Ultimate turkey on a plate

Thanksgiving is one of America’s oldest traditions, first being celebrated in 1621 when the Pilgrims shared a ‘Thanksgivings’ meal with the Wampanoag people. Now it’s a way to get loved ones around the table and ‘give thanks’ to them, and we couldn’t think of a better way to share the love.

To help you throw a real show-stopper of a dinner, we have the essential recipes you need. Plus, we have great tips and tricks to help you get ahead, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.

Let’s talk turkey. It’s the big deal on Thanksgiving, but Jamie’s perfect roast turkey recipe will make sure you have beautifully cooked meat every time. He shows you how to get ahead, what to do on the day, plus how best to rest and carve it.

And for the veggies and vegans, this colourful stuffed butternut squash recipe is ideal. Bursting with cranberries, sun-dried tomatoes and chestnuts, it’s a festive treat. Or how about this amazing nut roast recipe in a spicy sauce? Watch Jamie show you how it’s done.

MASHED POTATOES

bowl of mash seasoned with pepper

Buttery, creamy and super-comforting, a dollop of smooth mashed potato is essential to soak up all that lovely turkey gravy. Add a little heat with some horseradish or mustard, bring a little freshness with herbs and lemon zest, or enrich with a grating of cheese. Get ahead and make your potatoes a couple of days before and they’ll sit happily covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Find out more.

Gravy can make or break a roast, but you know you’re onto a winner with Jamie’s Get-ahead gravy. Whether you’re cooking a meat, vegetarian or vegan feast, we’ve got the recipes you need to give you the most extraordinary gravy. 

A Thanksgiving feast wouldn’t be complete without a sweet potato dish, and this one topped with marshmallows is the perfect accompaniment to the more savoury dishes.

This stunner of a dish would make a great addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Parsnips and shallots are enveloped in a shallot compote, then wrapped in puff pastry, before being served with a hot apple balsamic sauce. Heavenly.

Don’t like Brussels? Then you haven’t tried this recipe. Apple provides a lovely sweetness, while sausage and Worcestershire sauce (Jamie’s secret ingredient!) ensure they’re beyond delicious. Make ahead and crisp up in the oven, or pan-fry to perfection. 

Green beans in some form are a Thanksgiving tradition, and these ones, pepped up with lemon, have that irresistible zing. For maximum flavour, dress them when they’re warm.

For those wanting to make their own stuffing, you can’t go wrong with this one. The combo of sweet apricots and savoury sausagemeat is beautiful, and goes so well with turkey on Thanksgiving – or in a sarnie the next day!

Ramp up your usual cranberry sauce offering with Jamie’s tasty twist. It doesn’t take long to make, but seriously delivers on flavour. You’ll be coming back to this recipe time and again. 

Perfect pumpkin pie

Jamie’s take on the classic Thanksgiving dessert is the perfect way to round off your feast. You can use any squash or pumpkin to create the creamy filling, but it’s the sweet topping of pecan praline and cranberry rippled cream that takes this one to the next level. Fancy a crumble topping? Try this one. Gluten-free? We’ve got the recipe for you. 

For something a bit different for pudding, why not try this dessert? With beautiful pecans and a rich bourbon whiskey filling, it’s just so delicious. Just add a scoop of ice cream.

Nothing will get your grown-up guests into the holiday spirit like this Champagne cocktail. Finished with brandy and orange zest, it’s a lovely Thanksgiving tipple.

Not only does this pie look spectacular, it tastes incredible. Topped with cranberries and sage, it’s a brilliant way to feed a crowd and use up any leftover turkey the next day.

For more ideas, check out our Thanksgiving recipe collection.