Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Holiday Planning & Ideas
  3. Thanksgiving
  4. The Beginner's Guide to Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner, Complete with a Can't-Be-Beat Menu and Timeline

The Beginner's Guide to Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner, Complete with a Can't-Be-Beat Menu and Timeline

By Jennifer Anderson October 19, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
thanksgiving-turkey-med107616.jpg

Novice hosts, there's no need to be intimidated by a turkey! Follow this handy menu and timeline for preparing your first-time Thanksgiving menu, and you'll get dinner on the table without a hitch.

Start Slideshow

1 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
green-colored thanksgiving dinner menu

Whether your family has passed you the cooking baton or you're preparing a spread for your friends, hosting your first Thanksgiving can seem a daunting task—but it doesn't have to be! With a little bit of strategizing and a foolproof menu, you can pull off the big feast without a fuss. Our menu of classic yet simple recipes and our handy timeline will help you pull off the festivities with ease (and have fun doing it!).

Make your first Thanksgiving dinner manageable by getting ahead with prep. Two weeks before the feast reserve your bird. Whether you're picking up your turkey from your farmer or grocery store, or ordering online, contact your purveyor and confirm that the bird will be available and when you can collect it or when it will be delivered. The weekend before is the time to buy the bulk of your groceries and to clean the kitchen. Doing this will help keep you organized and create room in your fridge. Toss any expired foods, wipe surfaces, and gather platters and cookware. Also wash and properly store produce and make the cranberry sauce.

Three days before Thanksgiving, you'll want to assess the bird. If you're using a frozen turkey, now is the time to thaw it: defrost on a rimmed baking sheet on the bottom shelf of your fridge. Allow a full day for every four pounds of turkey being thawed.

You can make the Herb-Marinated Olives and Garden Veggie Dip two days before the dinner. That's also the day to make the pie dough and refrigerate. And get ahead on dishes you'll make closer to the dinner by toasting bread for stuffing and pecans for pie; store them separately in airtight containers at room temperature. 

The rest of the meal will be prepared the day before and on Thanksgiving and we've outlined what to tackle when on those days on slides at the end of this gallery.

1 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Herb-Marinated Olives and Garden Veggie Dip

instant-party-relish-tray-021-med109000.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Setting out a bounty of snacks is a wonderful way to welcome everyone—and it buys you more time in case dinner falls a little behind schedule. Even better, both appetizers can (and should) be made-ahead. Herb-Marinated Olives are sure to become your go-to easy app.

2 of 14

3 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Presbyterian Cocktail and Cheese Crackers

presbyterian cocktail and cheese crackers
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The key to hosting a good party might be delicious food, but the key to a great party is to keep the drinks flowing! Your signature cocktail for the Thanksgiving feast should be this whisky and ginger cooler. Choose which friend or relative will be bartender and give them the mixology duties so you can concentrate on the food. These buttery cheddar-laced crackers are the perfect cocktail companion.

3 of 14

Advertisement

4 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey with Brown-Sugar Glaze

thanksgiving-turkey-med107616.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Behold the meal's centerpiece! Cloaked in a tangy-sweet glaze, this bird is ready in just under three hours, including resting time, so there's no need to wake up at dawn and baste all day.

4 of 14

5 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Basic Bread Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce with Clove and Ginger

thanksgiving-stuffing-cranberry-sauce-med107616.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You can't go wrong with Basic Bread Stuffing. Serve it with turkey's other sidekick, our ultra-easy Cranberry Sauce with Ginger and Clove.

5 of 14

6 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pan Gravy

thanksgiving-gravy-med107918.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The secret to superb gravy is right in your roasting pan. After taking your bird out of the oven, simmer the drippings with a bit of flour and fat to create a deeply flavorful sauce.

6 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Glazed Carrots with Thyme

thanksgiving-carrots-med107616.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Call the kids to help with this dish. Little ones can remove the thyme leaves from their stems. Older children can peel carrots and measure out the ingredients for the glaze.

7 of 14

8 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shredded Brussels with Pancetta

thanksgiving-brussels-sprouts-pancetta-med107616.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A food processor makes quick work of the prep for this dish. You can shred the Brussels sprouts and cook the pancetta, reserving the drippings, one day ahead.

8 of 14

9 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Tarragon

thanksgiving-green-beans-med107616.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This dish is great served at room temperature, so it's a real boon at Thanksgiving. You can trim the green beans and caramelize the onions a day in advance.

9 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Simple Scalloped Potatoes

thanksgiving-scalloped-potatoes-med107616.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This crowd-pleaser can be assembled up to six hours in advance and baked at the same time as the turkey.

10 of 14

11 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Brandied Pecan Pie

brandied pecan pie
Credit: Anna Williams
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Instead of preparing a full spread of sweets, we suggest serving one spectacular dessert. This brandied pecan pie is simple to prepare but layered with irresistible flavors.

11 of 14

12 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Thanksgiving Timeline: The Day Before

green beans

Trim and peel carrots; refrigerate in a zip-top bag.

Trim Brussels sprouts and shred; refrigerate in an airtight container. Cook pancetta; refrigerate it and drippings separately in airtight containers.

Trim green beans; refrigerate in a zip-top bag. Caramelize onions. Let cool completely; refrigerate in an airtight container.

Make cheese crackers, cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Make pie and let cool completely. Wrap well in plastic and keep at room temperature.

12 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Thanksgiving Day Timeline

thanksgiving-table-1-med107616.jpg

The morning of: Prepare potatoes, cover, and refrigerate.

3 1/2 hours before: Bring turkey to room temperature; start roasting. Make glaze.

2 hours before: Once oven is at 350 degrees, bake potatoes. Bring caramelized onions and cranberry sauce to room temperature. Cook green beans. Assemble stuffing.

1 hour before: Set out cheese crackers and other snacks.

30 minutes before: While turkey and potatoes rest, put stuffing in oven. Cook carrots. Make gravy. Finish Brussels sprouts and assemble green beans.

Call everyone to the table: Dinner's ready!

13 of 14

14 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

After Dinner

thanksgiving leftovers in storage containers on counter

Pack it. Have airtight containers on hand and encourage guests to bring their own so the leftovers can be easily divvied up.

14 of 14

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jennifer Anderson

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 14
    2 of 14 Herb-Marinated Olives and Garden Veggie Dip
    3 of 14 Presbyterian Cocktail and Cheese Crackers
    4 of 14 Turkey with Brown-Sugar Glaze
    5 of 14 Basic Bread Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce with Clove and Ginger
    6 of 14 Pan Gravy
    7 of 14 Glazed Carrots with Thyme
    8 of 14 Shredded Brussels with Pancetta
    9 of 14 Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Tarragon
    10 of 14 Simple Scalloped Potatoes
    11 of 14 Brandied Pecan Pie
    12 of 14 Thanksgiving Timeline: The Day Before
    13 of 14 Thanksgiving Day Timeline
    14 of 14 After Dinner

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Beginner's Guide to Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner, Complete with a Can't-Be-Beat Menu and Timeline
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.