Jump to Recipe This Midwestern Thanksgiving menu spotlights traditional recipe ideas that are popular on the Thanksgiving dinner table in the Midwest! From roasted turkey to delectable side dishes, I have gathered a complete list of the tastiest Thanksgiving menu items! Any of these recipes will be a hit if you are hosting your family’s Thanksgiving dinner! Best Midwestern Thanksgiving Recipes Don’t let the stress of holiday meal planning overwhelm you, as I’m here to help you out no matter the style of dinner you want to serve! These Midwestern traditional recipes are dependable, delicious, holiday staple recipes! Whether you are from the Midwest or want to try something new, you can’t go wrong with these recipes! From roasted turkey to tater tot hotdish, it’s all here!
Jump to:Best Midwestern Thanksgiving Recipes Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for a Midwestern Holiday Meal
- Easy Stuffing
- Roast Turkey
- Turkey Gravy
- Green Bean Casserole
- Cranberry Sauce
- Deviled Eggs
- Corn Casserole
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Vegetable Casserole
- Homemade Crescent Rolls
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Cranberry Fluff
- Cheese Balls
- Tater Tot Hotdish
- Snickers Salad 🦃 More Thanksgiving Recipes 📋 Recipe
Whether you’re a pro at hosting Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you’re sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Thanksgiving a help! Don’t forget to safely thaw your holiday turkey early too! Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for a Midwestern Holiday Meal You’ve come to the right place if you are craving some Midwestern classics! No matter where you live, these Midwestern recipes will warm your heart!
- Easy Stuffing When it comes to Thanksgiving, no Midwest holiday meal is complete without stuffing! A light crust is formed on top, allowing the stuffing to be soft, buttery, and well-seasoned with herbs. This Midwestern staple only takes 5 minutes to prepare. It features classic stuffing ingredients such as celery, onion, stuffing cubes, butter, and tasty herbs!
Easy Stuffing
Easy stuffing is a cornerstone recipe to Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, and amazingly tasty family dinners all year long! Classic ingredients including celery, onion, and ready-to-use stuffing cubes combine with tasty herbs to complement so many dishes!
Check out this recipe
- Roast Turkey Roasting a turkey is one of the easiest ways to cook up a tender, moist, and super tasty main course bird! No dryness here, this roasted turkey cooks beautifully every time! Impress your family with this juicy and tender roasted turkey on your next Thanksgiving dinner!
Oven Roasted Turkey
Holiday meals are made easy with this super tasty oven roasted turkey that turns our beautifully every time!
Check out this recipe
- Turkey Gravy A delicious homemade turkey gravy using drippings and giblets from a roasted turkey. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect to top almost everything! You’ll be thankful that you made this Midwestern-style homemade gravy over buying store-bought! This gravy only takes minutes to prepare and it’s simple to make!
Classic Turkey Gravy
Classic turkey gravy is made using roasted turkey drippings and slowly simmered turkey neck and giblets for a flavorful gravy! It is rich, creamy, and amazingly smooth. This super easy gravy takes just minutes to prepare and you’ll be so thankful you skipped the store-bought version!
Check out this recipe
- Green Bean Casserole A Midwestern classic side dish that you will see on everyone’s Thanksgiving menu! This upgraded casserole features a cheese sauce, crispy pieces of bacon, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Everyone will fight for seconds because this green bean casserole is that good!
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
This incredibly tasty, cheesy green bean casserole with bacon combines cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and a crunchy topping for an upgraded classic! It’s a family favorite holiday side dish that never fails to wow every time!
Check out this recipe
- Cranberry Sauce Sweet, tangy, and juicy cranberry sauce is an absolute must for Thanksgiving dinner! This delicious festive treat is bound to be a new holiday favorite! Fresh apple slices and apple cider are mixed in with tangy cranberries to create an elevated homemade cranberry sauce!
Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
My apple cider cranberry sauce is the perfect blend of spiced apples, sweet sparkling apple cider, and tangy cranberries for Thanksgiving! It’s an easy-to-make cranberry sauce that is sure to be a new family favorite for the holidays!
Check out this recipe
You might also like my Buffet Style Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas! 6. Deviled Eggs Deviled eggs are always a hit at Midwestern Thanksgiving gatherings! They are easy to make, delicious, and healthy! With this classic deviled egg recipe, you won’t be disappointed! Make sure to prepare a big batch, everyone will be wanting seconds.
Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs are a classic, time-honored recipe that is supremely easy to make and quite simply the best ever! Some things just don’t need improving, and these yummy deviled eggs are one of those things! Of course, you can always change them up with stir-ins or add-ons, but these eggs will be just like the ones from your childhood!
Check out this recipe
- Corn Casserole Corn Casserole is a versatile and delicious side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any time of year! No need to worry if this cornbread will turn out dry, the sour cream and butter guarantee a moist outcome every time! This cornbread casserole recipe is the ultimate Midwestern comfort food. You can’t go wrong with a sweet and tasty side dish like this one!
Jiffy Corn Casserole
This Jiffy corn casserole is a sweet and savory side dish with creamy corn mixed into every bite of your cornbread! Best of all, you only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to put it together. Whether you call it corn casserole, corn pudding, or spoon bread, it’s a side that goes with practically anything!
Check out this recipe
- Sweet Potato Casserole Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving staple dessert dish topped with marshmallows and pecans! You can even prepare ahead of time before baking this dessert on the big day. This sweet and savory casserole is always a fan-favorite in my house and I’m sure it will be in yours too!
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes These cream cheese mashed potatoes are simple to make and absolutely delicious! Slather them on your plate then put some turkey and gravy on top! The addition of cream cheese and a hint of garlic makes mashed potatoes the ultimate comfort food!
- Vegetable Casserole This vegetable casserole is a Midwestern classic side dish loaded with frozen veggies, Velveeta, and a Ritz cracker topping! This casserole can be assembled the day before to save you some stress on Thanksgiving! With a cheesy center and a crunchy crumb topping, everyone will be wowed by how delicious this casserole is!
Vegetable Casserole
Vegetable Casserole, just like mom used to make! With frozen veggies, Velveeta, and cracker crumbs, it’s always the first side dish to go.
Check out this recipe
- Homemade Crescent Rolls Homemade crescent rolls are easily one of the first things gone at any holiday dinner! They are buttery, flaky, and chewy, perfect for sopping up turkey gravy on Thanksgiving! These delicious rolls are easier to make than you think, there is no need to pop open a premade package again!
Buttery Crescent Rolls
I always have to double this buttery, homemade crescent roll recipe because they never last long. You can shape them any way you’d like, but to me, a crescent shape is so pretty. —Kelly Kirby, Mill Bay, British Columbia
Check out this recipe
- Scalloped Potatoes Traditional Midwestern layered creamy scalloped potatoes are a Thanksgiving favorite! Layered russet potato casserole is savory, cheesy, and rich! Everyone will love this tender delicious side dish with a golden and crispy crust on your next holiday meal!
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
This layered cheesy potato side dish is always a favorite at family dinners.
Check out this recipe
- Cranberry Fluff Cranberry fluff is a sweet and tangy fruit salad made with cranberries, apples, green grapes, nuts, and mini marsh mellows! It’s the perfect light dessert that won’t fill you up too much while you eat your turkey meal. It’s an easy-to-make fruit dish and especially great for when you need to make a delicious side in a hurry!
Cranberry Fluff
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it’s not as sweet as many other “fluffs.” I’m often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Check out this recipe
- Cheese Balls Cheese balls are the best appetizer to enjoy while watching your favorite football team during Thanksgiving, hands down! This traditional Midwestern snack is created with three different kinds of cheese, wrapped into a ball, and then dusted with crumbled bacon. Serve with celery sticks, toasted baguette slices, or your favorite crackers!
Bacon-Cheddar Cheese Balls
Freshly shredded cheese works better than packaged shredded cheese in a cheese ball. Prepare the cheese mixture the night before so flavors have a chance to blend. Shape and roll in the crumbled bacon or pistachio nuts a few hours before serving.
Check out this recipe
- Tater Tot Hotdish This mouthwatering tater tot hotdish is a must-have for any Thanksgiving meal in the Midwest! Green beans (or sweet corn) and cream of mushroom soup are combined with ground meat before being topped with tater tots and cooked to perfection! Whether you call it a casserole or a hotdish, it’s guaranteed to be loved by your guests!
Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe - Food.com
I’m originally from Minnesota, and if Minnesota is famous for one thing, it’s hotdish. You might know it better as casserole, or something like that,
Check out this recipe
- Snickers Salad Snickers salad is a delicious and creamy dessert dish made with Snickers candy bars, cool whip, vanilla pudding, and Cool Whip! Top it with some caramel sauce and you have yourself a perfect year-round dessert that the family will love! When you make this dessert to serve along your Thanksgiving feast and you won’t be disappointed!
Snickers Salad
Snickers Salad with vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, candy bars and apples is chewy, creamy, tart and sweet, the perfect potluck summer dessert.
Check out this recipe
I hope these Midwestern Thanksgiving menu ideas helped you pull off the perfect holiday dinner! Let me know in the comments below which recipes you tried! 🦃 More Thanksgiving Recipes Loaded Baked Potato Salad- Loaded baked potato salad is a great savory appetizer or a wonderful side for any dinner!Apple Pie- Apple pie is a classic dessert made with granny apples and a homemade apple pie spice!Sour Cream Cornbread- This sour cream cornbread recipe turns out delicious and moist every time!Baked Mac and Cheese- A baked Southern mac and cheese recipe that the whole family will love!Mashed Sweet Potatoes- Mashed sweet potatoes make the best side to your favorite main meaty dish!Candied Yams- A traditional Thanksgiving dish that features brown sugar, butter, marshmallows, and yams! See more Thanksgiving →
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📋 Recipe
Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 1 review
Midwestern Thanksgiving Menu Ideas: Oven Roasted Turkey (+ Everything You Need!)
This Midwestern Thanksgiving menu spotlights traditional recipe ideas that are popular on the Thanksgiving dinner table in the Midwest! From roasted turkey to delectable side dishes, I have gathered a complete list of the tastiest Thanksgiving menu items! Any of these recipes will be a hit if you are hosting your family’s Thanksgiving dinner!
Author | Angela
Servings: 12 servings Calories: 674kcal Prep 15 minutes Cooking 3 hours 30 minutes Resting Time 1 hour 45 minutes Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients 1x2x3x▢ 14 lb turkey (thawed)▢ 1 c butter (1 stick, melted)▢ 4 cubes chicken bullion▢ ½ tablespoon smoked paprika▢ 1 orange (optional - quartered)▢ 4 sprigs thyme (optional - fresh)▢ 2 c chicken broth
InstructionsPreheat oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C) and place a roasting rack or tray in your large roasting pan.Remove thawed turkey from packaging, as well as any packages in the cavity (neck, gizzards, heart, liver are usually inside - some turkeys also have a package of gravy base). Rinse turkey inside and out, place in the roasting pan breast side up, then pat dry.In a small bowl, combine melted butter with chicken bullion cubes and smoked paprika seasoning. Break apart the cubes to make a paste.Using the paste, coat the outside of the turkey as well as inside the body cavity (whether or not you will be stuffing the turkey, it adds sensational flavoring!) starting with massaging the paste into the breast and working over the legs, wings, back and then the remaining paste inside the turkey.Stuff your turkey (optional) with prepared stuffing. We do not cook our stuffing this way as the turkey cooks more evenly when left open. (optional) Place a quartered orange and fresh thyme herbs inside the cavity for aroma and flavoring.Pour 2 cups chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan (water will work too, water or broth will combine with the drippings from your roasting turkey and can be used for turkey gravy base).Leave your turkey uncovered and place the roasting pan with seasoned turkey into the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and cook for 13 minutes per pound (without stuffing) or 15 per pound (with stuffing).Every 45 minutes, remove the turkey from oven and baste with the drippings and then return to the oven and allow to continue cooking. Be sure to close the oven while basting, to keep your oven temperature steady for proper roasting time.*At the second basting interval is when I start checking the internal temperature of my turkey with a meat thermometer. **It is also when I evaluate the appearance of the skin, and I may choose to cover the cooking turkey loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil at this point to keep from over-cooking the skin and turkey breast.Remove your turkey from the oven when it reaches 155 - 160 degrees F (68-71 degrees C). Carefully transfer the cooked turkey to a cutting board or serving platter, cover loosely with aluminum foil, then save the drippings for gravy (if desired). Allow your turkey to rest for approximately half the roasting time (ex. 1 ½ hours resting time for a 3 hour roasting time). NotesLeftover turkey can be refrigerated for 4-5 days in an air tight container, or frozen for up to 2 months in an air tight container. NutritionCalories: 674kcal (34%) | Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) | Protein: 82g (164%) | Fat: 37g (57%) | Saturated Fat: 15g (94%) | Cholesterol: 311mg (104%) | Sodium: 699mg (30%) | Potassium: 904mg (26%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 867IU (17%) | Vitamin C: 9mg (11%) | Calcium: 54mg (5%) | Iron: 3mg (17%) Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! classic Midwestern thanksgiving recipes, holiday meals, Midwestern recipes to make for Thanksgiving, Midwestern Thanksgiving Menu Ideas, must have recipes for a Midwestern Thanksgiving dinner, Oven Roasted Turkey, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving hot dish Course Christmas dinner, Dinner Recipes, Holiday Recipes, Main Course, Thanksgiving TurkeyCuisine American
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/
This Midwestern Thanksgiving menu spotlights traditional recipe ideas that are popular on the Thanksgiving dinner table in the Midwest! From roasted turkey to delectable side dishes, I have gathered a complete list of the tastiest Thanksgiving menu items! Any of these recipes will be a hit if you are hosting your family’s Thanksgiving dinner!
Best Midwestern Thanksgiving Recipes
Don’t let the stress of holiday meal planning overwhelm you, as I’m here to help you out no matter the style of dinner you want to serve! These Midwestern traditional recipes are dependable, delicious, holiday staple recipes!
Whether you are from the Midwest or want to try something new, you can’t go wrong with these recipes! From roasted turkey to tater tot hotdish, it’s all here!
Whether you’re a pro at hosting Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you’re sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Thanksgiving a help! Don’t forget to safely thaw your holiday turkey early too!
Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for a Midwestern Holiday Meal
You’ve come to the right place if you are craving some Midwestern classics! No matter where you live, these Midwestern recipes will warm your heart!
1. Easy Stuffing
When it comes to Thanksgiving, no Midwest holiday meal is complete without stuffing! A light crust is formed on top, allowing the stuffing to be soft, buttery, and well-seasoned with herbs.
This Midwestern staple only takes 5 minutes to prepare. It features classic stuffing ingredients such as celery, onion, stuffing cubes, butter, and tasty herbs!
Easy Stuffing
Easy stuffing is a cornerstone recipe to Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, and amazingly tasty family dinners all year long! Classic ingredients including celery, onion, and ready-to-use stuffing cubes combine with tasty herbs to complement so many dishes!
Check out this recipe
2. Roast Turkey
Roasting a turkey is one of the easiest ways to cook up a tender, moist, and super tasty main course bird! No dryness here, this roasted turkey cooks beautifully every time!
Easy stuffing is a cornerstone recipe to Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, and amazingly tasty family dinners all year long! Classic ingredients including celery, onion, and ready-to-use stuffing cubes combine with tasty herbs to complement so many dishes!
Impress your family with this juicy and tender roasted turkey on your next Thanksgiving dinner!
Oven Roasted Turkey
Holiday meals are made easy with this super tasty oven roasted turkey that turns our beautifully every time!
Check out this recipe
3. Turkey Gravy
A delicious homemade turkey gravy using drippings and giblets from a roasted turkey. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect to top almost everything!
Holiday meals are made easy with this super tasty oven roasted turkey that turns our beautifully every time!
You’ll be thankful that you made this Midwestern-style homemade gravy over buying store-bought! This gravy only takes minutes to prepare and it’s simple to make!
Classic Turkey Gravy
Classic turkey gravy is made using roasted turkey drippings and slowly simmered turkey neck and giblets for a flavorful gravy! It is rich, creamy, and amazingly smooth. This super easy gravy takes just minutes to prepare and you’ll be so thankful you skipped the store-bought version!
Check out this recipe
4. Green Bean Casserole
A Midwestern classic side dish that you will see on everyone’s Thanksgiving menu! This upgraded casserole features a cheese sauce, crispy pieces of bacon, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Classic turkey gravy is made using roasted turkey drippings and slowly simmered turkey neck and giblets for a flavorful gravy! It is rich, creamy, and amazingly smooth. This super easy gravy takes just minutes to prepare and you’ll be so thankful you skipped the store-bought version!
Everyone will fight for seconds because this green bean casserole is that good!
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
This incredibly tasty, cheesy green bean casserole with bacon combines cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and a crunchy topping for an upgraded classic! It’s a family favorite holiday side dish that never fails to wow every time!
Check out this recipe
5. Cranberry Sauce
Sweet, tangy, and juicy cranberry sauce is an absolute must for Thanksgiving dinner! This delicious festive treat is bound to be a new holiday favorite!
This incredibly tasty, cheesy green bean casserole with bacon combines cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and a crunchy topping for an upgraded classic! It’s a family favorite holiday side dish that never fails to wow every time!
Fresh apple slices and apple cider are mixed in with tangy cranberries to create an elevated homemade cranberry sauce!
Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
My apple cider cranberry sauce is the perfect blend of spiced apples, sweet sparkling apple cider, and tangy cranberries for Thanksgiving! It’s an easy-to-make cranberry sauce that is sure to be a new family favorite for the holidays!
Check out this recipe
You might also like my Buffet Style Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas!
My apple cider cranberry sauce is the perfect blend of spiced apples, sweet sparkling apple cider, and tangy cranberries for Thanksgiving! It’s an easy-to-make cranberry sauce that is sure to be a new family favorite for the holidays!
6. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are always a hit at Midwestern Thanksgiving gatherings! They are easy to make, delicious, and healthy!
With this classic deviled egg recipe, you won’t be disappointed! Make sure to prepare a big batch, everyone will be wanting seconds.
Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs are a classic, time-honored recipe that is supremely easy to make and quite simply the best ever! Some things just don’t need improving, and these yummy deviled eggs are one of those things! Of course, you can always change them up with stir-ins or add-ons, but these eggs will be just like the ones from your childhood!
Check out this recipe
8. Corn Casserole
Corn Casserole is a versatile and delicious side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any time of year! No need to worry if this cornbread will turn out dry, the sour cream and butter guarantee a moist outcome every time!
These deviled eggs are a classic, time-honored recipe that is supremely easy to make and quite simply the best ever! Some things just don’t need improving, and these yummy deviled eggs are one of those things! Of course, you can always change them up with stir-ins or add-ons, but these eggs will be just like the ones from your childhood!
This cornbread casserole recipe is the ultimate Midwestern comfort food. You can’t go wrong with a sweet and tasty side dish like this one!
Jiffy Corn Casserole
This Jiffy corn casserole is a sweet and savory side dish with creamy corn mixed into every bite of your cornbread! Best of all, you only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to put it together. Whether you call it corn casserole, corn pudding, or spoon bread, it’s a side that goes with practically anything!
Check out this recipe
9. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving staple dessert dish topped with marshmallows and pecans! You can even prepare ahead of time before baking this dessert on the big day.
This Jiffy corn casserole is a sweet and savory side dish with creamy corn mixed into every bite of your cornbread! Best of all, you only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to put it together. Whether you call it corn casserole, corn pudding, or spoon bread, it’s a side that goes with practically anything!
This sweet and savory casserole is always a fan-favorite in my house and I’m sure it will be in yours too!
10. Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These cream cheese mashed potatoes are simple to make and absolutely delicious! Slather them on your plate then put some turkey and gravy on top!
The addition of cream cheese and a hint of garlic makes mashed potatoes the ultimate comfort food!
11. Vegetable Casserole
This vegetable casserole is a Midwestern classic side dish loaded with frozen veggies, Velveeta, and a Ritz cracker topping! This casserole can be assembled the day before to save you some stress on Thanksgiving!
With a cheesy center and a crunchy crumb topping, everyone will be wowed by how delicious this casserole is!
Vegetable Casserole
Vegetable Casserole, just like mom used to make! With frozen veggies, Velveeta, and cracker crumbs, it’s always the first side dish to go.
Check out this recipe
12. Homemade Crescent Rolls
Homemade crescent rolls are easily one of the first things gone at any holiday dinner! They are buttery, flaky, and chewy, perfect for sopping up turkey gravy on Thanksgiving!
Vegetable Casserole, just like mom used to make! With frozen veggies, Velveeta, and cracker crumbs, it’s always the first side dish to go.
These delicious rolls are easier to make than you think, there is no need to pop open a premade package again!
Buttery Crescent Rolls
I always have to double this buttery, homemade crescent roll recipe because they never last long. You can shape them any way you’d like, but to me, a crescent shape is so pretty. —Kelly Kirby, Mill Bay, British Columbia
Check out this recipe
13. Scalloped Potatoes
Traditional Midwestern layered creamy scalloped potatoes are a Thanksgiving favorite! Layered russet potato casserole is savory, cheesy, and rich!
I always have to double this buttery, homemade crescent roll recipe because they never last long. You can shape them any way you’d like, but to me, a crescent shape is so pretty. —Kelly Kirby, Mill Bay, British Columbia
Everyone will love this tender delicious side dish with a golden and crispy crust on your next holiday meal!
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
This layered cheesy potato side dish is always a favorite at family dinners.
Check out this recipe
14. Cranberry Fluff
Cranberry fluff is a sweet and tangy fruit salad made with cranberries, apples, green grapes, nuts, and mini marsh mellows! It’s the perfect light dessert that won’t fill you up too much while you eat your turkey meal.
This layered cheesy potato side dish is always a favorite at family dinners.
It’s an easy-to-make fruit dish and especially great for when you need to make a delicious side in a hurry!
Cranberry Fluff
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it’s not as sweet as many other “fluffs.” I’m often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Check out this recipe
15. Cheese Balls
Cheese balls are the best appetizer to enjoy while watching your favorite football team during Thanksgiving, hands down! This traditional Midwestern snack is created with three different kinds of cheese, wrapped into a ball, and then dusted with crumbled bacon.
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it’s not as sweet as many other “fluffs.” I’m often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Serve with celery sticks, toasted baguette slices, or your favorite crackers!
Bacon-Cheddar Cheese Balls
Freshly shredded cheese works better than packaged shredded cheese in a cheese ball. Prepare the cheese mixture the night before so flavors have a chance to blend. Shape and roll in the crumbled bacon or pistachio nuts a few hours before serving.
Check out this recipe
16. Tater Tot Hotdish
This mouthwatering tater tot hotdish is a must-have for any Thanksgiving meal in the Midwest! Green beans (or sweet corn) and cream of mushroom soup are combined with ground meat before being topped with tater tots and cooked to perfection!
Freshly shredded cheese works better than packaged shredded cheese in a cheese ball. Prepare the cheese mixture the night before so flavors have a chance to blend. Shape and roll in the crumbled bacon or pistachio nuts a few hours before serving.
Whether you call it a casserole or a hotdish, it’s guaranteed to be loved by your guests!
Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe - Food.com
I’m originally from Minnesota, and if Minnesota is famous for one thing, it’s hotdish. You might know it better as casserole, or something like that,
Check out this recipe
17. Snickers Salad
Snickers salad is a delicious and creamy dessert dish made with Snickers candy bars, cool whip, vanilla pudding, and Cool Whip! Top it with some caramel sauce and you have yourself a perfect year-round dessert that the family will love!
I’m originally from Minnesota, and if Minnesota is famous for one thing, it’s hotdish. You might know it better as casserole, or something like that,
When you make this dessert to serve along your Thanksgiving feast and you won’t be disappointed!
Snickers Salad
Snickers Salad with vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, candy bars and apples is chewy, creamy, tart and sweet, the perfect potluck summer dessert.
Check out this recipe
I hope these Midwestern Thanksgiving menu ideas helped you pull off the perfect holiday dinner! Let me know in the comments below which recipes you tried!
Snickers Salad with vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, candy bars and apples is chewy, creamy, tart and sweet, the perfect potluck summer dessert.
🦃 More Thanksgiving Recipes
- Loaded Baked Potato Salad- Loaded baked potato salad is a great savory appetizer or a wonderful side for any dinner!Apple Pie- Apple pie is a classic dessert made with granny apples and a homemade apple pie spice!Sour Cream Cornbread- This sour cream cornbread recipe turns out delicious and moist every time!Baked Mac and Cheese- A baked Southern mac and cheese recipe that the whole family will love!Mashed Sweet Potatoes- Mashed sweet potatoes make the best side to your favorite main meaty dish!Candied Yams- A traditional Thanksgiving dish that features brown sugar, butter, marshmallows, and yams!
See more Thanksgiving →
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📋 Recipe
Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 1 review
Midwestern Thanksgiving Menu Ideas: Oven Roasted Turkey (+ Everything You Need!)
This Midwestern Thanksgiving menu spotlights traditional recipe ideas that are popular on the Thanksgiving dinner table in the Midwest! From roasted turkey to delectable side dishes, I have gathered a complete list of the tastiest Thanksgiving menu items! Any of these recipes will be a hit if you are hosting your family’s Thanksgiving dinner!
Author | Angela
Servings: 12 servings Calories: 674kcal Prep 15 minutes Cooking 3 hours 30 minutes Resting Time 1 hour 45 minutes Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients 1x2x3x▢ 14 lb turkey (thawed)▢ 1 c butter (1 stick, melted)▢ 4 cubes chicken bullion▢ ½ tablespoon smoked paprika▢ 1 orange (optional - quartered)▢ 4 sprigs thyme (optional - fresh)▢ 2 c chicken broth
InstructionsPreheat oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C) and place a roasting rack or tray in your large roasting pan.Remove thawed turkey from packaging, as well as any packages in the cavity (neck, gizzards, heart, liver are usually inside - some turkeys also have a package of gravy base). Rinse turkey inside and out, place in the roasting pan breast side up, then pat dry.In a small bowl, combine melted butter with chicken bullion cubes and smoked paprika seasoning. Break apart the cubes to make a paste.Using the paste, coat the outside of the turkey as well as inside the body cavity (whether or not you will be stuffing the turkey, it adds sensational flavoring!) starting with massaging the paste into the breast and working over the legs, wings, back and then the remaining paste inside the turkey.Stuff your turkey (optional) with prepared stuffing. We do not cook our stuffing this way as the turkey cooks more evenly when left open. (optional) Place a quartered orange and fresh thyme herbs inside the cavity for aroma and flavoring.Pour 2 cups chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan (water will work too, water or broth will combine with the drippings from your roasting turkey and can be used for turkey gravy base).Leave your turkey uncovered and place the roasting pan with seasoned turkey into the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and cook for 13 minutes per pound (without stuffing) or 15 per pound (with stuffing).Every 45 minutes, remove the turkey from oven and baste with the drippings and then return to the oven and allow to continue cooking. Be sure to close the oven while basting, to keep your oven temperature steady for proper roasting time.*At the second basting interval is when I start checking the internal temperature of my turkey with a meat thermometer. **It is also when I evaluate the appearance of the skin, and I may choose to cover the cooking turkey loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil at this point to keep from over-cooking the skin and turkey breast.Remove your turkey from the oven when it reaches 155 - 160 degrees F (68-71 degrees C). Carefully transfer the cooked turkey to a cutting board or serving platter, cover loosely with aluminum foil, then save the drippings for gravy (if desired). Allow your turkey to rest for approximately half the roasting time (ex. 1 ½ hours resting time for a 3 hour roasting time). NotesLeftover turkey can be refrigerated for 4-5 days in an air tight container, or frozen for up to 2 months in an air tight container. NutritionCalories: 674kcal (34%) | Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) | Protein: 82g (164%) | Fat: 37g (57%) | Saturated Fat: 15g (94%) | Cholesterol: 311mg (104%) | Sodium: 699mg (30%) | Potassium: 904mg (26%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 867IU (17%) | Vitamin C: 9mg (11%) | Calcium: 54mg (5%) | Iron: 3mg (17%) Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! classic Midwestern thanksgiving recipes, holiday meals, Midwestern recipes to make for Thanksgiving, Midwestern Thanksgiving Menu Ideas, must have recipes for a Midwestern Thanksgiving dinner, Oven Roasted Turkey, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving hot dish Course Christmas dinner, Dinner Recipes, Holiday Recipes, Main Course, Thanksgiving TurkeyCuisine American
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Midwestern Thanksgiving Menu Ideas: Oven Roasted Turkey (+ Everything You Need!)
Author | Angela
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 674kcal
Prep 15 minutes
Cooking 3 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients 1x2x3x▢ 14 lb turkey (thawed)▢ 1 c butter (1 stick, melted)▢ 4 cubes chicken bullion▢ ½ tablespoon smoked paprika▢ 1 orange (optional - quartered)▢ 4 sprigs thyme (optional - fresh)▢ 2 c chicken broth
InstructionsPreheat oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C) and place a roasting rack or tray in your large roasting pan.Remove thawed turkey from packaging, as well as any packages in the cavity (neck, gizzards, heart, liver are usually inside - some turkeys also have a package of gravy base). Rinse turkey inside and out, place in the roasting pan breast side up, then pat dry.In a small bowl, combine melted butter with chicken bullion cubes and smoked paprika seasoning. Break apart the cubes to make a paste.Using the paste, coat the outside of the turkey as well as inside the body cavity (whether or not you will be stuffing the turkey, it adds sensational flavoring!) starting with massaging the paste into the breast and working over the legs, wings, back and then the remaining paste inside the turkey.Stuff your turkey (optional) with prepared stuffing. We do not cook our stuffing this way as the turkey cooks more evenly when left open. (optional) Place a quartered orange and fresh thyme herbs inside the cavity for aroma and flavoring.Pour 2 cups chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan (water will work too, water or broth will combine with the drippings from your roasting turkey and can be used for turkey gravy base).Leave your turkey uncovered and place the roasting pan with seasoned turkey into the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and cook for 13 minutes per pound (without stuffing) or 15 per pound (with stuffing).Every 45 minutes, remove the turkey from oven and baste with the drippings and then return to the oven and allow to continue cooking. Be sure to close the oven while basting, to keep your oven temperature steady for proper roasting time.*At the second basting interval is when I start checking the internal temperature of my turkey with a meat thermometer. **It is also when I evaluate the appearance of the skin, and I may choose to cover the cooking turkey loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil at this point to keep from over-cooking the skin and turkey breast.Remove your turkey from the oven when it reaches 155 - 160 degrees F (68-71 degrees C). Carefully transfer the cooked turkey to a cutting board or serving platter, cover loosely with aluminum foil, then save the drippings for gravy (if desired). Allow your turkey to rest for approximately half the roasting time (ex. 1 ½ hours resting time for a 3 hour roasting time).
NotesLeftover turkey can be refrigerated for 4-5 days in an air tight container, or frozen for up to 2 months in an air tight container.
Nutrition
Calories: 674kcal (34%) | Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) | Protein: 82g (164%) | Fat: 37g (57%) | Saturated Fat: 15g (94%) | Cholesterol: 311mg (104%) | Sodium: 699mg (30%) | Potassium: 904mg (26%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 867IU (17%) | Vitamin C: 9mg (11%) | Calcium: 54mg (5%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Christmas dinner, Dinner Recipes, Holiday Recipes, Main Course, Thanksgiving TurkeyCuisine American
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/
