Ah, Thanksgiving! There’s nothing quite like the excitement of hosting a big gathering filled with family, friends, and delicious food. I absolutely love the hustle and bustle of preparing a feast for a crowd, and this Thanksgiving meal is designed to impress without causing stress. Imagine a perfectly roasted turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, and warm dinner rolls all coming together to create a cozy, festive atmosphere. Trust me, this meal is perfect for Thanksgiving for a crowd, ensuring everyone leaves with full bellies and happy hearts. Let’s dive into the magic of making this unforgettable feast together!
Ingredients List
- 12 lbs turkey
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups bread crumbs
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups gravy
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 3 dozen dinner rolls
- 2 pumpkin pies
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This step is crucial for getting that turkey just right!
- While the oven is warming up, let’s prepare the star of the show—the turkey! Gently rub the outside with softened butter, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Season it generously with salt and pepper; trust me, this will make all the difference.
- Now, it’s time to make the stuffing. In a large bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, chopped onions, chopped celery, dried sage, and dried thyme. This mixture is going to add so much flavor and moisture to the turkey!
- Carefully stuff the turkey with your bread crumb mixture. Don’t pack it too tightly; give it some room to expand as it cooks!
- Next, place the turkey in a roasting pan. Pour about 2 cups of vegetable broth over the turkey. This will help keep it moist while roasting and create a delicious base for your gravy later.
- Now, it’s time for the oven! Roast the turkey for about 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I recommend using a meat thermometer to avoid any guesswork.
- While your turkey is basking in the heat, go ahead and prepare those mashed potatoes and gravy. You’ll want everything to be warm and ready when it’s time to serve!
- Once the turkey is beautifully golden brown and cooked through, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving; this helps keep the juices in!
- Lastly, slice the turkey, arrange it on a platter, and serve it up with your creamy mashed potatoes, flavorful gravy, cranberry sauce, and warm dinner rolls. Oh, and don’t forget the pumpkin pie for dessert—it’s the perfect way to wrap up this amazing Thanksgiving feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s designed specifically for Thanksgiving for a crowd, so you can feed a large group without stress.
- The turkey is juicy and flavorful, thanks to the perfect seasoning and stuffing.
- Mashed potatoes and gravy are classic crowd-pleasers that everyone loves.
- This meal is relatively quick to prepare, letting you enjoy more time with your guests.
- You can easily customize sides and desserts to suit your crowd’s preferences.
- It’s a complete meal that brings everyone together around the table for a heartwarming feast.
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Typically, a serving of this Thanksgiving for a crowd meal contains about 750 calories, 35g of fat, 40g of protein, and 75g of carbohydrates. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To make your Thanksgiving for a crowd truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to family members—everyone loves to help out, and it makes the day more enjoyable. Prep as much as you can the day before; chop your veggies and even make the stuffing ahead of time. This will save you precious minutes on the big day! Also, remember to let the turkey rest after roasting; it helps keep the meat juicy. Lastly, have extra gravy and cranberry sauce on hand—everyone loves to load up their plates! Enjoy the feast!
Variations
If you want to switch things up for your Thanksgiving for a crowd, there are plenty of delicious variations to consider! For the stuffing, try adding diced apples or cranberries for a touch of sweetness, or mix in sausage for a savory twist that everyone will love. You could also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley to give it a fresh flavor.
As for sides, consider serving roasted Brussels sprouts or green bean almondine for a colorful contrast. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not whip up a sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows? It’s a delightful change that adds a bit of fun to the table!
Serving Suggestions
To complement your Thanksgiving for a crowd meal, I highly recommend serving a variety of sides that everyone will love! Creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy are must-haves, but don’t forget about some vibrant roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts for a pop of color. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the turkey. For drinks, consider a warm apple cider or a festive cranberry punch—it’ll keep everyone cozy and in the holiday spirit! And of course, a slice of pumpkin pie at the end is the perfect sweet finish to your feast! Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the Thanksgiving for a crowd feast, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers to enjoy! To store them properly, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. The turkey can be sliced or kept whole, but be sure to cover it well to maintain moisture. Most leftovers will last in the fridge for about 3–4 days.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven for the turkey to keep it juicy—just cover it with foil and warm at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. For mashed potatoes and gravy, a quick stir in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or broth does wonders! Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just stuff the turkey and roast it on Thanksgiving day for the best flavor.
How long should I let the turkey rest?
Letting the turkey rest for about 20-30 minutes after roasting is key! This helps the juices redistribute, making for a moister turkey when you carve it.
What if my turkey is still frozen?
If your turkey isn’t thawed, don’t panic! Just remember to allow extra time for it to thaw in the fridge before cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can thaw in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Of course! If turkey isn’t your thing, consider roasting a ham or even a large roast chicken. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly!
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover turkey can be turned into sandwiches, soups, or even a delicious turkey pot pie. The possibilities are endless, and they’re all so tasty!
Thanksgiving for a Crowd: 7 Secrets to an Unforgettable Feast
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A complete Thanksgiving meal designed for a large gathering.
Ingredients
- 12 lbs turkey
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups bread crumbs
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups gravy
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 3 dozen dinner rolls
- 2 pumpkin pies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the turkey by rubbing it with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the turkey with the bread crumb mixture made from onions, celery, sage, and thyme.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour vegetable broth over it.
- Roast the turkey for about 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare mashed potatoes and gravy while the turkey cooks.
- Serve cranberry sauce and dinner rolls with the meal.
- Slice the turkey and arrange it on a platter.
- Serve pumpkin pie for dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey is thawed before cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the turkey.
- Keep gravy warm until serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice turkey with sides
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: thanksgiving for a crowd
