Thanksgiving is, without a doubt, my favorite day of the year. It’s a day of beautiful, wonderful, delicious chaos. The sound of the game on TV, the clatter of pans, the smell of the turkey roasting, and that moment you finally sit down with the people you love… it’s just magic. My family moved to Australia but we still celebrate this tradition down under.
- Karina’s Make-Ahead, Stress-Free Secrets
But let’s be real. Pulling off that magic? It can be stressful . I’ve been there—juggling 10 different dishes, trying to remember thaw times, and desperately hoping the gravy isn’t lumpy.
After years of hosting, I’ve finally cracked the code. The secret to a perfect Thanksgiving is all about the game plan .
This is not just a list of recipes. This is my complete guide to building your perfect menu, from the make ahead secrets I swear by to the showstoppers my family demands every single year. You are going to host your best Thanksgiving ever . Trust me, I know this works because it was based off my successful Christmas Menu recipe builder and Halloween recipe ideas . If you want a list of great appetizers and bites check out my New Years Eve Party recipe ideas too, and for the very small families out there I have 20 romantic recipe ideas for you too so you don’t have to make tonnes of food.
Karina’s Make-Ahead, Stress-Free Secrets
The oven is the most valuable real estate on Thanksgiving Day. The key is to have as many dishes as possible ready before the turkey even goes in.
- 1 Week Out: Make your cranberry sauce and pie crusts. Your Home Made Cranberry Sauce will taste even better, and you can freeze your pie crusts.
- 3 Days Out: If your turkey is frozen, it’s time to move it to the fridge! This is the golden rule—24 hours of thawing for every 4-5 pounds.
- 1-2 Days Out: Chop! Chop all your veggies for stuffing, side dishes, and aromatics. Store them in airtight containers. Make Desserts: Pies and cheesecakes (like my Pumpkin Pie or Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake ) are always better the next day. Make Soups: Soups like our Butter Squash Soup taste incredible when reheated. Make Breads: Cornbread , biscuits, and sticky buns can all be made and stored in an airtight container.
The Main Event: The Perfect Turkey (And More!)
This is the moment. Don’t be intimidated! My number one tip for a juicy, flavorful bird is to rub it all over (and under the skin!) with a fenerous amount of softened Honey Garlic Butter . It guarantees a cripy, golden brown skin and keeps the meat unbelievably moist. Don’t forget to let it rest for 30 minutes before carving!
Juicy Roast Turkey
One-Pan Juicy Herb Roasted Turkey
Crispy Skin Slow Cooker Turkey
Maple Glazed Ham
Garlic Butter Prime Rib
Easy Appetizers & Starters
Give your guests something to nibble on so they aren’t hovering over your hot stove! These are easy to make ahead and set out right before everyone arrives. Need something different to keep guests happy while they wait? My Best Taco Tuesday Recipes has some great dips like guacamole and salsa that are always a hit.
Loaded Thanksgiving Cheeseboard
Sausage Cream Cheese Dip Stuffed Mushrooms
Thick & Creamy Pumpkin Soup
The Best Potato Side Dishes
It’s not Thanksgiving without potatoes… and I mean multiple kinds of potatoes! My secret? Make your mashed potatoes ahead and keep them warm in the slow cooker ! It saves so much stress.
Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Crispy Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Browned Butter Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Must-Have Vegetable Sides & Casseroles
This is where you add color and crunch to the plate! These are the crowd-pleasers that even the kids will eat.
Green Bean Casserole
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Corn Casserole
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese
Honey Dijon Apple Bacon Cranberry Salad
Stuffing, Breads & The Final Touches
This is the glue that holds the entire meal together!
Homemade Buttery Herb Stuffing
Sausage Herb Stuffing
Easy Buttermilk Cornbread
Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
Easy Turkey Gravy
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
The Grand Finale: Show-Stopping Desserts
You must save room for dessert. These are my all-time favorites, and yes, you can (and should!) make them the day before.
Classic Pumpkin Pie
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Easy Cinnamon Apple Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake
Apple Pie Deep Dish Skillet Cookie
I am so excited for you to have your best Thanksgiving yet! I hope this game plan helps you feel relaxed, prepared, and ready to enjoy the day. Did You Love This Guide?
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Save It For Later: Pin this post to your favorite Thanksgiving board on Pinterest ! 📌
