for a reason!
If you have limited oven space, most casseroles like stuffing can be made ahead and reheated. Don't forget about other kitchen appliances like the air fryer, slow cooker, and rice cooker. Some dishes can also be made on the stovetop instead of the oven.
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