Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and we all know what everyone is most looking forward to: THE FOOD! Just kidding, we know family, friends, and togetherness are the most important parts of Thanksgiving. However, we’re well aware of the role food plays in this family-centric holiday. If you’re unable to celebrate this fall with us here in Hilton Head, we’ve put together a few recipes you can use at home for your own Lowcountry-inspired Thanksgiving!
Grilled Oysters with Garlic Parmesan Butter
What would a coastal Thanksgiving be without oysters? This recipe beautifully combines the smoky flavors from the grill with the savory garlic and parmesan butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 12 freshly shucked oysters on the half-shell
Instructions
Heat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450 degrees). While the grill is warming up, use a rubber spatula to mix the butter, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, and 1/4 cup of the cheese until fully combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Once your grill is hot, put 1 tablespoon of the garlic butter mixture on top of each oyster and then top each with a bit of the remaining cheese. Put the oysters shell-side down directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Cook until the cheese is melted and the edges of the oysters are slightly curled (approximately 3-5 minutes). Serve immediately.
Crab Deviled Eggs
Another staple found on most Thanksgiving tables is deviled eggs, so obviously, this list includes a Lowcountry version to include in your holiday spread!
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup crabmeat, picked
- Fresh chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
Arrange eggs in a single layer in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil before immediately removing the pan from the heat. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 8 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Let them cool for 5 minutes, then peel and discard the shells. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully scoop the yolks out into a separate bowl. Save the whites for serving.
Using a food processor or mixer, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, relish, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, cayenne pepper, egg yolks, and 2 tablespoons of crab meat. Process for about 1 minute until the mixture is completely smooth. Transfer to a bowl and fold in 1/2 cup more crab meat. Season to taste with more Old Bay seasoning if desired. Transfer the filling mixture to a zipper-lock bag with a corner cut off or a piping bag fitted with a plain tip. Pipe the filling back into the empty egg whites and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
Lowcountry Boil Brined Turkey
And for the pièce de resistance, this Lowcountry-inspired Thanksgiving turkey breast will have your guests talking long after the holidays are over.
Ingredients
- 8 cups of water
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- 6 bay leaves
- 8 cups ice
- 1 (4-to 5-pound) turkey breast, thawed
Instructions
Using a medium saucepan, bring the water, salt, Old Bay seasoning, lemons, and bay leaves to a simmer just long enough for the salt to dissolve. Whisk in the ice to cool it down, adding more until the mixture is cold. Place the turkey in an airtight container and add the brine until completely covered. Seal and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
One hour before cooking, preheat the oven to 350 degrees, remove the turkey from the brine, and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey with oil and place it on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. Roast the turkey breast for about an hour or until an instant-read thermometer shows an internal temperature of 155 degrees. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
This holiday season will be one to remember for your whole family, thanks to these coastal Thanksgiving recipes. And don’t forget the Lowcountry-inspired Thanksgiving cocktails to end the night on a high note!