10 Make-Ahead Dishes to Save You Time on Thanksgiving Day
Introduction: Thanksgiving, But Without the Chaos
If you’ve ever hosted Thanksgiving, you know the drill: there’s the Butterball turkey that takes way longer than you think, the mashed potatoes that need constant attention, and don’t even get me started on the stuffing. It's like a military operation, but with more pie.
But here’s the thing,what if you didn’t have to do everything on Thanksgiving Day? What if I told you that you could make a lot of your dishes ahead of time and still have that home-cooked, “I just spent hours in the kitchen” vibe, but without actually spending hours in the kitchen?
Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s totally possible!If you want to decor all by yourself this time, take notes from here and Let’s dive into 10 make-ahead dishes that will save you time, effort, and sanity on Thanksgiving Day.
1. Mashed Potatoes: The Creamy Comfort You Can Prep Early
Ah, mashed potatoes—the side dish that makes or breaks Thanksgiving. Who doesn’t want a big ol’ bowl of creamy, buttery spuds to slather gravy on? But who has time to mash potatoes on the big day when there’s a whole turkey to worry about? Not you, my friend.
How to Make-Ahead:
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Prep: Boil and mash your potatoes the day before.
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Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
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Reheat: On Thanksgiving Day, reheat them in a slow cooker or on the stove with a splash of milk and butter to bring them back to life.
Pro tip: To keep them extra creamy, add a little bit of sour cream or cream cheese when mashing. You’ll thank me later.
2. Stuffing: Because Who Has Time to Stuff a Bird on Turkey Day?
Stuffing (or dressing, depending on where you’re from) is a must-have on the Thanksgiving table, but it’s one of those dishes that takes a ton of prep time. Instead of dealing with the whole “stuff the bird” situation, why not make it ahead of time?
How to Make-Ahead:
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Prep: Assemble your stuffing (whether it’s cornbread, sausage, or veggie) the day before.
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Storage: Cover it tightly and refrigerate.
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Reheat: On the big day, pop it in the oven while the turkey’s resting to get that golden-brown top.
Ever wondered why stuffing tastes even better the next day? It’s like the flavors just meld together in the fridge overnight. Delicious. Add this menu card for your ease and make your table divine.
3. Cranberry Sauce: The Sweet-Tart Magic That’s Better When It Sits
Look, we all know that canned cranberry sauce is technically a thing (don’t @ me), but homemade cranberry sauce? That’s a whole new level of awesome. The best part? You can make it way ahead and let it chill in the fridge.
How to Make-Ahead:
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Prep: Cook your cranberries, sugar, and orange zest the day before.
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Storage: Let it cool and store it in a jar or airtight container in the fridge.
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Reheat (Optional): You don’t have to—this is one dish that’s just as good cold as it is warm.
Bonus points if you throw in some crushed pecans or orange liqueur. #NextLevelCranberries
4. Green Bean Casserole: Make It Ahead, Skip the Stress
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, but it can be a pain to assemble and bake right before the meal. Instead, make it the day before and just bake it off when you’re ready to eat.
How to Make-Ahead:
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Prep: Assemble the casserole with cooked green beans, mushroom soup, and crispy onions.
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Storage: Cover and store in the fridge.
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Reheat: Pop it in the oven 30 minutes before you plan to serve, and voila! Perfectly crispy on top and creamy inside.
Pro tip: If you love your casserole extra crispy, add the onions in the last 10 minutes of baking to get that perfect golden crunch.
5. Dinner Rolls: Soft, Pillowy Perfection Without the Rush
Let’s talk about dinner rolls, the fluffy, buttery carb bomb we all crave. But let’s be real—making them from scratch on Thanksgiving Day? No, thank you. There’s a much easier way to get those rolls into your life.
How to Make-Ahead:
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Prep: Make the dough the day before, and after it’s risen, punch it down and shape it into rolls.
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Storage: Let them rest in the fridge overnight for a slow rise.
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Reheat: The next day, let them come to room temperature and bake them for about 20 minutes.
Bonus tip: Slather those babies in garlic butter right before serving. Trust me, you’ll be the hero of the table.
6. Roasted Veggies: Flavorful, Healthy, and Ready to Go
If you’re looking for a simple, make-ahead side that’s full of flavor, roasted vegetables are the way to go. They’re easy, versatile, and they’ll hold up in the fridge overnight.
How to Make-Ahead:
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Prep: Roast your veggies (carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, etc.) the day before, seasoning them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Storage: Let them cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
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Reheat: Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop on Thanksgiving Day.
Not only does this save time, but you get a healthy side that pairs perfectly with everything else. Win-win.
7. Pumpkin Pie: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Dessert
Let’s be real: no Thanksgiving is complete without pumpkin pie. But why wait until the last minute to bake this classic dessert when you can make it a day or two in advance?
How to Make-Ahead:
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Prep: Bake your pumpkin pie the day before.
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Storage: Let it cool completely, then cover it and store it in the fridge.
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Serve: On Thanksgiving Day, just pull it out and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Pumpkin pie actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two, as the flavors get time to meld together. And who doesn’t love an easy dessert?
8. Sweet Potato Casserole: The Dish Everyone Fights Over
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but the casserole version with that marshmallow topping? Next-level delicious. It’s also one of those dishes that you can make ahead without losing any flavor.
How to Make-Ahead:
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Prep: Assemble the casserole with mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and marshmallows.
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Storage: Store it in the fridge and cover tightly.
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Reheat: Bake it on Thanksgiving Day for 30 minutes to get that marshmallow topping golden brown.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling extra, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for that perfect fall vibe.
9. Gravy: No Last-Minute Stirring Required
Gravy is one of those things that can either make or break your Thanksgiving meal. And honestly, who wants to deal with last-minute gravy-making while everything else is happening?
How to Make-Ahead:
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Prep: Make the gravy a day or two before by simmering turkey drippings with stock, flour, and seasoning.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
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Reheat: On Thanksgiving Day, gently reheat it on the stovetop and give it a quick whisk.
This gravy will save you so much time, and it tastes so much better when you make it ahead. Seriously, it’s like magic.
10. Appetizers: Light Bites to Keep Everyone Happy While You Finish the Feast
While your guests are eagerly awaiting the big meal, they’ll need something to munch on. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be making appetizers while trying to manage a dozen other things.
How to Make-Ahead:
- Prep: Make a cheese platter, veggie dip, or charcuterie board the day before.
- Storage: Store everything in separate containers or wrap it tightly.
- Serve: Pull it out when guests arrive—easy, elegant, and delicious.
This gives everyone a little something to nibble on while you finish up the main event. Plus, it’ll look super fancy without you lifting a finger.
Conclusion: Stress-Free Thanksgiving? Yes, Please!
There you have it—10 make-ahead dishes to save you time, energy, and possibly your sanity on Thanksgiving Day. Prep these in advance, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the day without the usual stress.
And hey, if the turkey burns, at least the sides are perfect, right?
So, what are you waiting for? Start prepping, take a deep breath, and let’s make this Thanksgiving the most stress-free yet! Happy cooking, friends!