A Roast Turkey meal complete with creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce is a quintessential holiday feast in the United States. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special gathering, this combination of dishes promises to impress. Let’s break down each element of this classic meal and learn how to prepare them step by step.

Roast Turkey Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-15 lbs)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 lemons, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preparation
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   • Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. Seasoning
   • Rub the softened butter under the skin of the turkey breast and over the entire surface. Season generously with salt and pepper inside and out.
   • Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion quarters, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Roasting
   • Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil over the top. Pour 1 cup of broth into the bottom of the pan.
   • Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes with pan drippings. Add more broth as needed to prevent drying.
4. Finishing Touches
   • Remove the foil for the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to become golden brown.
   • The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F (74°C).
   • Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cooking the Potatoes
   • Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot.
2. Mashing
   • Add the butter, milk or cream, and garlic (if using) to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serving
   • Transfer to a serving dish and top with a pat of butter or chopped chives if desired.

Savory Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Bread
   • Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly crispy.
2. Cooking the Vegetables
   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until softened. Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Mixing the Stuffing
   • In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and broth. Stir in the beaten egg to bind the mixture.
4. Baking
   • Transfer the stuffing to a greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 oz) bag of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup water
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Cooking the Cranberries
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and orange zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Simmering
   • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Cooling
   • Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Serving the Feast

Arrange your beautifully roasted turkey on a platter and surround it with bowls of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs, citrus slices, or cranberries for an elegant presentation. Pair the meal with a glass of wine or sparkling cider for a perfect celebration.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful feast that brings people together during the holiday season!