The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Trish Clasen Marsanico
·17-min read
The Secret to the Best Thanksgiving Dinner EverMike Garten. Prop styling: Lis Engelhart.
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At Good Housekeeping, the holidays — especially Thanksgiving — are our Super Bowl. Every year, the editors and experts in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen and Innovation Labs dedicate months to perfecting Thanksgiving recipes, evaluating which turkey roasting equipment to buy and experimenting with new cooking techniques and shortcuts. This ensures that when it's time for you to think about what you're cooking and eating on the big day, we've got you covered.
This guide compiles our tried-and-tested recipes, along with top strategies, tailored to two scenarios: you've ambitiously decided to tackle the entire meal solo or you're planning to bring a dish to a potluck-style feast.
The benefit of handling (almost) all of the cooking? You get to determine what food you're serving when — that makes it easier to plan ahead and maximize your kitchen space. With the right menu and by utilizing the stove, slow cooker, air fryer and microwave, in addition to the oven (a hot commodity!), you can make hosting as stress-free as possible.
The Strategy
Send out the invites.
Send out invitations and get an official headcount. Leverage an event-planning app, like Partiful, which makes it easier to tally up your RSVPs.
Check in with your guests.
Ask about allergies and dietary preferences: Is anyone gluten-free? Vegan? Allergic to nuts? Be sure to coordinate and make sure you can offer them a few safe options (unless they prefer to bring their own food).
Plan your menu.
Once you have a better estimate of many people you are planning to feed, you can better gauge how much you need to cook (see below) — and decide on what food to serve. When deciding on recipes, think through the logistics: Do all the sides bake at the same oven temperature? Is there enough space on my stovetop to cook these dishes simultaneously?
Find ways to get ahead.
No, you do not want to be cooking up an entire Thanksgiving feast the day of. Chop vegetables a couple of days in advance for your stuffing, opt for our make-ahead gravy, blanch green beans ahead of time, bake pies the day before, you name it.
Accept help!
Offering to host Thanksgiving doesn't mean you have to do everything. When someone asks how they can help, assign them a dish, suggest a bottle of wine they can bring or even put them in charge of left-over containers.
Let's Eat!
Warm Welcome
Photo credit: Getty Images
Have some sips and snacks set out for everyone to enjoy as they arrive — that way you won't have to stress heating up appetizers or playing bartender. In terms of Thanksgiving cocktails and mocktails, plan to make a big-batch drink and then offer an assortment of juices, sodas and liquors for people to make their own. An hour or so before, assemble a platter of meats and cheeses.
If you cannot imagine a sit-down feast without a first course, consider serving up a cozy bowl of soup that can simmer on the stove as you're running around finishing up the remainder of your holiday cooking (read: mashing potatoes, tossing together a salad). Stressed? Feel free to skip this!
Be sure to get that turkey in the oven at least 4 hours before you plan on having everyone sit down to eat. Your turkey will take time to cook and shouldn't be carved into immediately — and no one wants to serve (or consume!) a raw bird...or be forced to wait for dinner because of poor planning.
Alternatively, consider serving up a vegetarian main that stands in as a showstopper, like this stunning stuffed squash.
Cranberry sauces and gravy elevate every dish on the table — from the turkey to mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts. This is a place where you can definitely plan ahead, too. Our make-ahead turkey gravy can be stashed in the freezer, then thawed overnight and reheated the day of.
P.S. Expecting vegetarian or vegan guests? Make a batch of mushroom-based gravy.
You will want to make sure there is something for everyone to sop up extra gravy with. (Or simply enjoy with a spread of good-quality butter). You can take the DIY route for this, baking up a batch of Parker House Rolls or making cheesy, apple-studded biscuits. Instead, you can pick up a loaf of crusty bread from the bakery or bake-and-serve rolls from the store.
When selecting which sides to make, you'll want to account for oven space and temperatures. Since we have tons of stuffing recipes to choose from, you can always save this decision for last, based off everything else you're planning for that day. One way to minimize day-of anxiety: Prepare and assemble the stuffing a day in advance (do not bake), then pop it in the oven on Thanksgiving.
The one side everyone can agree on? Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. Your mashed potatoes will taste best — with the most ideal texture — if you wait to make them until right before serving your feast. That said, you can still get a head start by peeling and prepping your spuds in the morning. Store in a bowl with water in the fridge until you're ready to make your mash.
Is there a traditional Thanksgiving side dish (not included here) your family expects to find at the table? Don't forget about it! Whether it's a melty mac and cheese casserole, a cranberry-studded rice pilaf, or a sweet potato pasta bake that stands in as a vegetarian main, be sure to include it on your menu.
Of course, you will want to round out the menu with fresh greens and vegetables. Good news: there are endless possibilities — from freshly tossed Thanksgiving salads to air fryer Brussels sprouts, roasted root vegetables, stuffed squashes and green bean casseroles — when it comes to incorporating more produce into your holiday feast.
The beauty of this classic Thanksgiving dessert is that they can be prepped and ready to eat whenever you are. Bring to room temp immediately after dinner if you're planning to give everyone a second or two to breathe (or digest) before the sweets course. Heat up your oven if you want to warm up pies before serving à la mode.
Thanksgiving is one of those occasions where you want to make sure you cook enough food for everyone at the table to be happy and full, and have some extras to send home with guests. First, figure out what size turkey to buy. Plan on about one pound of turkey per person (or 1/2 pound per person for a boneless turkey breast). For sides, variety is key. You'll want a minimum of three sides for four people (if stuffing and mashed potatoes are family favorites, make sure that third side is a green veg). Then, add a few extra options as desired. Because this holiday centers on the food, I'll always make a few extra dishes to serve so people can pick their favorites.
To figure out how much of a side to make, I use a medium Yukon Gold potato as a visual reference. Figure on about three potato-size amounts per person — say, a handful or Brussels sprouts or a nice spoonful of dressing. For cranberry sauce and gravy, figure on at least 1/4 cup per serving. If you are baking rolls, play it safe with 1 1/2 rolls per person.
Invited to Friendsgiving or a Thanksgiving gathering where everyone is expected to bring a dish? No stress! Be the MVP guest by bringing the most delicious and popular dish to the celebration.
The Strategy
Sign up for a dish.
First, figure out the best way to sign up for a dish. If the host made this info clear on the invite, great! Open up the shared Google spreadsheet — or follow whatever directions — and call it a day. Not-so-clear? Ask! Organization is key for potlucks since it's the best way to avoid doubling (or tripling) up on dishes.
Check in about allergies.
Before deciding on what you to bring, ask the host if anyone has a food allergy or dietary restriction. Then, change your strategy according to the answer (read: if someone has a peanut allergy, it's probably best to skip the peanut-studded stuffing).
Of course if you have an allergy or dietary restriction, your best bet is to bring a dish that you know works for you. That way, you'll have at least one option that's a safe guarantee.
Label your dish.
The worst part of a buffet happens when you're looking at each serving platter and wondering what is this?! before scooping it onto your plate. Eliminate this uncertainty by bringing along a sign that clearly identifies the dish and what's in it. Include a note as to whether it fits into any special diets and/or flag any potential allergens.
Skip the surprises (and extra prep work).
As everyone trickles into the party, dishes in tow, things can be a bit chaotic. Now is not the time to throw curveballs at your host. So no, don't ask if you can use a knife and cutting board immediately after walking in the door. And don't expect oven space unless you've confirmed with the host beforehand.
Let's Eat!
Drink Duty
Photo credit: Getty Images
Bringing a bottle or two of wine or booze is a great low-lift option, especially if you're traveling far (so much easier to transport than a casserole!). Feeling more ambitious? Stir together a punch.
Volunteer to bring an appetizer only if you plan to be punctual. Otherwise, you'll be walking (late) into a room full of very hangry guests. Room temperature options, like sriracha mixed nuts or marinated olives, are easy to transport. If you want to pop something in the oven, coordinate with the host ahead of time.
With so many delicious Thanksgiving side dishes to choose from, select something that's tried-and-true and easy to transport. While typical mashed spuds may clump up the longer they sit, our Mashed Potato Casserole is meant to be assembled in advance and reheated. Most stuffings will hold up well on a car ride, as well.
Take a look at what everyone's bringing and if it's looking really hearty (read: tons of rich casseroles and starchy sides), bring something lighter to round out the assortment. Think: a shaved Brussels sprout salad, simple blanched green beans or bright cranberry sauce.
The best potluck desserts are ones that arrive ready to grab and eat. So while you can pack up a pie, we've created handheld versions of traditional Thanksgiving desserts — Apple Pie Cupcakes, Cranberry Cheesecake Bars and Pecan Pie Brownies — that make a fun addition to any dessert buffet.
Hearst OwnedQ: What is the best strategy for bringing food to a potluck?
It really depends on what you're bringing. For an easy, mess-free approach, I typically like to pack up food in containers that seal well and double as a serving vessel. If you want to heat something up once you arrive (get an OK from the host first!), it's best to transport foods in an oven-safe container. The glass containers in Rubbermaid's Brilliance line are great because they come in many different sizes, proved to be leak-proof in our Lab tests and you can heat food up in them. Prefer to bring food in a Dutch oven? (They do a great job at keeping food warm and can be used to reheat easily.) I love this gadget that wraps around pots to keep the lid in place.
Another option: Transport food in an insulated container. Coolers can keep food cold or hot. If you're opting for the cold route, make sure your cooler is at an ideal temperature before using and allow food to cool to room temp before popping into the container. The cooler your cooler and your ingredients are at the start, the longer they'll stay that way.
Your oven will be pretty busy later in the afternoon...you know, heating up a whole turkey and all. Set out a platter with an assortment of meats and cheeses for people to pick on as they arrive. Take your charcuterie board to the next level by adding your own cheese balls to the mix.
The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen has roasted hundreds of birds over the years. This classic turkey recipe incorporates all of our learnings for the tastiest, juiciest bird, yet.
Not into turkey this year? This vegetarian Thanksgiving option is equally as impressive. For the best wow factor, bring the whole squash to the table and lift the "lid" (cue the ooh's and ahh's), then cut into wedges to serve.
Yes, you can wait until you've finished roasting your turkey to make Thanksgiving gravy the day of — but do you really want to spend those crucial moments doing that? Instead, roast turkey wings anytime to DIY gravy you can stash in the freezer for up to 2 months and reheat whenever you're ready.
You can blanch green beans a few days in advance, so they're ready to be tossed with something delicious on Thanksgiving day. Tasty veg side, coming right up.
Oven space is a hot commodity, so call in your air fryer for back-up. It's the secret to perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts. (P.S. We tossed these in a maple-sriracha glaze that offers just the right amount of sweet heat.)
'Tis the season for pies! The fruit filling tucked inside this beauty features a combination of sweet Pink Lady and Honeycrisp apples, plus tart cranberries. Instead of dealing with weaving a lattice, place squares of pie dough on top before baking.
Team pumpkin pie? This stunner is a step-above the classic, thanks to a combination of spices including one secret ingredient (we'll give you a hint, it's not salt...).
While traditional mash is best served ASAP so it doesn't clump or dry out, this creamy baked alternative can be made in advance and reheated right before serving.
This stuffing — studded with apples, chopped chestnuts and aromatic herbs — can be made a day in advance and then popped into the oven before you head out (or reserve oven space at the party, and you can pop it in once you arrive).
Raw, shredded Brussels sprouts get even tastier the longer they're sitting in the lemon juice and oil, meaning you don't have to panic about throwing an entire salad together as you're running out the door. Pack the toppings separately, then throw them in once you reach your final destination.
Charred green beans tossed in a shallot and mustard vinaigrette brings a welcome touch of acidity that's sure to complement the rest of your holiday spread. And this dish works great at room temp.
This rich treat combines the best of both worlds: Ultra-fudgy chocolatey brownies with a sweet, crunchy-gooey pecan pie topping. And, they're super easy to serve.
Whether you're hosting your first Thanksgiving or your fiftieth, the big meal is always a unique test of quantity, timing, taste and entertainment skills. Luckily, that's just the type of expertise Good Housekeeping has been honing for the past 100+ years. This guide pulls together top tricks and insider secrets from Test Kitchen pros with years of experience, as we map out the ultimate Thanksgiving prep countdown and share some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes.
Before You Begin: Consider Your Guests
Finalize your guest list: Send out invitations and get an official headcount.
Ask about allergies and dietary preferences: Check in with your guests. Is anyone gluten-free? Vegan? Allergic to nuts? Be sure to coordinate and make sure you can offer them a few safe options (unless they prefer to bring their own food).
Figure out how much food you need: Once you have a better estimate of many people you are planning to feed, you can better gauge how much you need to cook. Start with our guide for how much turkey you need per person, and then plan the rest of your menu. (Our example menu serves 8 people.)
Accept help! Offering to host Thanksgiving doesn't mean you have to do everything. When someone asks how they can help, assign them a dish, suggest a bottle of wine they can bring or even put them in charge of left-over containers.
P.S. This menu includes just a few ideas. When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, there are so many side dishes, appetizers, and turkey recipes to choose from — and many of us celebrate the holiday with cherished family recipes as well! Everyone has their own traditions and priorities of must-serve dishes, so feel free to use this as a jumping off point.
These Thanksgiving cookie recipes will make your kitchen smell amazing this November. From shortbread cookies to pumpkin spice, these recipes will delight.
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