• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Cosette's Kitchen logo

  • Home
  • Virtual Cooking Classes
  • Weekly Grocery Deals
  • Recipes
    • Baking
      • Cookies
    • Breakfast
    • Condiments
    • Dinner
      • Side Dishes
    • Lebanese
    • Salads
  • About Me
  • Work Together
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Virtual Cooking Classes
  • Weekly Grocery Deals
  • Recipes
  • A little about me
  • Let’s Work Together
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Thanksgiving

    November 18, 2021

    Thanksgiving Prep Guide

    I like to think of Thanksgiving as the Superbowl for bloggers, home cooks and truly anyone that hosts this event! It's cooking, baking, planning, prepping for a HUGE feast! Even if you are simply cooking for your own family, it's nice to go all out and make it a special meal. I've broken down steps to make for a successful Thanksgiving beginning TODAY - a week before the big event! You can also download a PDF of this same post and keep nearby to help you plan out your time.

    Thanksgiving Prep ListDownload
    Thanksgiving Prep Checklist
    Jump to:
    • One Week Before
    • The Weekend Before
    • Monday
    • Tuesday
    • Wednesday
    • Thanksgiving Day
    • Sample Menu

    One Week Before

    Make a Shopping List: If you haven't planned your menu yet - it's time! Go over your recipes, take inventory of what you have at home and supplement with ingredients you still need. Remember spices, herbs and any other main ingredients.

    Clean: No one wants to be cleaning the day before a holiday. This is a great time to get all your house cleaning done. It's also a time to clear out your fridge and freezer. Use up any perishables, leftovers and perhaps cook with whatever you have on hand or stored in the freezer. Do this before you go shopping!

    Grocery Trip #1: I like to break up my grocery shopping into 2 trips so I don't buy fresh herbs and perishables too far in advance. 1-2 weeks ahead is a great time to stock up on pantry staples: butter, flour, sugar, canned pumpkin, other specialty baking items including pie pans. Don't forget the wine and liquor! Take advantage of online shopping to save time.

    Plan for Turkey: If you purchased a frozen turkey, allow ample time for it to thaw. Rule of thumb is: 1 day per 4-5 pounds of turkey. A 10 pound bird will take 2 days to defrost. Just be aware of timing and space in fridge and freezer.
    Turkey Recipe or go an alternative route and make lamb this Thanksgiving!

    Delegate: If you have anyone joining you for the holiday, delegate their responsibility so they have time to plan and gather ingredients. That will leave you with a clear picture of what you have left to do. Perhaps in charge of a dessert, bringing extra wine, bread/rolls or a side dish?

    pumpkin bowl at table setting

    The Weekend Before

    Serving Dishes: The weekend is a perfect time to finish cleaning and also begin matching your dishes with serving ware you have. If you can utilize your dining room or service buffet to lay everything out, even better. Pro tip: place a sticky note on each platter with the name of the dish that will fill it.
    Check out my Amazon Store for some lovely serving platters!

    Pie Dough: If you are making pies from scratch, it's a LIFESAVER to make your dough ahead of time. Make your dough and even shape and form into pie plates if you have freezer room.
    Favorite pie recipes are all listed here!

    Bread products: If you plan to make any rolls or scones, you can also prepare them over the weekend and pop into your freezer.
    These scones are our favorite for Thanksgiving morning!

    Persimmon Galette with ice cream
    Try this persimmon galette!

    Monday

    Grocery Trip #2: Time to buy the rest of your ingredients. If you can, make use of online grocery shopping and save time. Make final inventory and grab all you need to cook.

    Defrost Turkey: If you haven't started, check on your turkey defrosting time.

    Cranberry Sauce: You can make your cranberry sauce today and pop into fridge.

    friendsgiving, thanksgiving, dinner, turkey, family, friends
    Apple and Sausage Stuffing with Tarragon by Proportional Plate

    Tuesday

    Dry Brine: If you are dry brining your turkey, today is the day to begin that process. It takes longer than a wet brine but takes less space.

    Chopping Veggies: If any of your recipes require dicing vegetables: onions, celery, carrots, you can do that today and store in container in the fridge.

    Prepare Stuffing: Making stuffing? You can prepare the entire stuffing casserole and store in fridge until ready to bake on Thursday. The extra time in the fridge allows flavors to meld together quite well.
    Here is a great stuffing recipe from Proportional Plate.

    Meats & Fillings: Prepare any fillings for savory dishes - savory pies, sausage for stuffing, etc.
    Try your hand at making Fatayer this holiday season!

    friendsgiving, thanksgiving, dinner, turkey, family, friends
    Skillet roasted turkey

    Wednesday

    Pies: Prepare pie fillings and completely bake. Pies need time for the fillings to set. And hopefully you've already made your pie dough!

    Potatoes: You can absolutely prepare some potatoes dishes ahead of time. Sweet potatoes casserole, make today and bake tomorrow. Potatoes au gratin can be prepared ahead and baked the day of. If making mashed potatoes or something with sliced potatoes, prepare potatoes and allow to soak in cold water with a splash of vinegar in the fridge overnight. This will ensure they don't turn brown/black. On Thanksgiving Day, drain and cook as intended.
    Favorite potato dishes: Spicy Lebanese Potatoes, Bacon Smashed Potatoes, Twisted Mashed Potatoes

    Wet Brine: Prepare your wet brine for your turkey if you are going that route. It needs 12-24 hours.

    Set Table: Set the table.

    Bar: Prepare the bar, chill drinks a cooler is great for this to save fridge space. Or if you live in a cold area, just pop outside!

    • Kale Quinoa Salad
    Bacon Smashed Potatoes - Mushroom Tart - Autumn Kale and Quinoa Salad

    Thanksgiving Day

    Read your plan: Take time to read over your menu and timing for cooking whatever is left or when you will heat prepared foods.

    Turkey: Cook your turkey according to weight and account for 20-30 minutes for it to rest once done. This will give you time to finish baking any items or heat up anything.

    Finish Side Dishes: Finish final prep of side dishes while/before your turkey is cooking.

    Clean as you go: Start the day with an empty dishwasher, load as you go and run when you need. Keep dishes washed and put away to help keep clutter down.

    Cocktail: Grab a cocktail, pat yourself on the back and enjoy the day!!!!

    friendsgiving, thanksgiving, dinner, turkey, family, friends

    Sample Menu

    Here is a sample menu for your big day! Some traditional dishes and some that may be a little outside the box.

    friendsgiving, thanksgiving, dinner, turkey, family, friends

    This is a simple skillet turkey recipe filled with an herby butter. Leaving it in the fridge uncovered allows for the crispiest skin!

    Roasted Chicken on platter

    If you are entertaining a smaller crowd, a roast chicken may be the way to go for you. This post has all the steps to roast the perfect chicken with crispy skin and herby skin.

    Plated turkey meatballs and gravy

    Many of us are still entertaining a small group this year. Perhaps try these Turkey Meatballs and Gravy? They have a subtle hint of warm spices and just so delicious! They would even work as an appetizer.

    lamb, Easter, dutch oven, Lebanese, le creuset

    Looking for a turkey alternative? Lamb is #1 on my list! Try this simple Mediterranean Roasted Lamb for your feast this year.

    Mushroom Tart before baking

    If you haven't tried this mushroom tart, YOU MUST! The flavors are unbelievable and truly make a wonderful side dish or appetizer.

    My kids ask for these every year, Cranberry Orange Scones! The best part is you can make them ahead and pop into the freezer to bake the day of.

    potatoes

    Bacon Smashed Potatoes, is there a better combination? So easy and something fun for kids to help with. These are one of our top potato dishes for he holiday!

    Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

    I'm not one to usually push pumpkin on folks, but I promise these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are SOOOOOOO good that even non-pumpkin lovers (like me) enjoy them. I've simplified the recipe to bake in a 9x13 pan - no water bath, nothing fussy!

    Nothing says Thanksgiving than an Apple Pie, my FAVORITE way to enjoy apple pie is with a crumb topping! Find this recipe + 4 other unique takes on pie that are sure to please!

    I'm very excited for this holiday season! There are plenty more recipes to try on the website, just pop what you're looking for into the search bar on top and see what you find. If you're looking for an easy weeknight meal BEFORE the holiday - I got you! Here are some easy dishes that are sure to please your family!

    SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP PASTA WITH CHICKEN

    MACARONI B’HALIB (MACARONI AND CHEESE)

    GRUYÈRE CROQUE MONSIEUR

    COPYCAT TRADER JOE’S MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD

    INSTANT POT CHICKEN SHAWARMA

    I hope you enjoy this Thanksgiving Guide - be sure to download, print and share with friends!

    Thanksgiving Prep ListDownload

    As always, I love seeing your creations. Please leave a review or share your dish with me on social media #cosetteskitchen which lets me know what is working for you! You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , Tiktok and Pinterest. For more delicious recipes to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter!

    xoxo,

    Cosette

    More Thanksgiving

    • Pearl Couscous Salad with Delicata Squash and Orange Dressing
      Pearl Couscous Salad with Delicata Squash and Orange Dressing
    • Mashed Potato Eggs Benedict
      Leftover Thanksgiving Mashed Potato Eggs Benedict
    • Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
      Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
    • Turkey meatballs in gravy
      Turkey Meatballs and Gravy

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    me

    My name is Cosette Posko and I reside in Portland, Oregon with my family of five. Originally from Pennsylvania, I moved to the great Pacific Northwest about 15 years ago and have been here ever since.

    More about me →

    Latest Posts

    • copy-of-weekly-grocery-deals
      Weekly Grocery Deals March 22-28
    • radicchiosalad-final
      Radicchio Salad with Manchego Vinaigrette and Bacon
    • weekly-grocery-deals-2-2
      WEEKLY GROCERY DEALS MARCH 15-21
    • deli_turkey_featureimage-1-of-1
      Garlic Pepper Deli-Style Roast Turkey for Sandwiches (lunchmeat)
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Mail
    • Pinterest

    Find A Recipe

    Let's Get Social

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Email
    • Pinterest

    Find a recipe

    • 10 Recipes to Try
    • Appetizer
    • Bagels
    • Baked Goods
    • BBQ
    • beef
    • Beverages
    • blog
    • Blogging
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Burgers
    • Cake
    • Chicken
    • Christmas Cookie
    • cinco de mayo
    • Condiments
    • Cookies
    • crab
    • Crackers
    • Dessert
    • Dining Room
    • Dinner
    • dip
    • Dough
    • Drinks
    • Easy
    • Education
    • eggs
    • Fall
    • Family
    • Fish
    • Galette
    • Gift Guide
    • Gifts
    • gluten free
    • Grilling
    • holiday
    • Home Decor
    • Ice Cream
    • Instagram
    • instant pot
    • lamb
    • Lebanese
    • lunch
    • Muffins
    • Party
    • pasta
    • Peaches
    • Pie
    • Pizza
    • pork
    • Potatoes
    • Resources
    • Rice
    • Salad
    • Salmon
    • Scones
    • seafood
    • Side Dish
    • Snacks
    • soup
    • Soups
    • Summer
    • Thanksgiving
    • Thanksgiving Menu
    • Thanksgiving Prep
    • Turkey
    • Uncategorized
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
    • Weekly Grocery Deals
    • Weeknight Meal
    • Za'atar

    Recent Posts

    • Weekly Grocery Deals March 22-28
    • Radicchio Salad with Manchego Vinaigrette and Bacon
    • WEEKLY GROCERY DEALS MARCH 15-21
    • Garlic Pepper Deli-Style Roast Turkey for Sandwiches (lunchmeat)
    • Weekly Grocery Deals March 8-14

    Archives

    • March 2023
    • February 2023
    • January 2023
    • December 2022
    • September 2022
    • August 2022
    • April 2022
    • February 2022
    • December 2021
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • July 2021
    • June 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017

    The Nitty Gritty

    Privacy Policy + Disclosure

    Photo + Recipe Sharing

    Cosette's Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy + Disclosure

    Follow Us

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Mail
    • Pinterest

    Contact

    • Photo + Recipe Sharing

    Cosette’s Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    Copyright © 2021 Cosette's Kitchen