Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Guide

Our Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Guide will help you take the stress out of Thanksgiving. Our plan serves a complete dinner for 12+ people and costs just $63.67.

Thanksgiving is here and it’s the best time of the year. Family, food, traditions, and football. Oh yeah! I love the quality family time, sitting around the table telling funny stories, and of course eating delicious food.

I am hosting this year and to be honest it can be a bit overwhelming. Of course, I want to do it and it is so worth it for my family to have some memorable family times. But, I do not want all of the stress. Also, I don’t want to spend a ton of money to feed my family. Most importantly, I do not want to spend all day working in the kitchen. I want to enjoy the day at a reasonable price. 

Does that sound like I am asking for too much? You may think so but we have figured out the secret! We have put together a Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Guide for you. We have outlined the prep work for the day before and the day after.

The recipes are all here in one place, the to-do list is done. And guess what the best part is? The costs have been calculated. You can serve an entire Thanksgiving dinner for $63.67. Seriously, guys, this is amazing!  The hard work is done! All you need to do is follow our dinner guide for your Thanksgiving Day festivities and you will be set. 

THANKSGIVING DINNER GUIDE QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

What can be made ahead of time for Thanksgiving?

• Orange Cranberry Sauce: Store it in the fridge the day before Thanksgiving
• French-Bread Stuffing: Bake the bread a couple of days before and chop all the veggies. 
• Green Beans Almondine: rinse and trim the green beans to be able to cook quickly the day of
• Chocolate Pecan Pie: bake the day before Thanksgiving and store in the fridge
• 1 Hour Dinner Rolls: Bake them the day before Thanksgiving and store in a Ziploc bag on the counter

What order should I cook Thanksgiving dinner?

1. Instant Pot Turkey Breast: 
   • Day of Prep work: Cut up 2 Large Celery Stalks, 1 Medium Yellow Onion, 1 Large Carrot, 4 Garlic Cloves
2. Instant Pot Gravy
   • Prepare recipe as directed
3. French-Bread Stuffing
   • Day of Prep work: Chop 8 Medium Celery. Chop 4 Large Carrots. Chop 2 Large Onions.
4. Jenna’s Naughty Mashed Potatoes: 
   • Day of Prep work: Peel and cut Potatoes and cover with water in a pot.
5. 1 Hour Dinner Rolls
   • Day of Prep work: Warm previously made rolls
6. Green Beans Almondine
   • Prepare recipe as directed with previously trimmed green beans
7. Orange Cranberry Sauce
   • Take previously made sauce out of the refrigerator when you’re ready to serve dinner.
8. Cranberry Party Punch
   • This is best made right before serving.
9. Chocolate Pecan Pie
   • Serve previously made pie when ready to eat dessert

 How do you plan a Thanksgiving menu?

1. Make a list of your menu and assign out any food items as needed to your friends and family that are coming. It’s a win-win! You get some help with the menu and may get some new recipes!
2. Don’t overthink it. It is supposed to be fun after all! Utilize the microwave! It can be your friend and can help your day go a little quicker. 
3. Plan to prepare as much the day before so you can enjoy the day of, as much as you can.
4. Ask for help! Don’t overload yourself. Get your kids involved. They can set the table the day before. Check out each of our recipes for suggestions on how to get your kids involved with each recipe. 

How much will this Thanksgiving Dinner Cost? 

• You’ll notice that not every recipe below serves 12. We’ve found that not all Thanksgiving guests like every single dish.
• Also, note that you will probably need another pie or 2 to round out the meal. Definitely assign those to some of your dinner guests, they’ll be happy to contribute to the meal!

RECIPE	COST	SERVING SIZE
Instant Pot Turkey Breast	$18.69	12
Naughty Mashed Potatoes	$7.21	12
Instant Pot Gravy	$0.11	12
Green Beans Almondine	$5.35	10
French-Bread Stuffing	$7.72	12
Orange Cranberry Sauce	$3.09	8
Cranberry PartyPunch	$8.67	20
Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie	$9.51	10
1 Hour Dinner Rolls	$3.32	15-30
TOTAL:	$63.67

Our Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Guide will help you take the stress out of Thanksgiving. Our plan serves a complete dinner for 12+ people and costs just $63.67.