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Thanksgiving Recipes 2025: Turkey Cooking Guide + Classic Sides & The Perfect Black Friday Breakfast

By: Amanda George, Realtor | George Group Boston, powered by Lamacchia Realty — Thanksgiving Recipes 2025


Thanksgiving is here, and this year’s Thanksgiving Recipes 2025 guide brings together everything you need for an easy, delicious holiday menu. Whether you’re hosting in Greater Boston or anywhere in New England, these Boston Thanksgiving Recipes and my complete Thanksgiving cooking guide will help you plan the perfect holiday. Whether you’re roasting, frying, spatchcocking, or going full Turducken, this post covers exact times, temperatures, and pro tips—plus my favorite Boston-inspired Thanksgiving sides and the Black Friday breakfast I make every single year.


If you’re hosting in Boston or anywhere across New England, this is your complete Thanksgiving cooking guide for 2025, whether you're hosting in your first home, or your forever home


Let’s get cooking...


thanksgiving dinner

Turkey 4 Ways: Temps, Times & What You Really Need to Know

Whether you’re a traditionalist or you want a faster, crispier finish, these Thanksgiving turkey recipes will make your holiday effortless. Here is your Thanksgiving cooking guide to four fool-proof methods:


1) Traditional Roast Turkey

  • Prep: Pat dry, season generously, stuff aromatics (onion, lemon, herbs).

  • Temp: 325°F

  • Cook Time:

    • 12–14 lb: 3 to 3.5 hours

    • 14–18 lb: 3.5 to 4.5 hours

  • Internal Temp Goal: 165°F in the breast, 175°F in the thigh

Pro Tip: Let rest at least 30 minutes before carving.


2) Spatchcock (Butterflied) Turkey- my personal favorite

This is the fastest, most reliable method for crispy skin + juicy meat.

  • Prep: Remove backbone, flatten bird, dry thoroughly, rub with butter + herbs

  • Temp: 450°F

  • Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes for a 12–14 lb turkey

  • Internal Temp Goal: 165°F breast

Why I love it: Even cooking, no dryness, and frees up the oven faster.


3) Fried Turkey (Outdoor Only!)

A crispy, ultra-juicy option.

  • Prep: Use a thawed, bone-dry turkey

  • Oil Temp: 350°F

  • Cook Time: 3–4 minutes per pound

    • 12 lb turkey = ~40–48 minutes

  • Internal Temp Goal: 165°F

Safety Reminder: Turn off the flame before lowering the turkey into the oil.


4) Turducken (Turkey + Duck + Chicken)

  • Prep: Layered poultry stuffed with sausage dressing

  • Temp: 325°F

  • Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours

  • Internal Temp Goal: 165°F in the center stuffing layer

Best for: Large gatherings and anyone who loves a show-stopping centerpiece.


5) The "old fashioned" way

  • AKA Let your mom do the cooking, while you relax with a glass of wine


The Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Boston-Approved Classics)

These are the Thanksgiving sides I make again and again—New England comfort classics that always hit.


Green Bean Casserole (French’s Original Recipe)

Creamy, crispy, nostalgic—French’s nailed this recipe decades ago and it never fails.

Key ingredients: green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, French’s crispy fried onions.Link: https://frenchs.com/green-bean-casserole


Martha Stewart Mashed Potatoes (Velvety + Classic)

These mashed potatoes are buttery, fluffy, and the perfect backdrop for turkey gravy.Link: https://www.marthastewart.com/318689/perfect-mashed-potatoes

Tip: Warm your milk/cream before adding—it prevents gluey potatoes.


Pepperidge Farm Stuffing (The Classic)

Sometimes boxed is better. This stuffing tastes like childhood and pairs perfectly with turkey gravy.Prepare on the stovetop or bake with broth + butter for a crispier finish.Link: https://www.pepperidgefarm.com/product-category/stuffing/


And what's a Turkey Diner without Gravy?

Turkey Pan Gravy From Drippings

You cannot beat real pan gravy.Simple Ratio:

  • 4 tbsp fat (drippings)

  • 4 tbsp flour

  • 2 cups broth

  • Salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire if you love depth

Whisk until glossy and thick. Pour over everything.


Dessert: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

A huge, warm, gooey skillet cookie is the perfect no-stress dessert.

  • Press your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough into a cast-iron pan

  • Bake at 350°F for 22–28 minutes

  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream

It’s rustic, unfussy, and universally loved.


Black Friday Morning: Broma Bakery Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are legendary—and they make the perfect scent to wake up to after Thanksgiving.


pumpkin cinnamon rolls

I start these the night before so Friday morning feels cozy and slow.


Why I love them:

  • Pumpkin dough

  • Brown sugar

  • Cream cheese frosting

  • Smells like a spa day for your house


Prep-Ahead Plan:Thanksgiving Evening:

  • Make the dough

  • Roll + cut cinnamon rolls

  • Place into baking dish

  • Cover tightly + refrigerate


Friday Morning:

  • Let rise for 45–60 minutes

  • Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes

  • Frost generously

Serve with coffee while you clean up or head out for early holiday shopping.


Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is all about connection, comfort, and food that feels like home. These Thanksgiving Recipes 2025 blend classic flavors with easy, approachable techniques that work for every kitchen—big or small. Save this Thanksgiving cooking guide so you can come back to it next year.


And if your Boston holiday season includes planning a move, prepping your home for sale, or exploring a new neighborhood, I’m always here to help.


📞 Thinking about buying or selling a home in the new year? Like Thanksgiving, its never too early to start prepping!



George Group Boston, powered by Lamacchia Realty

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