Family Christmas Dinner and Games

Name: Classic Christmas Turkey Dinner with Sides
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 5 h
Yield: 15 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 lbs potatoes, for mashing; 1 (15 lb) whole turkey; 3 (28 oz) cans green beans; 1 cup diced ham; 2 (15 oz) cans creamed corn; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste

A complete Christmas turkey dinner featuring a 15-pound roasted turkey with classic sides including mashed potatoes, green bean casserole with ham, and creamed corn. This family-friendly meal is designed for gathering and celebration with both cooking and game-time moments.

🌍American 🏷️Christmas dinner 🏷️Holiday meal 🏷️Family gathering 🏷️Roasted turkey Southern cooking

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

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TikTok

Total

5h

Servings

15

Difficulty

Hard

Est. Cost

$17–$28

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

-0:00

TikTok

Ingredients

5 lbs potatoes, for mashing
1 (15 lb) whole turkey
3 (28 oz) cans green beans
1 cup diced ham
2 (15 oz) cans creamed corn
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste

8 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Peel and cut potatoes, then place them in a large pot of water to boil for mashed potatoes.
2
In a separate saucepan, prepare gravy.
3
In another pot, cook green beans with diced ham.
4
Heat the creamed corn and stir in flour to thicken it.
5
Present the fully roasted and seasoned turkey.
6
Serve the holiday meal buffet-style for the family to enjoy.
7
After dinner, gather for a series of fun and competitive party games.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Remove turkey from refrigerator 1-2 hours before roasting to ensure even cooking throughout; pat dry with paper towels for crispy skin.
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) as your guide—it should reach 165°F before the turkey is done.
Drain canned green beans and creamed corn thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole; the ham adds saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt.
Boil potatoes until a fork easily pierces them, then drain well and return to the pot to remove excess moisture before mashing for a fluffy texture.

Substitutions

1 (15 lb) whole turkey → 3-4 lbs turkey breasts (reduces cooking time to 1.5-2 hours)
1 cup diced ham → 1 cup diced cooked bacon or smoked sausage (adds smoky flavor)
5 lbs potatoes → 5 lbs cauliflower florets (lower-carb alternative; mash the same way)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover turkey, potatoes, and sides separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through.

Equipment

roasting pan with rack · meat thermometer · large pot for potatoes · potato masher · casserole dish

Common Questions

How long does it take to roast a 15-pound turkey?

A 15-pound turkey typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours at 325°F (165°C), or about 13-15 minutes per pound. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.

Can I prepare the side dishes ahead of time?

Yes. Peel and cut potatoes up to 24 hours ahead and store in cold water. Prepare the green bean casserole and creamed corn up to one day in advance, then reheat gently before serving.

What size turkey is best for a family gathering?

A 15-pound turkey serves approximately 12-15 people. Plan for about 1 to 1.5 pounds per person, including leftovers.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes. Use 2 pounds of fresh green beans, blanched for 3-4 minutes, then drained and mixed with the ham and sauce as directed.

How do I keep the turkey moist while roasting?

Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with pan drippings or melted butter. Tent loosely with foil if the skin browns too quickly. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes after roasting before carving.