Thanksgiving is COMING, and this year I wanted to make my recipe guide even easier for you to navigate. In this blog you’ll find EVERY recipe you could possibly need and more. Making your Thanksgiving preparation a breeze, and shopping list that much better. Scroll for ideas for your appetizers, side dishes, main course, and desert.. Don’t forget the cocktails!
Note: you can double click and download these recipe cards: And my favorite Essence seasoning (needed for a lot of these recipes) is located at the bottom! Happy cooking!
Appetizers!
Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts
Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are THE BEST ever! They’re a super easy to make side dish that will make a brussels sprouts fan out of anyone.
Easy Cranberry Brie Bites
These Easy Cranberry Brie Bites are truly divine. The brie is so melty and delicious and plays against the sweet-tart taste of the cranberries in a wonderful way.
Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Appetizer
These rounds are the perfect bite-sized snack and are a bit on the healthier side so you don’t need to feel guilty having a few.
Meat and Cheese Platter
A meat and cheese platter is the easiest party food you can put together. There’s no cooking or baking and very minimal prep. When you provide a nice variety of nibbles, all your guests will find something they like.
Side Dishes!
Southern Seafood Stuffing
This Southern Seafood Stuffing has a warm, savory flavor it’s a delicious way to bring coastal flavors to the holiday table, or just a great dish to enjoy anytime! It is full of shrimp, crab and oyster and lots of onion, celery, and garlic.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This version from Ruth’s Chris Steak House is one of the best I’ve ever had. That crunchy topping is just fabulous when paired with sweet potatoes. This one will become a holiday tradition in your house as it has in mine.
Best Mashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners should be centered around the Best Mashed Potatoes. These are the Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes you’ll ever make and super easy too! They’re loaded with butter, milk, and cream then flavored with garlic, thyme, and a touch of salt and pepper!
Collard Greens
Louisiana style Collard Greens made even better with the addition of bacon, onions, and a hint of Tabasco sauce. This recipe feeds about 8 people and makes a scrumptious side dish at any holiday meal or gathering.
Southern Greens with Louisiana Hot Links
All you really need to do to make Collard Greens more than just a glorified bowl of steamed spinach is to add onion, bacon is the traditional way, and a little bit of brown sugar to tie everything together.. But this recipe I replaced the bacon with hot links and I think that makes this recipe THAT much better!
Main Course
The Juiciest Turkey
A wet brine helps to alleviate both issues, plumping the white meat with water, which gives it a head start against drying effect of roasting, and tenderizing the tougher dark meat. Because moisture from a wet brine impedes browning, let the turkey air dry in the refrigerator before roasting for a well-bronzed bird.
Dry Rubbed Roast Turkey
This dry method is SO much cleaner and easier than a wet brine and I believe the result is at least as good if not better. Plus, it eliminates the need to hunt down a container large enough to accommodate gallons of water and a big turkey.
Cajun-Deep Fried Turkey
Deep Fried Turkey is a quick way to enjoy turkey during the holidays and I’m hooked on this Cajun Deep Fried Turkey recipe. I love the crispy skin and the juicy flavorful meat when you deep fry a turkey. I think the best thing is that is only takes about 45 minutes to deep fry the turkey!
Cornish Game Hens
People will be blown away with the beauty of this cornish game hen recipe but more importantly, their taste buds will be satisfied with the the bright citrus and the savory flavors of fresh herbs.
Deserts
Easy Peach Cobbler
My Father’s Peach Cobbler recipe is absolutely delicious! Juicy peaches and a wonderfully sweet, crumbly topping truly make this a perfect Thanksgiving dessert. Add ice cream or whipped cream and it’s pure heaven!
Cocktails
Thanksgiving Margarita
These Thanksgiving Margaritas are the bomb! It’s like spiked apple juice, with a splash of orange, and maple. I like my margaritas on the rocks but if you prefer to blend this margarita recipe, you can!
Moscow Mule
This refreshing Thanksgiving cocktail will make anything go down better, made quickly, all while toasting and giving thanks to another year of accomplishments!
Cidertini Cocktail
This Cidertini Cocktail recipe tastes just like cinnamon apple cider but packs a major boozy punch. With only three ingredients, this Cidertini is perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Crazy quick and easy, too.
Apple Pumpkintini
This cocktail brings together apple and pumpkin in one awesome drink! I love making new fall cocktails and this is one of my new favorite fall drinks.
Sangria
What makes this Sangria the best Thanksgiving Cocktail? Here are my simple reasons it’s a winner. It can “and should” be made ahead of time. It makes a big batch so you don’t have to worry about mixing individual drinks for people. It’s festive!
Essence Seasoning
Hope you all have the most wonderful Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to post your recipe and tag me is you use one of mine (:
