A practical starting point is about ½ to ¾ cup of stuffing or mashed potatoes per person, ⅓ to ½ cup of gravy, ¼ cup of cranberry sauce, ½ cup of a cooked vegetable, and one slice of pie (a 9-inch pie serves about eight). Scale up slightly if you want leftovers, and cook stuffing and leftovers to 165°F.
A per-person sides chart
| Side | Starting amount per person |
|---|---|
| Stuffing or dressing | ½ to ¾ cup per person |
| Mashed potatoes | ½ to ¾ cup, or about ½ pound of raw potatoes |
| Gravy | ⅓ to ½ cup |
| Cranberry sauce | ¼ cup |
| Green beans or other vegetables | ½ cup |
| Dinner rolls | 1 to 2 per person |
| Pie | 1 slice; one 9-inch pie serves about 8 |
These are planning amounts, not rigid recipes. Hearty eaters and leftover fans should lean toward the high end. For 12 guests, that is roughly 8 cups of stuffing (a well-filled 9-by-13-inch dish), 6 pounds of raw potatoes, and two pies if you want a spare. The sides shopping plan turns this into a grocery list, and the turkey-per-person guide sizes the bird.
Build the menu, then add a little extra
One vegetable, one starch besides stuffing, cranberry, gravy and a pie will already feel like a full Thanksgiving plate. If you add sweet potato casserole or a second dessert, you can slightly reduce the mashed-potato or stuffing amount so you are not cooking for twice the table. Count rolls and pie as part of the plate, not an afterthought, so you are not short at the end of the meal. Make-ahead dishes help: see what to make ahead and the Thanksgiving guide.
Leftover sides follow the same USDA rules as leftover turkey: refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3 to 4 days, or freeze. Reheat to 165°F, including leftover stuffing and gravy. Pumpkin pie is a custard pie and belongs in the refrigerator; the pumpkin-pie storage guide covers that in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
How much stuffing do I need per person?
Plan on ½ to ¾ cup per person. A 9-by-13-inch baking dish usually serves about 10 to 12 with a little left over.
How many pies do I need for 12 people?
Two 9-inch pies give every guest a slice and a few extra pieces. One pie is enough if dessert is not the focus.
How much gravy should I make?
About ⅓ to ½ cup per person. A little extra is useful for leftovers and mashed potatoes the next day.
Helpful kitchen tools
- HVH 9×13 Ceramic Baking Dish Set — 9-by-13 dishes sized for a 10-to-12-person stuffing or vegetable casserole.
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — A deep lidded dish for baking and storing a large side.
- MALACASA 9-Inch Ceramic Pie Pan Set of 2 — Two 9-inch pans, enough pie for about 16 slices.
- Everyday White 16-Inch Porcelain Turkey Platter — A serving platter for the bird that leaves room on the table for the sides.
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