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 $6.81 per person.
Thanksgiving is here, and it’s the best time of the year. Family, food, traditions, and football. Oh yeah! We love the quality family time, sitting around the table telling funny stories, and of course, eating delicious food.
Honestly, the big day can be a bit overwhelming. Of course, we want to do it, and it is so worth it for our families to have some memorable family times. But, we do not want all of the stress. Also, we don’t want to spend a ton of money to feed our families. Most importantly, we do not want to spend all day working in the kitchen. We want to enjoy the day at a reasonable price.
Does that sound like we are 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 made. 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 I make before Thanksgiving Day?
- Raspberry Cranberry Jello Salad: 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 Bean Casserole: You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If you freeze it before baking, then leave off the last can of French fried onions.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: 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
- Sweet Potato Casserole: Assemble the casserole and freeze before baking without the marshmallows.
What order should I cook Thanksgiving dinner?
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast:
- Day of Prep work: Cut up 2 Large Celery Stalks, 1 Medium Yellow Onion, 1 Large Carrot, 4 Garlic Cloves
- Instant Pot Gravy
- Prepare the recipe as directed.
- French-Bread Stuffing
- Day of Prep work: Chop 8 Medium Celery. Chop 4 Large Carrots. Chop 2 Large Onions.
- Green Bean Casserole
- Take previously made dish out of the freezer to bake.
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Take previously made dish out of the freezer to bake.
- Pretzel Turkey Treats
- Grab the kiddos to help put these cute treats together.
- Jenna’s Naughty Mashed Potatoes
- Day of Prep work: Peel and cut Potatoes and cover with water in a pot.
- 1 Hour Dinner Rolls
- Day of Prep work: Warm previously made rolls.
- Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Prepare the recipe as directed.
- Raspberry Cranberry Jello Salad
- Take previously made dish out of the refrigerator to serve with dinner.
- Cranberry Party Punch
- This is best made right before serving.
- Mom’s Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Serve previously made pie when ready to eat dessert.
How do I plan a large Thanksgiving dinner?
- 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!
- 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.
- Plan to prepare as much the day before so you can enjoy the day, as much as you can.
- 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 should I budget for Thanksgiving?
- On average, Americans spend over $180 on Thanksgiving dinner. The good news is, if you follow our guide we will help you get dinner on the table for under $100!
- 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 |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | $6.12 | 12 |
| French-Bread Stuffing | $7.72 | 12 |
| Green Bean Casserole | $7.92 | 18 |
| Cranberry PartyPunch | $8.67 | 20 |
| Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots | $2.17 | 8 |
| 1 Hour Dinner Rolls | $3.32 | 15-30 |
| Raspberry Cranberry Jello Salad | $3.04 | 10 |
| Pumpkin Cheesecake
TOTAL: |
$9.77
$7.08 $81.82 |
12
24
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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 $81.82.
Jacque Hastert says
Taking the stress out of the holidays is a must! You have shown how simple it is to throw together a delicious feast for a fraction of what the cost is for some. Thank you!
Jess Jankowski says
Thank you so much for your feedback!
Gordon says
So many good tips in here! I am pinning this and sharing with my sister in law who is hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time this year!
Jess Jankowski says
Thank you for stopping by and for sharing!
Sapana says
This is such a helpful guide!! I’ll be using as it as I plan out my Thanksgiving!
Jess Jankowski says
That’s great! Happy Thanksgiving!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Can’t wait to try this recipe, I know my family will love it!
Jess Jankowski says
They absolutely will!
Nellie Tracy says
This is so needed and so helpful! Thank you!
Jess Jankowski says
So happy it is helpful for you.
Jacqueline Debono says
This is a fabulous guide for taking the stress out of being the host at thanksgiving! Some delicious recipes here!
Jess Jankowski says
No stress allowed!!
Calvin says
This is a neat guide, perfect to prepare for the upcoming thanksgiving.
Jess Jankowski says
Thanks so much, Calvin. We truly hope it is helpful for you.