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Home » Sides

24 make-ahead sides everyone makes to save Thanksgiving morning

Published: Nov 21, 2025 by Jeanna Duka · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Prepping for the holidays always feels lighter when a few make-ahead sides are already waiting in the wings, ready to take pressure off Thanksgiving morning. Dishes that hold up beautifully in the fridge or reheat like a dream let you enjoy the day instead of rushing through it. This collection highlights crowd-pleasing flavors that stay delicious even when made in advance.

A close up image of cheesy potatoes in a casserole, garnished with parsley.

Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

An image of a white plate with a serving of cheesy green bean casserole with a fork on the side, and the casserole behind it.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy green bean casserole blends tender beans with a rich, golden topping that feels right at home on a festive table. Its quick prep makes it an effortless dish to assemble ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Broccoli cheese casserole brings creamy sauce and crisp-tender broccoli together in a comforting bake. It reheats beautifully, making it an easy choice for early prep.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup

Top view of Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup.
Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

A mushroom-free green bean casserole offers a fresh spin without losing classic comfort. Its flexibility with fresh, canned, or frozen beans makes planning ahead simple.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup

Green Rice Casserole

An overhead image of green rice casserole in a white baking dish.
Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green rice casserole packs in flavor while staying wonderfully low-maintenance. The easy prep and reliable texture make it ideal for cooking before the rush.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

An angled shot of savory sweet potato casserole served in a baking dish.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet potato casserole studded with garlic, honey, and walnuts brings warmth and depth to any holiday spread. Its sturdy structure keeps well, so you can make it a day early.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Potato Leek Gratin

An overhead image of servings of potato leek gratin on two plates.
Potato Leek Gratin. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Potato and leek gratin layers tender slices with savory richness that only improves when it rests. Preparing it in advance gives the flavors time to meld.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek Gratin

Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

A  Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese topped with a golden-brown crust and garnished with sliced green onions.
Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A quick green bean casserole with cream cheese delivers familiar holiday comfort. Its adaptable ingredients make early prep straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Easy Curried Green Bean Casserole

Top view of Easy Curried Green Bean Casserole.
Easy Curried Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Curried green bean casserole introduces bold spices that hold up beautifully over time. The blend of curry and cheese stays vibrant even after chilling and reheating.
Get the Recipe: Easy Curried Green Bean Casserole

Almond, Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

A dish of granola with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.
Almond, Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sweet potato stuffing with almonds and cranberries brings a sweet-savory balance perfect for celebratory meals. The hearty ingredients keep their texture, making it a great dish to prepare early.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

An image of corn casserole with cream cheese, ready to be served.
Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy corn casserole gets its richness from cream cheese and works well with any type of corn. Its consistency remains dependable after a night in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Squash Casserole with Stuffing

An image of Squash Casserole in a baking dish.
Squash Casserole with Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Squash casserole with stuffing combines tender squash and savory chiles in a cozy bake. The dish sets nicely as it cools, making advance prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

An overhead image of slow cooker green bean casserole on a plate.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker green bean casserole offers hands-off comfort with minimal effort. Letting it sit or reheat later doesn’t diminish its creamy appeal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

A close up image of cheesy potatoes in a casserole, garnished with parsley.
Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy potatoes with chives and a crisp cornflake topping bring homestyle comfort to the holiday table. Preparing them early allows for easy reheating without losing crunch.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice baked potato casserole delivers smoky bacon, sour cream, and cheddar in a format built for advance prep. Its hearty base stands up well to chilling and reheating.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Someone holding a Vegan Green Bean Casserole.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A vegan green bean casserole uses a creamy plant-based sauce and a crisp topping for holiday flavor without dairy. The components maintain their integrity, even when made ahead.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Green bean casserole with bacon being served with a spoon.
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Classic green bean casserole with homemade sauce offers nostalgic comfort. Its texture and flavor stay consistent after resting, making it a reliable option for early prep.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Green Bean Casserole With Canned Green Beans

Green Bean Casserole With Canned Green Beans top view.
Green Bean Casserole With Canned Green Beans. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Crispy fried onions crown this evergreen green bean casserole favorite. It’s simple to prepare ahead and finish just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole With Canned Green Beans

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole adds bacon and cheese for a satisfying, oven-ready dish. Its hearty ingredients hold up perfectly when cooked in advance.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

A white dish with green bean casserole in it.
Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air fryer green bean casserole introduces convenience without sacrificing nostalgic flavor. The uncomplicated method makes it easy to prep early and reheat quickly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole

A close-up image of Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole.
Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Green bean tater tot casserole brings hearty comfort with a playful twist. The components stay sturdy, making it a great dish to prepare ahead of the holiday rush.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole

Keto Green Bean Casserole

A plate of Keto Green Bean Casserole.
Keto Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A creamy green bean casserole with a crunchy topping offers dependable flavor in about 40 minutes. Its structure makes it a practical make-ahead choice.
Get the Recipe: Keto Green Bean Casserole

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy asparagus showcases tender stalks wrapped in rich, melty goodness. The dish reheats gently, keeping both freshness and comfort intact.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Sausage and Green Bean Casserole

A plate of Sausage and Green Bean Casserole.
Sausage and Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Sausage, green bean, and potato casserole delivers smoky and savory flavors in every bite. The ingredients settle beautifully, making it a strong candidate for early preparation.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Green Bean Casserole

Keto Bacon Green Bean Casserole With Pork Rind Topping

A close-up image of Keto Bacon Green Bean Casserole With Pork Rind Topping.
Keto Bacon Green Bean Casserole With Pork Rind Topping. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto bacon green bean casserole brings bold flavors and a unique pork rind topping. Its richness doesn’t fade with time, so preparing it ahead works effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Keto Bacon Green Bean Casserole With Pork Rind Topping

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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