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- Ina Garten is the queen of easy Thanksgiving. Here are 9 recipes we think should be on your menu this year. (businessinsider.com)
Elevate Your Thanksgiving Feast with Ina Garten’s Top Recipes
Thanksgiving planning can often feel like a culinary marathon, but fear not! We’ve scoured the best of Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa” recipes to bring you a selection of foolproof dishes that promise to impress your guests and, more importantly, ease your holiday stress.
Having personally tested countless recipes from the beloved chef, we’re confident these nine appetizers, sides, and main courses will make your Thanksgiving menu both delicious and effortlessly elegant.
Start with a Savory Snack: Chipotle Cheddar Crackers
Ina Garten herself admits to a secret weapon for unexpected guests: her chipotle cheddar crackers. She keeps logs of the dough in her freezer, ready to be sliced and baked at a moment’s notice.
We found these crackers to be a delightful, elevated take on classic cheese crackers, offering a crisp, biscuit-like texture with a hint of spice. They’re sure to be a pre-dinner crowd-pleaser.
Cornbread Perfection: Brown-Butter Skillet Corn Bread
Consider this a must-have for your holiday table. Garten’s brown-butter skillet corn bread is a showstopper, boasting a beautiful golden hue and a flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory.
It’s incredibly easy to prepare, yielding a fluffy, moist interior with a satisfyingly crunchy crust. This recipe consistently earns rave reviews and has secured a permanent spot in our holiday cooking rotation.
A Make-Ahead Marvel: Overnight Mac and Cheese
For a rich and comforting side that saves you precious time on Thanksgiving Day, look no further than Garten’s overnight mac and cheese. Featuring cavatappi or elbow macaroni, Gruyère, sharp white cheddar, and a luxurious blend of cream and butter, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Prepare it the night before, then simply bake it off when your celebration begins for a stress-free, decadent side.
The Main Event (or a Last-Minute Save): Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Whether you’re aiming for a simpler main course this year or find yourself in charge of the turkey at the eleventh hour, Garten’s herb-roasted turkey breast is a lifesaver. This recipe offers all the flavor of a full bird without the extensive prep and cooking time, making it ideal for those seeking efficiency without sacrificing taste.
A Rub Worth Repeating: Lemony, Herby Turkey Rub
Even if you’re not making Garten’s full turkey breast, her vibrant, citrusy, and herb-infused rub deserves a place in your kitchen. This quick marinade can elevate everything from green beans to roasted potatoes, or even serve as a delightful dipping sauce. It’s a fantastic way to introduce bright, fresh flavors to an otherwise rich holiday meal.
Spud-tacular Sides: Parmesan Smashed Potatoes and Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
For a delightful twist on a classic, Garten’s Parmesan smashed potatoes are a revelation. Red potatoes are transformed into a thick, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dish, thanks to salty Parmesan and subtly sweet potatoes. This recipe is also surprisingly quick and easy, making it another excellent make-ahead option.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, her roasted rosemary potatoes are the epitome of simplicity and elegance. With just a few basic ingredients-potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh rosemary-you’ll achieve perfectly crispy exteriors with warm, creamy middles, and a burst of aromatic flavor.
Our Top Potato Pick: Potato-Fennel Gratin
For the ultimate Barefoot Contessa potato experience, we highly recommend Garten’s potato-fennel gratin from her very first cookbook. This comforting dish combines russet potatoes, fennel, yellow onion, Gruyère, and heavy cream for a deliciously creamy and satisfying result.
The fennel adds a lovely, mild sweetness that beautifully complements the salty cheese. Best of all, it can be prepared the day before and reheated, offering invaluable time-saving convenience.
A Sweet Ending: Giant Crinkled Chocolate-Chip Cookies
No holiday feast is complete without dessert, and Garten’s giant crinkled chocolate-chip cookies are sure to impress. These thin, rippled cookies achieve their unique texture through a clever baking technique involving banging the pan during baking. The result is a delightful combination of sweet and salty, with a crispy, flaky, crunchy, and gooey texture that’s well worth the effort.