Turkey Gravy Is Easier Than You Think!

I mean, honestly, if you’re already going to the trouble of roasting a whole turkey, you might as well put those flavorful pan drippings to good use and whisk together a quick homemade turkey gravy. ♡

It only takes about 15 minutes (a perfect job for the 30-minute window while your turkey rests before carving). And with just a few simple ingredients, you can make a richly flavored gravy to spoon over your turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, all of it.

I’ve made this turkey gravy recipe for years, and it’s the one I trust because it’s simple, dependable, and easy to customize with herbs or a splash of wine. Totally worth the effort. You’re going to love it!

The Secret to a Juicy, Flavorful Turkey!

I’ve tried just about every turkey-roasting method out there, and dry brining simply is the best. ♡

Seriously, nothing comes close to the flavor, juiciness, and beautifully crisp golden skin that a dry brine delivers. It deeply seasons the turkey all the way through (not just the skin!), helps the meat stay super tender, and dries out the skin so it can roast up incredibly crisp without any fuss. All you need is a simple mix of salt and spices and some hang time in the fridge and you’ll be good to go — no basting, no soaking, no complicated steps required!

I’ve gathered all of my best tips and tricks below to hopefully take all of the guesswork out of the process. And I’ve also put together a turkey timeline, a step-by-step carving guide, plus instructions for making turkey gravy from the drippings. (Or my favorite mushroom gravy is a fantastic option if you’d like to make the gravy ahead of time!) My hope is that this guide gives you everything you need to walk into your turkey day feeling calm, prepared, and genuinely excited about the feast ahead.

Let’s do this!!

The Coziest Drink Of The Season

Nothing kicks off the holidays quite like a creamy glass of homemade eggnog! ♡

If you’ve only had the grocery store stuff before, you’re in for such a treat because homemade eggnog tastes so much better and takes less than 30 minutes to prep! This classic stovetop version comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients — eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and a few warm spices — which are all gently heated until thickened into a custard-like base.

The result is rich without being heavy, sweet without being too cloying, and perfectly delicious served either chilled or warm. Enjoy it plain, spike it with bourbon or rum, top it with whipped cream, or finish each glass with a festive dusting of nutmeg. However you serve it, this homemade eggnog is guaranteed to bring a little extra holiday magic to the season!

The Perfect Pear Salad

Our family is a bit over-the-top obsessed with pears this time of year. ♡

We pick up a big bag a few times a month when we’re at Costco — which means we go through a lot of pears — and lately this salad has become one of our favorite ways to enjoy them. I threw it together a few weeks ago when we happened to also have some pomegranate arils in the fridge, and my husband and I absolutely couldn’t stop going back for more. It’s just so good.

The sweet, juicy pears pair perfectly with the tangy goat cheese and tart pomegranate, while the toasted walnuts add just the right amount of crunch. Then everything gets tossed together with a light white balsamic dressing that ties the flavors beautifully. It’s fresh, balanced, and elegant enough for holiday gatherings, yet easy enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner. You’re going to love it!

Carrots You Can’t Help But Love

A super-easy and nutritious veggie side that my kids actually love? Yes, please. ♡

These air fryer carrots turn out beautifully caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of that naturally sweet, roasted flavor we all love — but they’re ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. All you need are a few simple ingredients and your air fryer to make this quick, no-fuss side that somehow always disappears fast.

We honestly love these carrots made simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper. (They’re still so sweet!) Or you can have fun dressing them up with a drizzle of honey, balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs and seasonings. However you make them, these air fryer carrots are one of those easy wins you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. They’re always a hit in our house!

Pot Roast, But Make It Extra-Flavorful!

There’s something about a good pot roast that just feels timeless. ♡

I love that generations before us were making the same sort of meal on slow Sunday afternoons — beef searing on the stove, root veggies simmering away, the house smelling more delicious by the minute. It’s definitely one of those nostalgic meat-and-potatoes dinners that will never go out of style!

That said, I’m definitely partial to pot roasts that are richly seasoned with layers of rich, savory flavors. So my version adds in a cup of red wine, lots of garlic, a spoonful of tomato paste, and perfectly-balanced mix of thyme, bay, and Worcestershire. The beef turns meltingly tender, the veggies soak up all that savory goodness, the sauce is absolutely irresistible.

I wrote this recipe with traditional Dutch oven instructions, but admit that I probably most often make this one in the Crock-Pot or Instant Pot nowadays. So all options are included below — choose your own adventure and enjoy!

The Best Maple Sticky Buns

Soft, fluffy, caramel-soaked, and irresistibly sticky — these maple pecan sticky buns are pure weekend brunch bliss. ♡

My grandma was famous for her sticky buns, which she always baked on special weekend mornings whenever our extended family came to town. I can still remember the smell wafting through her kitchen — buttery dough, caramel bubbling in the oven, and that first sweet bite while everything was still warm and gooey. They always disappeared in an instant!

This recipe is my modern-day take on her classic, based off of our 1-Hour Cinnamon Rolls recipe that tens of thousands of you have made and loved over the years. The same soft, quick-rising dough forms the base here, but instead of a simple icing, the rolls bake in a luscious maple-brown-sugar caramel with toasty pecans that transforms into the most irresistible sticky glaze once they’re flipped. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or any weekend morning when you want to make breakfast feel a little extra special. Let’s make some sticky buns!

My All-Time Favorite Creamed Spinach

Rich, savory, and perfectly creamy, this creamed spinach always steals the show. ♡

Over the years I’ve tested countless versions of this classic side dish — from frozen spinach shortcuts to heavier cheese variations to various seasoning blends — and this simple recipe is the one I’ve landed on as a forever favorite. It starts with a heaping pile of fresh baby spinach that wilts down into a silky, delicate base, then gets gently mixed with sautéed shallot, garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg. The result tastes vibrant and fresh, creamy without feeling too heavy. And best of all, it’s quick and easy to make.

Whether you serve it up on Thanksgiving alongside roast turkey, pair it with steak on date night, or just serve it up as a simple weeknight side dish, it’s pretty much impossible not to love this creamed spinach. Let’s make some!