Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and, let’s be honest, some truly *gross Thanksgiving food*. You know the kind I’m talking about—the dishes that are so uniquely unappetizing, they become legends at the dinner table. I remember the first time I tried green bean casserole from a can. I was a kid and thought, “Wow, this looks like something out of a science experiment!” But you know what? It has a certain charm. There’s something hilariously nostalgic about serving up a plate piled high with turkey, canned cranberry sauce, and that questionable marshmallow-topped sweet potato concoction. It’s as if we’re all in on a giant inside joke! So, if you’re ready to embrace the weirdness and whip up some *gross Thanksgiving food*, let’s dive in! Trust me, it’ll make for some unforgettable memories—just maybe not the kind you’d post on Instagram!
Ingredients for Gross Thanksgiving Food
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1 can of cranberry sauce
- 1 box of stuffing mix
- 1 can of green bean casserole
- 5 lbs of mashed potatoes
- 1 jar of gravy
- 1 whole pumpkin pie
- 1 bag of marshmallows
- 5 lbs of sweet potatoes
How to Prepare Gross Thanksgiving Food
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the wacky world of gross Thanksgiving food! It might sound a bit chaotic, but trust me, the process is as entertaining as the final spread. We’ll start with the turkey, then tackle those side dishes that will have everyone scratching their heads in delight or disbelief.
Preparing the Turkey
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now, grab that turkey and follow the package instructions for thawing and seasoning. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix the stuffing according to the box and stuff it into the turkey. Don’t be shy! Make sure to tuck it in there nice and snug. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, so for a 12-14 lb turkey, that’s roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Keep an eye on it, and my tip? Use a meat thermometer to ensure it hits 165°F in the thickest part. That way, you’ll avoid any surprises!
Making the Sides
Now, while the turkey is doing its thing, let’s get those sides ready! Start with the green bean casserole. Open that can and pour the contents into a baking dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle some crispy onions on top if you’re feeling fancy! Bake it for about 25-30 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.
Green Bean Casserole
For the green bean casserole, simply pour the canned beans and sauce into your dish, top it with those crispy onions, and bake at the same temperature as your turkey for about 30 minutes. It’s a simple but classic dish!
Mashed Potatoes
Next up, let’s tackle those mashed potatoes! Peel and chop your 5 lbs of potatoes, then boil them in salted water until they’re tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain, then mash them up with a generous amount of butter and milk. Mix until they’re creamy and smooth. Pro tip: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to really bring out the flavor!
Finishing Touches
As your turkey approaches its final moments in the oven, it’s time to focus on dessert and those sweet potatoes! Roast your sweet potatoes in the oven (you can do this alongside the turkey) until they’re soft, about 45 minutes. For the last 15 minutes, sprinkle marshmallows on top and let them get all gooey and golden. And don’t forget to heat up that jar of gravy on the stove while everything else is cooking. Just a few minutes on low heat should do it!
Once everything’s ready, it’s time to serve up this delightful spread of gross Thanksgiving food! Enjoy the laughter and conversations that come with it!
Nutritional Information
Now, before we dig into this glorious spread of *gross Thanksgiving food*, I want to share a quick note about nutrition. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But hey, it’s Thanksgiving, right? A little indulgence won’t hurt! Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 1200
- Fat: 70g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Carbohydrates: 150g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 50g
So, there you have it! A little bit of everything—calories, fats, and all the good stuff that comes with a festive meal. Just remember to balance it with some laughter and good company, and you’ll be just fine! Enjoy your feast, and may it be as unforgettable as it is deliciously questionable!
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow Thanksgiving warriors, let’s talk about making this *gross Thanksgiving food* experience a bit smoother and, dare I say, more enjoyable! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that can help elevate this quirky feast.
- Customize the Sides: Don’t hesitate to jazz up the green bean casserole! You can add some sautéed garlic or even sprinkle a little cheese on top for a twist that might just win over some skeptics.
- Flavor Boost: For the mashed potatoes, consider mixing in some roasted garlic or cream cheese to make them extra creamy. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
- Keep It Warm: Use warming trays or slow cookers for your side dishes to keep everything hot while you focus on carving that turkey. No one likes cold mashed potatoes!
- Vegetarian Options: If you’ve got vegetarian guests, think about adding a hearty vegetable dish or a lentil loaf. It’ll give them something delicious to enjoy while everyone else digs into the turkey.
- Presentation Matters: Even if the food is a bit questionable, presenting it nicely can make all the difference. Use colorful garnishes like parsley or serve things in fun, mismatched bowls for a charming touch!
- Have Fun with It: Remember, the goal here is laughter and fun! Embrace the chaos and encourage everyone to share their own funny Thanksgiving food stories. It’s all about making memories and enjoying each other’s company!
So, go ahead and let your creativity flow in the kitchen! With just a few tweaks, you can take those *gross Thanksgiving food* staples and make them a little more palatable, or at least memorable! Cheers to a feast filled with laughter and love!
FAQ About Gross Thanksgiving Food
Can I make this meal vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out the turkey for a hearty vegetarian dish like a lentil loaf or stuffed squash. Just make sure to check the stuffing and gravy for meat-based ingredients, and you’re good to go!
What if I can’t find canned green bean casserole?
No worries! You can use fresh green beans sautéed with cream of mushroom soup and some crispy onions on top. It’ll still give you that classic casserole vibe without the can!
How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?
Keeping an eye on the cooking time is crucial! Use a meat thermometer to check for that magic 165°F internal temperature and consider basting it with some of the drippings to keep it moist. Also, covering it loosely with foil during the last hour can help!
Can I prepare some of these dishes in advance?
Definitely! You can make the mashed potatoes a day ahead and reheat them with a splash of milk. The green bean casserole can also be assembled beforehand—just pop it in the oven the day of. It’s all about saving time and stress!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best results, reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This helps to keep things crispy where they need to be, especially for items like the green bean casserole. Just be careful not to dry anything out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a hilarious nod to the unconventional side of Thanksgiving—perfect for breaking the ice and sharing laughs!
- These dishes bring back nostalgic memories of family gatherings and quirky culinary traditions that we all secretly cherish.
- It’s an easy, no-fuss menu that requires minimal prep, leaving you more time to enjoy with family and friends.
- Everyone has their own unique take on these “gross” dishes, making it a fun experience to swap stories and variations.
- It’s an opportunity to embrace imperfection in cooking—sometimes the messiest meals make the best memories!
- Perfect for those who love to try unconventional flavors and textures; you never know what might surprise you!
Gross Thanksgiving Food: 7 Hilarious Dishes to Try
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A collection of Thanksgiving dishes that are considered unappetizing.
Ingredients
- Turkey – 1 whole (12-14 lbs)
- Canned cranberry sauce – 1 can
- Stuffing mix – 1 box
- Green bean casserole – 1 can
- Mashed potatoes – 5 lbs
- Gravy – 1 jar
- Pumpkin pie – 1 whole
- Marshmallows – 1 bag
- Sweet potatoes – 5 lbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the turkey according to package instructions.
- Mix the stuffing and stuff the turkey.
- Prepare the green bean casserole in a baking dish.
- Boil and mash the potatoes, then mix with butter and milk.
- Bake the pumpkin pie as directed.
- Roast sweet potatoes and top with marshmallows.
- Heat gravy on the stove.
Notes
- Adjust cooking times based on the size of the turkey.
- Check all canned goods for expiration dates.
- Consider vegetarian options for guests.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 1200
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 70g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 150g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: gross thanksgiving food
