Holidays

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving Dinner

Posted by The Dream Dinners Team on

Preparing a turkey, side dishes, and desserts with just one oven can be a challenge, so we’ve put together a helpful cooking timeline for your Thanksgiving dinner.

Work ahead by completing the following tasks a day or two before the big meal:

  • Set the table, including plates, glasses, silverware, decorations, and name cards.
  • Arrange any extra tables or chairs that need to be brought out from storage or other rooms in the house.
  • Set out all the serving dishes and utensils that you’ll need and place a sticky note in each one that says what will be placed in it.

Prep any fruit, veggies, cheese, or meats that you plan on serving and store them in zip-top bags in the refrigerator.

Holiday Dinner Timeline

3-5 days before Thanksgiving: Thaw all your holiday items (except Homestyle Biscuits and French Cream Cheesecake with Apricot Pumpkin Sauce) in the refrigerator.

Approximately 3 hours before serving: Apply rub to your Holiday Roasted Turkey and bake at 325º. Remove holiday sides and spiced pumpkin butter from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.

2½ hours before serving: Thaw and prepare French Cream Cheesecake with Apricot Pumpkin Sauce. Bake your Parmesan Green Bean Casserole 40-45 minutes, then remove lid and bake an additional 10-15 minutes with turkey in oven. ** hold

1½ hours before serving: Bake Holiday Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar & Pecans 40-45 minutes, then add marshmallows and bake an additional 8 – 10 minutes with turkey in oven. **hold

1 hour before serving: Remove foil from turkey & continue cooking for 30 more minutes. Turn oven up to 375°.

45 minutes before serving: Bake your Holiday Savory Stuffing 30-40 minutes with turkey in oven.

30 minutes before serving: Remove your turkey from oven and let rest covered with foil. Bake your Holiday Biscuits in the oven 20-25 minutes with Holiday Savory Stuffing. Heat your Mashed Potatoes on the stovetop.

15-20 minutes before serving: Heat your gravy on the stovetop.

10 minutes before serving: Slice your turkey.

5 minutes before serving: Place cranberry relish along with your turkey and sides on serving dishes.

We hope you enjoy a wonderful meal with family and friends!

** To hold, use a large cooler to keep cooked items hot for up to 2 hours. Keep hot foods at a minimum temperature of 140 degrees.