These Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes will help alleviate the stress of preparing everything in one 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.
Let's take a look at these easy recipes for Thanksgiving and go over a few simple tips. Free printable checklists included.
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, we've got you covered.
This year, let's make things a little easier on ourselves and prep ahead for the big day. But how when the meal you're preparing is the biggest meal of the year?
Check out the tips below and then check out the recipes that are perfect for preparing ahead. Then make sure you print out the FREE Thanksgiving Checklist below to really help you have a stress-free Thanksgiving feast!
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Try my Thanksgiving Instant Pot Side Dishes, Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes collection or my Air Fryer Thanksgiving Appetizers.
Table of Contents
💭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.
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.
And once you have everything assembled, take some time to practice making your dishes so everything will go smoothly on the big day. Finally, don't forget to enjoy yourself!
💭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 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 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, for the very first celebration, it was a combined effort. Everyone contributed. It's okay to ask for help!
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Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes
Cream cheese, cranberry and orange mixture is rolled in salty pistachios and served with your favorite crackers for the perfect party food.
Beautiful cremini mushrooms are stuffed with crispy, salty and delicious bacon and Parmesan cheese then roasted to perfection.
This recipe for Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Gravy can be made in less than an hour!
This Apple Salad is bursting with apples, cranberries, candied walnuts, bacon, and feta all drizzled with sweet and tangy Apple Poppy Seed Vinaigrette.
The best Cranberry Sauce with fresh orange juice and zest. Lower in sugar, yet perfectly sweet and tart, and absolutely perfect for the holidays.
These pumpkin cornbread muffins are slightly sweet and moist - this recipie is dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar free and made with whole grains.
Cheesy, creamy au gratin potatoes made with three types of cheese for delicious side dish.
Made with store bought chicken and beef stock with a little cream if you like, then amp up the flavor of the broth by browning the butter and flour.
This comforting vegetable side dish recipe is creamy, cheesy with a buttery stuffing topping.
This recipie is wildly flavorful and buttery and filled with herbs and most importantly, a delicious neutral flavor that truly goes with any meal.
This recipie is wonderfully, richly creamy with a light sweetness from the carrots and the sweet potatoes.
This Green Bean Casserole is topped with cheese, almonds and fried onions for the ultimate holiday side!
This is the most unforgettable creamed corn recipe you may ever taste.
This is one of the easiest Thanksgiving pies one can make - there’s no pre-baking the crust or pre-cooking the filling.
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