Thanksgiving is one of the most anticipated meals of the year—and one of the most overwhelming to prepare. With a little planning and a few chef-tested techniques, you can pull off a feast that’s flavorful, well-timed, and surprisingly low-stress. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or cooking for a cozy group, these six expert tips will help you create a memorable holiday meal from start to finish.
1. Prepping for the Big Thanksgiving Meal
The biggest secret to a stress-free Thanksgiving? Start early.
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Casseroles: Assemble them the day before.
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Potatoes: Peel and cut them ahead of time and keep them in cold water.
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Cranberry sauce & dressings: These can be made several days in advance and only get better as they rest.
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Desserts: Never save dessert-making for Thanksgiving Day.
By spreading the prep throughout the week, you can focus on turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy on Thursday, leaving just final touches for everything else.
And remember—you don’t have to do it alone. Involve your family: kids can chop vegetables, baste the turkey, or whip the cream, and other family members can help set the table or slice the turkey. It’s more fun (and far less stressful) when everyone has a part in the meal.
2. How to Make Classic Thanksgiving Sides Feel New Again
You don’t have to abandon tradition to keep your menu interesting—fresh, high-quality ingredients can completely transform familiar dishes.
Start with the classics: Instead of relying on canned ingredients, use fresh green beans and make your mushroom sauce from scratch. The difference in flavor is remarkable and instantly elevates your green bean casserole.
Dessert is another place to get creative while staying true to tradition. A Pumpkin Chiffon Pie keeps the warm, nostalgic flavor of pumpkin pie but with a lighter, silky texture that feels special and unexpected.
3. The Secret to Perfect Gravy
The heart of great gravy is flavor, and the best place to find that flavor is in your turkey drippings.
Use both the drippings and the gizzards to build depth, then make a brown roux to add richness and body. While the turkey roasts, baste it every 15 minutes—this not only keeps the bird moist but ensures you’ll have plenty of drippings to work with once it’s done.
And don’t stress about keeping the turkey piping hot while everything else finishes. A generous pour of hot gravy will warm each slice beautifully.
4. How to Keep Mashed Potatoes Creamy When Serving a Crowd
Perfect, lump-free mashed potatoes start with the right tools. Use a potato ricer or food mill to break down the cooked potatoes—this ensures the silkiest texture but does cool them down quite a bit.
To bring the heat (and flavor) back, warm your cream and butter to a simmer before adding them. Cold dairy will turn your potatoes gluey, while hot dairy keeps everything smooth and creamy.
For mixing, use a KitchenAid with a whisk attachment or a handheld mixer. And don’t forget generous seasoning: taste from the bottom of the bowl to make sure the salt is evenly distributed.
5. The Best Wine to Serve
Pairing wine with a Thanksgiving spread can feel tricky—the meal is a mix of savory, sweet, rich, and tangy flavors all on the same plate. That’s why German-style Rieslings are considered the gold standard for this holiday.
Rieslings are wonderfully versatile and range from dry to semi-sweet to sweet, making them easy to match with the many flavors on the table. Their bright acidity cuts through rich dishes like turkey and gravy, while fruity or spicy notes complement classic sides such as sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce. If you only buy one bottle for your Thanksgiving table, make it a Riesling.
6. Our Go-To Recipe for Thanksgiving Leftovers
When the big day is done, Turkey Tetrazzini is our favorite way to give leftover turkey new life. This cozy casserole combines chopped turkey, spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy mushroom sauce—and it’s been delighting cooks for more than a century (its first print appearance was in Good Housekeeping in 1908).
If you need a tried-and-true version, we love this recipe from Andrew Zimmern: https://andrewzimmern.com/recipes/creamy-turkey-tetrazzini/
Wishing You a Delicious, Memorable Thanksgiving
From prep day to leftovers, we hope these chef-tested tips help you feel calm, confident, and inspired in the kitchen this holiday week. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with great food, warm company, and a table full of moments worth savoring.
