theBlackBrian / Veganbaking.net / Dinner Series, Flickr

Feeling up for a challenge this Thanksgiving? Sick of the canned cranberry sauce and the pre-made, store-bought turkey? Try cooking an entire feast for your family… from scratch! Let’s face it, in the end, you may be a little bit worn out, but you get to eat the delicious results and bask in the light of your own accomplishment. This year, let Thanksgiving dinner be your Mona Lisa with these classic recipes, which you can make from scratch.

* Note: photos do not depict the end result of the cooking process, and should not be used to guide your cooking.

 

Roast Turkey with Mediterranean Rub

 

 

The most important part of any traditional Thanksgiving meal is the turkey, and who better to provide a top-notch turkey recipe than the kings of turkey at Butterball? This recipe has a little more of a kick to it than your grandma's roasted turkey.

Serves 12, preps in 10 minutes and cooks in 3 hours.

 

theBlackBrian, Flickr

 

You really can’t have turkey without gravy. Your dinner guests will revolt. The Food Network’s Alton Brown has a recipe for the Best Gravy Ever. Really. That’s the name. Try it out for yourself and see if the recipe actually matches the name.

Serves 10 to 12, preps in 10 minutes and cooks in 15 minutes.

 

Glory Foods, Flickr

Cornbread Stuffing with Apples and Sausage

 

 

You’ve only just begun climbing the feast mountain at this point because the turkey really isn’t complete without stuffing. The Neelys, from Down Home with the Neelys, are known for flavorful, Southern home style recipes, which makes them the perfect candidates for a fantastic stuffing recipe.

Serves 4 to 6, preps in 10 minutes and cooks in 45 minutes.

 

Veganbaking.net, Flickr

Cranberry-Apple Chutney

 

 

Tired of the traditional cranberry sauce? How about some chutney instead? This recipe for cranberry chutney gives the meal a tasty twist and will garnish the turkey nicely.

Serves 12, preps in 15 minutes and cooks in 20 minutes (also allow time to cool).

 

Skånska Matupplevelser, Flickr

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese and Chives

 

 

Keep climbing. Your turkey now has plenty of garnishing, but guests’ plates still need filling. What’s Thanksgiving without some mashed potatoes? It’s just not.

Serves 4 to 6, preps in 10 minutes and cooks in 15 minutes.

 

gkdavie, Flickr

French’s Green Bean Casserole

 

 

You’re not done yet. Those plates need to be filled with vegetables, and who doesn’t love some classic green bean casserole at Thanksgiving? It's a great way to sneak in some vegetables.

Serves 6, preps in 5 minutes and cooks in 35 minutes.

 

arnold | inuyaki, Flickr

Kicked Up Corn Maque Choux

 

 

Just in case some eaters aren't fans of green beans, having some corn on hand isn’t a bad idea. Emeril has a kicky recipe that’ll wake everyone up a bit as they work their way around their plates.

Serves 6, preps in 10 minutes and cooks in 13 minutes.

 

chick_pea_pie, Flickr

Parker House Rolls

 

 

People love carbs and rolls are a great way to satisfy this craving. Here’s a good, old-fashioned recipe from Bobby Flay.

Makes 24 rolls, preps in 20 minutes, sits for 2 hours and cooks in 25 minutes.

 

BryanAlexander, Flickr

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

 

 

That’s it. Dinner is done, but there’s one last little bit to do before you’ve conquered the meal. You must delight your guests with a classic Thanksgiving dessert, and that often means making an unbelievable pumpkin pie. Paula Deen knows how to win anyone over with dessert, so she’s got this one covered.

Serves 6, preps in 8 minutes and cooks in 40 minutes.

 

Dinner Series, Flickr

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