Description
if you’re looking to elevate your dinner table with both classic and innovative dishes, you’ve come to the right place! The holidays are a time to gather with family, reflect on the year gone by, and indulge in delicious food.
Ingredients
Scale
1. Brine and Smoke Turkey
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons crushed garlic
- 2 tablespoons rosemary
- 1-gallon water
- Wood chips (hickory or applewood)
2. Pumpkin Cheesecake
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
3. Vegan Mashed Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
4. Pumpkin Risotto
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
5. Crispy-Skin Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Brine and Smoke Turkey
- Brine the Turkey: In a large pot, combine water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, garlic, and rosemary. Heat the mixture until the sugar and salt dissolve. Let it cool completely.
- Soak the Turkey: Submerge the turkey in the brine, making sure it’s fully covered. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, but overnight is ideal.
- Prepare for Smoking: After brining, rinse the turkey and pat it dry. Preheat your smoker to 225°F, adding wood chips for a smoky flavor.
- Smoke the Turkey: Place the turkey in the smoker and cook for about 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the base of a springform pan. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree and spices, then mix in the eggs one at a time. Add heavy cream and mix until combined.
- Bake: Pour the filling into the crust and bake at 325°F for 55-60 minutes, or until set. Let cool completely before refrigerating.
3. Vegan Mashed Potatoes
- Cook Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
- Mash: Drain and mash the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, and almond milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: For extra creaminess, add more almond milk until desired consistency is reached.
4. Pumpkin Risotto
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Cook Rice: Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes. Pour in white wine and stir until absorbed.
- Add Broth: Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring often. After 10 minutes, add the pumpkin puree and continue cooking.
- Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, if using, and cook until the rice is tender.
5. Crispy-Skin Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter
- Prepare the Turkey: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Rub the turkey with softened butter and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Herb Butter: Mix the thyme, rosemary, and garlic with the butter, then stuff some under the skin.
- Roast: Roast the turkey for 2-3 hours, or until the skin is golden and crispy, basting occasionally.
Notes
Try out these recipes this Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to share your results with friends and family! Whether you’re looking to update your traditional dishes or create new family favorites, these recipes are sure to make Thanksgiving 2025 an unforgettable experience.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Thanksgiving recipes