A Real Simple Thanksgiving Dinner

Does preparing the big feast feel like a huge feat? Here's your easy-to-follow game plan, complete with classic Real Simple Thanksgiving recipes and delicious variations.

Basic Holiday Dishes With a Twist

Traditional Recipe

• Classic Roast Turkey

Variations 

• Roast Turkey With Garlic, Sage, and Lemon
• Roast Turkey With Paprika and Thyme

Traditional Recipe

• Savory Gravy

Variations 

• Thyme-Infused Gravy
• Gravy With Roasted Vegetables

Traditional Recipe

• Garlicky Green Beans With Pine Nuts

Variations 

• Green Beans With Tarragon Vinaigrette
• Green Beans With Brown Butter

Traditional Recipe

• Warm Apricot-Cranberry Sauce

Variations 

• Chilled Pineapple-Cranberry Relish
• Warm Jalapeño-Cranberry Sauce

Traditional Recipe

• Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Variations 

• Mashed Potatoes With Caramelized Shallots
• Mashed Red Bliss Potatoes

Traditional Recipe

• Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

Variations 

• Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges
• Pureed Sweet Potatoes With Maple Syrup

Traditional Recipe

• Herb Stuffing

Variations 

• Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing
• Fennel and Apricot Stuffing

Traditional Recipe

• Apple Crumb Pie

Variations 

• Sour-Cream Apple Crumb Pie
• Apple and Pear Crumb Pie