The Best Thanksgiving Recipes Plus Planning Tips

Inside you will find all the best Thanksgiving recipes and more to make a complete Thanksgiving meal and then some. Lots of options for main dishes, sides, veggies, and dessert.

Happy Friday and Happy November! I can’t believe it is here. I hope you had a fun and safe Halloween holiday. I’m already stoked for Thanksgiving. I’m even planning my thanksgiving recipes. I’ve gathered some old favorites and some new exciting recipes for thanksgiving!

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about planning out a Thanksgiving meal.

Tips for Planning a Thanksgiving Meal: Stress-Free and Delicious

Planning a Thanksgiving meal can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation and organization, you can create a memorable feast without the stress. Whether you’re hosting for the first time or looking for ways to streamline your usual routine, these tips will help you organize your meal, manage your time, and enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.

1. Plan the Menu Early

One of the most important steps in planning a successful Thanksgiving meal is creating your menu well in advance. Start by deciding on the main dishes, sides, desserts, and beverages you want to serve. Consider classic favorites like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pies, but don’t be afraid to add new dishes to keep things interesting. If you’re expecting guests with dietary restrictions, include a few options like vegetarian sides or gluten-free desserts to accommodate everyone.

Pro Tip: Write down your menu or create a digital document that includes the name of each dish and its ingredients. This way, you’ll have a reference list when it’s time to shop.

2. Create a Timeline and Schedule

Once your menu is set, map out a cooking timeline. Start by determining which dishes can be made ahead of time, such as pies, cranberry sauce, and casseroles. Plan to make these a day or two before Thanksgiving. Next, schedule cooking times for dishes that need to be made on the day of the event, like the turkey and mashed potatoes.

Pro Tip: Create a detailed schedule that lists cooking and prep times for each dish. Include time for any necessary defrosting, marinating, and resting periods.

3. Make a Detailed Shopping List

Write down all the ingredients you’ll need for each dish. Organize your shopping list by category, such as produce, dairy, and pantry items, to make grocery shopping faster and easier. Double-check your pantry and fridge to see what you already have on hand to avoid buying duplicates.

Pro Tip: Buy non-perishable items, such as canned goods, baking ingredients, and spices, at least two weeks in advance. This leaves only fresh produce and meats for your last shopping trip closer to the big day.

4. Prep Ahead as Much as Possible

To reduce last-minute stress, prep as much as you can before Thanksgiving. Chop vegetables, measure out dry ingredients, and prepare any marinades or sauces in advance. Some dishes, like pies and casseroles, can be fully made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until needed.

Pro Tip: Label containers with the dish name and cooking instructions so that when it’s time to reheat or bake, you’ll know exactly what to do.

5. Set Up the Dining Space the Night Before

Get your dining area ready the night before Thanksgiving. Set the table, arrange place settings, and put out any decorations, candles, or flowers. This small step will save you valuable time on the day of your event.

Pro Tip: Consider creating a seating arrangement if you’re hosting a larger group. Place cards or a seating chart can help guests find their places quickly.

6. Delegate Tasks to Family and Friends

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If guests offer to bring a dish, suggest items that complement your menu, like a side dish, salad, or dessert. On the day of, assign small tasks like filling water glasses, setting out appetizers, or carving the turkey to willing family members or friends.

Pro Tip: Make a list of tasks that need to be done and assign names to each task so everyone knows their role.

7. Plan for Leftovers

Thanksgiving usually results in plenty of leftovers, so have a plan for how to handle them. Stock up on food storage containers and bags to make it easy for guests to take home leftovers. Alternatively, create a few recipes in advance that use leftovers creatively, like turkey soup or stuffing-stuffed mushrooms.

Pro Tip: Label leftovers with the date and consider freezing anything you don’t plan to eat within the next few days.

8. Have a Beverage Station

Create a beverage station separate from the food area. Include options like water, wine, cider, and soft drinks. This helps guests serve themselves without crowding the food prep area, allowing you to focus on finishing up any last-minute dishes.

Pro Tip: Include a few festive drink options, like hot apple cider or a signature Thanksgiving cocktail, for a special touch.

9. Keep Appetizers Simple

While it’s tempting to create elaborate appetizers, it’s best to keep them simple on Thanksgiving. Opt for light options like a cheese platter, veggie tray, or a few dips. This prevents guests from filling up before the main meal and keeps you from spending extra time on additional recipes.

Pro Tip: Prepare appetizers that don’t require heating or can be made ahead of time, freeing up oven space for the main courses.

10. Stay Calm and Enjoy the Moment

Remember, Thanksgiving is all about spending time with family and friends. If something doesn’t go as planned, don’t worry! Focus on enjoying the holiday and the company of your loved ones.

Pro Tip: Take a few moments for yourself before guests arrive to relax, breathe, and appreciate the hard work you’ve put into planning a wonderful meal.