OTT 11/18/25 - Thanksgiving Must-Have Foods

[Adam]

Off-Topic Tuesday 11/18/25 - Thanksgiving Must-Have Foods

Hypothetical time. If everything on your Thanksgiving table had to be store bought except for one dish, which single dish would you make at home?

Post the dish, why it wins, and either your recipe or a quick how-to. Pics and links welcome.

(Feel free to post multiple dishes if you can't pick just one)

 

[Robinjo]

Potatoes, got to be home made for me. Off the shelf instant or store bought just don't do it. Everything else I would like if homemade but there are still great bought versions out there.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

That bird has to be hand crafted and cared for to be roasted just right. Prep is absolutely important. Initial really hot oven to shock the skin and then reduced temp for a slow roast with basting at the magical moments to keep everything moist and tender. No store can get there - and if they can - a lot is lost in getting it home from the store, it's just not the same. Runner up is the stuffing - Grandma's recipe is highly specific and any deviation in ingredients or cooking technique will be noticed immediately by my family.

 

[Lonny]

That bird has to be hand crafted!

 

[WA08TC]

Sweet potatoes w the marshmallows. My fav, and deep frying the turkey.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

View attachment 54623

Swiss turkey?!?

 

[Rttoys]

Potatoes, got to be home made for me. Off the shelf instant or store bought just don't do it. Everything else I would like if homemade but there are still great bought versions out there.

Everything is better homemade. Especially potatoes and Mac n cheese.

 

[Rttoys]

To pick just one is difficult. We try to make as much as possible “from scratch”. Everything is better when it’s made with love…….and lard.

 

[SmsDetroit]

Deviled eggs are a must

 

[Rttoys]

Spinoff:
I know some of you like to cook. How are you cooking the turkey or anything for thanksgiving?

I’m going to smoke a turkey with a dry brine, like shown here. This is a long video, but brings the noms.

 

[ah.b.normal]

All this is doing is making me hungry! Oh, Sweet Potato Soufflé with mini marshmallows!

 

[Rttoys]

Let’s see how the brine goes. Not a dry as previous years, but it’ll get eaten. Garlic herb butter and my seasoning to top it off.

 

[Rttoys]

Ribs are the noms. Seasoned with dried and chopped peppers we used from Ms. Rttoys garden. M

 

[Rttoys]

I didn’t get an after pic of the turkey, but it was definitely the noms. Bribe and garlic herb butter under the skin is definitely the way to go.