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–+ servings
Close-up of creamy orzo pasta in a pan, topped with toasted breadcrumbs and fresh thyme. Perfect for one-pan Thanksgiving drinks.

One-Pan Thanksgiving Drinks (Minimal Cleanup)

This recipe offers a simple and delicious way to create festive Thanksgiving drinks with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy hosts, it allows you to impress guests with seasonal flavors without spending all your time in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Simmer time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Topping
  • 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter divided
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt divided
For the Orzo
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 large garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 8 oz. orzo
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 5 oz. Gruyère shredded
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp. butter. Cook breadcrumbs, stirring frequently, until golden brown and toasty, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Add thyme; season with 1/2 tsp. salt and set aside. Wipe out skillet.
  2. In same skillet over medium heat, heat oil and remaining 1 Tbsp. butter until butter melts. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, seasoning with pepper and 1/2 tsp. salt halfway through and adding a splash of water if browning too quickly, until deeply golden and caramelized, 40 to 50 minutes total.
  3. Add garlic and wine, scraping bottom of skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed, 4 to 5 minutes. Add orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until a few pieces are a little darker and slightly toasted, about 2 minutes; season with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt.
  4. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is nearly absorbed and orzo plumps and is al dente, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère and cream until cheese is melted. Top with reserved breadcrumb mixture.

Notes

This recipe is a savory dish, not a drink. The original request for 'Thanksgiving Drinks' seems to have been misinterpreted by the provided recipe details. The following recipe is for a one-pan orzo dish, not a beverage.

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