As Thanksgiving approaches, the aroma of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie starts filling our thoughts, but not everyone has the time (or desire) to spend all day in the kitchen. Luckily, plenty of local restaurants, markets, and bakeries are offering delicious pre-made and carryout Thanksgiving meals that let you enjoy the holiday without the stress of cooking. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or a full family feast, these options make it easy to focus on what really matters: good food and great company.
Aldi
One of the most widely-known grocery chains today, the Feast for 10 is one you just can’t beat. For only $40, you will receive a whole turkey, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, Hawaiian sweet rolls, green beans, russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, mini marshmallows, stuffing, gravy mix, shells and cheese, all the ingredients to make a pumpkin pie, carrots, cranberries, onions, spices and more.
Chart House Prime
Overlooking Spa Creek, Chart House Prime offers a polished take on Thanksgiving to-go. Choose between a traditional turkey dinner ($105) or prime rib feast ($126), both with a lineup of sides and a house-made pie. Meals serve three to four and come ready to heat and serve, perfect for an intimate celebration without sacrificing elegance (or flavor). You will need to place your order for either pick up or delivery by November 25.
Honey Baked Ham Co.
A staple brand when it comes to holiday eats, the Honey Baked Ham Co. is offering a Thanksgiving meal deal for $179.99. The star of the show is a half, nine pound, bone-in, honey baked ham, coming alongside an 11-13 pound turkey, 24 oz. green bean casserole, 22 oz. cornbread stuffing and 24 oz. of gravy. This meal is said to feed 14-18 people. A more customizable option would be one of the Holiday Meals, allowing you to pick your own three side dishes, all coming alongside your preferred size of ham and turkey. For those just wanting the turkey and/or ham, that will run you anywhere from $56 to $125. If you plan on cooking your turkey but want some help on the sides, you can also order the six side sampler for a fee of $64.99.
Main & Market
This local favorite’s Thanksgiving catering menu covers everything from oven-roasted turkey and sweet potatoes to cranberry relish and pies. Pickups are the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and their holiday trays make it easy to mix and match sides or build a full feast. Bonus: their desserts, especially the pumpkin cheesecake and assorted pie trays, are locally famous.
Popeyes
Looking to bring a taste of Louisiana chicken into homes across America, Popeyes has rolled out its Cajun-Style Turkey. For only $99, this pre-seasoned, fully cooked turkey will ship right to your door, arriving just one to three days after ordering. All you have to do is thaw, heat and serve, feeding eight to 12 people.
Rams Head Tavern
A downtown staple, Rams Head is offering a full Thanksgiving dinner to go, complete with slow-roasted, hand-carved turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean almondine, candied yams, and pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. Orders must be placed in advance by November 24, but the payoff is a hearty, home-style meal without the hours in the kitchen.
Whole Foods
This grocer offers various levels of options to make your Thanksgiving Day meal a breeze. A simple Classic Roast Turkey Breast meal for four includes a turkey breast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, gravy and a cranberry sauce, all for $89. Need to feed more than four? You can splurge $399 for a Thanksgiving feast for 12, which offers a whole roast turkey, maple bourbon ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, creamed spinach, stuffing, roasted butternut squash, butternut squash soup, cranberry sauce and brioche rolls. If you’re looking for something more off the cuff, you can go for the Beef Wellington meal for four or the Prosecco-Poached Tail meal for four. Finally, you can order a la carte, picking and playing with certain items of your liking!
Additionally, plenty of local restaurants will be open on the big day. Some of these include:
Chinese
Latino
Sweet Endings
Don’t forget dessert! Local bakeries are serving up treats that’ll make you thankful you saved room. At Mangia Baby, try their Original Cannoli Cupcake™, Tiramisu BabyCakes, or Strawberry Lemon Ricotta baby cupcakes — each one a little bite of joy. Over at Blue Crab Cupcakes, seasonal favorites include snickerdoodle pumpkin cheesecake, apple cinnamon caramel bundt cake, and pies like pumpkin, apple, pecan, and cherry. Hosting a crowd? Their Thanksgiving Large Dessert Tray ($140) has you covered with sweets for every taste.
With so many delicious pre-made and carryout choices available, your Thanksgiving plans can be as easy or elaborate as you like. From budget-friendly grocery deals to full gourmet spreads, there’s an option for every gathering. This year, let someone else handle the cooking so you can focus on the laughter, traditions, and gratitude that make Thanksgiving special.
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