What to do on a New Orleans Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving serves as a time to gather together to be completely humbled and thankful for all the blessings and benefits of the past year. This is often done over excellently prepared meals, so it stands to reason that there’s no better city to gather for the celebration than New Orleans, Louisiana, and thanks to this excellently compiled holiday resource from NewOrleans.com, you’ve never been in a better position to enjoy the Crescent City in all its bounty.

Before we give an overview of the food offerings in the city on the infamous Thursday for those of us wishing to take the day off, sit back, and enjoy the world-class cuisine of the various chefs and culinary artists found in the city, you should know about the various Thanksgiving Day activities that are available city-wide this autumnal holiday season.

Particular events that are positioned to be a large draw on Thanksgiving Day are the horse races at the Fair Groundsand the annual Turkey Day Race at Tad Gormley Stadium in City Park. Outside of athletic racing events, the New Orleans tourism site suggests digesting your Turkey Day meal with a carriage ride across the French Quarter so that you can learn about the elaborate history of the city. And of course, there are always plenty of movie theatres open throughout the city on Thanksgiving Day for those of us wanting to digest amidst amazing narratives and visuals.

However, if you prefer the holiday season that begins immediately following your Thanksgiving Meal, then you’ll be delighted to hear that Celebration in the Oaks will return to New Orleans City Park from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Thursday the 25th, and it’s set to last until January 2, 2022- with tickets costing $35. This annual holiday festivity is always heralded as a must-see of the New Orleans holiday tradition, as this incredible, breathtaking holiday light show transforms the already beautiful grounds of City Park into 25 acres of dazzling lights and impressive festive displays. In total, the winter wonderland is spread throughout the Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with millions of lights scattered throughout the 2.25-mile expanse.

Now it’s time for the food. On Thanksgiving, you’re essentially left with two options in New Orleans if you want to take the day off from cooking or organizing a family potluck: you can dine out or order catering from the many restaurants offering to do the cooking for you. If catering, some suggested favorites are Deanie’s Seafood, Mother’s, Brigtsen’s, Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, Blue Oak BBQ, Central City BBQ, and Cochon Butcher for your savory meals and Willa Jean, Bywater Bakery, Beth Biundo Sweets, Camellia Grill, La Boulangerie, and Levee Baking Co. for sweets.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to experience the classic and authentic New Orleans dining atmosphere, then you’re left with plenty of options for restaurants open in the city on Thanksgiving Day, leaving you more time to celebrate and less time coordinating, stressing, and planning.

It should definitely be noted that most of the city’s finer hotels offer excellent meals on Thanksgiving, but for those of us who want to enjoy a great meal “in-house,” then the following restaurants are set to be open on Thanksgiving and are recommended for a pleasant, decadent, and well-rounded experience.

Uptown/Garden District

Central Business District/ Downtown

The French Quarter

 Greater New Orleans Area

For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.

Thanksgiving Weekend Getaways

For those with ample time off around Thanksgiving week, the weekend before, the day of, and the weekend after can all present themselves as an excellent opportunity to escape the city for some much-needed self-care or quiet family time. No matter the reason, this article from Travel Off Path for the best getaways to experience in the United States might be just the push you need to enjoy the holiday without the stress traditionally associated with Thanksgiving dinner.  Keep reading for Thanksgiving weekend travel ideas.

New York City, New York

This one may be obvious, but that doesn’t make it a poor decision. As many can attest, the Big Apple transforms into a different place over the holidays, so why not flock to the city and see the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person or simply experience the world-class culinary experiences across the infamous city. If visiting on Thanksgiving Day and starting in an extravagant hotel, then consider the Frenchetter, which will serve as a great choice for those of us wanting to partake in a comforting, traditional Thanksgiving Day feast from the safety and congenial warmth of our hotel room. Stop by the city that never sleeps and breathe in the blessings and beginnings of holiday spectacle by taking a stroll through the wonderful Central Park, witnessing the literal wonderland and skating the ice rink at theBank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, or see an unforgettable performance of Christmas Spectacular by The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Set your sights west this year on Turkey Day by seeing an alternative side to Thanksgiving in Santa Fe, a city that prides itself and is renowned for its focus, origins, and respect for Native American culture, traditions, and experiences. Around this week specifically, the city is home to various festivals and special events that allow you to experience this time-honored holiday through a specific cultural lens that takes focus away from the perspective of the pilgrims. One way to really make the most of your trip is to head over to the Winter Indian Market for some perusing of local crafts, artwork, and wares of the Santa Fe community. Additionally, stop by the Wind River Trading Company and take home some authentic Native American jewelry from local artists, and then top off your meaningful day with a Thanksgiving dinner meal at La Casa Sena, Geronimo, Terra Restaurant, The Compound, Santacafe, or Sassella for an unforgettable and delicious adventure.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Leave the stress emitting from Thanksgiving prep, planning, and organizing behind and surround yourself in one of the most comforting, slow-paced, and extravagant environments imaginable with a trip to Nantucket. This quaint island community located just off of Cape Cod is home to many excellent experiences this holiday season such as a wonderful stay at The Nantucket Hotel and Resort for some of the coziest accommodations in the area. Located in close proximity to the various activities available in the city, this hotel has a special experience in store for guests booking on for the turkey-laden holiday in particular. Guests will be able to enjoy an expertly-crafted Thanksgiving meal at Breeze, the award-winning restaurant located in-house. Book a stay and enjoy all the delicious flavors that Executive Chef Adam Votow has to offer such as the Skillet Roasted Brussel Sprouts or the Four Cheese Baked Macaroni; either of which is sure to knock you on your feet. Outside of this world-class hotel, many visitors flock to this East Coast staple to either observe or participate in the town’s Cold Turkey Plunge, a beloved tradition in which townsfolk and visitors dive into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean in traditional solidarity before warming up by the various fires of the local living rooms, restaurants, and hotels for a communal meal or nightcap.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.

Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Whether you’re practicing for Thanksgiving dinner or complimenting a savory dinner in July, a green bean casserole that’s made from scratch is always treasured and respected, and this simple, yet savory, detailed recipe guide from Gimme Some Oven hits the homemade nail on the head.

Ingredients

Green Bean Casserole:

  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed, and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 batch of Mushroom Alfredo Sauce
    • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
    • 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, thinly-sliced
    • 4 cloves of garlic, pressed or minced
    • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup of vegetable stock
    • 1 cup milk
    • ½ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
    • ½ tsp fine sea salt
    • ¼ tsp freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1 batch Crispy Onion Topping
    • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil, divided
    • 1 medium red onion, peeled and thinly-sliced
    • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
    • 1/4th cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
    • ¼ teaspoon each fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

Recipe for Green Bean Casserole:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F
  2. Heat a large stockpot of water over high-heat until it’s boiling. Meanwhile, trim and cut your green beans, then add them to the boiling water. Cook them for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred level of crispiness, though it’s a good idea to undercook them, as they’ll cook more in the oven. Use a slotted spoon or strainer to transfer the beans immediately into a large bowl of ice water, and give them a quick stir, preventing them from cooking longer. Afterward, set aside.
  3. For the next step of this green bean casserole, melt ½ tablespoon butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring until the onion is partially cooked, still holding its shape. Transfer the onion to a clean bowl and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter to the sauté pan along with the panko and stir to combine. Cook this for 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring until the panko is lightly golden. Remove this from the heat and transfer the panko to the bowl with the onions. Add in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper, and toss the onion mixture until evenly combined, setting it aside.
  4. Briefly rinse and dry the sauté pan; then return it to the stove. Melt the butter over medium-high heath, and add the mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring it occasionally until lightly browned and soft. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s Then, stir in the flour and sauté for an additional minute while stirring occasionally. Then, add in the vegetable stock and stir until the flour is evenly dissolved. Then, stir-in to combine the milk and Parmesan, and cook the sauce until it reaches a simmer and thickens. You can then remove it from heat and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine the green beans and mushroom alfredo sauce in the stockpot, and stir the green bean mixture until it’s all evenly combined. Transfer this to a 9 x 13 baking dish, and spread the green bean mixture out in an even layer, wherein you’ll sprinkle it evenly with the crispy onion topping mixture.
  6. Bake this dish for 25 minutes, or until the crispy onion topping is golden and crispy. You’ll want to watch this carefully so that it doesn’t burn, but if it begins to char, lay a piece of aluminum foil on top of the casserole.
  7. Remove from the oven and serve this side (or main dish) warm, by garnishing it with extra freshly-cracked black pepper and parsley while plating.

Once comfortable with the ingredients and procedure for green bean casserole , feel free to spice it up by adding extra cheese, cajun seasoning, bacon, or a little “kick” with crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeno slices. Customize this traditional side dish, and upgrade it to an unforgettable main dish.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

Top 6 Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Recipes

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the real feast begins!  Thanksgiving leftovers are undoubtedly one of the best things about this festive holiday. It’s easy to keep it to the classics when reheating casseroles, turkey, and mashed potatoes, but to get the most out of your favorite dishes reinvent the wheel with these delish leftover recipes.  If you have tons of leftover turkey in your freezer, all of these recipes are perfect for a weeknight meal.

1.  Thanksgiving Sandwich

This tasty sandwich includes all of your Thanksgiving favorites – turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. mayo

2 tbsp. Dijon mustard

4 slices toasted sourdough

2 cup leftover roasted turkey

1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

1/2 cup leftover stuffing

1/4 cup gravy, warmed

1/4 cup baby spinach, packed

Directions

In a small bowl, combine mayo and dijon mustard. Spread mixture on one side of the two pieces of bread. Then, top each of the slices with 1 cup of turkey, ¼ cup of mashed potatoes, 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce, ¼ cup of stuffing, and two tablespoons of gravy and spinach. Place second pieces of bread on top, slice in half, and enjoy!

2.  Thanksgiving Ring

This pull-apart crescent roll is everything.

Ingredients

  • 1 8-oz. tube crescent rolls
  • 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup leftover stuffing
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded leftover turkey
  • 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
  • 1 tbsp. melted butter
  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder
  • Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Leftover warmed gravy (for a dip)

Directions

First, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Unroll the crescent roll and separate each triangle. Then, arrange the crescent roll on a baking sheet in a starburst pattern, with the pointy end of the triangles facing outward. Make sure the bases of the triangles are overlapping.

Then, spread the mashed potatoes over the triangle bases, creating a ring. Then add the stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce on top of the mashed potatoes. Fold the triangle tips over the filling. Gaps where the ingredients peak out between the triangles are okay.

Brush the melted butter over the crescent dough and sprinkle garlic powder over it. Place in oven and bake until golden, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Top with parsley and serve with warmed gravy as a dip.

3.  Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup

This simple and easy soup is everything your classic chicken noodle soup is – just with your leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 leek, cleaned and chopped, whites and light green parts only
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups turkey stock(or low-sodium chicken broth)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 12-oz. package egg noodles
  • 3 cups cooked shredded turkey
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • Small bunch thyme
  • Small bunch rosemary
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

First, using a large pot over medium heat, add and heat oil. Once oil is hot, add carrots, celery, onion, and leek and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Next, add broth, water, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, oregano, and pinch red pepper flakes into the pot. Bring mixture a boil, add egg noodles, and cover and cook until pasta is cooked through, approximately 7 minutes. Remove rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf and discard.

Add turkey and simmer until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, then sit back and relax with a bowl of soup.

4.  Friendsgiving Nachos

These Friendsgiving nachos are perfect for sharing and getting rid of the massive amounts of leftovers taking over your fridge.

 Ingredients

  • 1 bag Ruffles potato chips
  • 1 c. Gouda
  • 1 c. cooked, shredded turkey
  • 1 1/2 c. leftover stuffing
  • 1 can cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 c. turkey gravy

Directions

First, preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit. As it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread potato chips on it. Top the chips with half of the cheese, turkey, and stuffing, then add more chips and add remaining cheese, turkey, and stuffing. Bake until the cheese has melted, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Top with cranberry sauce and drizzle turkey gravy over it. Enjoy!

5.  Turkey-Bacon-Avocado Grilled Cheese

Because who doesn’t like turkey, bacon, and avocado together?

Ingredients

  • 3 slices bacon
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 2 slices bread
  • 2 slices turkey
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 2 slices cheddar

Directions

First, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, approximately 6 minutes. Drain the excess grease on a paper towel, then wipe the pan down and reduce stovetop heat to medium.

Next, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the non-buttered side of one slice, layer turkey, bacon, avocado, and cheddar, then top the sandwich with the other slice of bread.

Place sandwich in the pan, cover, and cook until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until cheese is melty and bread is golden brown, approximately 2 minutes more.

Slice in half and serve.

6.  Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza

This recipe combines two of America’s favorite things – pizza and Thanksgiving. It’s a win-win.

Ingredients

  • 1 puff pastry sheet (thawed according to the instructions on the package)
  • 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
  • 5 tbsp gravy, divided
  • 1/4 cup corn
  • 1/4 cup green bean casserole
  • 1/2 cup chopped turkey
  • 1/2 cup stuffing
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup French fried onions
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Basil, parsley, or thyme for garnish

Directions

First, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, gently press puff pastry sheet into a greased 9-inch pie pan. Trim the corners of the puff pastry and use the trimmings to fill in any empty spaces along the sides of the pan.

Next, spread the mashed potatoes over the bottom and drizzle with two tablespoons of gravy, then top with corn and green bean casserole. Add the turkey, stuffing, and three tablespoons of gravy, and finally, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake the pizza at 400 degrees for about 18-20 minutes. Once finished, sprinkle with French fried onions and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes. Top with basil, parsley or thyme and freshly ground black pepper.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

 

 

 

 

Five Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

What do all of these things have in common: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, football scrimmages in the front yard, and lots of laughter?

That’s right, it’s finally Thanksgiving!

Whether you’re having the entire family over, are keeping it small, or having your annual Friendsgiving, these recipes from the Food Network are must-haves for every Thanksgiving Day celebration.

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving

Ingredients

Filling:

  • 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for buttering the baking dish
  • 3 to 4 large sweet potatoes (about 1 3/4 pounds), peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Special equipment: a 2-quart baking dish

For the sweet potatoes: Add 1 3/4 pounds peeled and cubed sweet potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and cool. Mash the sweet potatoes.

For the filling: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart baking dish.

Whisk together the butter, mashed sweet potatoes, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, salt and eggs in a large bowl. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

For the topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, butter and salt in a medium bowl until moist and the mixture clumps together. Stir in the pecans. Spread the mixture over the top of the sweet potatoes in an even layer. Bake until mostly set in the center and golden on top, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Alton Brown’s Best Ever Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

For the topping:

  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Nonstick cooking spray

For beans and sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, rinsed, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 12 ounces mushrooms, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup half-and-half

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.

Combine the onions, flour, panko and salt in a large mixing bowl and toss to combine. Coat a sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray and evenly spread the onions on the pan. Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. Toss the onions 2 to 3 times during cooking. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside until ready to use. Turn the oven down to 400 degrees F.

While the onions are cooking, prepare the beans. Bring a gallon of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil in an 8-quart saucepan. Add the beans and blanch for 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately plunge the beans into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

Melt the butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to give up some of their liquid, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and nutmeg and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. Add the broth and simmer for 1 minute. Decrease the heat to medium-low and add the half-and-half. Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in 1/4 of the onions and all of the green beans. Top with the remaining onions. Place into the oven and bake until bubbly, approximately 15 minutes. Remove and serve immediately.

Bobby Flay’s Parker House Rolls Thanksgiving Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for brushing
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

Place milk in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat, stir in the butter and sugar and let cool. Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit until foamy. Combine milk mixture, eggs, yeast, salt, and 1/2 of the flour in a mixer with the dough attachment and mix until smooth. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and stir until a smooth ball forms.

Remove from the bowl and knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 60 to 70 minutes. On a floured surface, punch down the dough and shape into desired shapes. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cover again and let rise until doubled, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Preheat the oven 350 degrees F.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter before serving.

Ree Drummond’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes Perfect for Thanksgiving

Ingredients

  • 5 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes
  • 1 1/2 sticks softened butter, plus more for baking
  • 1 1/2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Milk, if needed, for thinning

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Peel the potatoes and rinse them in cold water. Chop the potatoes in fourths. Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Drain the potatoes, and then return them to the pan. With the burner on low heat, mash the potatoes with a potato masher; the more steam that’s released while you mash, the better. Mash for about 5 minutes. Turn off the burner.

Add the butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, and seasonings. Stir to combine, and if the mixture needs thinning, add milk. Check the seasonings, adding salt and pepper, to taste.

Pour the mashed potatoes into a large casserole pan. Dot the surface with butter. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes. Serve immediately.

Sunny Anderson’s Cheesy Mushroom and Broccoli Casserole 

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter, plus extra for casserole dish
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 pound shiitake or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/4 cup onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 (10-ounce) box frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar-Monterey blend
  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Special equipment: 1 1/8-quart oval casserole dish

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Butter casserole dish. In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter and flour over medium heat until golden in color to make a quick roux. The roux should resemble the color of peanut butter.

Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, heavy cream and chicken stock. Add broccoli, 1 cup of the cheese and rice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour into buttered dish and top with remaining shredded Cheddar.

Bake until cheese is melted and golden, about 20 minutes.

For more delicious recipes that you can use for Thanksgiving, click here.

 

 

Thanksgiving Roast Turkey

 

Last, but certainly not least, we will be featuring a scrumptious Turkey recipe for our final recipe before Thanksgiving. This amazing roasted Turkey is a crisp, clean way to serve your bird this year. The rosemary and sage seasoning are a light, fresh seasoning choice that really makes this dish.

If you have missed some of our other great side dishes, you can find them here or here. And don’t forget this delicious dessert that we posted about here.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with friends and family.

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 12-14 lb. whole turkey, neck, and giblets removed
  • kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 bunch thyme
  • Small handful of rosemary sprigs
  • 1 small handful sage leaves
  • 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
  • 1/2 c. melted butter
  • 2 c. chicken broth

DIRECTIONS

  1. Position rack to the lower third of your oven and preheat oven to 450°. Pat turkey dry with paper towels and season the cavity generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with onion, thyme, rosemary, sage and garlic. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
  2. Brush butter all over turkey then season generously with salt and pepper. Place turkey breast side up on a roasting rack inside of a large pan. Pour chicken broth into the pan. Transfer to oven and immediately reduce oven heat to 350°.
  3. Baste every 30 to 45 minutes with the juices on the bottom of the pan, and roast for 3 to 4 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh. (The meat temperature should be 165°).
  4. Cover cooked turkey with aluminum foil and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.