Ah, the magic of an *old fashioned Thanksgiving*! It’s that time of year when family gathers around the table, and the air is filled with the delicious aromas of roasted turkey and spiced pumpkin pie. I still remember my grandmother in her kitchen, bustling about, her laughter mixing with the sizzling sounds of the turkey roasting in the oven. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories we create while preparing and sharing it with our loved ones. Each bite of juicy turkey paired with savory stuffing reminds me of countless Thanksgivings spent together, telling stories and giving thanks. Trust me, you’ll want to bring this classic meal to your table this year—it’s the perfect way to celebrate family, tradition, and all those wonderful flavors that make Thanksgiving so special!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating that *old fashioned Thanksgiving* feast! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 2 cups of prepared stuffing
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups of trimmed and halved green beans
- 1 cup of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce
- 1 standard pumpkin pie (for dessert, of course!)
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start cooking, and don’t hesitate to get creative with the stuffing if you have a family favorite recipe. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this *old fashioned Thanksgiving* meal! I promise, once you go through these steps, you’ll feel like a kitchen pro, and the deliciousness that follows will be totally worth it. Follow along, and let’s create some magic together!
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is super important because you want that turkey to roast evenly and beautifully. While the oven is warming up, take your turkey and give it a good rinse under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Now, here’s where the magic starts—season that bird generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. You can even add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs for an extra flavor boost. Trust me, this step sets the stage for a juicy and flavorful turkey!
Step 2 – Stuffing the Turkey
Alright, it’s time for the fun part—stuffing the turkey! Carefully spoon your prepared stuffing into the cavity of the turkey, packing it in gently but not too tightly. You want to leave some room for the stuffing to expand while it cooks. Make sure to seal the cavity with kitchen twine or toothpicks to keep everything inside. It’s a good idea to stuff the turkey just before roasting to keep it safe and delicious. Just imagine the fragrant stuffing mingling with the turkey juices—yum!
Step 3 – Roasting the Turkey
Place your stuffed turkey in a large roasting pan, breast side up. Now, here’s the secret to a crispy skin: cover it generously with melted unsalted butter! This will help achieve that beautiful golden-brown color we all love. Pop it into the preheated oven and roast for about 3 hours, basting it every 30 minutes with the drippings from the pan. Basting not only keeps the turkey moist but also adds incredible flavor. Remember, cooking times can vary based on the weight of your turkey, so keep an eye on it!
Step 4 – Cooking the Vegetables
While the turkey is roasting, let’s get those green beans ready! Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the trimmed and halved green beans. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant green. You don’t want them mushy! Once they’re cooked to perfection, drain them and toss them with a little bit of butter, salt, and pepper. They’ll be the perfect crunchy side to complement your turkey!
Step 5 – Serving the Meal
Once your turkey is beautifully golden and cooked through (don’t forget to let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving), it’s time to serve! I like to carve the turkey right at the table for that extra wow factor. Serve generous slices alongside the stuffing, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and those vibrant green beans. And of course, don’t forget a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert. A beautiful presentation makes all the difference—so take a moment to arrange everything nicely on the platter. Your family and friends are going to love it!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this *old fashioned Thanksgiving* feast. I always like to keep an eye on what’s in my food, especially when it’s such a big meal! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving, which is about one slice of turkey with stuffing:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and how you prepare everything. But hey, this meal is all about sharing joy and love with family, so don’t stress too much about the numbers—just enjoy each delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to follow, making it perfect for both seasoned chefs and kitchen newbies alike!
- Ideal for family gatherings—everyone gets to enjoy a slice of tradition and togetherness.
- Classic flavors that evoke nostalgia and warm memories, reminding us of Thanksgivings past.
- This meal is the ultimate comfort food, bringing that cozy feeling that only a home-cooked feast can provide.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *old fashioned Thanksgiving* meal turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips I’ve gathered over the years:
- Thaw the Turkey: If you’re using a frozen turkey, make sure to thaw it in the fridge for several days before cooking. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Season the turkey both inside and out to ensure every bite is flavorful. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for a delightful aroma.
- Let It Rest: After roasting, let your turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier turkey!
- Baste Wisely: When you baste, use a spoon or baster to drizzle the pan juices over the turkey. This keeps the skin crispy while adding moisture and flavor without opening the oven too often.
- Serve with Love: Presentation matters! Arrange the turkey, stuffing, and sides beautifully on your serving platter. A little garnish, like fresh herbs or cranberries, can make a big impact!
- Have Fun: Enjoy the process! Cooking for Thanksgiving is as much about creating memories as it is about the food. Play some music, get the family involved, and savor every moment.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends with a delicious, heartwarming Thanksgiving feast. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After a delightful *old fashioned Thanksgiving* meal, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers to enjoy! Storing them properly is key to keeping that amazing flavor intact. Here’s how to do it:
First, let everything cool down to room temperature before you store it. This helps prevent condensation in the containers that can make your food soggy. I like to portion out the turkey, stuffing, and green beans into airtight containers. It not only makes reheating easier but also helps keep everything fresh for longer. If you have a lot of turkey, you can also wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a container.
For the best flavor retention, store your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just make sure to wrap everything well in freezer-safe bags or containers—this prevents freezer burn. You can freeze turkey and stuffing for up to 3 months, while green beans are best used within 1-2 months.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating can be a bit of an art! For the turkey, I recommend placing slices in a baking dish, adding a splash of chicken broth or gravy to keep it moist, and covering it with foil. Pop that in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This way, you’ll have juicy turkey just like the first time! For the green beans, a quick sauté in a pan or a quick microwave zap will do the trick. Just don’t overcook them, or they’ll lose their lovely texture!
And there you have it! Enjoy those leftovers—nothing beats a second helping of that cozy Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
How long do I cook the turkey?
The general rule of thumb is to cook your turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C). So for a 12-14 pound turkey, you’re looking at around 3 hours of roasting time. Just make sure to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh!
Can I make stuffing from scratch?
Absolutely! Making stuffing from scratch can be a wonderful way to add personalized flavors to your meal. Simply cube some bread (about 10-12 cups), sauté onions and celery in butter, mix in spices like sage and thyme, and combine everything with broth until it’s moist but not soggy. Bake it separately or stuff it into the turkey for maximum flavor!
What should I serve with the turkey?
Alongside your turkey, I recommend serving classic sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables. Green beans, like we made in this recipe, are also a fantastic choice! Don’t forget the pumpkin pie for dessert—it wouldn’t be an *old fashioned Thanksgiving* without it!
How do I know when the turkey is done?
You can use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature; it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear when you pierce the thigh with a knife. No pink juices means it’s ready!
Can I prep any of this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare your stuffing a day in advance, just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff the turkey. You can also chop your vegetables and set your table the day before. This way, you can enjoy the day with your family instead of being stuck in the kitchen!
Old Fashioned Thanksgiving: 5 Steps to a Heartwarming Feast
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A traditional Thanksgiving meal featuring classic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 2 cups stuffing
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups green beans
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 pumpkin pie
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the turkey by seasoning it with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the turkey with the stuffing.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it with butter.
- Roast the turkey for about 3 hours, basting occasionally.
- Cook green beans in boiling water until tender.
- Serve the turkey with cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
Notes
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Use homemade stuffing for better flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on turkey weight.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of turkey with stuffing
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving, turkey, family meal, traditional
