Catering Thanksgiving Dinner

As a caterer you really have to love the art of cooking. You especially have to love the art of cooking for more than your normal family of four. More people wish they had your skills for portioning and multi-tasking, even more-so on the Super Bowl of all dinners that we call Thanksgiving. While cooking for 40, 60, even 100 people is a breeze for you, cooking for 16 is a struggle for others. There are sides, and apps, and desserts. And oh wait, there’s that glorious centerpiece of the whole day called the turkey! It’s a lot to think about for the average person.

While some people enjoy cooking for the above average family size for one day, many would prefer to spend that precious time in the living room dealing cards or in the backyard playing a little touch football. For these people, you are the perfect solution. If you have yet to consider becoming a caterer that offers Thanksgiving meals you should reconsider. This is the season that can really help boost your business outside of the typical wedding months. We know it may seem overwhelming, but the following Thanksgiving catering tips can help you ease into it.

First, consider offering a limited menu. Some people enjoy the brining of the Turkey and watching it all day long but could care less about feeding people tiny snacks before the big meal. This is a perfect way to introduce yourself to catering for Thanksgiving. Offer Thanksgiving Appetizers as your specialty. Simple dishes like Artisan Cheese Plates, Stuffed Olives, and Mini Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Bites are things you can provide that take something extra off of the home cook’s plate but don’t require you to have to make 20 turkeys.

If you’re feeling a little more up to a challenge you can offer a side dishes and desserts menu, while keeping in mind the 2 core principles of catering. You can go the classic Turkey Day side route with dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pies or mix it up a little with a blend of classics and new takes. You can offer to deliver in large dishes for easy warming or for cold delights, you can suggest individual servings, like pumpkin mousse in mini mason jars.

One final way to ease yourself into catering for Thanksgiving is offering a Turkey Dinner for Two. Sometimes it feels more like a hassle to cook a whole turkey for two people than it does to cook one for a large group. Single parents or elderly couples would be so grateful to not have to lug a 20 lb turkey into the house for just the two of them. Offer to have two beautifully cut turkey breasts, a few sides, and two slices of pie. (And maybe some pre-shredded turkey for leftover sandwiches, because let’s be honest, everyone loves Thanksgiving for the sandwiches the next day.)

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to kick-off your holiday catering season. Before you dive in headfirst, try getting your feet wet with a limited menu. Be sure to post it online with the pickup or delivery date and any special instructions, like a serving size guide.

Do you already offer Thanksgiving catering? What are your tips for the first-time Turkey Day Dinner deliverers?