BEEF | PORK | POULTRY | SEAFOOD | LAMB | SHOP

Hey there Reader,

This is your Thanksgiving Game Plan.
The step-by-step timeline every cook needs right now. Today is where things get real: thawing, brining, prepping, chopping, planning. So here’s the clear, no-drama path to Thursday… and the guides to back you up.

Save this. Forward it. Pin it. Whatever keeps your kitchen calm.

🦃 THE THANKSGIVING GAME PLAN (Step-by-Step)

🟧 MONDAY — Start Here

1. Thaw the Turkey (if it’s still frozen).

Use the safe chart. Don’t guess.
👉 How to Thaw a Turkey Guide

2. Decide: Wet Brine or Dry Brine. Start TODAY.

Wet Brine → Juicy, classic.
👉 Wet Brine Recipe
Dry Brine → Crispier skin, deeper flavor.
👉 Dry Brine Recipe (our personal fav)

3. Make Cranberry Sauce (better after 24–48 hours).

👉 Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

4. Start Your Gravy Base.

Roast turkey wings + veg now → perfect gravy Thursday.
👉 Grandma’s Gibley Gravy

5. Chop aromatics for stuffing + gravy.

Onions, celery, carrots. Store in airtight containers for grab-and-go later.

🟧 TUESDAY — Get Ahead

6. Make Compound Butter (the secret to great turkey skin).

👉 How to Make Compound Butter

7. Assemble (or prep) Stuffing.

Dry bread. Toast it. Or prep aromatics.
👉 Our Favorite Turkey Stuffing

8. Prep Your Dining Table.

Set the table now for one less thing on Thursday morning.

🟧 WEDNESDAY — Final Prep Day

9. Spatchcock the Turkey (if you’re doing it).

Fastest, juiciest method.
👉 How to Spatchcock a Turkey

10. Truss or tuck wings & legs.

Even cooking, no burnt ends.
👉 How to Truss a Turkey Guide

11. Final fridge dry-out for crispy skin.

Leave uncovered in the fridge overnight for the best skin.

🟧 THURSDAY — Go Time

12. Follow the Cooking Time Chart.

No guessing.
👉 Turkey Cooking Time Chart

13. Use a thermometer — not the pop-up button.

Dark meat: ~175°F
Breast: 160°F (carryover cooking does the rest)

14. Carve Like a Pro.

Clean cuts, no shredding.
👉 How to Carve a Turkey

🔥 Helpful Extras

Best Wood for Smoking Turkey

👉 Grilling Guide: Best Wood For Smoking Turkey

What to Serve With Turkey (side dish inspo)

👉 Our no-stress side dishes

🧠 SHARP TIP (For TODAY)

Start your gravy base today.
Roast turkey wings with onions, celery, and carrots — you’ll have a rich, flavorful gravy ready to finish on Thursday, and it removes the second single biggest stress point of the day. For help with the biggest stress points, check out our cocktail site. 😉

Cheers,

Kita GirlCarnivore.com
Head Meat Maven Since 2013

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