Culinary Inspiration for Thanksgiving with Chef Jeff
As Thanksgiving approaches, the excitement around family gatherings and holiday feasts builds. This year, Good Day Utah is turning up the culinary creativity with Chef Jeff, who is on hand to share expert tips, tricks, and delicious recipes that can transform any Thanksgiving dinner into an unforgettable experience.
Mouthwatering Side Dishes to Elevate Your Meal
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Nothing says comfort quite like creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, and Chef Jeff’s crockpot recipe makes preparing them a breeze.
Ingredients:
- 5 lb. small Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 1 ½ cups + 2 cups half and half
- 1 stick butter
Directions:
-
Begin by spraying the pot with non-stick spray and adding the potatoes. If required, halve or quarter larger potatoes for even cooking. Add the salt, pepper, garlic, and 1 ½ cups of half-and-half. Stir briefly before sealing the lid and cooking on high for 3-4 hours or until tender.
-
In a separate pot, heat the butter and the remaining 2 cups of half-and-half until melted. Once the potatoes are ready, mash them in the crockpot and gradually mix in the butter mixture until reaching your preferred consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste and keep the potatoes warm until serving.
For a visual guide, check out Chef Jeff on Good Day Utah demonstrating this recipe!
Sausage Croissant Stuffing
In a twist on traditional stuffing, this sausage croissant stuffing combines buttery croissants with savory sausage for an explosion of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 12 large croissants, cubed
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 1 ¾ cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 lb. sausage (your choice of variety)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 sage leaves, chopped
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
Directions:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish and toast cubed croissants on a parchment-lined sheet pan for 8-10 minutes, then place them in a large bowl.
-
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage while crumbling it. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add the onions, celery, garlic, and diced apple. Cook until softened.
-
Whisk together the broth, cream, and eggs in a bowl and pour it over the croissants and sausage in the large bowl. Stir in the sautéed veggies, spices, and mix thoroughly. Transfer to the baking dish and bake for 35 minutes until golden brown.
Watch Chef Jeff bring this delicious stuffing to life on Good Day Utah!
Turkey Roasting Tips from Chef Jeff
Roasting the turkey is often the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast. Chef Jeff shares essential tips to ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked and flavorful.
-
Defrosting: Make sure to fully defrost your turkey in the fridge, allowing approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds.
-
Seasoning: Season your turkey well—consider wet brining, dry brining, or simply seasoning during roasting. Don’t forget to add butter under the skin for extra flavor!
-
Roasting Techniques: Roast your turkey at 325°F, placing it on a rack over a roasting pan with chopped vegetables and fruit for an aromatic touch. If the skin darkens too quickly, shield the turkey with foil.
-
Cooking Times: Expect to cook your turkey for 13-15 minutes per pound. Overall cooking times can range from 2.5 hours to 5 hours depending on the size.
-
Temperature Checks: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast and thigh, ensuring it reaches 155°F before removing it from the oven. Allow it to rest before slicing to retain the juices.
To learn more about achieving the perfect roast turkey, check out Chef Jeff’s segment on Good Day Utah!
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
For a unique and comforting side dish, Chef Jeff’s scalloped sweet potatoes are a must-try.
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- Heavy cream
- Cornstarch
- Butter
- Shallots and garlic (for flavor)
- Thyme, sage, and Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, herbaceous finish.
Directions:
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Layer the sweet potatoes in an oven-safe baking dish.
-
Combine cream and cornstarch in a bowl. In a skillet, sauté butter with shallots and garlic. Then, add the herbs and cream mix, and pour this over the sweet potatoes.
-
Bake for 45-60 minutes until golden on top and the potatoes are tender. After resting, garnish with parsley before serving.
For a full demonstration, don’t miss Chef Jeff’s video on Good Day Utah!
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, and with Chef Jeff’s innovative recipes and expert tips, your holiday dinner will surely impress. Whether you’re trying out new side dishes or mastering the perfect turkey, these culinary inspirations are designed to enhance your festivities and create lasting memories with your loved ones.