Turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie: Here are some of traditional dishes served on Thanksgiving

Food served on Thanksgiving in the USA generally includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Other popular dishes are green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and various types of bread or biscuits. Many of these ingredients are native to America, and their inclusion in modern meals reflects historical traditions.

A typical hearty Thanksgiving dinner has several main and side dishes.

Roast turkey

The centerpiece of the meal, though, Tukey was not present at the very first Thanksgiving.

Mashed potatoes

A staple side, often served with gravy.

Stuffing

A bread-based dish that is sometimes cooked inside the turkey as stuffing or in a separate dish as dressing.

Green bean casserole

A very popular dish, famously made with beans, mushrooms, cream or milk, and topped with fried onions.

Sweet potatoes

It can be prepared in various ways, such as a casserole, often topped with marshmallows.

Gravy

A rich sauce, typically made from turkey drippings.

Cranberry sauce

A sweet and sour sauce made from cranberries and oranges.

Desserts

Pumpkin pie

The classic Thanksgiving dessert, though many recipes use butternut squash.

Pecan pie

A rich, sweet pie with a nutty flavor.

Apple pie

Another common American dessert often features a spiced apple filling.

Other dishes

Cornbread

A type of savory bread that is often used in stuffing.

Biscuits

Soft, flaky rolls are a common addition to the meal.

Leftovers

Turkey leftovers are traditionally enjoyed the day after in the form of sandwiches or casseroles.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

Baked Fried Onions

1 medium onion

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 large egg

1 Tablespoon milk

Green Bean Casserole

1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon salt

500 grams fresh green beans, rinsed, ends trimmed, and halved

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

200 grams sliced mushrooms

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth

300ml fresh cream

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

For the onions

Thinly slice the onion, and separate the slices. Pour flour into one small bowl, panko, salt, and pepper into a medium bowl, and whisk the egg and milk together in another small bowl. To bread the onion slices, you’ll want to use one hand for dry and one hand for wet. It helps things move a little quicker and easier. First, dip a few slices into the flour. Then, into the egg mixture. And finally, dip them into the panko and coat them well. Place onto a baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the onions. Bake onions until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Flip them twice during this time. Set them aside.

Reduce oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).

Blanch the green beans

Bring a gallon of water and 1 Tablespoon of salt to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the green beans and boil for 5 minutes. Fill a large bowl with ice water and set it near the sink. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again, and set aside.

For the casserole

Over medium-high heat, melt the butter in a large 10- to 12-inch ovenproof skillet. Add the mushrooms, 1 teaspoon salt, and the pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to release some moisture. This takes about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, stir, and cook for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour on top and stir until combined. The flour will soak up all the moisture. Add the chicken broth and simmer for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cream. Stirring occasionally, cook until the mixture is thick-about 10 minutes or maybe more if you prefer a thicker sauce.

Remove from the heat and add about a quarter of the onions and all of the green beans. Give it a good stir, combining the sauce and beans. Transfer the mushroom gravy mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with remaining onions and bake until bubbling around the edges, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve warm.