This menu is perfect for those embarking on their first Thanksgiving or for anyone simply looking for traditional recipes with minimal fuss.

From Cook's Country
Roasted Turkey
Craving a recipe that's back to basics? There's no herb swirl, no cheesecloth soak, no flavored butter under the skin here—just a big ol' buttered bird. All you have to do is butter and season a prepped “self-basting" or kosher turkey, and then roast it breast-side down and flip it once during cooking—the results are well worth it. Get the Recipe

From Cook's Country
Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Using the hands-off convenience of a slow cooker, we're still able to end up with smashing results. For evenly cooked potatoes, we use a small amount of water and a parchment shield to create a moist, steamy environment. Sour cream adds tang and extra creaminess to the spuds, and minced chives brighten them up. Get the Recipe

From Cook's Country
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
With multiple side dishes commanding your last-minute attention just as guests are arriving, you don't want to worry about the gravy. First, don't throw away the giblet bag—the neck, heart, and gizzard add delicious depth to this gravy. Taking the time to deglaze also ensures that all of the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan (fond) make their way into the gravy. Get the Recipe

From Cook's Country
Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Good news: Fresh green beans hold up well in the slow cooker, and cooking the casserole in a countertop appliance frees up valuable oven real estate. Even better: The sauce and topping can be made ahead and refrigerated in separate airtight containers for 2 days. Get the Recipe

From Cook's Country
Make-Ahead Apple Cobbler
This freezer-friendly cobbler saves time and trouble on Thanksgiving—you can prepare the apples and biscuit topping mix up to one month in advance and store them separately. Think of them as a make-ahead kit: This apple cobbler is ready to go when you are. Get the Recipe