It's Time to Make Fried-sgiving a Thing

We've managed to come up with an entirely fried Thanksgiving menu. What? Like it's hard?

Food Network Kitchen’s Fried Green Bean Casserole for NEW FNK, as seen on Food Network.

FNK_FriedGreenBeanCasserole_H

Food Network Kitchen’s Fried Green Bean Casserole for NEW FNK, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Renee Comet

Renee Comet

Have you ever fried a turkey on Thanksgiving and felt like the rest of the meal was just way too … healthy? Us too. So, we wanted to change things up this year and embrace the deep-fryer with an entirely fried feast.

On a more practical note, once you've heated up more than 4 gallons of oil to fry the turkey, it seems like such a waste to not throw anything else in there. Plus, you can prep everything in advance. When you're ready to eat it only takes minutes to cook and, best of all if you're on cleaning duty, there are way fewer pots and pans to clean. Honestly, we can try and explain it away as much as we want, but in reality, it was only a matter of time until we went fully fried.

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Fried Ravioli
Fried ravioli is a popular appetizer in St. Louis, Missouri, and we think it's a great way to whet everyone's palates on Thanksgiving, too. Crispy pasta shell, soft cheese filling and ample marinara sauce for dipping; what's not to like?

ALTON_BROWN_DEEP_FRIED_TURKEY_H_.jpg

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Deep-Fried Turkey
This is why everyone chooses to come to our house for Thanksgiving. Just saying. An overnight brine and a few gallons of hot oil are the perfect storm of flavor. No suffering through sad plates of dried out turkey on our watch.

Second Day Fried Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Pesto; Sunny Anderson

Second Day Fried Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Pesto; Sunny Anderson

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Fried Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Pesto
You didn't think we'd skip the stuffing, did you? Sunny serves up her fried stuffing with a pesto made out of cranberry sauce (we won't say anything if you use the canned stuff), ground pepper and walnuts.

Fried Pimento Mac and Cheese
Just when you thought your favorite side couldn't get any better. These little squares of fried mac and cheese heaven are crunchy, creamy, spicy and gooey — all at the same time.

Fun Cooking

Photo by: Levi Brown

Levi Brown

Fried Butternut Squash with Spicy Honey
Adding some vegetables here because, balance. Whatever you do, don't skip that spicy honey. (Which also goes wonderfully with chicken and waffles in case you were thinking about making a double batch to have on hand for the next-day brunch.)

Fried Green Bean Casserole (pictured above)
A battered and fried variation of the classic casserole comes together quickly thanks to prepared pancake mix. We also cook up an addictively creamy gravy to drizzle over the crispy vegetables after they come out of the fryer. Go big or go home.

Fried Apple Hand Pies

Fried Apple Hand Pies

Fried Apple Hand Pies

Photo by: Matt Armedariz ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armedariz, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Fried Apple Hand Pies
These pies can be made days, weeks, even months ahead of time and just fried up after the big meal. It'll cut down on dishes too! P.S. We're totally not joking about making these months ahead. Freeze for up to six months, and you can fry straight out of the freezer.

Related Links:

Next Up

How to Deep Fry a Turkey

Follow these smart tips to safely fry up a golden, juicy bird.

6 Ways to Turn Your Favorite Thanksgiving Pie into Cake

Now you can have your cake and eat pie too!

Get a Head Start on Thanksgiving Dinner: 5 Easy Recipes to Make the Day Before

From cranberries to stuffing, cut your cooking time in half on Thursday by crossing a few of these off your list by Wednesday (if not sooner).

19 Genius Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks We Found on TikTok

Will these viral hacks really help you up your hosting game this Turkey Day? We asked a recipe developer to weigh in.

Thanksgiving Chicken Should Be Your New Main Course

Evoke the classic holiday flavor (and scent!) without tackling an entire turkey.

The Best Wines to Pair with Thanksgiving Turkey

Our expert sommelier provides several affordable picks that’ll highlight your bird's beautiful roasted flavors.

Food Network Magazine: November 2012 Recipe Index

143 recipes (plus 35 side dishes!), including make-ahead breads, 50 easy appetizers, and an Iron Chef-worthy Thanksgiving spread

All the Ingredient Substitutions You Need for Thanksgiving

If something goes missing or a guest arrives with a last-minute request, don't panic. Here's how to substitute nearly every traditional Thanksgiving ingredient.