Make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes are the key to staying sane while still serving up a great holiday feast. You want dishes that taste great, are easy to pull together, and don’t leave you scrambling in the kitchen when guests arrive. With these recipes, you’ll have more time to actually enjoy the day, knowing you’ve already taken care of the heavy lifting. Plus, prepping ahead lets you avoid those last-minute disasters, so everything’s ready to heat and serve without breaking a sweat.
Pumpkin Blondies
White chocolate pretzel pumpkin blondies bring together the sweetness of pumpkin, crunchy pretzels, and creamy white chocolate for a festive dessert that’s perfect for fall. Preparing these treats ahead of time makes Thanksgiving day less stressful, while still offering guests a delicious, seasonal dessert that’s ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Blondies
Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Squash casserole with stuffing combines roasted yellow squash, hatch chiles, and mushroom soup for a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with any Thanksgiving meal. By making this hearty dish ahead of time, you eliminate last-minute prep work, freeing you up to focus on other holiday dishes without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Vegan Stuffing
This vegan stuffing recipe uses wholesome ingredients to create a flavorful, plant-based side that everyone at the table will appreciate. Preparing it in advance simplifies your Thanksgiving planning, allowing you to focus on other parts of your holiday menu while still serving a crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese
Classic green bean casserole with cream cheese is an easy-to-make holiday side that delivers on flavor and nostalgia. By making this dish ahead of Thanksgiving, you’ll have one less thing to prepare on the big day, ensuring your holiday runs smoothly without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and come together with minimal effort, making them an excellent side for any Thanksgiving meal. Prepare them ahead to ensure a smooth holiday, freeing up valuable time and stovetop space while still serving a comforting favorite everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Vegan Turkey Roast
Vegan turkey roast, made with chickpeas and seitan, provides a hearty and satisfying centerpiece for plant-based holiday dinners. By preparing this ahead of time, you’ll have a ready-to-heat main dish that keeps Thanksgiving stress-free, while still offering something filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast
Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce
This canned cranberry sauce recipe uses only five ingredients to create a sweet and tart addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Make it ahead to save time and stovetop space, allowing you to focus on your main dishes without sacrificing this traditional side.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce
Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Slow cooker Italian pork roast, seasoned with herbs and spices, makes for a tender and flavorful centerpiece at your Thanksgiving table. Preparing this dish in advance gives you a stress-free option, allowing the slow cooker to handle the work while you focus on other holiday essentials.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
Creamy broccoli soup, made with roasted garlic and broccoli, offers a comforting starter for your Thanksgiving dinner. By prepping it ahead of time, you’ll have a cozy dish ready to serve without any day-of hassle, setting the tone for your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
Pistachio Fluff Salad
Pistachio fluff salad, also known as Watergate salad, is a simple, no-fuss dessert that comes together with just five ingredients. Prepare this dish ahead of time for your Thanksgiving table, allowing you to add a sweet touch to your meal without any extra work on the big day.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad
Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs, flavored with nutmeg and allspice, provide a warm, hearty option that’s great for fall gatherings like Thanksgiving. Prepping them in advance ensures that you’ll have a flavorful, ready-to-heat dish without scrambling to get everything done on the day of the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs
Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff
Creamy mushroom stroganoff is a quick-to-make, meat-free dish packed with rich flavors. Prepare it ahead for Thanksgiving to offer a simple, stress-free option that’s ready to serve, allowing you to focus on other important holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff
Sheet-Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Roasted paprika chicken with root vegetables is a straightforward, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Preparing it ahead saves you time and effort on the big day, ensuring that you can simply heat and serve while focusing on more elaborate dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet-Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Sweet Potato Kale Salad
Sweet potato and kale salad combines roasted sweet potatoes with fresh kale, all topped with a tangy dressing for a refreshing, healthy side. Prepping this salad ahead of time will streamline your Thanksgiving meal preparation while adding a balanced, flavorful dish to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Sausage breakfast casserole, made with sausage, eggs, and cheese, provides a warm, hearty meal perfect for starting Thanksgiving day. By preparing it ahead of time, you’ll ensure a relaxed and hassle-free morning, giving you a stress-free start to your holiday.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries
Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans, and cranberries offer a flavorful, texture-rich side that complements any Thanksgiving meal. Prepping them ahead allows you to enjoy a no-stress side dish that’s ready to heat and serve when your guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries
Easy Pot Roast Crock Pot
Crock Pot pot roast is a comforting, tender meal that requires minimal prep, making it a perfect option for Thanksgiving. By preparing it ahead of time, you can enjoy an easy, flavorful main dish with less effort, allowing you to focus on other holiday tasks.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pot Roast Crock Pot
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Maple pecan pie bars feature a shortbread crust and a gooey, nutty topping, making them an irresistible fall dessert. Preparing these bars ahead of Thanksgiving saves you time and stress on the holiday itself, while still delivering a dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Easy Mushroom Gravy
Mushroom gravy adds a savory and rich flavor to your Thanksgiving spread, complementing a variety of dishes. By making this gravy ahead of time, you simplify your holiday prep and ensure you’ll have a delicious sauce ready to go with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Gravy
Apple Crisp
Fresh apple crisp features spiced apples topped with a crunchy oatmeal crust, creating a simple yet comforting dessert. Prepare it ahead of Thanksgiving to allow more focus on the main dishes, while still serving up a classic fall treat everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage-stuffed mushrooms are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer that’s always a hit at gatherings. Prepping them ahead of Thanksgiving ensures you have a ready-to-bake starter, freeing up your time while still impressing your guests.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots With Honey
Air fryer glazed carrots bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots with a simple glaze, making for a great Thanksgiving side dish. Preparing them ahead allows you to avoid last-minute stress, ensuring you have a tasty side ready to serve in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots With Honey
Cheesy Hash Browns
Cheesy hash browns, featuring crispy potatoes and melted cheese, are a comforting addition to any holiday brunch or side dish lineup. Prepping them ahead ensures your Thanksgiving morning or dinner runs smoothly, with one less dish to worry about.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hash Browns
Vegetable Casserole
Vegetable casserole combines fresh vegetables, a creamy sauce, and a crispy topping, making it a hearty side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Preparing it in advance makes holiday prep easier, ensuring you have a flavorful side ready to serve without the rush.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice baked potato casserole, packed with bacon, cheddar, and potatoes, delivers a hearty and satisfying side dish for your Thanksgiving meal. Preparing it ahead takes the stress out of holiday cooking, giving you a comforting dish that’s ready to heat and serve.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
More Make-Ahead Breakfasts
Save time with 24 make-ahead breakfasts! Perfect for busy mornings, these easy recipes offer a stress-free and delicious start to your day.
Read it Here: 24 Make-Ahead Breakfasts That Save You Time Every Morning
More Friendsgiving Recipes
Impress your friends with 48 delicious Friendsgiving recipes that will make your gathering unforgettable and full of seasonal flavor!
Read it Here:48 Recipes to Bring to a Friendsgiving That Will Wow Everyone
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