A classic Thanksgiving lunch features roast turkey as the star, with sides like cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, and candied yams. For dessert, pumpkin pie with whipped cream ties it together. Pair with family-style serving to celebrate—total cook time around 3-4 hours.
Check Serious Eats' Classic Thanksgiving Menu for a crowd-pleasing recipe lineup. Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh, this is a whole pleasing lunch idea, perfect for the day. Since the total cook time is 3-4 hours, I need to prep ahead of time.
Thanks for the link you shared.
Prep ahead by brining the turkey overnight and roasting it fresh. Chop vegetables the night before for stuffing and green bean casserole. Make cranberry sauce and pie crust a day early—they hold well. Assemble casseroles in dishes, bake morning-of to save time. Total prep shaves 1-2 hours off cook day.
Oh, that's a great move to save time.
Glad it helps. For the turkey, brine it 8-12 hours in salt water with herbs like sage and bay leaves in the fridge. Cranberry sauce simmers in 15 minutes and lasts a week refrigerated. Pre-bake pie crusts, fill and bake fresh—keeps flaky.