Thanksgiving dinner

Traditional meal associated with the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States and Canada

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving dinner is a traditional meal celebrated in the United States and Canada during the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a time for family and friends to gather and give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. The meal is often centered around a large roasted turkey, accompanied by a variety of side dishes and desserts.

Main Dishes

Turkey

A roasted turkey, the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner.

The centerpiece of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey, which is usually roasted and served with gravy. The turkey is often stuffed with a mixture of bread, herbs, and spices, known as stuffing or dressing.

Ham

In addition to turkey, some families also serve ham as an alternative or additional main dish. The ham is typically glazed with honey or brown sugar and baked until tender.

Side Dishes

Stuffing

Stuffing, also known as dressing, is a seasoned bread mixture that is either cooked inside the turkey or baked separately. Common ingredients include bread, onions, celery, herbs, and broth.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a staple side dish, often served with gravy. They are made by boiling potatoes and mashing them with butter, milk, and seasoning.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment made from cranberries, sugar, and water. It is often served alongside turkey to complement its flavor.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a popular side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are often served in various forms, such as mashed, roasted, or in a sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows or pecans.

Desserts

Pumpkin Pie

A slice of pumpkin pie, a classic Thanksgiving dessert.

Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert made with a spiced pumpkin filling in a pastry crust. It is often served with whipped cream.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is another popular dessert, made with a filling of pecans, eggs, butter, and sugar, baked in a pie crust.

Apple Pie

Apple pie is a traditional dessert made with a filling of spiced apples and a flaky pastry crust.

Beverages

Common beverages served during Thanksgiving dinner include apple cider, wine, and coffee.

Related Pages

• Thanksgiving
• Harvest festival
• American cuisine
• Canadian cuisine