The 3 Best Thanksgiving Meal Kits for Small Groups in 2021

Expecting a small group of your nearest and dearest this Thanksgiving and in search of a stress-free way to get dinner of the table? There are several meal kits offering holiday options that won't break the bank. Whether you're looking to streamline the cooking process by picking up some delicious sides, seeking non-tradional Thanksgiving fare that still feels festive, or wanting to order turkey with all the fixings, there's a holiday meal kit for you.

In this list, we'll highlight our top picks, explore the available recipes, take a look at the value of what's being offered, and let you know when you need to place your order to make sure your food arrives in time for turkey day.

Now, without further ado, let's take a look at the three best Thanksgiving meal kits for small groups in 2021!

The 3 Best Thanksgiving Meal Kits for Small Groups

1. Blue Apron

Image via Blue Apron.

On the Menu: If you're looking for a holiday meal kit to feed a small group, Blue Apron has a number of recipes subscribers can select during the week of Thanksgiving. While not the traditional turkey and stuffing, these meals feature festive fall flavors. Available as part of the two-person or four-person signature menu, these recipes include:

• Roasted Half Chicken & Herb Gravy with Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes & Ginger-Glazed Carrots
• Seared Scallops & Walnut-Thyme Breadcrumbs with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts & Pear
• Butternut Squash & Spinach Risotto with Fried Sage & Walnuts
• Four Cheese & Truffle Honey Flatbread with Mushrooms & Kale

The following market place add-ons are also available:

• Truffle & Parmesan Knots with Chives (serves 2-4)
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts, Sage & Brown Butter (serves 2-4)
• Flourless Chocolate Cake with Candied Pumpkin Seeds & Whipped Cream (serves 9)

Image via Blue Apron.

Those serving a larger group, looking for a more traditional spread, or wanting leftovers can also sign up for Blue Apron's Thanksgiving Feast. Designed to serve between six and eight, this option includes:

• Savory Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
• Homemade Garlic & Herb Gravy
• Fresh Cranberry Sauce with Ginger & Spicy Maple Syrup
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fried Rosemary & Pumpkin Seeds
• Brown Butter & Fontina Mashed Potatoes with Romano Cheese & Chives
• Apple Crumb Pie with Warming Spices & Almonds

Here's additional info about delivery windows and add-ons from Blue Apron:

The Thanksgiving Feast is available for delivery the weeks of November 8, November 15 and November 22. Blue Apron’s Premium, vegetarian and Add-on Thanksgiving-inspired recipes are available for delivery Thanksgiving week. All options can be ordered through the mobile app and website.

To complete the meal, Blue Apron is also offering Thanksgiving wine bundles, designed to pair perfectly with each recipe. The bundles feature classic varietals from full-bodied whites to decadent reds. Available on the Blue Apron Market, wines can be purchased in bundles of three and six in both 500ml and 750ml size bottles.

The Cost: The Classic Thanksgiving Feast includes 6 recipes and serves 6-8 for $109.98. Shipping is free. Meal kits featuring festive fall flavors are available to subscribers for the regular subscription price of $8.99 per serving + $9.99 shipping.

Value Breakdown: The Classic Thanksgiving Feast breaks down to a price of $13.75 per person. That's far less expensive than booking dinner out a restaurant, and you don't even need to start cooking at the break of dawn. The entire meal is designed to be ready in 160 minutes.

Order Cutoff: Order by 12:00pm ET on Tuesday, November 16th for delivery on Tuesday, November 23rd.

Check out our Blue Apron details and reviews to learn more!

2. Dinnerly

Image via Dinnerly.

On the Menu: Dinnerly is offering subscribers four different Thanksgiving sides, one appetizer, and two desserts. Sides include:

• Herbed Sausage Stuffing with Onion & Celery
• Sour Cream & Onion Biscuits and Homemade Cranberry Sauce
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows & Candied Pecans
• Skillet Green Bean Casserole with Fried Onions

The featured appetizer is Sweet & Sour Meatballs with Sticky Cranberry Glaze. Dishes purchased as part of the 2-person plan feed four, and those purchased as part of the 4-person plan feed eight.

Image via Dinnerly.

Subscribers can also purchase Thanksgiving dessert kits to make Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars with Cream Cheese Swirl and Spiced Apple Oat Crisp with Dried Cranberries. Desserts purchased as part of the 2-person plan feed four, and those purchased as part of the 4-person plan feed eight.

The Cost: Subscribers who sign up for the 2-person box and order three meals per week pay $5.89 per serving + $8.99 shipping. Subscribers who sign up for the 4-person box and order three meals per week pay $5.59 per serving + $8.99 shipping.

Value Breakdown: If you're doing Thanksgiving on a budget, Dinnerly is hard to beat. Since holiday sides all deliver twice as many servings as usual, each side breaks down to less than $3 per serving!

Order Cutoff: The deadline to place an order or make changes varies by subscriber, but is 5-6 days ahead of delivery. Log in to your account to view your specific order cutoff.

ACTIVE DEAL: Use code PBYYGREZ to get 57.5% off first box and 20% off the next 3 orders
CODE: PBYYGREZ

Check out our Dinnerly details and reviews to learn more!

3. HelloFresh

Image via HelloFresh.

On the Menu: HelloFresh is offering two different Thanksgiving boxes this year that send everything you need to serve guests a protein, sides, and dessert. One box features turkey and serves 8-10 guests and the other features beef tenderloin and serves 4-6. Let's take a look at what's included in the Beef Tenderloin + Sides Box from HelloFresh:

Image via HelloFresh.

• Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Sherry Thyme Jus
• Roasted Delicata & Shallots with Walnuts, Parmesan & Parsley
• Ciabatta Stuffing with Chicken Sausage & Cranberries
• Classic Gravy with Fresh Herbs
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic & Sour Cream
• Apple Ginger Crisp with Cinnamon Pecan Crumble

Also looking for an appetizer to kick off the feast?

Image via HelloFresh.

You can add on Cranberry Brie Crostini to your box for an additional fee. Prefer turkey? While the Turkey + Sides box is designed to feed a larger group (8-10), it may also work for smaller groups who would like to make sure they have plenty of Thanksgiving leftovers. In addition to the sides featured in the Beef Tenderloin Box, the turkey option also includes Cranberry Sauce
with Orange & Cinnamon.

The Cost: The Beef Tenderloin + Sides Box feeds 4-6 and costs $22.49 per person. The Turkey + Sides Box feeds 8-10 and costs $16.99 per person. Add on Cranberry Brie Crostini to either box for a flat fee of $19.89.

Value Breakdown: While not the cheapest option on this list, HelloFresh's Beef Tenderloin + Sides Box delivers a high-quality meat, three sides, gravy, and dessert for $22.49 per person. Most steakhouses would likely charge that much (or more) for the protein alone, so it's hard to argue with the value! It's also important to mention that both of HelloFresh's Thanksgiving packages are designed for beginners. There's nothing more stressful than cooking a turkey all day long only to discover it's either dry or underdone-- HelloFresh's holiday meal kits help ensure your Thanksgiving meal will come out just right!

Order Cutoff: Place your Thanksgiving order with HelloFresh by November 18th. (If you order the turkey box, keep in mind your turkey will need four full days to thaw before cooking!)

ACTIVE DEAL: 16 Free Meals (Offer is for new subscriptions only across 9 boxes and varies by plan) + First Box Ships Free + 3 Surprise Gifts
CODE: MSA16HF

Check out our HelloFresh details and reviews to learn more!

Have you tried any of these holiday meal kits? Or do are you planning to serve a different meal kit to your Thanksgiving guests? Head to the comments section to let us know!