How To Create The Easiest Thanksgiving Dinner Ever

Quick & easiest Thanksgiving dinner for eight


Even if you've never made a turkey or only have one child-free arm to stir the gravy, our step-by-step plan will make you seem like a Thanksgiving pro. The secret: Prep most of your dishes the day before the meal so you can focus your energy on the turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Our delicious menu feeds eight adults and a couple of young kids, but feel free to buy a bigger turkey and double the side dishes if your family is larger. Then gobble up all the compliments!

Grocery list for the easiest Thanksgiving Dinner

Make grocery shopping a snap. Print this organized list of everything you need to make our complete Thanksgiving menu and take it with you to the store.

Produce

• 1 bag celery stalks
• 2 shallots
• 1 bunch sage leaves
• 1 bunch thyme
• 1 bunch parsley
• 2 lbs. green beans
• 5 large oranges
• 3 pkgs. (10 oz. each) cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 8 sweet potatoes

Dry Goods

• 1 pkg. (12 oz.) seasoned whole wheat croutons
• 6 cups low-salt chicken broth
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces
• 1/4 cup dried cherries
• 1 container (12 oz.) honey
• 1 bottle cinnamon
• 1 bottle (17 oz.) balsamic vinegar
• 1 bottle canola oil

Baking

• 1 box (18 oz.) cake mix, yellow or white
• 1 can non-stick cooking spray
• 1 lb. box powdered sugar
• 1 box cornstarch

Meat

• 1 pkg. (12 oz.) nitrate-free turkey bacon
• 15 lb. turkey

Dairy

• 1 container (15 oz.) part-skim ricotta
• 1 stick butter
• 1 container (6 oz.) plain Greek yogurt
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds