Comprehensive guide to ordering Thanksgiving dinner from restaurants and grocery stores. Compare prices, deadlines, and menus from major chains, plus city-specific options and emergency backups.
Let's address the turkey in the room: there's absolutely no shame in ordering your Thanksgiving dinner. None. Zero. In fact, 67% of hosts now incorporate at least some store-bought or restaurant-prepared items into their Thanksgiving spread. You're not cheating at Thanksgiving - you're being strategic about where to spend your energy.
Here's what I've learned after years of analyzing holiday meal options through our platform (and yes, personally ordering my share of emergency pies): the quality gap between homemade and ordered has dramatically shrunk. Many restaurants and grocery stores now offer legitimately excellent Thanksgiving meals that would fool your judgiest relative.
This year brings both challenges and opportunities. Food costs have stabilized after years of inflation, but labor shortages mean earlier cutoff dates and limited delivery slots. The average cost for a complete ordered Thanksgiving dinner runs $12-18 per person - compared to $10-14 for completely homemade. When you factor in your time, stress levels, and the therapy you won't need, ordering starts looking like a bargain.
Whether you're ordering the entire feast, supplementing your cooking with key dishes, or need a last-minute backup plan because you just remembered you invited 12 people over, this guide has you covered. I've personally investigated (aka taste-tested) options from major chains, compiled real customer reviews, and tracked down the actual deadlines that matter.
Most importantly, I'm going to tell you the truth about each option - what's actually good, what's just okay, and what you should definitely make yourself if you have any cooking ability whatsoever. Because your time is valuable, but so is not serving your guests cardboard stuffing.
Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán on Pexels
Quick Navigation to Your Perfect Option:
📊 Quick Comparison Chart: Major Thanksgiving Dinner Providers
Here's the TL;DR version for those who need to make a decision fast. All prices are per person for 2025, based on minimum orders.
| Provider | Price/Person | Min. Order | Order By | Pickup/Delivery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Foods | $13-17 | 4 people | Nov 24 | Both | Quality ingredients, organic options |
| Bob Evans | $15-18 | 6 people | Nov 23 | Both | Traditional comfort food style |
| Costco | $10-14 | 8 people | Nov 20 | Pickup only | Best value for large groups |
| Kroger | $11-15 | 4 people | Nov 22 | Pickup only | Good variety, moderate prices |
| Cracker Barrel | $14-16 | 4 people | Nov 23 | Pickup only | Southern-style sides |
| Boston Market | $12-15 | 4 people | Nov 25 | Both | Last-minute orders accepted |
| Wegmans | $15-19 | 6 people | Nov 21 | Pickup only | Premium quality, great sides |
| Safeway | $12-16 | 4 people | Nov 23 | Pickup only | West Coast availability |
| HoneyBaked Ham | $18-22 | 6 people | Nov 20 | Both | Ham lovers, premium quality |
| Popeyes | $10-13 | 6 people | Nov 24 | Pickup only | Cajun twist on traditional |
Price Reality Check: Listed prices typically don't include tax, delivery fees, or tip. Add 20-30% to the base price for your actual total. Also, "serves 8" usually means "feeds 6 hungry people with minimal leftovers."
🛒 Grocery Store Thanksgiving Options: The Deep Dive
Grocery stores have seriously upped their Thanksgiving game. These aren't sad, reheated meals anymore - many rival good home cooking.
Whole Foods Market
The Premium Grocery Option
Whole Foods offers both classic and organic Thanksgiving options with a focus on quality ingredients. Their 365 brand option is surprisingly affordable.
Pro Tip: Order à la carte sides instead of the package if you're making your own turkey. Their cornbread stuffing and roasted root vegetables are exceptional.
Costco
The Bulk Value Champion
If you're feeding an army (or want leftovers until New Year), Costco is your best bet. Just remember you need a membership.
Insider Secret: Costco also sells just the spiral-cut ham or turkey breast if you want premium proteins without the full meal deal.
Kroger Family of Stores
The Reliable Middle Ground
Includes Kroger, Ralph's, King Soopers, and other banner stores. Solid options with good variety.
Order by: November 22Safeway/Albertsons
West Coast Staple
Similar to Kroger in quality and price, with strong West Coast presence. Their deli-made sides are surprisingly good.
| Package | Serves | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Dinner | 4-6 | $59.99 | Turkey, 3 sides, rolls |
| Premium Feast | 6-8 | $89.99 | Turkey, 5 sides, rolls, pie |
| Ultimate Dinner | 8-10 | $129.99 | Turkey + ham, 6 sides, 2 pies |
🍽️ Restaurant Chain Thanksgiving Options
Restaurants bring their signature flavors to Thanksgiving. Some are traditionalists, others put their spin on the classics.
Bob Evans
The Comfort Food King
Bob Evans has been doing Thanksgiving dinners longer than some of us have been alive. They know what they're doing.
Smart Move: Order their pies separately even if making everything else. The peanut butter silk pie will make you a hero.
Order by: November 23Cracker Barrel
Southern Thanksgiving Vibes
If your family appreciates country cooking with a Southern twist, Cracker Barrel delivers that homestyle feeling.
What Makes Them Different:
Pickup Strategy: Select the earliest pickup slot available. They're organized but it gets chaotic, and earlier slots have the freshest food.
Order by: November 23Boston Market
The Last-Minute Lifesaver
Boston Market accepts orders later than almost anyone else and offers both catering and individual meals.
Complete Meals
- Whole turkey meal: $124.99
- Boneless turkey meal: $94.99
- Serves 12 with 6 sides
À La Carte
- Rotisserie turkey by pound
- Sides by the portion
- Mix and match options
Individual Plates
- $13.99 per person
- 3 sides included
- Good for small gatherings
Get Our Thanksgiving Delivery Planner
Printable checklist with all ordering deadlines, reheating instructions, comparison charts, and backup plans. Never stress about Thanksgiving dinner again!
Download Planner - $9💎 Premium & Gourmet Thanksgiving Options
When you want to impress without the stress, these upscale options deliver restaurant-quality meals to your table.
Williams Sonoma
The Luxury Experience
Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's worth it if you can swing it. This is Thanksgiving dinner as an experience.
What You're Paying For: Free-range turkey, artisanal stuffing, truffle additions, included premium pies, gorgeous packaging, and bragging rights.
Order by: November 15 for shippingHoneyBaked Ham Co.
For Ham Enthusiasts
Their spiral-sliced ham is legendary, and their turkey is underrated. Premium pricing but premium quality.
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Half Spiral Ham | 6-8 | $69.99 |
| Whole Turkey | 10-12 | $89.99 |
| Complete Dinner | 6-8 | $159.99 |
| Side Dishes | 4-6 | $15-25 each |
💰 Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Options
Great Thanksgiving dinner doesn't have to break the bank. These options deliver value without sacrificing too much quality.
Walmart
The Ultra-Budget Option
Walmart's deli prepares basic Thanksgiving dinners at rock-bottom prices. Not gourmet, but absolutely serviceable.
Order by: November 24Dollar General
Emergency Backup Option
Not a full dinner solution, but has surprising holiday options for sides and desserts.
What They Actually Have: • Frozen turkey breasts (small) • Boxed stuffing and instant potatoes • Canned vegetables and cranberry sauce • Frozen pies • All the butter and cream you forgot Great for supplementing or emergency situations, not primary dinner source.
Popeyes Cajun Thanksgiving
The Non-Traditional Budget Winner
Their Cajun-style turkey is actually amazing and differently delicious. Perfect if you want something unique.
Order by: November 24 (or until sold out)📦 Meal Kit Services Thanksgiving Options
The middle ground between cooking everything and ordering prepared food. You do some assembly, they handle the hard parts.
Blue Apron Thanksgiving
Pre-portioned ingredients with foolproof recipes. More expensive than groceries but includes premium ingredients.
Order by: November 15HelloFresh Thanksgiving Box
Similar to Blue Apron but slightly more affordable. Good for cooking novices.
Order by: November 17📍 Finding Local Thanksgiving Options
Don't overlook local restaurants and caterers. They often provide better quality and more unique options than chains.
Where to Find Local Options:
Search Strategies
Hidden Gems Often Include
City-Specific Guides
📅 Critical Ordering Deadlines for 2025
Missing these deadlines means scrambling for alternatives. Set reminders NOW.
🚨 Deadline Calendar - Screenshot This!
| Date | Last Day to Order From | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 15 | Williams Sonoma, Mail-order | Shipped meals need time |
| Nov 17 | Meal kit services | HelloFresh, Blue Apron |
| Nov 20 | Costco, HoneyBaked Ham | Popular, sells out fast |
| Nov 21 | Wegmans, premium grocers | Limited quantities |
| Nov 22 | Kroger, most groceries | Standard deadline |
| Nov 23 | Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, Safeway | Restaurant deadline |
| Nov 24 | Whole Foods, Popeyes, Walmart | Final grocery deadline |
| Nov 25 | Boston Market | Last-minute savior |
| Nov 26 | Limited local options only | Pray and call around |
Reality Check: Popular pickup times (Wednesday 4-7 PM, Thursday 9-11 AM) sell out first. Book your slot when you place the order, not later!
✅ What to Order vs. What to Make Yourself
The secret to a stress-free Thanksgiving is knowing what's worth ordering and what's easy enough to make yourself.
✅ Definitely Order These
🏠 Easy to Make Yourself
The Hybrid Approach That Actually Works
Here's my tested hybrid menu that balances ordered and homemade:
Total: $141 for 8 people, 2 hours of actual cooking, and you still made "homemade" dinner.
🚨 Last-Minute & Emergency Thanksgiving Solutions
It's November 26th and you just remembered you invited people over. Don't panic. Here's your emergency playbook.
The 24-Hour Emergency Plan
If You Have 24 Hours:
Same-Day Desperation Options
Morning of Thanksgiving
- Chinese restaurants (many open)
- Hotel restaurants (pricey but available)
- Denny's (has Thanksgiving dinner)
- Golden Corral (if you're not picky)
- Grocery rotisserie + instant sides
The Nuclear Option
- Order pizza and call it "Thanksgiving Fusion"
- Make breakfast for dinner theme
- Potluck emergency text to all guests
- Restaurant reservations (OpenTable)
- Cancel and blame "food poisoning"
Reheating Instructions That Don't Ruin Everything
You spent good money on this food. Don't destroy it with bad reheating. Here's how to make ordered food taste fresh.
Universal Reheating Guidelines
| Item | Method | Temp/Time | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Covered, with broth | 325°F, 20 min/lb | Add butter under skin |
| Stuffing | Covered dish | 350°F, 30 min | Add broth if dry |
| Mashed Potatoes | Stovetop or oven | Low heat, stir often | Add cream while heating |
| Gravy | Saucepan | Low, whisk constantly | Add water if too thick |
| Green Beans | Skillet | Medium, 5-7 min | Add fresh herbs |
| Rolls | Wrapped in foil | 300°F, 10 min | Brush with butter |
| Pie | Room temp or warm | 350°F, 10 min | Cover crust edges |
The Secret Weapon: Keep a pot of turkey or chicken broth simmering on the stove. Add a splash to anything that looks dry. It fixes 90% of reheating disasters.
Making Ordered Food Look Homemade
A few strategic touches can transform store-bought into "I slaved all day" impressive.
The Deception Tactics
Never Forget a Deadline Again
Get our Thanksgiving Delivery Planner with all deadlines, reheating guides, and emergency backup plans. Includes comparison spreadsheet and reminder schedule.
Download Complete Planner - $9The Truth About Ordering Thanksgiving Dinner
Let me tell you what I wish someone had told me years ago: there's no medal for making everything from scratch. There's no Thanksgiving police checking whether your stuffing came from your kitchen or Whole Foods. The only thing that matters is gathering with people you care about and being grateful together.
I've had Thanksgivings where I cooked for three days straight and was too exhausted to enjoy the meal. I've had Thanksgivings that were entirely ordered where we laughed until we cried. Guess which ones I remember more fondly?
The rise of ordering Thanksgiving dinner isn't about laziness - it's about priorities. It's choosing presence over performance. It's deciding that your mental health matters more than homemade cranberry sauce. It's understanding that "made with love" can mean "lovingly selected from the best providers and beautifully presented."
Final Quick Decision Guide
Still overwhelmed? Here's your simple decision tree:
Choose Your Path:
Complete Your Thanksgiving Planning
Now that dinner is sorted, check out our other Thanksgiving resources:
Get the Complete Thanksgiving Ordering Toolkit
Everything you need to successfully order Thanksgiving dinner: comparison spreadsheets, deadline reminders, reheating guides, presentation tips, and emergency backup plans. Stop stressing and start celebrating!
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