2024 Thanksgiving Preparation Timeline

Day Before Thanksgiving

1. Prep the Onion Dip and Veggies:
   • Make the French Onion Dip, cover, and refrigerate.
   • Wash, peel, and cut vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers, etc.) for dipping. Store in an airtight container or arrange on a platter and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
2. Make Cranberry Sauce:
   • Prepare and chill the orange-zest cranberry sauce to let flavors meld overnight.
3. Prepare the Green Bean Casserole:
   • Cook the bacon and assemble the casserole in its dish (without the topping).
   • Cover tightly and refrigerate.
4. Prep the Sweet Potatoes:
   • Peel, cook, and mash the sweet potatoes for the Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole.
   • Assemble the casserole (without marshmallows) and refrigerate.
5. Prep Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:
   • Peel, cook, and mash the potatoes. Assemble the gratin in its dish and refrigerate.
6. Make the Meatballs:
   • Prepare the Swedish meatballs, cook them, and store in the gravy in an airtight container.
7. Toast Nuts and Prep Salad Ingredients:
   • Toast the pecans for the salad.
   • Wash and slice strawberries and prepare other salad ingredients. Store separately in airtight containers.

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Thanksgiving Day

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

• Turkey Prep:
  • Take the turkey out of the fridge to come to room temperature.
  • Prep the turkey with herb butter, seasonings, and stuffing (if stuffing it).
  • Preheat the oven to 325°F.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

• Turkey in the Oven:
  • Start roasting the turkey. For a 20-pound turkey, it will take about 4-4.5 hours.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• Final Prep for Sides:
  • Add toppings to the Sweet Potato Casserole (marshmallows).
  • Add the topping to the Green Bean Casserole.
  • Prepare stuffing if making it fresh (can be assembled and set aside for baking later).

11:00 AM

• Start Appetizers:
  • Arrange onion dip, chips, and cut veggies.
  • Prep cows in a blanket; cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

12:30 PM

• Baking Appetizers:
  • Bake cows in a blanket (12-15 minutes). Keep warm in the oven if needed.

1:00 PM - Guests Arrive

• Serve appetizers (chips, dip, veggies, meatballs, cows in a blanket).
• Relax and mingle with guests while monitoring the turkey.

4:00 PM

• Turkey Check:
  • Check the turkey’s internal temperature (should reach 165°F in the breast and thigh).
  • Tent with foil if the skin is browning too quickly.

4:30 PM

• Turkey Out of the Oven:
  • Remove the turkey, tent with foil, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  • Increase the oven temperature to 375°F.
  • Bake Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Stuffing, and Cheesy Mashed Potatoes in the second oven.
  • Warm the Swedish meatballs on the stovetop.

4:45 PM

• Gravy:
  • Make the turkey giblet gravy with drippings from the turkey.

4:50 PM

• Final Salad Assembly:
  • Toss the salad with the vinaigrette and add the toasted pecans, strawberries, and goat cheese.

5:00 PM - Dinner is Served

• Carve the turkey and serve with sides, gravies, and cranberry sauce.
• Bring out rolls/biscuits, if applicable.

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Tips

• Double Oven Users:
  • Bake appetizers and sides in the second oven while the turkey roasts.
  • Use one oven at 325°F for the turkey and the other at 375°F for sides.
• Stagger Baking Times:
  • Bake casseroles and gratins in sequence if oven space is limited, keeping earlier dishes warm in a low oven (200°F) or covered with foil.
• Delegate:
  • Assign easy tasks like tossing the salad or setting up appetizers to guests who offer to help.

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This timeline ensures a smooth and stress-free Thanksgiving Day, with all dishes ready on time. Enjoy your holiday!