Thanksgiving can feel a little overwhelming at first. There are so many warm dishes that need to hit the table at the same time, and oven space becomes limited very quickly. On top of that, many of the classic dishes might be completely new to you, so it is hard to know how long each one actually takes to prepare. That is why I put together this little guide, made for anyone who wants to cook a proper Thanksgiving dinner for four people without cutting corners. With a bit of planning, it is absolutely doable.
This timeline is designed for a 4.00 PM Thanksgiving dinner for four, using only one oven and making the classic Thanksgiving recipes that you can find here. Most of the work happens in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, so on the day itself you can focus on the turkey and the final touches.
Tuesday – Two Days Before Thanksgiving
5.00 PM
Bake the pumpkin pie. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate it. It keeps well for two days and actually tastes even better the next day.
6.30 PM
Check that you have all the ingredients you need for the rest of the menu. Make a small list if anything is missing.
Wednesday – The Day Before
9.00 AM
Make the cranberry relish and refrigerate it. It only gets better as the flavors settle.
11.00 AM
Boil the sweet potatoes and make the sweet potato mash. Transfer the mash to a smaller ovenproof dish so it will be easier to fit in the oven tomorrow. Refrigerate it. Marshmallows go on right before serving.
1.00 PM
Make the green bean casserole. Blanch the beans, cook the sauce, and assemble it in a baking dish. Again, use a smaller dish if possible so everything fits in the oven at the same time on Thursday. Wait to add the fried onion topping.
3.00 PM
Make the mashed potatoes and transfer them to a smaller ovenproof dish. If the mash feels firm tomorrow, stir in a little warm milk. Refrigerate it.
4.00 PM
Prepare the stuffing. Place it in a baking dish and refrigerate it. Smaller dishes work well here too.
5.00 PM
Place the turkey in the wet brine if you are using that method. It needs to brine overnight.
8.00 PM
Set the table if you want to. It saves time and makes the morning feel more relaxed.
Thursday – Thanksgiving Day
10.00 AM
Remove the turkey from the brine. Rinse, dry, and season it. Stuff the cavity if using stuffing inside the bird. Let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour.
11.00 AM
Put the turkey in the oven.
2.00 PM
The turkey is done. Take it out and let it rest, covered loosely with foil.
Also take all side dishes out of the refrigerator so they can lose the chill before reheating.
2.00 to 2.45 PM
Oven is free. This is your break time.
Everything after this point must fit the final hour before dinner, so I’ve checked all reheating times carefully:
2.45 PM
Warm the sweet potato mash first.
Sweet potato mash needs 20 to 30 minutes.
3.00 PM
Put the green bean casserole in the oven with the topping added.
It needs 25 to 30 minutes.
(Sweet potato mash + green bean casserole can be in the oven together, since you’re using smaller dishes.)
3.15 PM
Sweet potato mash should be hot by now. Take it out. Marshmallows go on later.
3.15 PM
Warm the mashed potatoes.
They need 15 to 20 minutes.
If firm, stir in warm milk.
3.30 PM
Warm the stuffing.
Stuffing needs 20 minutes and can go into the oven with the mashed potatoes.
3.30 PM
Start the Brussels sprouts.
Oven or air fryer both work, but the air fryer helps keep oven space free.
Brussels sprouts need about 12 to 15 minutes in an air fryer or 20 minutes oven roasted.
3.45 PM
Give the sweet potato mash a short final warm up and add the marshmallows so they melt and turn lightly golden.
This takes 5 to 7 minutes under heat.
3.50 PM
Everything should now be hot and ready.
Arrange the turkey, move sides to serving platters, and take the pumpkin pie out to warm slightly before serving.
4.00 PM
Thanksgiving dinner. Everything hot, ready, and on the table.
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