With the Thanksgiving season drawing near, the culinary experts at Serious Eats are excited to unveil their personal choices for the ultimate holiday meal. This collection features a mix of timeless favorites and adventurous new creations, reflecting the diverse palates and innovative spirits within our team. Each dish has been carefully selected to bring joy and flavor to your festive table, promising a memorable dining experience for all.
Rochelle Bilow, an editor, can't imagine Thanksgiving without her family's tradition of "Crispy Smashed Potatoes." These potatoes, known for their exceptionally crunchy exterior, provide a delightful contrast to the typically rich and creamy holiday fare. She finds them so satisfying that they completely replace the need for traditional mashed potatoes in her household.
Amanda Suarez, associate director of visuals, plans a bold move this year by introducing Craig Ruff's "Deviled Egg Dip." While deviled eggs are a consistent feature at her family's holiday meals, this year marks a departure from the classic presentation. She's eager to see how this innovative dip, which promises to be delicious, will be received.
Writer Ashlee Redger is preparing a "Friendsgiving" dinner with a "bangers only" theme, emphasizing incredibly delicious recipes over mundane side dishes. To cater to those who prefer alternatives to turkey, she's opted for a luxurious "Sous Vide Duck Confit." This dish requires minimal preparation time, allowing her to focus on other equally impressive components of their holiday spread.
Senior editor Genevieve Yam highlights the essential role of "Ultra-Fluffy Mashed Potatoes" in her Thanksgiving celebration. Despite their seemingly simple nature, these potatoes are a cherished part of her holiday meal. She admits that while turkey and stuffing are enjoyable, it's the abundant, creamy mashed potatoes that she truly looks forward to each year.
Senior culinary editor Leah Colins is set to impress with Tim Chin's "Sweet Potato Cheesecake." Cheesecake is a family staple at her gatherings, and she has previously explored various flavors, including Basque-style and pumpkin versions. This year, she's particularly excited about the vibrant color and the harmonious blend of sweet, earthy sweet potato flavors with the tangy cream cheese base, trusting Chin's recipe for its guaranteed excellence.
Editorial director Daniel Gritzer is drawn to Nermine Mansour's "Kar' assali," an Egyptian baked pumpkin dessert. This dish features a spiced pumpkin puree topped with a sweet, custardy béchamel, finished with nuts, coconut flakes, and raisins. He sees it as a refreshing departure from traditional sweet potato casserole, offering a less sweet but equally fragrant and luxurious alternative.
Associate editorial director Megan Steintrager enthusiastically recommends the recently published "Kale and Roasted Root Vegetable Salad." She values its fresh, green, and vegetable-forward nature, making it a perfect addition to the Thanksgiving table. The salad's make-ahead convenience, gluten-free profile, and option to serve cheese separately for vegan guests make it an ideal and delicious choice for her friend's dinner.
Laila Ibrahim, an associate culinary editor, takes her role as the potato preparer seriously every Thanksgiving. She adheres to strict rules for her mashed potatoes: no compromises on butter or cream, thoroughly dried potatoes before mashing, and absolutely no lumps. Opting for pommes purée over basic mashed potatoes, she ensures a smoother, richer, and more luxurious dish suitable for the holiday. She anticipates being on potato duty indefinitely, as she trusts no one else to meet her high standards.