How to Order Thanksgiving Meals in 2024: Full Guide

Ordering a Thanksgiving meal is a great solution to reduce stress and save time. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of ordering a Thanksgiving meal, from understanding traditions to making final preparations.

First, it's important to understand the traditions of Thanksgiving and what typically goes into a Thanksgiving meal. This will help you decide on your menu and ensure that you are ordering all the necessary components. Once you have decided on your menu, you can begin the process of placing your order.

Overall, my favorite Thanksgiving meal delivery service is HelloFresh. This year, it offers a super convenient Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner serving up to 10 people. But I’ve found a range of options to cater to every level of home chef, so read on for more.

Understanding Thanksgiving Meal Traditions

Thanksgiving meals typically consist of several components: a roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. However, there are many variations of the Thanksgiving meal, and each family has its own traditions.

One of the most important traditions of the Thanksgiving meal is the turkey. It is the centerpiece of the meal and is often accompanied by stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. 

Turkey is a symbol of abundance and has been a part of the Thanksgiving meal since the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Today, many families also include ham, roast beef, or other meats as part of their Thanksgiving meal.

Another important tradition of the Thanksgiving meal is the stuffing. This is a mixture of bread, vegetables, and herbs that is cooked inside the turkey. It is a delicious accompaniment to the turkey and is often flavored with sage, thyme, and other herbs. Some families also include nuts, dried fruit, or sausage in their stuffing.

Mashed potatoes are also a staple of the Thanksgiving meal. They are often served with gravy and are a comforting and delicious side dish. Some families also include sweet potatoes or yams as part of their Thanksgiving meal. These can be baked, mashed, or served in a casserole with marshmallows.

Cranberry sauce is another important part of the Thanksgiving meal. It is made from fresh or canned cranberries and is often sweetened with sugar or honey. Some families also include other fruits, such as oranges or apples, in their cranberry sauce.

Lastly, pumpkin pie is the traditional dessert of the Thanksgiving meal. It is a creamy and delicious pie made from pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and spices. Some families also include other pies, such as apple or pecan, as part of their Thanksgiving meal.

Understanding the traditions of the Thanksgiving meal can help you plan your own meal and create your own family traditions. Whether you stick to the traditional meal or create your own variations, the most important thing is to come together with loved ones and give thanks for the blessings of the year.

Deciding on Your Menu

With a little planning and consideration, you can create a delicious and satisfying feast for you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving.

Choosing the Main Course

The main course is the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving meal. Traditional options include turkey, ham, or roast beef. If you're looking for something different, consider a vegetarian or vegan option like stuffed acorn squash or lentil loaf.

When selecting your main course, consider the size of your party and any dietary restrictions. If you have a smaller group, a turkey breast or ham might be a better option than a whole turkey. And if you have guests with dietary restrictions, be sure to choose a main course that accommodates their needs.

Selecting Sides

Thanksgiving sides are just as important as the main course. Traditional options include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce. But don't be afraid to mix it up with non-traditional sides like roasted root vegetables or sweet potato casserole.

When selecting your sides, consider the flavors and textures that will complement your main course. And don't forget to take your guests' dietary restrictions into account. Offer gluten-free or vegetarian options to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal.

Picking Desserts

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a delicious dessert. Traditional options include pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie. But if you're looking for something different, consider a fall-inspired cake or tart.

When selecting your dessert, consider the flavors and textures that will complement your meal. And don't forget to take your guests' dietary restrictions into account. Offer gluten-free or vegan options to ensure everyone can indulge in a sweet treat.

Placing Your Order

When it comes to ordering your Thanksgiving meal, there are 2 main options: in-store and online. Here's what you need to know about both.

Buying Ingredients In-Store – Not as Convenient

If you prefer to order your Thanksgiving meal in person, you'll need to visit the store of your choice during business hours. This can be a great option if you want to see the food options in person and ask any questions you might have.

However, for many people, I’d wager that ordering online from a meal delivery service is a better option.

Ordering Online – The Most Convenient Option

Ordering your Thanksgiving meal online can be a convenient option if you don't have time to visit a store in person. Many meal delivery services offer online ordering for Thanksgiving meals, making it easy to browse options and place your order from the comfort of your own home. I’ve listed my top services below.

To order online, you'll typically need to visit the meal delivery service’s website and navigate to the Thanksgiving meal section. From there, you can browse the available options and add items to your cart. Make sure to double-check your order before submitting it to ensure that you've selected everything you need.

When placing your order online, you'll also need to choose a pickup or delivery time. Select a time that works well for you and plan ahead to avoid any last-minute rushes.

Overall, whether you choose to order in-store or online, the key is to plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need for a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving meal.

Scheduling Your Delivery

Once you have chosen a Thanksgiving meal delivery service, it's time to schedule your delivery. Most delivery services will allow you to choose a specific date and time for your delivery. Here are some tips to help you schedule your delivery:

Plan Ahead

Thanksgiving is a busy time of year, so it's important to plan ahead and schedule your delivery as early as possible. Many meal delivery services will allow you to schedule your delivery weeks in advance, so take advantage of this feature and schedule your delivery as soon as you can.

Thanksgiving meals often sell out in advance, or there’s an order deadline (usually around mid-November). Most of the Thanksgiving menus go live at the end of October, so I’d recommend ordering as soon as possible.

Choose a Convenient Delivery Time

When scheduling your delivery, make sure to choose a delivery time that is convenient for you. If you have a busy schedule, consider scheduling your delivery for a time when you know you will be home. Some delivery services may also offer evening or weekend delivery options, so be sure to check if these options are available.

Check for Delivery Fees

Some delivery services may charge a delivery fee, so make sure to check for any fees before scheduling your delivery. Some services may also offer free delivery for orders over a certain amount, so consider ordering extra items to take advantage of this offer.

Be Prepared for Your Delivery

Before your delivery arrives, make sure to have any necessary utensils and serving dishes ready. Most services will list the utensils and pantry essentials you’re expected to have at home. Some meal delivery services also provide prepared meals, so you’ll end up needing fewer utensils and dishes overall.

By following these tips, you can schedule your Thanksgiving meal delivery with ease and ensure a stress-free holiday meal.

Considering Dietary Restrictions

When ordering Thanksgiving meals, it’s important to consider dietary restrictions. Whether you’re hosting the gathering or attending it, it’s essential to ensure that everyone can enjoy the meal. Here are some tips on how to accommodate different dietary needs:

Vegetarian

Vegetarians do not eat meat, but they do consume other animal products like milk, eggs, cheese, and butter. Many traditional Thanksgiving dishes are already vegetarian, such as mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and green bean casserole. 

However, make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth when making these dishes. Consider offering vegetarian options like roasted vegetables, vegetarian stuffing, and meatless gravy. Many meal delivery services make this convenient by sending you all the ingredients you need.

Vegan

Vegans avoid all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. To accommodate vegans, consider offering vegetable-based dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts or butternut squash soup. 

You can make a vegan stuffing by using vegetable broth, vegan butter, and omitting any meat or dairy products. Serve vegan gravy made from vegetable broth and cornstarch, and offer a vegan dessert like pumpkin pie made with coconut milk instead of cream.

You can also consider ordering from a dedicated vegan service, like Purple Carrot. This plant-based service made it onto my list of the Best Thanksgiving Delivery Services of 2024. 

Gluten-Free

People with gluten intolerance or celiac disease cannot consume gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. To accommodate gluten-free guests, avoid using traditional stuffing made with bread and offer a gluten-free alternative made with rice or cornbread. 

Serve gluten-free gravy made with cornstarch instead of flour and offer gluten-free dessert options like apple crisp made with gluten-free oats or a flourless chocolate cake. 

Other Dietary Restrictions

Be sure to ask your guests about their preferences and offer alternative dishes if they have other dietary restrictions, such as nut allergies or lactose intolerance. Consider labeling dishes with common allergens like nuts or dairy to make it easier for guests to identify safe options.

This way, you can ensure that all of your guests can enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal. With a little planning and creativity, you can accommodate a variety of dietary needs and make everyone feel welcome at the table.

Budgeting for Your Meal

Thanksgiving can be an expensive holiday, but with some careful planning and budgeting, you can still enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you budget for your Thanksgiving meal:

Make a Plan

The first step in budgeting for your Thanksgiving meal is to make a plan. Decide how many people you will be serving and what dishes you will be making. This will help you determine how much food you need to buy and how much it will cost.

Shop Smart

When shopping for your Thanksgiving meal, be sure to shop smart. Look for sales and discounts, and buy in bulk when possible. Consider going with a meal delivery service to help you stick to your budget and save money. 

Meal delivery services make it easier to save money because you don’t have to go out and buy all of the ingredients separately. Some meal delivery services offer special Thanksgiving meals that can be sent to you with everything you need in a single neat box.

Reviewing Your Order

Delivery Date and Time

Make sure that the delivery date and time are correct. You want to make sure everything arrives in advance of Thanksgiving, but not so early that the produce or meat will be past its best. Double-check that the meal will arrive on the day that you want it to and that you will be available to receive it. Some services may offer delivery windows, so make sure that you have selected a time that works for you.

Menu Items

Review the menu items that you have selected to make sure that they are what you want. If you have selected any add-ons or extras, check that they are included in your order. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, confirm that you have selected items that are safe for you (and your guests) to eat.

Quantity

Check the quantity of each item that you have ordered. Make sure that you have ordered enough food to feed your guests, but not so much that you will have a lot of leftovers. Some services may offer portion sizes based on the number of guests you will be serving, so make sure that you have selected the appropriate size.

Price

Review the price of your order to make sure that it is within your budget. Make sure that you have included any taxes, fees, or gratuities in your calculations. If the price seems higher than you expected, double-check to make sure that you have not accidentally added any items to your order.

Delivery Instructions

If you have any special delivery instructions, make sure that they are included in your order. For example, if you live in an apartment complex, make sure that you have provided the correct building and unit number. If you have a gate code or other access instructions, make sure that you have included them in your order.

Making Final Preparations

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, it's time to make the final preparations for your meal. Here are some tips to help you ensure that everything is ready to go on the big day:

• Confirm your order: If you're ordering a pre-cooked Thanksgiving meal, make sure to confirm your order with the restaurant or store a few days before Thanksgiving. This will give you time to make any necessary changes or adjustments.

• Set the table: Don't wait until the last minute to set the table. A few days before Thanksgiving, lay out your tablecloth, placemats, and tableware. This will give you time to make sure that you have everything you need and that it looks just the way you want it to.

• Prepare your serving dishes: Make sure that you have all the serving dishes you need and that they are clean and ready to go. Label each dish with a sticky note or piece of tape so that you know what goes where on the table.

• Make room in the fridge: If you're picking up a pre-cooked meal or lots of ingredients, make sure that you have enough room in your fridge to store it until Thanksgiving Day. Clear out any unnecessary items to make room.

• Review your cooking schedule: Take a few minutes to review your cooking schedule and make sure that you have everything you need for each dish. Double-check your recipes and make a list of any last-minute ingredients that you need to pick up.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Thanksgiving meal goes off without a hitch and that you can enjoy a stress-free holiday with your loved ones.

Top 3 Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Services

Meal delivery services can be a great option if you're looking to take the stress out of Thanksgiving meal planning and preparation. Here are my top 3 Thanksgiving meal delivery services to consider:

1. HelloFresh – Best Thanksgiving Boxes

HelloFresh does things a bit differently than the other 2 competitors on this list. It offers Thanksgiving boxes that include the main dishes, sides, and a dessert. Or you can order one or more of the box items individually if you don't want everything.

The full box is called the Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner and serves 8-10 people. Aside from the main meat, the box comes with sides and a dessert. 

The sides include: 

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Brioche Stuffing

• Fresh Cranberry Sauce and Classic Gravy

• Ginger Roasted Carrots

• Apple Crisp

The Ultmate box serves 8 to 10 guests and is priced at $179.99. If you order the turkey without any sides, it’ll cost $149.99. Dessert is $14.99 and stuffing is $19.99 so that combination alone is more than the full box. Unless you don’t want any sides at all, it may be worth purchasing the Ultimate box – just make sure you have space in the fridge for leftovers.

Overall, you'll spend around 4 hours in the kitchen, but the bulk of that is for your meat. The side dishes and dessert are quicker to prepare, allowing you more time to enjoy with your family and/or friends. Speaking of sides and dessert, HelloFresh offers a ton more options that you’re welcome to learn about in our tested review.

I do want to mention that allergens can present a bit of a challenge. The ingredients contain common allergens such as milk, eggs, soy, and wheat. They come from a facility that processes tree nuts and sesame, so check the ingredients for each item carefully and make sure you know which guests have allergies (and to what).

You need to place your order by November 19. The final date for delivery is November 24th, as the turkey needs 4 days to thaw fully. HelloFresh states that the turkey will remain fresh for 2 days once thawed.

2. Green Chef – Best Gourmet Thanksgiving Meals 

Green Chef caters to smaller gatherings. If you're planning a more intimate Thanksgiving dinner, Green Chef is the choice for you. While HelloFresh offers meals serving up to 10 guests, Green Chef specializes in servings for 2 to 6 people. However, if you need more food, you can always order multiple dishes.

Its Thanksgiving week menu is varied and delectable. Between November 16 and 22, you can explore Green Chef's offerings and select from 3 mouth-watering dishes. These include Turkey with Cranberry-Bacon Pan Sauce, Maple Butternut Squash Risotto, and Beef Tenderloin with Herb Jus.

Cooking time is short and manageable. With Green Chef, you won’t be spending all day in the kitchen. Each of its Thanksgiving dishes requires only about 30 to 35 minutes of preparation, giving you more time to relax with your loved ones. Find out more about meal preparation in our tested Green Chef review.

Be mindful of the allergens in its dishes. If you or your guests have food allergies, pay close attention. Green Chef dishes might contain common allergens like tree nuts, milk, soy, and fish. Always review the ingredients list for each menu item you're considering.

The minimum order (even for Thanksgiving) is 3 meals for 2 people each week. Yet, if you have a bigger gathering or want more variety, you can go up to 4 meals for 6 people. Feel free to mix and match the Thanksgiving dishes with regular dishes (or dessert!) to your preference.

Green Chef’s starting price is $9.99 per serving for the largest orders. However, remember, if you're ordering smaller quantities, the cost per serving will increase slightly.

3. Blue Apron – Best Thanksgiving Prepared Sides 

Blue Apron offers 3 Thanksgiving boxes, but only one of those contains turkey. There’s the Classic Thanksgiving box, which comes with all the ingredients you need for the perfect Thanksgiving, and then there are 2 boxes with sides. All of these can be found in the Market section of the website. You can find out more about Blue Apron and its full menu in our tested review.

Blue Apron’s Classic box serves 6-8 guests, and it’s a traditional meal kit, meaning that all the ingredients are sent to you along with full recipes. Here’s what you’ll be making:

• Savory Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

• Garlic & Herb Gravy

• Fresh Cranberry Sauce with Ginger & Spicy Maple Syrup

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fried Rosemary & Pumpkin Seeds

• Brown Butter & White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes with Romano Cheese & Chives

• Apple Crumb Pie with Almonds.

If you’re looking for sides rather than the full turkey meal, then try the Prepared & Ready Family Sides box. Here, you’ll get 3 fully prepared family-sized sides that just require heating up. The box includes the following dishes: 

• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

• Loaded Mashed Potatoes 

• Family-Style Cavatappi Pasta & Beef Meatballs.

The last box on offer this year is Add-Ons: Thanksgiving Family Sides. This is similar to the Prepared & Ready box, as no cooking is required. This would be ideal if you wish to take some dishes to a gathering. The dishes here are designed to serve 4, but you get 5 sides along with Apple Crumb Pie with Almonds for dessert, which serves 6-8. The 5 side dishes are:

• Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes with White Cheddar & Chives

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fried Rosemary & Pumpkin Seeds

• Roasted Delicata Squash with Pickled Peppers, Almonds & Labneh

• Orange & Cucumber Salad with Pistachios & Mint

• Creamy Mac & Cheese with Truffle Breadcrumbs & Spinach

Many of the Thanksgiving items contain common allergens such as tree nuts, soy, milk, and eggs. Do check ingredients carefully on all items before serving to your guests. It’s important to note that all items are prepared in the same facility, so cross-contamination could occur.

These boxes are available for pre-order for the week of November 18 or November 25th. Make sure to place orders by 12 pm EST on Friday, November 15th for delivery week of November 18th and 12 pm EST on Friday, November 22nd for delivery the week of November 25th. Don’t forget to select your delivery day during checkout.

Shipping is free for all orders over $50. The Classic Thanksgiving box is $94.99. The Prepared & Ready box is $63.97, and the Add-Ons box is $69.94.

Bonus. Home Chef – Best Individual Thanksgiving Items 

Home Chef lets you customize your Thanksgiving order. I like this flexibility because it allows you to select individual dishes based on your needs and preferences. With each dish, you can serve a group ranging from 6 to 10 guests.

The main dish is the Turkey Breast Roast. This centerpiece serves up to 10 guests, ensuring nobody leaves your table hungry.

As for the sides, they’re equally impressive and serve about 6 guests each. You have choices like 

• White Cheddar and Sage Biscuits with Honey Butter

• Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Bacon

• Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Maple Bacon Glaze

There’s no Thanksgiving identification on the items, but they can be found on the November 25th menu and are at the top of the menu. Each item serves 6 people, which is larger than other Home Chef meals.

In terms of allergens, it offers gluten-smart dishes for Thanksgiving. If you or any of your guests are watching their gluten intake, dishes like Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Maple Bacon Glaze, and Turkey Breast Roast are your go-to options.

You should check the dish details for allergens. Some dishes may contain common allergens such as milk, wheat, and sesame. It’s always a good idea to go through the detailed description. Check out my colleague’s Home Chef review for more information about how the company handles allergens.

Dessert options are also available, though they don’t have the same Thanksgiving tag. That’s because Home Chef always offers a large assortment of desserts. To find these options, just look out for the orange Dessert tag to add any sweet items to your Thanksgiving order.

Cooking times vary across dishes. To help you plan, it's good to know that items like the White Cheddar and Sage Biscuits will take around 20 minutes, while the Turkey Breast Roast might need over an hour in the oven.

The minimum you can order is 2 recipes for 2 people, but if you have a larger group, you can order up to 6 recipes for 6 people. Pricing starts at $9.99 per serving for the largest order.

FAQ

What is the best order to cook Thanksgiving dinner dishes?

It's also a good idea to use a timer to keep track of cooking times and to avoid overcooking or undercooking your dishes. If you want to have everything laid out for you step-by-step, check out HelloFresh’s Thanksgiving special this year.

Can I order a turkey dinner to be sent to someone?

Yes, you can! Many meal delivery services offer Thanksgiving meals that can be shipped directly to your loved ones. Home Chef, for example, lets you send its turkey breast roast and selection of Thanksgiving sides as a gift. You’ll need to purchase an electronic gift card and send it to your desired person via email.

When should I start planning and buying for Thanksgiving dinner?

If you decide to go with a meal delivery service, you should order this as soon as possible – ideally at the start of November.

Best Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Services in 2024 — Final Score