Click Here for Josh's Big Buns!

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, Thanksgiving gives us the perfect reason to gather, share, and savor. Whether you’re hosting a full house or keeping things intimate, these five recipes bring comfort and flavor to the table. From classic sides to sweet finishes, each dish is crafted to make your holiday a little more memorable. As promised; Josh’s famous buns!

1. Herb Butter Roast Turkey

There’s no Thanksgiving without a perfectly roasted turkey. This herb butter version is crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and filled with the comforting aroma of fresh herbs. It’s simple enough for any home cook but impressive enough to steal the show at your holiday table.

Serves: 8–10
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 lemon, quartered

• 1 onion, quartered

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. Mix butter, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper until blended.

3. Gently separate the turkey skin from the breast and spread half the butter underneath; rub the rest on top.

4. Stuff the cavity with lemon and onion.

5. Roast until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting every 45 minutes.

6. Let rest 20 minutes before carving.

Pro Tip: Use the pan drippings to make a rich, savory gravy.

2. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A Thanksgiving table isn’t complete without mashed potatoes — soft, buttery, and rich with flavor. This creamy garlic version pairs beautifully with turkey, gravy, and just about everything else on your plate.

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes and garlic until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.

2. Drain, then mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper.

3. Whip until smooth and creamy.

Make it cozy: Add a sprinkle of fresh chives or a drizzle of browned butter before serving.

3. Maple Pecan Pie

Sweet, nutty, and perfectly gooey — this maple pecan pie captures the essence of fall in every bite. The rich maple syrup adds warmth and depth, giving a fresh twist to a holiday classic.

Serves: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 1 cup pure maple syrup

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 3 eggs, beaten

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 ½ cups pecan halves

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Whisk maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla together.

3. Stir in pecans and pour into crust.

4. Bake 50–55 minutes or until the center is set.

Serving suggestion: Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

4. Honey-Roasted Carrots with Thyme

For a side dish that shines with color and flavor, these honey-roasted carrots are the perfect touch. Their caramelized sweetness and hint of thyme add a bright, earthy balance to the rich flavors of Thanksgiving dinner.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Toss carrots with olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 20–25 minutes until caramelized and tender.

A touch of elegance: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving.

5. Cranberry Orange Bread

Bring a cozy, citrusy aroma to your kitchen with this cranberry orange bread — soft, slightly tart, and beautifully fragrant. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for Thanksgiving morning or the day after, paired with a hot cup of coffee.

Serves: 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tbsp orange zest

• ¾ cup fresh orange juice

• ¼ cup melted butter

• 1 egg

• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.

2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl; wet ingredients in another.

3. Combine gently, then fold in cranberries.

4. Bake 50–55 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Perfect pairing: Serve warm with coffee for a cozy morning-after breakfast.

Bringing It All Together

And of course, no Thanksgiving spread would be complete without the dish everyone looks forward to year after year — Josh’s famous buns. Soft, buttery, and perfectly golden, they’ve become a holiday staple around here!

Thanksgiving isn’t just about food — it’s about slowing down, gathering close, and filling your home with the aromas of gratitude and love. These recipes are simple yet full of heart — the kind of dishes that turn dinner into a memory.

Happy Thanksgiving from our kitchens to yours!