Turkey Day is fast approaching, so chances are you’re planning out your Thanksgiving dishes.
Whether you’re hosting a big affair or whipping together something for your family, it’s tricky to separate the good enough from the truly spectacular recipes.
To help you serve up a stellar feast, we’ve tracked down tried-and-true Thanksgiving dishes guaranteed to make your meal a success.
Consider this your cheat sheet to a flawless Thanksgiving meal. Dig in!
First course: Butternut Squash Soup
While you’re waiting for the rest of your meal to come together, serve up a bowl of creamy, curry-spiced squash soup.
For a special touch, top the soup with fried sage leaves or homemade croutons with melted Gruyere cheese.
You may be doing your guests’ waistline a favor: Research shows that people who start this meal with a filling soup eat fewer calories during the meal.
Main: Roast Turkey
Some chefs swear by brining or deep-frying their bird, but the simplest approach may be the best.
This version, from Simply Recipes, calls for the basics: butter, lemon, veggies and spices.
The result is juicy, flavor-infused meat that’s not too fussy and practically foolproof.
Side: Golden-Crusted Brussels Sprouts
Even the brussels sprout haters in your crew will love this flavor-packed recipe.
Although it’s deceptively simple, it creates perfectly roasted veggies that are crunchy on the outside and soft in the inside.
With just the right amount of seasoning and a sprinkle of cheese, your family will gobble them up.
Side: Stuffing
This recipe is delicious on its own, or you can use it as a base for your family’s favorites, whether it’s extra vegetables, sausages or oysters.
Dessert: Pumpkin Pie and Apple Galette
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a piece of pumpkin pie, and this delicious recipe from Smitten Kitchen hits all the right notes: Warm cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger woven into a smooth pumpkin filling.
When you’re cooking a number of dishes, timing is key — unless you want to serve supper at midnight.
So do yourself a favor and keep dishes simple: Pinch My Salt’s apple galette tastes like mom’s grandma’s pie, but skips the extra steps it takes to create that perfect lattice top.