Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the smell of roasted turkey, and our hearts are warmed by the company of loved ones. I absolutely adore this *Thanksgiving dinner for 4 people* because it’s just the right size for an intimate gathering. You can savor every moment without the stress of cooking for a crowd. Picture this: a beautifully golden turkey, stuffing bursting with flavor, and creamy mashed potatoes that just melt in your mouth! It’s all about sharing good food and great memories. Trust me, this meal will make your holiday special and leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Dinner
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious Thanksgiving dinner for four. Trust me, these ingredients come together beautifully!
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs), thawed and ready to roast
- 2 cups stuffing mix, for that classic flavor
- 1 cup chicken broth, to keep the stuffing moist
- 2 cups mashed potatoes, made creamy with butter and milk
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and fresh
- 1 cup cranberry sauce, for that tangy sweetness
- 1 cup gravy, because what’s turkey without gravy?
- 4 dinner rolls, soft and warm
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted, for brushing the turkey
How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Dinner
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Preparing this Thanksgiving dinner for four is a joy, and I promise, you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar. First up, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While that’s warming up, grab your turkey. If you haven’t done so already, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Pat the turkey dry, remove the giblets, and stuff it with that lovely stuffing mix. Secure it with kitchen twine to keep everything cozy inside. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and brush it generously with melted butter to get that golden skin. Now, roast it for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Trust me, the smell will drive you wild!
Preparing the Turkey
So, you’ve got your turkey all set up. After roasting, let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. This step is super important—it allows the juices to redistribute, making your turkey tender and juicy. While it’s resting, you can start on the sides. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even sneak a little taste of the stuffing while the turkey rests!
Making the Side Dishes
Now, let’s whip up those fabulous side dishes! For the mashed potatoes, peel and chop your potatoes, then boil them until fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes. Drain, add butter and milk, and mash until creamy. For the green beans, just trim the ends and steam them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re bright and tender-crisp. Meanwhile, heat up your stuffing mix with the chicken broth in a separate pot until it’s nice and warm. Don’t forget to warm your cranberry sauce and gravy on the stove too! Everything should come together around the same time for a beautiful feast!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your Thanksgiving dinner for four turns out perfectly! First, always use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s doneness. It takes the guesswork out and ensures you get that juicy meat! Also, don’t rush the resting period after roasting—20 minutes is key for flavor and tenderness. If you’re short on time, prep your side dishes like mashed potatoes and green beans ahead of time. You can even make the stuffing in advance! Lastly, keep your gravy warm on low heat while you serve everything. A smooth, warm gravy over that turkey is the ultimate finishing touch. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! This Thanksgiving dinner for four is hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect holiday feast. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 800
- Fat: 40g
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoying a special meal like this is all about balance, so don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!
FAQ about Thanksgiving Dinner
Have questions about preparing your *Thanksgiving dinner for 4 people*? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I often hear:
How long does it take to cook a 10-12 lb turkey?
Typically, you’ll want to roast your turkey for about 2.5 to 3 hours at 325°F (165°C). Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make your stuffing a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and then stuff it into the turkey right before roasting.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
No worries! You can check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the thigh; the juices should run clear, not pink. But I really recommend getting a thermometer—it makes things so much easier!
Do I need to baste the turkey?
Basting is optional, but it can help keep the turkey moist. If you decide to baste, do it every 30-45 minutes with the drippings from the pan.
Can I make this dinner gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure all your sides and sauces don’t contain gluten. Enjoy your holiday without worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly sized for an intimate gathering of four
- Classic flavors that evoke the warmth of Thanksgiving
- Easy-to-follow steps, even for beginner cooks
- Hearty and satisfying, with delicious leftovers
- From turkey to gravy, every dish is made from scratch
- Flexibility to add more sides based on your cravings
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from your *Thanksgiving dinner for 4 people* deserve some love! To store, simply place any uneaten turkey, stuffing, and side dishes in airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save them for later, wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, reheat the turkey in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until it’s warmed through. For sides, you can microwave them or heat them on the stovetop until they’re piping hot. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Thanksgiving Dinner for 4 People: A Heartwarming Feast
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic Thanksgiving dinner for four people featuring turkey, stuffing, and traditional sides.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup green beans
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup gravy
- 4 dinner rolls
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the turkey by removing giblets and patting dry.
- Stuff the turkey with stuffing mix and secure with kitchen twine.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and brush with melted butter.
- Roast the turkey for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- While the turkey cooks, prepare mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Heat the stuffing mix with chicken broth in a separate pot.
- Warm the cranberry sauce and gravy on the stove.
- Once the turkey is done, let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Serve turkey with sides and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator at least 24 hours before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s doneness.
- Feel free to add more sides based on preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dinner for 4 people
