Recipes: A Completely Canned Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and it has you a little nervous. For the first time, you are required to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you are going to cook for just yourself or for the entire family, it is a big task to complete. With no experience in the kitchen (or a lack of interest) this is the recipe for preparing a wonderful thanksgiving dinner that everyone will think was from scratch. Now that you have your Thanksgiving Day dinner recipe-for-success in the can, you are able to invite your guests with confidence.

Frozen Pre-Cooked Turkey Breast

Okay, so this one is not from a can, but it is frozen and pre-cooked or pre-prepared. It does not get any easier than that. Pre-cooked turkey breasts can be found in your local grocery store and is not any more expensive that a traditional turkey. In addition, you can purchase the Jennie-O Oven Ready Turkey. These turkey dishes taste great and do not need any cleaning or prepping. You do not even need to thaw them. This is one recipe any cook can follow on Thanksgiving.

Canned Corn

Calling Green Giant! One thing everyone knows is that corn is a staple at a Thanksgiving Day dinner table. Corn in a can comes in a couple of options. Your first choice is the standard can of corn. As the cook, you may opt for a recipe that includes cream corn, baby corn, or white corn. No matter which type you choose, there is a can (or two, or three) waiting just for your dinner.

A Can of Green Bean Casserole

The next side dish is a green bean casserole. As far as I know, green bean casserole does not come in one can. But, with a can of French's Fried Onions, can(s) of green beans (cut or French-style), and a couple cans of cream of mushroom soup, all you have to do it add, stir, and bake.

Cans of Cranberry Sauce

Even with everything else, you cannot forget your cranberry sauce. This one is easy. Most people do not care that your jellied cranberry sauce (jelly?) comes from a can. Actually, some people prefer it! Whether you serve is as a whole tube or pre-sliced, your cranberry sauce is a must for dinner on Thanksgiving.

Can of Crescents

You can never have too many carbs with your Thanksgiving dinner. To make sure you have more than enough, pop open a can (or two) of crescents. Not only do they bake quickly, but they add to the delicious aroma found in homes across America on Thanksgiving Day.

Can of Stuffing

Although most stuffing comes in a box, there are some types, such as Stove Top, that comes in a canister. Follow the same directions as your traditional boxed stuffing, with the exception that the can lets you decide if you want to make one, two, or eight servings.

Open Up a Can of Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Technically, neither potatoes nor gravy come in a can. The closest would be gravy, which comes in a jar. But, admit it; you would not want to eat mashed potatoes and gravy from a can! However, mashed potatoes can be found in boxed form for easy Thanksgiving dinner preparation. Add a jar of gravy and you have an instant side dish for your Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Pie

For the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving Day dinner, try this delicious pumpkin pie recipe. Purchase a can of LIBBY's Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix. Add two eggs, and a 5 fl oz can of evaporated milk to the mix. Stir together and place in a 9-inch pre-made pie shell. Bake the pie for a little over one hour and enjoy (after cooling).

A Few Extras

Just because your Thanksgiving Day dinner is coming out of a can (or multiple cans, actually) does not mean that is all you need. Be sure to have a few extras, such as butter, milk, salt, pepper, etc. to prepare your recipes and flavor your dishes to taste.

A lack of cooking skills does not mean that you want your Thanksgiving dinner to be a flop. It just means that you have to use a little creativity when creating your menu. Food out of a can does not have to taste bad. And, with a little finesse, you can make the entire meal look like it took hours of thought and preparation to cook and create.