Thanksgiving for a crowd is truly one of the best times of the year! There’s something magical about gathering friends and family around a big table, sharing laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food. I remember my first Thanksgiving hosting a large group—it was a delightful chaos of flavors and voices, and the joy in the room was palpable. The aroma of roasting turkey wafting through the house made it feel so cozy and festive. Trust me, when you see everyone enjoying your meal, it fills your heart with warmth and gratitude. Let’s dive into creating that same magic together!
Ingredients List
- Turkey – 15 lbs, thawed if frozen
- Butter – 1 cup, softened
- Salt – 2 tbsp
- Pepper – 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 2 tsp
- Onion powder – 2 tsp
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) – 1/2 cup, chopped
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Green beans – 2 lbs, trimmed
- Cranberry sauce – 2 cups, homemade or canned
- Stuffing – 2 boxes, your choice of flavor
- Pumpkin pie – 2, store-bought or homemade
How to Prepare Thanksgiving for a Crowd
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of preparing this Thanksgiving feast! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise, the results will be worth every moment. First things first, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to go because we’re about to create some holiday magic!
Preparing the Turkey
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Next, grab that beautiful 15-pound turkey and give it a good rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get nice and crispy! Now, let’s add flavor: rub the softened butter all over the turkey, making sure to get it under the skin if you can. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder generously all over. Don’t be shy! Finally, stuff the turkey with your fresh herbs. This will add such an amazing aroma while it cooks!
Cooking the Turkey
Place your turkey in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth around it—this keeps it moist and adds flavor. Now, roast that beauty in the oven for about 3 to 4 hours. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; you’re aiming for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If the skin starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. Once it’s done, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This is key for juicy slices!
Making the Sides
While the turkey is roasting, you can get started on the sides. For the green beans, simply trim them and boil in salted water for about 5-7 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and toss with a bit of butter and salt for flavor. As for the stuffing, follow the package instructions to make it easy-peasy. You can even add some sautéed onions or celery for an extra touch! By the time you’re done, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your feast will be almost ready to serve!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for this Thanksgiving feast, perfect for a crowd! Each serving (1 slice of turkey with stuffing) contains approximately 450 calories, 25g of fat, 30g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Remember, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving for a crowd goes off without a hitch, here are some of my favorite tips! First, prep as much as you can the day before—chop your herbs, make the cranberry sauce, and even prepare the stuffing. This will save you so much time on the big day! Also, don’t forget to let your turkey sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting; it helps it cook evenly. Lastly, keep a close eye on the turkey’s temperature and use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way in making your feast stress-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation—perfect for busy hosts
- Flavorful and juicy turkey that impresses every time
- Ideal for large gatherings, serving 12 hearty portions
- Classic sides that complement the main dish beautifully
- Flexible ingredients that cater to your family’s preferences
- Creates a warm and festive atmosphere for everyone
- Leftovers make delicious sandwiches or snacks!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Thanksgiving spread, consider serving warm dinner rolls with butter, a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette, and mashed potatoes smothered in gravy. For a festive touch, add roasted root vegetables or a cheese platter with seasonal fruits. These sides will complement your turkey beautifully and create a memorable dining experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your Thanksgiving feast, store any leftovers in airtight containers. The turkey can stay in the fridge for up to 4 days, while stuffing and sides should be eaten within 3 days for the best quality. When it’s time to reheat, cover the turkey with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through. This keeps it moist and flavorful—no one likes dry turkey!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare the turkey the night before?
Absolutely! You can season the turkey and let it marinate overnight in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before roasting.
How can I ensure the turkey is juicy?
Letting it rest after cooking is key—it allows the juices to redistribute. Also, using a meat thermometer helps prevent overcooking!
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries! Dried herbs work just fine; use about 1 tablespoon of each dried herb instead of fresh.
Can I use a larger turkey?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. A good rule of thumb is about 13-15 minutes per pound.
What sides go well with turkey?
Classic sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans are always a hit. Feel free to mix in your family favorites!
Thanksgiving for a Crowd: 7 Secrets to a Joyful Feast
- Gesamtzeit: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings
- Ernährung: None
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious Thanksgiving meal for a large gathering.
Zutaten
- Turkey – 15 lbs
- Butter – 1 cup
- Salt – 2 tbsp
- Pepper – 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 2 tsp
- Onion powder – 2 tsp
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) – 1/2 cup
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Green beans – 2 lbs
- Cranberry sauce – 2 cups
- Stuffing – 2 boxes
- Pumpkin pie – 2
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Prepare the turkey by rubbing butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder all over.
- Stuff the turkey with fresh herbs.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth around it.
- Roast the turkey for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the turkey cooks, prepare the green beans and stuffing according to package instructions.
- Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.
- Serve with cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
Notes
- Make sure to check the turkey temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Consider making sides a day ahead for easier preparation.
- Keep the turkey covered with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 4 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Roasting
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice of turkey with stuffing
- Kalorien: 450
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 900mg
- Fett: 25g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterin: 120mg
Keywords: thanksgiving for a crowd
