Sunset’s Thanksgiving Feast Guide: Turkey, Roasts, Sides & Desserts

Thanksgiving is all about great food, family traditions, and gathering around the table with the people who matter most. Whether your holiday centerpiece is a classic golden-roasted turkey from Slagel Farms, or you're serving up a tender Certified Angus Beef roast for the non-turkey crowd, we have your feast covered from start to finish. Here are 12 of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes complete with helpful tips from our butchers, simple prep shortcuts, and comforting sides and pies the whole family will love.

• Turkey
• Roasts for Non-Turkey Lovers
• Sides
• Desserts

The Centerpiece: Turkey

My Favorite Roast Turkey

A true holiday classic that delivers juicy, flavorful meat and perfectly crisp skin—the ultimate traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Pro Tip: Use a roasting rack to promote even air circulation and golden-brown results.

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Herb-Roasted Spatchcock Turkey

Flattening the bird for even roasting means faster cook time and extra-crispy skin—perfect for busy hosts who want gourmet results in less time.

Pro Tip: Ask our in-store butchers to spatchcock your Slagel turkey before pickup for easy prep at home.

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Smoked Whole Turkey

Take your Thanksgiving outdoors with this smoky, mahogany-skinned showstopper that turns a farm-raised fresh turkey into something unforgettable.

Pro Tip: Maintain a smoker temperature of 225–250 °F and use applewood or hickory for the perfect sweet-smoky balance.

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Roasts for Non-Turkey Lovers

Easy Carve Pepper and Herb Prime Rib

A few simple ingredients rubbed on a bone-in ribeye roast make a spectacular meal. Learn how to cook a standing prime rib roast perfectly with this easy recipe.

Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to target temperature and tent the meat in foil and let it rest for 30 minutes to let the juices redistribute, which will also raise the internal temperature 5 to 10 degrees.

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Roast Beef Tenderloin

Looking for how to make the perfect roast beef tenderloin? Look no further - this roast beef recipe is the one you need. It's juicy, flavorful, and so tender it melts in your mouth. Roast the tenderloin with some baby potatoes and serve with our amazing savory sauce - a simple and satisfying recipe idea for any occasion.

Pro tip: Ask our Master Meat Cutters for a center-cut beef tenderloin to ensure even thickness for better presentation and even cooking.

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Roast Pork Tenderloin with Fall Vegetables

This is an easy, super healthy roasted pork tenderloin recipe. It's baked in the oven on a wire rack over a sheet pan of yummy fall vegetables. The juices from the tenderloin help to flavor and caramelize the veggies underneath.

Pro tip: For easy prep, stop by Sunset's Produce Department for cubed butternut squash!

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Holiday Sides & Trimmings

Potato Gratin Dauphinoise

A classic French Potato gratin recipe.

Pro tip: Boil the potatoes for 30 minutes prior to preparing to ensure potatoes are fully cooked in the oven.

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Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

What's Thanksgiving without stuffing, right? We whipped up this super simple classic, perfect for your Thanksgiving Dinner table.

Pro tip: Stop by Sunset's Bakery for our Bread for Stuffing, bread toasted & cut into cubes perfect for stuffing.

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Thanksgiving Green Bean Salad

This salad is chock-full of holiday goodness, with crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and blanched green beans, bringing flavor and texture to the table. And since you can serve it at room temperature, there is no need to worry about precious refrigerator space.

Pro tip: Boil green beans for a few minutes and then drain in a colander immediately with cold water; this blanching process ensures the green beans stay crisp & green.

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Irresistible Holiday Desserts

Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Make the perfect pumpkin pie with a buttery, flaky crust and a smooth, crack-free filling. It’s the ultimate holiday dessert!

Pro Tip: Use a glass pie plate and bake on a preheated sheet pan for a crisp bottom crust.

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Flourless Chocolate Cake

Picture the moistest most-full-of-flavor brownie you can imagine. Now top it off with a generous layer of dark chocolate ganache. Add your favorite berries. There you have it. The most amazing gluten-free dessert.

Pro Tip: Use high quality chocolate and add a pinch of espresso powder to amplify cocoa notes.

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Gooey Caramel Apple and Pear Pie

Impress your guests with this twist on a classic apple pie, starring pear! Looks gorgeous, tastes delicious, and so simple to make.

Pro Tip: Make the caramel with European butter for extra rich, silky texture that resists crystallizing.

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