Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and gratitude, and nothing brings people together quite like a table full of delicious homemade dishes. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping it cozy this year, having the right recipes can turn your Thanksgiving dinner into a feast to remember.

At Chuck Anderson Ford, we’re thankful for our customers, our community here in Excelsior Springs, and all the families who trust us with their journeys every day. To celebrate the season, we’re sharing some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes — from the perfect roast turkey to mouthwatering sides and desserts that steal the show.

1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.

1. The Classic Roast Turkey

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a perfectly golden, juicy roast turkey. Here’s a simple, foolproof recipe that never disappoints:

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp each: salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage

  • 1 lemon, halved

  • 1 head of garlic, halved

  • 2 onions, quartered

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

  2. Pat the turkey dry and season inside and out with herbs, salt, and pepper.

  3. Stuff the cavity with garlic, onions, and lemon.

  4. Rub butter under the skin and coat the exterior with olive oil.

  5. Roast about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 45 minutes, until the internal temp reaches 165°F.

  6. Rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, use a dry brine (salt + herbs) overnight before roasting.

2. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Nothing says comfort like mashed potatoes. This creamy, buttery recipe pairs perfectly with gravy and turkey.

Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 stick unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves roasted garlic

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender.

  2. Warm cream, butter, and garlic in a saucepan.

  3. Mash potatoes, then blend in the cream mixture until smooth.

  4. Season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Southern Cornbread Stuffing

This cornbread stuffing adds a down-home touch to any Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pan of cornbread, crumbled

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup celery, diced

  • 1 cup onion, diced

  • 2 tsp sage, 1 tsp thyme, salt, and pepper

  • 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

  1. Sauté celery and onion in butter until soft.

  2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

  3. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown.

Optional: Add sausage, apples, or cranberries for extra flavor.

4. Brown Sugar and Pecan Sweet Potatoes

If you love sweet potatoes, this rich, nutty side dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup butter, melted

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

  1. Boil or roast sweet potatoes until tender.

  2. Mix with butter, sugar, and spices.

  3. Sprinkle pecans on top and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F.

Pro Tip: Add mini marshmallows for a nostalgic twist!

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Glaze

This side turns skeptics into fans — crispy, smoky, and slightly sweet.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

  • 3 tbsp maple syrup

  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

  2. Add bacon and roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.

  3. Drizzle maple syrup and roast another 5–10 minutes.

6. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Forget the canned stuff — this homemade cranberry sauce adds the perfect sweet-tart pop to your plate.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries

  • 1 cup orange juice

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

  1. Simmer all ingredients for 10–15 minutes until the cranberries burst and sauce thickens.

  2. Cool before serving.

7. Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without the king of desserts — pumpkin pie.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

  • ¾ cup brown sugar

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg and ginger

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 cup evaporated milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

  2. Mix all ingredients and pour into crust.

  3. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and bake 40–50 minutes more.

  4. Chill, slice, and serve with whipped cream.

Pro Tip: Add a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

Make It a Thanksgiving to Remember

Thanksgiving isn’t just about food — it’s about connection, gratitude, and sharing what matters most. At Chuck Anderson Ford, we’re thankful for the Excelsior Springs community and every customer who trusts us to keep their family moving safely, whether it’s to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving dinner or across town for Black Friday shopping.

From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and plenty of pie.

Chuck Anderson Ford
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.

Categories: Social, People, Community Events

Search Blog

Subscribe to Our Blog