recipes

Bon Appétit’s Absolutely, Positively Perfect Thanksgiving Menu

The Test Kitchen really nailed it for 2019.
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Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski

We asked our food editors to test and retest the Thanksgiving recipe classics: to compare Idaho potatoes to German Butterballs, to weigh the merits of whole birds against cooking in parts. And we asked them to do it while filming Making Perfect, a six-part video series documenting every success and setback. Somehow, it all worked out...perfectly. Here are the recipes from the Absolutely, Positively Perfect Thanksgiving menu.

  • Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski
    3/8

    Why-Is-It-So-Good Gravy

    A make-ahead gravy gets a remarkable depth of flavor from roasted poultry bones and—surprise!—a sprinkle of MSG.

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  • Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski
    4/8

    Fancy Jellied Cranberry Sauce

    We have a thing for canned cranberry sauce, so we dreamed up a sauce as sliceable and jiggly and fun, with deep fruit flavor and a pretty topping.

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  • Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski
    5/8

    Squash and Radicchio Salad With Pecans

    This squash-centric salad has an irresistible pecan dressing and hardy radicchio that refuses to wilt.

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  • Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski
    6/8

    Brussels Sprouts With Pistachios and Lime

    These roasted whole brussels sprouts get so crispy you’ll worry they’re burnt (they’re not!). Then toss ’em in a date molasses–brown butter glaze.

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  • Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski
    7/8

    Cornbread Dressing With Sausage and Corn Nuts

    Corn nut “magic dust” delivers a big pop of corn flavor in this savory Thanksgiving side.

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  • Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski
    8/8

    Pecan-Rye Pumpkin Pie

    Imagine a pumpkin pie with pecan pie’s best feature—obviously, the candied nut topping. The best of both worlds.

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