OCALA, FL (352today.com) – For many households, Thanksgiving comes with a long grocery list, a thawing turkey and hours of preparation. But for anyone who waited too long to shop–or who is trying to keep costs down this holiday season–a traditional feast isn’t the only way to celebrate. Food planners say a Thanksgiving-style meal can still come together quickly, cheaply and with far less stress.
One of the simplest last-minute substitutions is trading a full turkey for a rotisserie chicken. A ready-made chicken, typically priced under $10, requires no thawing or prep and still provides a carved centerpiece for the table. Paired with a pack of dinner rolls and a quick gravy mix, the option can save hours in the kitchen.
Frozen foods also offer dependable solutions when fresh ingredients are sold out or too expensive. Frozen mashed potatoes and chicken pot pies, steam-in-bag vegetables, macaroni and cheese and instant stuffing mixes heat quickly and cost a fraction of homemade sides. Many require only a microwave, making them practical for rushed or smaller kitchens.
Canned goods remain another reliable source for a last-minute holiday plate. Cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and yams, vegetables and gravy can be warmed with minimal seasoning. A small amount of butter, cinnamon or pepper can help canned sides feel more homemade without adding cost.
For households with limited equipment or limited time, one-pot dishes can simplify the process even further.
Holiday desserts are also easy to assemble on short notice. Boxed brownie mixes bake in minutes, while instant pudding and canned pie fillings can be turned into simple, inexpensive sweets. A quick apple crisp can be made by topping canned apple pie filling with oats and baking until warm.
For shoppers who find the main grocery stores too crowded or picked clean, or simply need to grab any last-minute ingredients, dollar stores can provide unexpected help. Many carry shelf-stable food and supplies, offering affordable substitutes when time is running out.
While Thanksgiving often brings to mind elaborate spreads and long cooking sessions, your holiday meal does not need to be complicated to feel festive. A modest combination of prepared poultry, frozen or canned sides and a simple dessert still brings comfort and tradition to table.
For anyone arriving late to the holiday prep, the goal should be practicality over perfection. A quick meal shared with family or friends carries the same spirit as an all-day feast–and can be pulled together right up until the last minute.