Walking On Sunshine Recipes

menu icon
subscribe
search icon
Need Help with Dinner? →

Thanksgiving Make Ahead Side Dishes

Modified: · Published: by · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Save Post

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.

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

 

Indulge in Flavor, Not Ads - Get Your Ad-Free Digital Cookbook Today!

Promo button I need this.

Before You Begin!

If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.

_FEATURED NEW SIZE Asparagus with Bacon
Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon
This recipe for asparagus wrapped in bacon can be prepared using the oven or air fryer.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
A familly favorite and a classic recipe. This is a must on everyone's table this year.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a “must have” for special occasion feasts like Thanksgiving and Christmas. So having this make-ahead trick on hand is very useful!
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Classic Brown Gravy Recipe
No need for a packet, you can make mouthwatering brown gravy in about 15 minutes, and with NO pan drippings!
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Creamy Brussels Sprouts
These creamy brussels sprouts with bacon are an easy, one pot side dish that pair beautifully with any holiday or company meal.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Homemade Stuffing
This is literally the BEST Homemade Stuffing Recipe - it has everything you love about a classic stuffing recipe, celery, onion, apples, tons of delicious flavor, all in a great sausage stuffing recipe.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Make Ahead Sage Apple Stuffing
This make ahead sage apple stuffing can be prepared a day in advance for an easy and delicious Thanksgiving side dish.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Cream Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese
For this recipie, the sweet corn is baked in a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce, topped off with melty cheddar and buttery Ritz crackers, and baked to absolute perfection.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Green Bean Casserole
This casserole is made with fresh green beans, creamy mushrooms sauce, and French’s fried onions.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Homemade Rolls
Today I’m going to share two methods for making rolls in advance and baking them later.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This all natural, 5 ingredient broccoli cheese casserole is the way it should be done, without cans.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Made in less than 20 minutes, this whole berry cranberry relish with tart cherries and savory shallots can be made ahead of time and frozen - perfect for Thanksgiving!
VIEW RECIPE HERE
The Best Creamed Spinach Recipe
This delicious version of creamed spinach is easy to prepare, doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, and is filled with flavor.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Hashbrown Casserole
Wonderful comforting potato dish loaded with cheddar cheese and creamy sauce.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe
This Cranberry Fluff Salad just 5 ingredients and a super quick prep time needed to make it.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
VIEW RECIPE HERE

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.

Comments

No Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *