Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

Simplify your Thanksgiving meal preparation with these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes.

From appetizers, turkey breast, pie crust and even gravy, these recipes allow you to get a jump on the big day and enjoy a stress-free holiday feast.

Check out the other easy recipes for Thanksgiving to complete your holiday celebration and don't forget the FREE printable checklist to help you have a stress-free Thanksgiving feast!

The holidays are a time for family, friends and, of course, food! If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year and looking for delicious recipes that you can prep ahead of time, this collection of recipes is for you!

This year, let's make things a little easier on ourselves and prep ahead for the big day. There are quite a few parts of the menu that can be prepped ahead and even made ahead a few days before the big meal.

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Try my Thanksgiving Instant Pot Side Dishes, Crock Pot Thanksgiving Recipes collection or my Thanksgiving Desserts for Kids.

How early can you start cooking for Thanksgiving?

First, make a game plan. Sit down and map out what you need to do and when you need to do it.

This will help you stay organized and on track in the days leading up to the big day. Take advantage of my Thanksgiving Checklist!

Next, start prepping as soon as possible. The more you can get done ahead of time, the less stressed you'll be on Thanksgiving Day. Make sure to read your recipes thoroughly so you know exactly what ingredients and supplies you'll need.

Considering purchasing my Thanksgiving Digital Cookbook where you can find all the recipes you need for a perfect holiday celebration with no ads! No need to open your computer or laptop to search for recipes!

What can be made ahead?

Here is a list of the recipes and dishes that can be made the day before Thanksgiving:

• Casseroles - this goes from homemade classic stuffing to company mashed potatoes! Even the famous green bean casserole can be made the day before. You can assemble the dishes, refrigerate and then bake in the oven after the turkey comes out.
• Desserts - my mother is the pie queen in our family. She bakes the pies at least 2 days before Thanksgiving. And she makes all the homemade pie dough a few weeks before and freezes them!
• Turkey Breast - you can make a turkey breast in the crock pot the day before and use as extra white meat for your family. Once it's baked, remove from the pan and wrap tightly in aluminum foil. The next day, remove from the refrigerator slice and place inside a crock pot set on low. You may want to add a little chicken broth to the bottom of the crock pot. And pour a little on top of the turkey breast while it's heating up. This will help keep it from drying out.
• Vegetables - if you're planning on steaming carrots, Brussel sprouts, broccoli for your meal, you can definitely do that the day before. Do not add any butter or seasoning to the vegetables after they are cooked. Add them the next day when you reheat the vegetables in the microwave.
• Appetizers - there are quite a few appetizers you can prep ahead. Check out my collection of Air Fryer Thanksgiving Appetizers.

What shouldn't be made ahead?

I wouldn't prepare any of the following ahead of Thanksgiving:

• The Turkey - I wouldn't bake the whole turkey the day before. Trying to reheat a turkey that's been refrigerated overnight can cause the meat to dry out.
• Fresh Greens - if you are planning on serving a garden salad, it's best to prepare it and add the dressing on Thanksgiving.
• Green Beans - there's something about making these the day before and then reheating. They taste reheated.
• Rolls - if you want to serve homemade rolls, it's best to make them the morning of Thanksgiving. Or ask a relative to bring them!

Top Tip

• If the thought of preparing everything for Thanksgiving overwhelms you, ask for help. Ask different family members to bring a specific dish.
• Remember, the very first celebration was a combined effort. Everyone contributed. It's okay to ask for help!

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