A Fashionable Feast: Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Delights!

The Crème de la Crème 10 Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes from Ina Garten, Tried and Tested in Over 1,000 Cook Sessions

Here are my top 10 Thanksgiving recipes from Ina Garten out of the 1,000 I’ve cooked.

Three pumpkin parfaits on a tray next to photo of turkey roulade filled with stuffing and sliced on wood board

Calling all fashion-forward foodies! Get ready to feast your eyes and your taste buds on the most fabulous Thanksgiving dinner ever, courtesy of the one and only Ina Garten. As a self-proclaimed Garten groupie, I’ve tried all of her recipes and I’m here to share my top picks for the ultimate stylish holiday spread.

A Solid Game Plan: The Key to a Successful Thanksgiving Dinner

If there’s one thing Ina Garten has taught me, it’s the importance of a well-executed plan. I may go a little overboard with my early October menu planning, but trust me, it pays off. From dishes to timelines to grocery lists, my meal prep is a well-oiled machine. And lucky for you, I’ve got you covered too. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the delicious details!

  1. Autumn Sangria: The Perfect Seasonal Sip
Dark red sangria in a small cup with a wedge of apple on the rim

Let’s kick off the festivities with a seasonal cocktail. But not just any cocktail – Ina’s autumn sangria. This drink is the epitome of balance, with a mix of cabernet sauvignon, apple cider, apple and pear brandy, and cinnamon syrup. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time and let those flavors mingle in the most fashionable way. Be warned though, these drinks pack a punch!

  1. Turkey Roulade: Carving? No, Thank You!
Turkey stuffed with a stuffing center sliced on a wood cutting board

Who needs the hassle of carving a whole turkey when you can serve up a stunning turkey roulade instead? Picture a deboned turkey breast, filled with a mouthwatering cranberry, sausage, and fig stuffing, all rolled up, baked to perfection, and sliced with sheer elegance. And if you’re determined to go all out with a full bird, Ina’s Accidental Turkey with the dry-brined method is an absolute game changer!

  1. Parmesan Smashed Potatoes: Peel-Free Perfection
Smashed parmesan potatoes piled in a bowl

Now, let’s talk side dishes. We all love Ina’s truffle mashed potatoes, but when it comes to smothering your spuds in gravy, her Parmesan smashed potatoes steal the spotlight. Not only do you get to skip the pesky task of peeling potatoes, but the addition of sour cream and tangy Parmesan takes these spuds to a whole new level. A fashion-forward twist on a classic comfort food!

  1. Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy: Sip It, Savor It
A whisk in a pool of light-colored gravy

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a fabulous gravy, and Ina Garten knows precisely how to whip up a winner. With her make-ahead turkey gravy, you might just find yourself sipping on a cup of this liquid gold while you prepare the rest of the meal. Made with onions, sage, and a whole lot of fabulousness, this gravy can be lovingly prepared days in advance and simply rewarmed on the big day. Who needs a drink when you’ve got Ina’s gravy in hand?

  1. Mushroom-and-Leek Bread Pudding: Stuffing’s Chic Cousin
Golden-brown mushroom and leek bread pudding in a glass pan

In the battle of stuffing versus dressing, Ina Garten introduced me to a mind-blowing contender: bread pudding. Gone are the days of dry and uninspiring stuffing. This mushroom-and-leek bread pudding is moist, flavorful, and the epitome of foodie elegance. Trust me when I say, this indulgent dish will steal the spotlight from every other side on your table.

  1. Maple-Roasted Butternut Squash: A Side Dish Fit for a Fashionista
Cubes of maple-roasted butternut squash in a white dish

Prepare to have your childhood opinions on butternut squash completely transformed. This dreamy side dish, featuring the perfect pairing of pancetta, maple syrup, and sage, will have you singing praises to this once-hated veggie. Who knew squash could be so fashionable?

  1. Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta: Fashionably Green
Shaved brussels sprouts in a white bowl

Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, especially if you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s. But let me tell you, these are not your grandmother’s boiled sprouts. Ina’s recipe takes these little green beauties to a whole new level with the addition of bacon or pancetta and a drizzle of syrupy balsamic vinegar. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this fashionable twist on a classic veggie.

  1. Pecan Squares: Pie’s Sassy Sibling
Pecan squares dipped halfway in chocolate in a stack

Your Thanksgiving dessert spread deserves a touch of fashion too. Ina’s pecan squares are a delectable departure from the traditional pecan pie. With a mouthwatering shortbread crust and a chewy, crunchy pecan topping infused with a hint of orange, these squares are already fabulous. But why stop there? Go ahead and dip them in chocolate for a luxurious finishing touch. Embrace the sweetness, darling!

  1. Pumpkin-Mousse Parfaits: Pie Who?
Man holding silver tray of pumpkin parfaits topped with whipped cream

Wrap up your fashionable feast with a show-stopping dessert that will leave your guests in awe. Say goodbye to the predictable pumpkin pie and say hello to Ina’s pumpkin-mousse parfaits. These heavenly creations feature layers of ethereal pumpkin mousse, whipped cream, and spicy, crunchy crumbled ginger cookies. It’s a light-as-air, jaw-dropping way to end the meal on a high note.

And there you have it, my fellow fashionistas and foodies! Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving banquet fit for the style-conscious. Whether you’re sipping on autumn sangria, indulging in the turkey roulade, or savoring every bite of the pecan squares, this fashionable feast will have your taste buds and your fashion sense enchanted. So go ahead, embrace your inner Ina, and make this Thanksgiving truly couture.

Now it’s your turn! Have you tried any of Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving recipes? Which ones are your favorites? Do you have any tips or tricks to share with our fashionable foodie community? Let’s chat in the comments below!

Cover image courtesy of Trent Pheifer