Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving dinner is easier when you plan the menu and cook a few dishes ahead. Here is a full, classic menu that serves 8 to 12 people, with every recipe written step by step.

Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Use the make-ahead plan below so that on the day you only roast the turkey, make gravy and reheat the sides.

The main

Sides

Dessert

Before dinner

Make-ahead plan

  1. 1 week before

    • Order a halal turkey if you need one, and buy a 12 to 14 lb bird for 10 to 12 people.
    • Make the cranberry sauce and refrigerate it (keeps up to 10 days).

  2. Sunday before

    • Move a frozen 12 to 14 lb turkey to the fridge to thaw (allow about 24 hours per 4 to 5 lb).

  3. Tuesday

    • Make the mashed potatoes and the mashed sweet potatoes and refrigerate.
    • Mix the spinach artichoke dip and refrigerate it unbaked.

  4. Wednesday

    • Bake the pumpkin pie, cool and refrigerate.
    • Assemble the green bean casserole without the onion topping.
    • Make the herb butter for the turkey.

  5. Thanksgiving Day

    • Roast the turkey (about 3 to 3 3/4 hours for 12 to 14 lb at 325°F).
    • While the turkey rests 30 minutes, bake the green bean casserole and reheat the potatoes.
    • Make the gravy from the pan drippings and serve.