Chowhound's Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving
Chowhound’s Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving
We’re already well into the second week of November, which means one thing: Thanksgiving’s going to be here before you know it. Worried about navigating the wide world of Thanksgiving planning all alone? Fear not. The Chowhound discussion boards are here for you.
PLANNING AHEAD
Devise a game plan that includes how many to feed, what time guests will sit down to dinner, and what dishes can be made in advance.
How to write a Thanksgiving kitchen schedule
Prepping mashed potatoes ahead of time
How to reheat stuffing that you’ve made in advance
Making apple pie the day before
COCKTAILS
Looking to toast the occasion with a celebratory tipple? A festive drink of any kind isn’t far away.
Best-ever spiked cider
Seasonally appropriate Champagne cocktails
A make-ahead Thanksgiving pitcher drink
Festive nonalcoholic beverage ideas
APPETIZERS
If you’re serving cocktails, you’ll want to pair them with the perfect starter to whet your guests’ appetites for the big meal.
Appetizers to pair with cocktails
All-time favorite Thanksgiving appetizers
Hors d’oeuvres on the lighter side
Starters that don’t demand oven space
The right way to serve soup at Thanksgiving dinner
TACKLING THE TURKEY
Roasting a 20-pound bird isn’t an everyday occurrence, so you’re probably going to find yourself with turkey-related questions.
Slow-roasting your turkey: yay or nay?
On the bird’s final internal temperature
Roasting the turkey breast: side up or side down?
The first-timer’s guide to smoking a turkey
How to achieve moist turkey breast
How long should you rest your bird before carving it?
SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING SIDES
Let’s be honest: Thanksgiving’s really all about the side dishes, so make sure you’ve got 'em down pat.
Favorite Thanksgiving sides
What’s the best way to bake sweet potatoes?
How to spruce up stuffing from a box
How to adapt a stuffing recipe when you don’t want to cook it inside a turkey
How to keep mashed potatoes warm
Go-to turkey gravy
A basic gravy for beginners
A foolproof way to bake sweet potatoes in the oven
DOING DESSERT RIGHT
Close out the meal on a high note with a sweet finish that rivals your savory dishes. Here, some tips on storing pies, selecting ingredients, and more.
Should you refrigerate pie?
Creative twists on pumpkin pie
Storing pecan pie
Desserts to make other than pie
ACCOMMODATING GUESTS
Is someone at the table vegan, gluten-free, or pregnant? Work around this year’s dietary restrictions with ease, thanks to these inspiring ideas.
Vegetarian entrée ideas
A vegan, gluten-free Thanksgiving main
How to make gluten-free gravy
Standout gravy that vegetarians will love
LIFESAVING LAST-MINUTE TIPS
Guests are headed over, and you’re strapped for time and low on ingredients. Thank goodness for lifesaving kitchen tips.
Need a substitute for crème fraîche?
How to thaw a turkey, fast!
The best substitutes for sage
You’re making pumpkin pie, but you forgot the evaporated milk
What to do if your cranberry sauce won’t gel
HOW TO HANDLE LEFTOVERS
The best part of being the Thanksgiving host is getting first dibs on all the leftovers. Here’s how to handle all that extra food.
Go-to recipes for the day after Thanksgiving
What to do with leftover turkey
The best bread for Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches
Turkey stock: save the carcass!
Repurpose your cranberry sauce
Want to join the Thanksgiving conversation? Chime in on our Home Cooking board!
Susannah Chen is a San Francisco–based freelance writer. When she's not cooking or writing, she's on the hunt to find the world's best chilaquiles. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
