Okay, folks. The BEST meal of the year is almost upon us – THANKSGIVING!
And not only is this my favorite meal, it also happens to be my favorite holiday – gathering around the table with loved ones and sharing in a magnificent feast that’s guaranteed to make you loosen your belt by a notch or two!
And to show just how thankful I am for all of your support and your taking some of your precious time out of your day to read this, I have been working my tail off to put together a menu for you that’s not only perfect to adorn any Thanksgiving table, but also provides you with OPTIONS – 33 (yes, THIRTY-THREE) of them to be exact!
ALL of these recipes are easy to make with WONDERFUL results that will have everyone at the table thanking YOU for making them!
And while most of these recipes are Instant Pot-centric, there are a few in there that employ some great and simple traditional methods of cooking as well. You’ll also find many of the products I recommend to cook so many of these wonderful dishes at my Amazon shop (#amazoninfluencer).
So get out that apron (and put on the elastic sweatpants) and let’s get cluckin’!
***
Starters & Spreads
Divine Dill Pickle Dip
I know. The name may throw some people off, but don’t let that fool you. For once you’ve set the stage by putting this addicting dip out, you’ll be complimented non-stop by the pickle lovers and it will serve as a taste of all the great things to follow!
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
This classic dip needs no introduction. In fact, you’ll find it on the menu at just about any Americana-style restaurant (and at the novelty chains galore). So why not make the ultimate one for your friends and family? Indulgent. Addicting. Full of cheesy, creamy, green-y goodness!
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
I love putting out some deviled eggs with a spread before any meal! These babies are DY-NO-MITE! Such a little crowd pleaser because they aren’t only adorable to look at and pop in your mouth, they also taste absolutely AWESOME! Maybe it’s that Gold’s horseradish mixed with the creaminess of some fluffy, mayo-infused egg yolks but this is one that will go fast so make plenty and use these awesome egg caddies (especially if traveling and taking them to someone else’s house)!
Soups
Butternut Squash Soup
Probably the grand dame of soups to adorn a Thanksgiving table, my Butternut Squash Soup is basically an autumnal chowder. A soup that is full of a rich, savory flavor with just the right, light touch of sweet. Perfection.
Acorn Squash Soup
If you like your gourd-based soup sweeter, give my Acorn Squash Soup a go! This soup is sweet AND savory and also combines in some rich flavor thanks to the magic of a few spices. Definitely give this one a shot!
Cream of Bacon Soup
Yes – you read that correctly. No – this isn’t a joke. Cream of Bacon is a Keto and bacon lover’s cream come true! Absolutely one of the most comforting soups ever and truly out of this world delish!
Cream of Mushroom
One of my most popular soups! Once you make this, not only will you never want to try any other Cream of Mushroom again, but you’ll likely make it at least once a month! This is the REAL DEAL and tastes as gourmet as they come. What’s more? It’s a snap to make!
Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
This is the ultimate Tomato Soup. Like, even if you hate tomatoes, you’ll love this soup. Why? Because it’s so rich and creamy that it becomes something so magical and then topped off with those Grilled Cheese Croutons?! I mean, c’mon. A classic.
Roasted Garlic Soup with Garlic Bread Croutons
Speaking of croutons in soup, topping my acclaimed Roasted Garlic Soup with freshly made Garlic Bread Croutons is one of the finest combinations of bliss since…well, maybe ever. Astounding.
French Onion Soup
This is also one of the most popular recipes I’ve done. Not only is this soup so deeply rich in flavor and really easy to make, but it’s also better than practically any restaurant’s you’ve ever tried. This will please any crowd!
Minestrone Soup
If you’re a vegetarian and want one of the heartiest, flavorful and healthiest soups you can eat, my Minestrone is the one for you. LOADED with vegetables, pasta and a deep, rich tomato-based broth, this one is the ministry of Minestrones.
Chicken Noodle Matzoh Ball
Oy Gevalt! My chicken noodle soup is one of my most requested dishes by family and friends alike! It provides a flavor that is so homemade and so comforting, not only will everyone “mmm” and “ahh” while eating it at the table, they’ll also want it when they’re feeling under the weather or curled up on the couch watching Netflix on a chilly evening or snowy day! Make it with matzoh balls too!
Mains
Turkey, Stuffing & Gravy
They said it couldn’t be done. But they were wrong. Very, very wrong! A TURKEY is the crown jewel of most Thanksgiving tables, and if you have a smaller size family or are only dining for 2-4, then THIS is the recipe for you! Not only does it make some of the most tender, juicy and beautiful turkey ever, but it also makes it with some of the best gravy and stuffing all in one pot!
Turkey Breast & Gravy
If your pot’s not big enough to handle a whole turkey, go for a turkey breast! This absolutely phenomenal recipe will leave you with a turkey dinner that isn’t only exceptionally juicy and delicious, but done remarkably quickly and easily!
Jewish Brisket
One of my most POPULAR dishes! Not only is my Jewish Brisket is so tender and full of such a deep, rich, flavorful and sweet & tangy sauce, but it is also SO EASY TO MAKE! It’s also a GREAT compliment to a turkey and offers everyone at the table some poultry AND red meat! I guarantee you that if you make this, the entire table will beg you for the recipe, have seconds and have their eyes on the last piece. But make sure you’re a mensch and offer it to Nana or Pop Pop!
Pot Roast
Also one of my most POPULAR dishes! This is truly the Pot Roast to end all others. In fact, it’s so out-of-this-world spectacular, it can double as the most sublime Beef Stew you’ve ever had. I kid you not when I tell you that you and those you serve this to will worship you and think you are the greatest cook of all time
Meatloaf + Mashed Potatoes
When a dish of yours catches the attention of Rachael Ray (click here for clip), I think it’s safe to say it’s legit. This is a meatloaf that has earned its place amongst the best of them with the most tender and packed flavor in every slice and coated in a delectable glaze. And the biggest bonus yet? Making the most AMAZING Mashed Potatoes AT THE VERY SAME TIME IN THE VERY SAME POT! A total game changer.
Chicken Pot Pie
Sometimes people just aren’t into turkey. Sometimes they want something that’s still poultry-based while also keeping in line with the festiveness of Thanksgiving. Well, have I got a compromise for you! My Chicken Pot Pie is one for the books and I can assure you that it’s also one of the richest and creamiest you can try – especially since the filling is inspired by a Chicken & Dumplings texture and flavor!
Pasta
Sausage & Shells
There is a reason this is my #1 requested pasta. Stampedes of sausage in oodles of noodles tossed in an incomparable Florentine garlic, parmesan cream sauce will render you (and your loved ones) speechless. Try it and you’ll see what I mean.
Cacio E Pepe
When a recipe causes a massive controversy and has nonnas chasing you with rolling pins fighting over which recipe is the best, you KNOW you had to create a great recipe that deserves attention! Think of this as a spicy, Italian Mac & Cheese but using spaghetti instead. It’s loaded with cheese and pepper to give it a wonderful flavor.
French Onion Pasta
When you combine the loves of French Onion Soup with pasta, you get the most unbelievably beefy, oniony, cheesy, creamy pasta ever. Think of it a French Onion Soup marrying a Mac & Cheese. Because this is truly one of the most wonderful and rich pastas and sides dishes to go with any hearty meal.
Linguine with White Clam Sauce
What else can I say other than if you love Linguine and Clams in a substantial and beautiful Garlic White Wine Sauce, that this pasta is an absolute must-have? Because it is. Don’t believe me? Just go to my facebook page and ask anyone there.
Smokey Duck Mac & Cheese
You really can’t go wrong with Macaroni & Cheese making an appearance at, well, any meal really. This version kicks it up a notch because it adds in the elements and flavors of some magnificent smoky duck! This is such a rich, creamy and comforting dish that I suggest you make plenty of as it may be one of the first things at the table to go!
Sides
Stuffing
Move aside, boxed stuffing, because THIS “stuff” is the real deal! Done in a super handy bundt pan that will fit your 6 or 8qt Instant Pot, this stuffing is SO easy to slice into portions and is mouth-wateringly good. Pour some gravy over it and then prepare for a trip to Thanksgiving food nirvana! Of course, it pairs perfectly with my Turkey!
Cranberry Bacon Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Ah, the controversial Brussels sprout. Many love it, others hate it. I used to be in the latter camp but NOT ANYMORE! The amounts of flavor this incredible vegetable side provides is so outrageous (sweet AND savory), that I’d be willing to bet that anyone who hated them before will become a convert and love them forever! If you want them in a more spicy, Asian-style, try these out too!
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
So my fabulous Acorn Squash Soup is replacing Butternut Squash Soup at the table this year, but in case you still want a squash of the Butternut variety to make an appearance at your Thanksgiving table, then BOY is THIS creamy risotto dish for you! SO easy to make, you and yours will fawn over how truly wonderful this tastes – think of it as a creamy, rice pasta that is easily managed to be vegan and vegetarian friendly!
Maple Glazed Carrots
These carrots are as close to candy without being candy as you’re going to get. A wonderful sweet side that is a great alternative to sweet potatoes coated in a delectable maple sauce and made in no time at all, you’ll have no trouble convincing any kids to eat their veggies AND love it at the same time!
Cauliflower Purée
How about foregoing mashed potatoes this year and settling for something SO much healthier and less carb-y, but will also fool everyone into thinking they were actually eating mashed potatoes? I’m not even kidding here – I’d be the first one to call out if something didn’t taste like something else but this one is so astounding in the texture and taste that you won’t even be able to tell. Even the staunchest of cauliflower haters will be proven wrong on this one. How do I know this? Because I used to be one of them myself! This is a HUGE hit at every gathering I serve this at.
Aligot
Okay so you know that thing I said about mashed potatoes above? I couldn’t resist and had to do one anyway – BUT not the way you may be used to! Aligot (pronounced “alley-go”) is a French dish that takes mashed potatoes to the next level. Like 40 levels higher. And this is because we add in a TON of cheese to our potatoes along with some cream to make them stretch and stretch and STRETCH to give you literally the CHEESIEST mashed potatoes of your life. Serve this with some of that Turkey gravy on it and you’ll never look back. This side dish is going to WOW everyone at your table!
Desserts
Bread Pudding with Bourbon Glaze
It’s hard to resist this. It really is. So DON’T! This bread pudding is so easy to serve and is super moist thanks to the cooking of it in a bundt pan. Great for portion control as this is one SUPER decadent dessert! And that bourbon glaze we’ll cascade over the bread pudding in the final step just sets everything over the edge!
Apple Crumble
What can be more fitting for the season than some superb and gooey Apple Crumble? I love making this recipe just about anytime of year – especially on the 4th of July (talk about an All-American dish). But there’s also something about it making an appearance during the fall with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream to accompany it. It just fits together like a glove and will make any apple pie lover very happy!
Pumpkin Pop’ems Ice Cream
Want a frozen treat? This Pumpkin Ice Cream infused with glazed Pop’ems will have everyone scooping up every last ounce! SO easy and fun to make in your ice cream maker and a real crowd pleaser!
Pumpkin Spice Cider
Find a wonderful nightcap in my Pumpkin Spice Cider – the PERFECT follow-up to any Thanksgiving meal! Not only is this a rich and comforting drink, but it will be perfect for the kids AND for when they go to bed so mom & dad (or Uncle Jeffrey) can sneak a little rum or bourbon into it after the dishes are done and we’re sprawled out on the couch watching our favorite Barbra Streisand specials (okay fine, or Football games too).
***
Well, do you have your comfy clothes on yet? Because you’re gonna want them waiting in the wings after this incredible feast you are about to prepare for your loved ones!
And of course this list is merely a suggestion for a sublime Thanksgiving menu you can cook up with MANY other options also available right here at Pressure Luck! Whatever you decide to make, just make sure you spend it with loved ones and ENJOY THE MOMENT!
A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL! ???
Xoxox,
Jeffrey
Leave a Reply