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Thanksgiving Make Ahead Side Dishes

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Prepare a stress-free holiday feast with this collection of Thanksgiving Make Ahead Side Dishes.

From mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and dressing, these recipes can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends on the big day.

There's even a recipe for homemade dinner rolls that you can prepare ahead of the big day!

Check out the other easy recipes for Thanksgiving to complete your holiday celebration!

thanksgiving side dishes make ahead.

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There is nothing more stressful than preparing the Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings for your family. Which is where this post comes in handy!

There are 15 different Thanksgiving Make Ahead Side Dishes to help you have the best celebration ever.

I like to prepare my side dishes the day before Thanksgiving using half sheet aluminum pans to use in food warmers. Store them covered in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day after the turkey is roasted, start baking the prepared side dishes. Once they are baked, place them in the warming trays with the sternos lit to keep the side dishes hot until you're ready to serve.

How far ahead can you make Dressing for Thanksgiving?

  • I always prepare my Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe the day before and refrigerate it overnight. When I'm cooking for a large gathering or holiday I like to use aluminum foil baking pans. The stuffing recipe stores nicely in them overnight. I wrap the pan with aluminum foil as well.
  • Stuffing can be prepared and frozen up to 3 months before you need to serve it.
  • You can also prepare dressing the day before Thanksgiving and store it in a loosely covered bowl until ready to use.

What Thanksgiving Dishes can be Made Ahead of Time?

How do you reheat Thanksgiving Side Dishes?

  • Most casserole dishes can be reheated in the microwave.
  • If you are planning on serving from aluminum trays and buffet sternos, you can reheat Thanksgiving side dishes in the oven after the turkey has cooked and then immediately place in the buffet chaffing dishes with the sternos lit underneath.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

Potato, Vegetable, Apple Peelers for kitchen, Fruit, Carrot, Veggie, Potatoes Peeler, Y-Shaped and I-Shaped Stainless Steel Peelers, with Ergonomic Non-Slip Handle & Sharp Blade, Good Durable (2PCS)More InformationBaking Dish Ceramic Lasagna Pan Casserole Dish 3-Piece Bakeware Sets Baking Dishes Rose Baking Set Baking Dish SetMore InformationRorence Stainless Steel Potato Ricer with 3 Interchangeable Discs & Inner Cup & Silicone Grip Handles - BlackMore InformationSterno 20392 Green Canned Heat, 6.1 Ounce (Pack of 6)More InformationTiger Chef Chafing Dish Buffet Set Disposable - Full Size Disposable Wire Chafer Stand Kit - 30-Piece Catering Set for Parties Includes Chafer Pans Disposable Serving UtensilsMore Information

 

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About Lois

Originally from Queens, NY, Lois is the voice behind Walking on Sunshine Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly meals made with simple ingredients. She believes dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and offers practical recipes, monthly meal plans, and free printables to help busy families cook with less stress and more joy. When she’s not in the kitchen, Lois enjoys time with her family, gardening and sharing inspiration from her home in rural Pennsylvania.

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