7 THANKSGIVING STAPLES WE CAN'T CELEBRATE WITHOUT

WineCheeseScallops
Nov 20
4 min read

Roasted turkey centerpiece on a festive table with elegant dinnerware and wine glasses. Warm ambiance with sunlight through windows.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me (hi, I’m Tara from Wine Cheese Scallops 😉), you’ve already started dreaming about the meal. Here are our go-to thanksgiving staples — tried, loved, family tested — all with personality, heart, and that “let’s linger at the table” kind of vibe.

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Lemon-Rosemary Thanksgiving Turkey

Sliced roast turkey on a white plate, garnished with fresh rosemary. The turkey is golden brown, evoking a warm, appetizing mood.

Roasted turkey in a pan with herbs and golden-brown skin, set on a stovetop. A patterned oven mitt is visible, creating a cozy vibe.

Imagine the entire house filled with the fresh scent of lemon zest and woodsy rosemary, the oven timer whispers “it’s done,” and your centerpiece glistens with golden skin. That’s what our Lemon Rosemary Thanksgiving Turkey brings to the table. This isn’t your average turkey—it’s slow-roasted, butter-basted, and infused with the aromatic pairing of citrus + herb for juicy meat and unforgettable aroma.

Whether you’re carving at the table or passing platters, this bird sets the tone for a festive, elevated meal that still feels warm, welcoming, and entirely family-friendly.🍋🌿

Sliced roasted turkey with crispy golden skin, garnished with fresh rosemary on a white plate, creating an appetizing and festive mood.

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Sausage Stuffing

Bread stuffing with herbs and ground meat in a metal bowl, mixed with a wooden spoon. Bright colors and rustic texture.

Ingredients for stuffing on wooden surface: chopped bread, onion, celery, ground meat, butter cubes, and spices in bowls. Cozy kitchen vibe.

Next up: our classic side that sneaks a little savory punch into the mix. The Sausage Stuffing features hearty chunks of sweet Italian sausage, golden-toasted bread cubes, aromatic herbs—all swirled together into that beloved “stuffing” texture and flavor.

It’s the kind of dish that makes people lean in and say “just one more scoop”—and that’s the goal. Whether your guests are die-hard stuffing devotees or casual side dish fans, this one has something for everyone.

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Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Cubed potatoes are lifted from boiling water in a metal strainer over a pot. The scene is in a kitchen with a warm, bright atmosphere.

What’s Thanksgiving without buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes, right? Our Creamy Mashed Potatoes take that comfort staple and elevate it: rich cream cheese, heavy cream, seasoned salt all come together to create smooth, indulgent mash that’s unforgettable.

These are perfect for making ahead (hello, busy holiday kitchen) and they pair beautifully with turkey, gravy, or a spoon all on their own. Comfort food, turned luxurious.

Mashed potatoes in a metal pot on a stove, with a smooth, creamy texture and hints of steam, creating a warm, comforting mood.

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Classic Cranberry Salad

Close-up of red fruit jelly with chunks of fruit in a glass dish, placed on a light green cloth. The jelly has a glossy texture.

A green cup filled with red cranberries on a wooden surface. Nearby, an orange, a white coaster, and partial text on a blue can. Bright colors.

For a splash of color and a touch of nostalgia, we serve our Classic Cranberry Salad. Tart fresh cranberries, sweet fruit, crunchy pecans and a cherry Jell-O base combine into a show-stopping dish that literally glows holiday-red.

It’s perfect for bringing lighter texture and brightness to the table—because after turkey, stuffing, potatoes, you’ll want a little pop of something different (but still fully festive).

Chopped apples on a wooden board with hands slicing. Whole orange, lemon, and celery in the background, creating a fresh kitchen vibe.

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Easy Crockpot Cheesy Corn

Spoonful of creamy corn above a red bowl, with a blurred blue and white striped background, creating a warm and appetizing scene.

Bowl of yellow corn, cheese slices, and cream on a wooden surface, with small bowls of butter and salt in the background. Culinary setup.

And because I know you’ll appreciate any “hands-off” moment in a busy kitchen: load up the slow cooker with our Easy Crockpot Cheesy Corn. Layers of frozen corn + cream cheese + American cheese slices + butter turn into a creamy, gooey side with minimal effort.

No oven space required, minimal stirring, just delicious. Family-friendly, kid-approved, and a great foil for more classic dishes.

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Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

Baked casserole with a golden-brown crust and pecans in a white dish on a granite countertop, evoking a warm, homely feel.

For sweetness, texture, and a bit of indulgence: our Classic Sweet Potato Casserole delivers. Creamy sweet potatoes underneath, a golden pecan crumble on top, cozy spice in every bite.

It’s the kind of side that gets whispered about after dinner: “Did you try the sweet potato?” It brings warmth and comfort—and yes, it’s pre-holiday worthy.

For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.

Their high-quality selection never disappoints!

https://www.facebook.com/generalsteakandseafood

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Classic Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie with leaf and pumpkin-shaped crust designs in a white dish, sitting on a wooden table, creating a festive, cozy mood.

Hands crafting leaf-shaped pastries with a red cutter on a wooden board, featuring dough pieces and a background of light wood patterns.

And of course… dessert. The grand finale: Classic Pumpkin Pie. Deeply spiced, silky smooth filling, baked to perfection. While the exact blog version is part of our lineup (and no extra link needed here), you know it’s the one you’ll want that second slice of (and maybe triple if no one’s watching).

It rounds out the meal beautifully and gives you the perfect moment to lean back, sip something cozy, and celebrate.

Pumpkin pie with leaf and pumpkin decorations on golden crust, in a white dish, set on a wooden surface. Warm and inviting mood.

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Friends, if you pull together these recipes, you’ll have a Thanksgiving feast that feels luxe and home-grown, celebratory and deeply comfortable. With one week to go, there’s still time to get organized, make your list (and check it twice 😉), and prepare to host a table full of memories, laughter, and great food.