Thanksgiving dishes can be a lot of work, but they don’t have to be. These recipes are great for anyone looking to simplify their holiday cooking without sacrificing flavor. With a little planning, you can prepare a variety of dishes ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without the stress of last-minute cooking. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your family and friends with these make-ahead options that make Thanksgiving a breeze!
Pumpkin Blondies
Indulge in these white chocolate pretzel pumpkin blondies, combining the sweetness of pumpkin with crunchy pretzels and creamy white chocolate. Make them ahead of time for Thanksgiving to save yourself stress while still treating guests to a festive dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Blondies
Vegan Turkey Roast
This vegan turkey roast is made with chickpeas and seitan, offering a simple yet hearty centerpiece that everyone will enjoy. It's easy to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients, making it a perfect stress-free option for your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast
Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese
Classic green bean casserole with cream cheese is a quick holiday side that’s easy to prepare, using either fresh or canned green beans. Make this crowd-pleaser ahead of Thanksgiving for a smooth holiday experience, saving you time on the big day.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese
Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Squash casserole with stuffing is a comforting side dish made with roasted yellow squash, hatch chiles, and condensed mushroom soup. Prepare it ahead of time, and you’ll have a rich addition ready for your Thanksgiving table without any last-minute hassle.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Vegan Stuffing
This vegan stuffing recipe brings together wholesome ingredients for a perfect side at your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Make it ahead to simplify your holiday meal planning and add a flavorful component to your festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot mashed potatoes, creamy with a hint of garlic, make a fantastic side dish for any meal. Whip up this no-drain recipe in advance for Thanksgiving to ensure that your day is as stress-free as possible while still serving a comforting favorite.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce
This easy canned cranberry sauce recipe uses just five ingredients to create a balanced, sweet-tart addition to your Thanksgiving feast. It can be made ahead to free up your stovetop space and allow more focus on the main dishes during the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce
Egg Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast sausage hashbrown casserole blends savory sausage and crispy hashbrowns for a hearty morning meal that can be prepped the night before. This make-ahead option is perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving morning, letting you focus on dinner preparations.
Get the Recipe: Egg Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries
Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans, and cranberries add flavor to any holiday meal, pairing perfectly with turkey or chicken. Prepare these ahead of time for a no-stress side dish that fits in seamlessly with your Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots With Honey
These Air Fryer Glazed Carrots are a great side dish, combining a simple glaze with naturally sweet carrots. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving and can be made ahead, helping you keep holiday stress at bay while serving something special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots With Honey
Apple Crisp
Fresh apple crisp features spiced apples under a crispy oatmeal topping, creating a dessert that’s easy and comforting. Make it ahead of Thanksgiving to allow more time for main dishes, yet still offer a sweet ending that captures the essence of fall flavors.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp
Egg Muffin Cups
Egg Muffin Cups are a convenient breakfast option for busy fall days, packed with ingredients like vegetables and cheese. Prepare these ahead for a stress-free Thanksgiving morning, giving you more time to focus on holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Egg Muffin Cups
Swedish Meatballs
Swedish Meatballs are seasoned with nutmeg and allspice, providing a comforting meal option for fall. Make these ahead for Thanksgiving to keep things easy while ensuring you serve a flavorful and ready-to-heat meal.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs
Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a simple five-ingredient dish that’s quick to assemble, featuring prosciutto, tomatoes, and eggs. This make-ahead casserole is ideal for a hassle-free breakfast on Thanksgiving morning, allowing you to concentrate on preparing the main event.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole is a simple, hearty meal made with eggs and potatoes that can be prepared ahead. Get a stress-free start to your Thanksgiving morning with this comforting dish that takes minimal prep time.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
Easy Mushroom Gravy
This mushroom gravy adds a rich and savory touch to any meal, from weeknight dinners to Thanksgiving. Make it in advance to simplify your holiday prep and serve a sauce that pairs well with everything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Gravy
Vegetable Casserole
Vegetable Casserole combines fresh vegetables, a creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping for a hearty dish perfect for busy fall dinners. Prepare it in advance for Thanksgiving and enjoy a delicious side dish that keeps your holiday prep stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage stuffed mushrooms are an easy-to-make appetizer that’s always a hit at gatherings. Prep them in advance to keep your Thanksgiving entertaining stress-free while impressing your guests with a flavorful, ready-to-bake starter.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Cheesy Hash Browns
Cheesy Hash Browns feature crispy potatoes and melted cheese, making them a comforting breakfast or side dish. Make these ahead of Thanksgiving to simplify your breakfast plans or serve them as part of a hearty holiday brunch.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hash Browns
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Sausage Breakfast Casserole combines sausage, eggs, and cheese for a warm and hearty meal that’s easy to make ahead. Start Thanksgiving morning without any hassle by preparing this comforting dish in advance for a cozy, relaxed breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Sweet Potato Kale Salad
Sweet potato and kale salad combines roasted sweet potatoes with fresh kale, topped with a tangy dressing for a fresh side. Make it ahead to simplify your Thanksgiving meal prep and bring a healthy, balanced dish to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole, featuring crispy bacon, potatoes, and cheddar cheese, is a satisfying side dish for Thanksgiving. Prepare it ahead of time to save yourself stress while serving a comforting and hearty addition to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Easy Pot Roast Crock Pot
Pot roast made in a Crock Pot requires just minutes to prep and can be cooked throughout the day, creating a tender, flavorful meal. Prepare it ahead to enjoy an effortless, comforting dinner after a long day of Thanksgiving festivities.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pot Roast Crock Pot
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
Creamy broccoli soup made with roasted broccoli and garlic provides a comforting and rich flavor for fall dinners. Prepare this ahead of Thanksgiving, and serve it as a starter that helps set a cozy tone for your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff
Creamy mushroom stroganoff packs rich flavors and comes together quickly, making it a great choice for busy nights. Make it ahead of Thanksgiving to serve as an easy, meat-free dish that keeps the day stress-free and everyone at the table happy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff
Pistachio Fluff Salad
Pistachio fluff salad, also known as Watergate salad, is a simple five-ingredient dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Prepare this easy dessert ahead of time for your Thanksgiving spread, saving yourself time and adding a sweet note to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad
Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs
Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs brings a comforting start to any fall morning. Prepare this make-ahead recipe for Thanksgiving to serve a rich and flavorful breakfast that requires no effort on the big day.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs
Sheet-Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Roasted paprika chicken with root vegetables combines classic flavors for a simple dinner. Make it in advance for a stress-free option that’s ready to heat and serve on cool fall nights or during holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Sheet-Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Slow cooker Italian pork roast seasoned with herbs and spices creates a tender, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table. This make-ahead recipe is great for Thanksgiving, giving you one less dish to worry about during the busy holiday.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast casserole with eggs, sausage, and cheese brings together all your favorite breakfast flavors in one dish. Prep this make-ahead meal for Thanksgiving morning and enjoy a filling breakfast with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Maple Pecan Pie Bars combine a shortbread crust with a gooey, nutty topping for a perfectly sweet dessert. Prepare them ahead of Thanksgiving to save time and offer a classic fall treat that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie Bars
More Make-Ahead Breakfasts
Save time every morning with 24 make-ahead breakfasts! Delicious, convenient, and perfect for busy days when you need a stress-free start.
Read it Here: 24 Make-Ahead Breakfasts That Save You Time Every Morning
More Thanksgiving Desserts
Make Thanksgiving sweeter and easier with 18 low-key desserts that bring all the flavor without the stress or hassle.
Read it Here: 18 Low-Key Desserts for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
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