Excited to gobble down Thanksgiving dinner but a little nervous about where to start? Read on for these easy, fun, and failproof Thanksgiving dinner recipes, ideas, and tips. Even your picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
There's no other dinner we look forward to as a nation like Thanksgiving. It's the reason for elastic pants everywhere. Plus, there's something so dang comforting about celebrating the bounty of the autumn season and giving thanks with those you love. #Blessed
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Still, there's a lot of planning involved, right? That turkey won't make itself, yo! Well, give thanks, because we've got everything you need to pull together the perfect Thanksgiving dinner for your loved ones with a little help from Fun Cheap or Free and our sister site Shelf Cooking!
So, whether you're headed across the river and through the woods to grandma's house or staying snug tight at home, these clever, smart, and simple Thanksgiving Dinner recipes, tips, ideas, and tricks will make this a day to remember (in all the best ways possible)!
PLAN FOR THANKSGIVING
When it comes to pulling off one heck of a big, yummy production like Thanksgiving, it helps to have a little assistance. That's what we're here for! That's also why we recommend the following tips to set you up for success:
SCORE THESE THANKSGIVING FOOD DEALS AHEAD OF TIME
Want to save some cheddar on your potatoes? Some dough on your dinner rolls? Some green on your green beans? Stuff your turkey without emptying your wallet when you shop these smart Thanksgiving food deals that'll save you tons of extra money (and time).
MAKE THESE THANKSGIVING FOODS BEFORE THE BIG DAY
Wait, what?! Prep Thanksgiving meal sides ahead of time? Like AHEAD of Thanksgiving?! Yes, queen! And it's easy, too! Make these Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts ahead of time and save yourself hours (and major headaches) on Thanksgiving Day! You're welcome.
SAVE TIME & MONEY: FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER PLANNER + TIPS
Are you ready to talk turkey? Prepare for the big event, and enjoy a stress-free experience! Follow these tried and true Thanksgiving prep tips to save time and money. Then download these free Thanksgiving Planning printables we created just for YOU!
THANKSGIVING DINNER RECIPES
Thanksgiving. It's about family and friends gathering together around amazing food that you helped to prepare. And, look. It doesn't matter whether you're new to the turkey game or an experienced chef; these Thanksgiving dinner recipes, tips, and ideas come fully-tested from our kitchens, all so you can feel more blessed and less stressed! Can we get an amen up in here?
COOK A TURKEY ONE OF THESE FOUR WAYS
Bird's the word! Turkeys are versatile, delicious, and ready for anything. Try any of these four proven methods for cooking your perfect Thanksgiving turkey at Shelf Cooking!
PERFECT YOUR MASHED POTATOES GAME
Be buds with your spuds! Nothing says Thanksgiving side dish like a steaming bowl of savory mashed potatoes. We're giving up all our secrets, from the best potatoes to use to how to re-purpose those leftovers! Check out our easy mashed potatoes recipe add-ins, and tips at Shelf Cooking!
GRAB THIS EASY HOMEMADE GRAVY RECIPE
Good gravy? How about GREAT gravy! We've solved the mysteries of this Thanksgiving condiment, and we're sharing all of the deets with you! But don't take out word for it; make this delicious gravy recipe from Shelf Cooking and taste the goodness for yourself!
SPOON UP THIS SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
There's nothing quite as scrumptious as this sweet potato casserole recipe from Shelf Cooking. Savory and sweet, it's a little bit of a show-stealer. We even share two topping options you've gotta try! Fair warning, though: This crowd-pleaser disappears fast, so you might just want to double the recipe.
BAKE THE BEST DINNER ROLLS EVER
We. can't. even with how delicious this homemade rolls and honey butter recipe is! They're so mouthwateringly good! In fact, we predict they're going to get snapped up off of the dinner table so fast, you're going to be glad you doubled (or tripled) the batch. Trust us. #WorthIt
MAKE YOUR OWN EASY PEASY PUMPKIN PUREE
Tired of tracking down cans of pumpkin in the store baking aisles (and then paying a premium)? Make your own pumpkin pies from scratch with this easy, homemade pumpkin puree recipe from Shelf Cooking! It's so delicious, flexible, and, better yet, you'll save a lot of money!
FIX THOSE COMMON THANKSGIVING FOOD FAILS
Did the mashed potatoes go mushy? Did the turkey go off half-baked? Was your pumpkin pie kaput? If it can break, burn, or go oh-so-wrong, we know how to fix it! Check out these common Thanksgiving food fails and how to fix them at Shelf Cooking.
USE THOSE THANKSGIVING DINNER RECIPES LEFTOVERS
One of the best things about Thanksgiving? Leftovers! One of the challenges of Thanksgiving? Leftovers! Whether the thought of turkey-for-days sounds beautiful or boring, we have some terrific ways to use up the remains of the day — whether it's cranberries, egg nog, or even turkey!
SOUP UP THIS TURKEY STOCK RECIPE
Don't throw out your turkey carcass! Make this seriously delicious and ridiculously easy turkey stock recipe from Shelf Cooking, and you'll have stock for days, weeks, or even months! And you know we're all about that (soup) base! We'll even share some of our fave ways to use it!
COOK UP THIS CREAMY TURKEY SOUP
Crock and roll with this slow cooker of a sweetheart! Just use up that leftover turkey for a truly heart-warming, stick-to-your-ribs creamy turkey soup recipe from Shelf Cooking!
TRY THESE 20 TURKEY LEFTOVERS
There are literally so many ways to use your turkey, and our 20+ Thanksgiving turkey leftovers and recipe ideas from Shelf Cooking will make your lunch, dinner, snack, or appetizer day!
EGG NOG FRENCH TOAST RECIPE
Take that leftover egg nog and whip up this delicious and easy egg nog French toast recipe from Shelf Cooking! It's a yummy breakfast idea that even egg nog haters will be scrambling for (you seriously can't taste the egg nog). Try it and see!
CRANBERRY CREAM CHEESE SPREAD
If you love cranberry sauce and have some leftover cranberries, you're in for a treat! This cranberry cream cheese dip recipe is so zesty, zingy, and flavorful, your tongue will hug your face!
MAKE THIS THANKSGIVING DELICIOUS!
So what do you say? We believe in you! You've got this! Start prepping and making that food ahead of time, try our family favorites, have fun, and enjoy your special day with the ones you love! Because when all is said and done, we're all about celebrating the good things — and we're thankful for you and your families, too!
What's your favorite Thanksgiving recipe, tip, or trick? Let us know in the comments below!
Need even more great Turkey Day ideas?
- Get some great ideas forThanksgiving appetizers.
- Run out of evaporated milk? Make your own with this easy evaporated milk recipe from Shelf Cooking!
- Make this YUMMY vinaigrette dressing recipe one of seven ways at Shelf Cooking!
Enjoy your day filled with memories, loved ones, and yummy foods!
