Thanksgiving is a time for expressing gratitude, gathering with loved ones, and, of course, enjoying a fantastic feast. But for many home cooks, pulling off the big meal can feel like a juggling act, with countless dishes to prep, cook, and serve at just the right time. The secret to a stress-free Thanksgiving? Follow a well-organized prep list! Whether you’re a seasoned Thanksgiving host or a first-timer, a planner or a procrastinator, a prep list can be a lifesaver, helping you avoid the all-too-common holiday overwhelm. Below, you’ll find two prep lists: one for planners with some extra time, and another for last-minute cooks who need to get the job done. Both will result in a delicious holiday meal featuring easy Jow recipes.
For the Planners
Good news: many classic Thanksgiving dishes can be prepped ahead of time and reheated the day of. If you start the cooking process on Monday and do a little bit every day, you’ll be able to serve a spread of homemade dishes on Thanksgiving Day – stress-free. Casseroles, stuffings, and roasted veggies are your friends here, as they can be made in advance and reheated beautifully.
If you’re cooking a whole turkey that you bought frozen, allow plenty of time for it to defrost (one day for every four pounds is recommended). Planning to brine it? Begin the brining process the day before Thanksgiving so the meat has plenty of time to absorb flavor and tenderize.
Lastly, remember that even the most organized cook needs help sometimes. Don’t hesitate to ask your guests to pitch in, whether that’s with kitchen tasks or by bringing a side dish, beverage, or dessert.
Thanksgiving Recipes
For the Last-Minute Cooks
Cooking a last-minute Thanksgiving dinner is all about finding clever shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor or quality. For example, while homemade pie crust is delicious, sometimes pre-made pie crusts are the way to go, saving you valuable time. Another easy way to save time and round out your meal is to pick up fresh cornbread or dinner rolls from the grocery store or bakery – no need to bake bread from scratch if you’re short on time or simply prefer not to!
We hate to break it to you, but if you’re running late, a whole turkey might not be realistic. Whole turkeys, often sold frozen, take a long time to defrost and cook, and take up a lot of oven space that could be used for other dishes. Instead, opt for smaller cuts of turkey like thighs, breasts, or legs, which defrost and cook much faster than a whole bird.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, and you don’t have to do it alone. Recruit your guests to keep you company in the kitchen and help with tasks like peeling potatoes or whisking pumpkin pie filling.
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