How to Create a Thanksgiving Checklist!

It’s that time of year again! Hopefully you’ve already got a head-count, and know who is hosting. If you’re in charge of this year’s dinner prepping a Thanksgiving checklist now and planning your order of events will ensure a smooth flowing kitchen, and guarentee an excellent holiday meal for family and friends.

Planning Your Thanksgiving Menu and How Much to Prepare

By starting your Thanksgiving meal planning early, you can make sure you have the perfect ingredients for your appetizers, cocktails, and side dishes. Most cooks have started their prep 4+ days before the actual meal! If this is a shock to you, a Thanksgiving checklist is something you need this year.

Menu Planning Basics

Decide on the complete Thanksgiving menu early to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Start by categorizing your options into appetizers, sides, mains, and desserts. Use versatile ingredients like Tuttorosso Tomatoes in classic appetizers such as bruschetta or a comforting tomato soup. Also, maintain a balance between beloved family recipes and the excitement of trying one or two new dishes. If you’re venturing into new culinary territory, practice those recipes once or twice beforehand to avoid any Thanksgiving Day mishaps. Careful planning and a touch of creativity can lead to a delightful and stress-free holiday meal.

Estimating Portions – How Much Food Do You Need?

A great way to limit the stress during Thanksgiving is to estimate the portions of food you’ll need. You don’t want to have to do any last minute shopping for your meal, so plan ahead!

Calculating the Turkey Per Person

When figuring out the amount of turkey for your Thanksgiving guests, a general rule is to plan for 1½ pounds per person, which accounts for both the meal and some leftovers. Consider the appetites of your guests and adjust accordingly, ensuring there’s enough for those who might want seconds.

Smaller Gatherings:

For smaller Thanksgiving Day gatherings, consider a smaller bird or even a turkey breast for your guests so there’s not a ton of leftovers.

Larger Gatherings:

For larger Thanksgiving Day parties, roasting two smaller turkeys will provide better results and faster cooking times. For the adventurous cooks, two birds allow you to offer different cooking styles like smoked and fried, as opposed to just one option.

How to Portion Thanksgiving Sides

Once you have your Thanksgiving menu planner done, it’s important to know the portions of the sides you’ll provide.

Adding Extra Appetizers:

We recommend having extra cheese and crackers or a Tuttorosso-inspired appetizer, like Baked Goat Cheese and Marinara, ready for unexpected guests. Low-effort snacks are a great way to fill up the bellies of your guests, cutting down on the need for over preparing dishes which take a lot of prep time (like sides).

Stuffing/Dressing:

It’s ideal to have ¾ cup per person, and consider preparing extra for leftovers. For variety’s sake, consider both sweet and savory stuffing options. Alternatively, you can cook stuffing inside the bird, or in a baking dish. This offers a nice variety of textures on the plate.

Mashed Potatoes:

For this good, old fashioned side, prepare ¼ cup per person, but consider scaling up based on preferences.

Sweet Potatoes & Vegetables:

Consider 1 medium sweet potato per 2 guests and ½ cup of vegetables per person. To balance starch and vegetables, try mixing a cold house-style salad in addition to your hot vegetable options.

Gravy and Cranberry Sauce:

For this Thanksgiving Day standard, provide at least ⅓ cup per person for each.

What About Thanksgiving Dessert and Beverages?

This is one of the best parts of the meal – imbibing before, during, and after dinner and the sweet desserts that round out your Thanksgiving Day feast!

Pie Slices:

Whether you choose an apple, pumpkin, or any other delicious pie, remember that one 9-inch pie serves 6-8 guests. It’s a good idea to offer a variety of pies for different preferences.

Beverages:

Plan on 2 glasses of wine per drinking guest per hour and 1 cup of coffee or tea per guest with dessert. Coffee carafes are a great way to keep hot beverages hot without having to manage a microwave.

Prepping Ingredients and Creating Your Thanksgiving Shopping List

Now that you have your Thanksgiving menu plan down, it’s time to create your shopping list and prep the ingredients. Break down your Thanksgiving shopping list by category; pantry staples, fresh produce, frozen items and toppings like cheese, breadcrumbs, and whipped cream. Tuttorosso Tomato products are a key pantry staple for Thanksgiving cooking that can be bought ahead of time and ready for you when needed.

Make-Ahead Ingredients

Start by prepping commonly used ingredients such as diced onions, garlic, and herbs in advance.

Freezer-Friendly Dishes:

Freezing certain items like pies, rolls, and casseroles that can be made ahead is a good idea.

Setting Your Thanksgiving Timeline

Building a prep timeline the week before Thanksgiving will help you stay organized and minimize stress, because there’s no such thing as a stress free holiday!

A Week Before Thanksgiving

Ensure your home is fully stocked for everyone by checking your supplies. Consider napkins, plates, serving bowls, and even ice! Now is also a great time to freshen up your table linens with a wash or dry-cleaning. Outline essential tasks such as shopping for non-perishable items, selecting recipes, and starting on make-ahead dishes like casseroles or pies.

The Day Before Thanksgiving

Get ahead of the game by preparing your sides and desserts in advance. Consider baking pies, prepping stuffing, and chopping vegetables early to ensure a smoother Thanksgiving Day gathering.

Thawing the Turkey – 1-4 Days Before:

This is by far, the most miscalulated part of the Thanksgiving meal and worthy of being the #1 item on your Thanksgiving checklist! You don’t want to cook a half frozen turkey, so remember to allow one day of thawing per four pounds of turkey. Butterball has an excellent step-by-step guide to thawing your turkey!

Prepping and Cooking on Thanksgiving Day

The day has officially arrived! Now it the time to start prepping and cooking. It’s time to pull out your timeline and get to work.

Get Started on Prep Early!

Start your Thanksgiving morning off right by preheating the oven and getting the table set to create a welcoming atmosphere. Take the time to reheat your make-ahead dishes, ensuring everything is warm and ready to serve. These early tasks help pave the way for a seamless and enjoyable holiday celebration.

Dust off those coolers from warmer summer days! Not only are they great for keeping drinks cold in the summer, they make excellent hot-hold “units” for ready-to-go side dishes when you need more oven-space.

Prepping and Cooking Your Turkey: The most Popular Methods

Take two seconds and pull the pop-up timer out of the breast and throw it away, if you don’t want a bone-dry turkey (a certain turkey from Chevy Chase’s Christmas vacation comes to mind)! Find a good meat thermometer, it’s essential for a properly cooked turkey. Most grocery stores have all-metal, oven-safe thermometers available this time of year!

Preparing your turkey is a crucial step in crafting a memorable Thanksgiving meal, so take the time to clean, season, and, if desired, stuff it for that perfect flavor. Timers are your best friend for keeping everything on track, and ensuring that each dish reaches the table at just the right moment.

Roasting Tips:

Achieving the perfect roast turkey starts with a generous seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like rosemary and thyme. Before roasting, rub the seasoning both inside and out, and consider adding a bit of butter under the skin for extra moisture. Keep the oven at a steady temperature and use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection, leaving you with a juicy and flavorful centerpiece.

Frying the Turkey:

Deep-frying a turkey can deliver a delightfully crispy and juicy bird, but safety should be your top priority. Always fry outdoors on a flat, stable surface, and ensure the turkey is completely thawed and dry to prevent dangerous oil splatters. Keep a safe distance from the fryer, and have a fire extinguisher nearby to handle any unexpected flare-ups, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without worry.

Spatchcocking the Turkey:

This is a fantastic method to reduce cooking time while ensuring an evenly roasted bird. By removing the backbone and flattening the turkey, heat is distributed more efficiently, allowing it to cook faster and more uniformly. This technique not only saves valuable time on a busy holiday but also results in a deliciously crispy skin and juicy meat, making it an appealing option for any Thanksgiving feast.

Smoked Turkey:

For an unconventional, but equally delicious take on Thanksgiving turkey, try brining and smoking your bird. This method requires more live cooking time than other ways, so it’s only suggested for experienced home cooks who have smoked meat before.

Finishing Touches and Serving

To make your Thanksgiving Day one to remember, there are some finishing touches to keep in mind.

Reheating and Final Assembly

On Thanksgiving Day, reheat your side dishes in the oven or microwave, ensuring they reach the ideal serving temperature without drying out. Finish dishes such as gravy by gently reheating them on the stove, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency. To keep everything warm until serving, use warming trays or cover dishes with foil, allowing you to present a perfectly timed and delicious meal.

Serving Suggestions

For an inviting Thanksgiving presentation, consider arranging dishes on a beautifully set table with varying heights using stands or decorative platters to add visual interest. If opting for buffet-style, organize dishes in a logical flow, starting with salads and sides, followed by the main course, ensuring plates and utensils are easily accessible at the beginning. Incorporate seasonal decorations like small pumpkins or sprigs of rosemary to enhance the festive atmosphere and make the meal feel special.

Final Thoughts On Creating Your Thanksgiving Checklist

As Thanksgiving approaches, remember that the true meaning of the holiday lies in cherishing moments with loved ones rather than perfection at the table. Tuttorosso Tomatoes can effortlessly improve your holiday dishes, adding a burst of freshness and flavor, while simplifying your meal preparation. Embrace the joy of cooking and entertaining by exploring an array of recipes featuring Tuttorosso Tomatoes, and make this festive season both delicious and memorable!