Hosting by the Numbers
Whether it's your first (or tenth) time hosting Thanksgiving dinner, we're here to help make planning a breeze.
HOW MANY SIDES SHOULD I SERVE?
The more the merrier! Plan to have at least 2 of each category of sides
(2 veggies, 2 starches, 2 desserts).
How to Prep Your Mary's Fresh Turkey
​I thought my turkey was fresh.
Why does it feel frozen?
Fresh turkeys will sometimes feel hard on the outside because they are chilled to 28 degrees for safe shipping. Only the outer part of the turkey should be hard, not the entire turkey.​
Remember to:
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Thaw your turkey 1 to 3 days in advance of cooking.
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Thaw the turkey in your kitchen sink with cold water, in the original packaging.
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NEVER let the turkey get warm.
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The cold water needs to be changed every 30 mins.
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Thaw the turkey until the bag feels soft. For a fresh turkey that feels hard, thaw between 1 and 4 hours.
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After the turkey is thawed, store it in the refrigerator in the original packaging.
Our Favorite Thanksgiving Tips
Hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be chaos. With a little planning (and maybe a pre-dinner snack), you can pull off a delicious, stress-free feast, and still have time to enjoy it.
PLAN LIKE A PRO
Start with a game plan. Jot down your menu, cooking times, and what can be prepped ahead.
KEEP IT WARM
While the turkey rests, warm your serving dishes. A few minutes in a low oven will keep sides hot longer.
WORK AHEAD
​Set your table early. Get it out of the way the night before so you can focus on the good stuff (like pie and gravy).
SHARPEN THOSE KNIVES
A quick tune-up makes slicing turkey, veggies, and pie way smoother (and safer).
PRE-PREP VEGGIES
Save time on the big day. Chop, peel, and portion your root vegetables a day or two early.
CLEAN OUT YOUR FRIDGE
Make space for the feast before it begins — those half-empty condiment jars can take a holiday too.
LET THE TURKEY REST
After cooking, let your turkey rest for 15-30 minutes before carving. It'll be juicier and easier to slice.
STOCK UP
Staples like butter, broth, and foil disappear faster than pie at dessert. Grab them ahead of time!
Don't Quit Cold Turkey...
Make a Sandwich!
Don't give up on those leftovers. Think outside the box! Breathe new life into them with these tasty ideas:
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Turkey Tetrazzini
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Turkey Sandwich
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Deep Dish Turkey Pot Pie
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Turkey Shepard's Pie
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Turkey Fajita Rice Bowl
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Turkey & Wild Rice Soup
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Fried Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
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Turkey & Stuffing Quiche
