(Note: this is the 2011 list. For 2012, see “Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner 2012”)
If you don’t have time to cook Thanksgiving dinner, you can order complete Thanksgiving dinners to-go that are precooked. Side dishes (and often pie) are included. You just order, schedule a time for pick-up, then heat and serve these premade dinners. Most grocery stores recommend ordering by November 21 or 22; most restaurants only need 24 hours for an order. Here’s where you can order Thanksgiving dinner 2011 (click each for more details):
Thanksgiving Dinners from Restaurants
- Boston Market. Can also order delivered or catered Thanksgiving dinners if you can’t get there to pick it up.
- Cracker Barrel. The Thanksgiving dinner includes both turkey and ham.
- Marie Callenders. Somewhat expensive, but includes many sides and coffee.
Thanksgiving Dinners from Grocery Stores
- Albertsons. Turkey, ham, or prime rib Thanksgiving dinners.
- Giant. One of the few stores that offer 2-person dinner orders. (in MD, VA, DC, DE)
- H-E-B. Complete turkey dinners, offered at least at some stores. (TX)
- Kroger. Turkey or ham Thanksgiving dinners. (Includes Baker’s, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, QFC, Smith’s stores.)
- Meijer. Relatively inexpensive turkey dinners. (in IL, IN, MI, OH, KY)
- Publix. One of the least expensive complete dinners. (in TN, AL GA, FL, SC)
- Safeway. Another of the least expensive complete meals. (Includes Vons, Dominicks, Genuardis, Carrs, Tom Thumb, Randalls stores.)
- SaveMart. Turkey and ham dinners at $49.99. (in CA, NV)
- ShopRite. Turkey or ham Thanksgiving dinners are available. (in CT, DE, NJ, NY, PA, MD)
- Whole Foods. Offers vegan and organic Thanksgiving meals.
The prices for 6-8 person Thanksgiving dinners ordered to-go this year range from $39.99 (Publix or Safeway turkey) to $159.99 (Whole Foods prime rib).
Though Aldi doesn’t offer pre-cooked dinners, it does have low prices, so we also took a look at the cost of a pulled-together Thanksgiving dinner from Aldi.
Wherever you decide to order… hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving 2011.
