During the festive season, nothing beats the comfort and joy of a traditional Christmas dinner to bring family and friends together. If you’re looking to create a memorable holiday feast, today’s recipe is a must-try. Our Traditional Christmas Dinner Menus Recipes 2 captures the essence of the season with a delicious combination of flavors and textures. From succulent roasted turkey to creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful cranberry sauce, this menu has all the classic dishes your loved ones will enjoy. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure and make this Christmas dinner one to remember!
**Traditional Christmas Dinner Menus Recipes 2**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
*For the Stuffing:*
– 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
*For the Gravy:*
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
*For the Cranberry Sauce:*
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– Zest of 1 orange
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
4. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with dried thyme.
5. Carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast and rub half of the seasoned butter underneath the skin. Rub the remaining butter over the entire surface of the turkey.
6. Place the chopped onion, celery, garlic, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme in a large bowl. Add the cubed bread and mix well to combine.
7. Stuff the turkey cavity with the prepared stuffing mixture. Secure the legs with kitchen twine.
8. Transfer the turkey to a roasting pan and pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pan.
9. Cover the turkey loosely with foil and roast in the preheated oven for about 3 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
10. Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
11. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
12. Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent with foil to rest before carving.
*For the Gravy:*
1. In a small saucepan, whisk together flour and broth until smooth.
2. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
*For the Cranberry Sauce:*
1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool before serving.
Enjoy your festive feast with this Traditional Christmas Dinner Menus Recipes 2, full of comforting flavors and holiday cheer. Serve alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls, to create a complete holiday spread that will delight your guests. Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food!
