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19 Ina Garten Thanksgiving Recipes for the Perfect Holiday Feast
The Barefoot Contessa has ideas for turkey, stuffing, vegetables, salads and more.
When it comes to tasty, trustworthy recipes sure to please, Ina Garten (aka the Barefoot Contessa) is a reliable source. So while the pros in the GH Test Kitchen dream up their own triple-tested recipes for every holiday (including Thanksgiving dinner!), we're thrilled to share Ina Garten's Thanksgiving recipes for extra inspiration to make this year's feast one to remember.
Garten has assembled a no-stress but superb meal for GH, from her savory marcona almonds to her famous apple crostata — an easy alternative to pie. She has you covered for the whole day with Thanksgiving turkey, side dishes (including roasted veggies, mashed potatoes and festive salads) and classic Turkey Day desserts. And while you might not think you can cook like this celebrity chef, Ina has shared her top tips for Thanksgiving with us in the past. According to her, it's all about keeping things simple and easy. Two rules of thumb? "Never, ever test a new recipe on guests for any reason. This is particularly true on Thanksgiving, when there's so much to do," and "Skip complicated appetizers; just serve nuts, good olives, or figs and prosciutto with wine or Champagne," she said.
So whether you're throwing a Friendsgiving, entertaining just a few family members or hosting a large crowd, you can't go wrong with any of these top-notch Thanksgiving recipes from Ina Garten herself.
Luscious Roast Turkey
Brush the turkey all over with butter for a flavorful — and gorgeously golden-brown — bird.
Get the Luscious Roast Turkey recipe.
RELATED: 53 Easy Leftover Turkey Recipes That You Won't Get Tired Of
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These garlicky spuds swap in olive oil for the typical butter... but don't hold back on the heavy cream.
Get the Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe.
RELATED: How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes and Make Your Holidays a Little Easier
Cape Cod Chopped Salad
Crispy bacon and creamy blue cheese make this a salad fit for a holiday feast.
Get the Cape Cod Chopped Salad recipe.
RELATED: 70 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Steal the Show
Herb and Apple Stuffing
This fall stuffing is studded with fresh flavor like apples, celery and parsley.
Get the Herb and Apple Stuffing recipe.
RELATED: 28 Leftover Stuffing Recipes That Make the Most Out of Thanksgiving's Best Dish
Homemade Gravy
A splash of Cognac or brandy takes this gravy over the top. No Thanksgiving turkey is complete without it!
Get the Homemade Gravy recipe.
Thyme-Roasted Marcona Almonds
Marcona almonds are extra buttery and delicious — just buy 'em from the store, sprinkle with salt and herbs and roast until warm and nutty.
Get the Thyme-Roasted Marcona Almonds recipe.
Winter Squash Soup
Start off your feast with this easy-to-make — and easy-to-eat — one-pot soup.
Get the Winter Squash Soup recipe.
RELATED: 37 Best Butternut Squash Recipes That Are Easy to Make for Fall
String Beans with Shallots
Leave it to Ina to find a way to make these often-overlooked veggies the standout dish on the dinner table, using just 4 ingredients.
Get the String Beans with Shallots recipe.
RELATED: 23 Thanksgiving Green Beans That Are Delicious and Easy to Make for Turkey Day
Orange-Braised Carrots and Parsnips
These OJ-braised veggies get a little flavor kick from crushed red pepper flakes — double the amount for even more oomph. No shallots? Half a small onion also works.
Brussels Sprouts Lardons
The addition of bacon will help convert any Brussels sprouts haters. Or, be super fancy like Ina and use pancetta.
Get the Brussels Sprouts Lardons recipe.
Cranberry Fruit Conserve
It's time to skip the canned cranberry sauce. This sweet and tangy side gets crunch from walnuts and tang from lemon and orange zest.
Get the Cranberry Fruit Conserve recipe.
RELATED: 19 Cranberry Sauce Recipes That'll Convince You to Ditch the Can Opener
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Squash and apples in one dish? Talk about a fall dream come true. Serve with toasted baguette slices spread with goat cheese.
Green Beans Gremolata
Top crisp-tender green beans with a bright and crunchy gremolata of parsley, Parmesan, pine nuts, lemon peel and garlic. Yum!
Get the Green Beans Gremolata recipe.
Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits
If assembling pumpkin pie recipes is too much work (we feel ya!), keep it simple with these 30-minute parfaits.
Get the Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits recipe.
Raspberry Cheesecake
For a lacquer-like topping, toss fresh berries in warmed jelly. Easy!
Get the Raspberry Cheesecake recipe.
RELATED: 75 Best Thanksgiving Desserts That Make Turkey Day Extra Sweet
Baked Chocolate Pudding
This one's for all the chocolate lovers: A splash of framboise liqueur adds an elegant touch to Thanksgiving night's dessert.
Get the Baked Chocolate Pudding recipe.
Pecan Squares
Pecan pie has a whole new look — but the same quintessential (and delicious) flavor.
Get the Pecan Squares recipe.
Apple Crostata
The dough for this easier, free-form version of apple pie can be made in advance. All you have to do on the big day is roll it out, fill it, and pop it in the oven as you sit down to feast.
Get the Apple Crostata recipe.
Ultimate Pumpkin Pie with Rum Whipped Cream
This pumpkin pie and its whipped cream topping are made with a splash of dark rum, making this American classic even more irresistible.
Clarkson Potter Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Can't get enough? We totally understand. Check out Ina's new cookbook for more staple sides, mains and desserts that'll wow your guests at any dinner party.
Samantha (she/her) is an Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success. She has taste-tasted hundreds of products and recipes since joining GH in 2020 (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
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