As the autumn foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of warm hues, and the air is infused with a refreshing crispness, I find myself looking forward to one of my most cherished times of the year: Thanksgiving. This special occasion is when loved ones converge to share in the warmth of nourishing meals, hearty laughter, and sincere gratitude. What better way to elevate this celebration than by preparing mouthwatering dishes ahead of time?
In this article, I’ll be delighted to walk you through 20 make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes that will leave your family and friends craving more. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to create a feast that will bring everyone closer together.
Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese
Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Crock-Pot mac and cheese recipe, which combines creamy flavors with the convenience of slow cooking. Simply prepare it in the morning, let your Crock-Pot do its magic, and come home to a warm, cheesy aroma that’s reminiscent of a cozy Thanksgiving gathering. The best part? This dish requires minimal attention, allowing you to set it to warm for up to two hours while you’re out and about.
So why not give it a try and treat yourself (and your family) to a deliciously comforting meal?
Ham Casserole
Ham casserole is an excellent choice for Thanksgiving, as it can be prepped ahead of time, allowing you to minimize stress on the big day. This savory dish features ham, creamy sauce, and a delightful combination of cheese, vegetables, and more. The best part? You can prepare it in advance by assembling all the ingredients, covering with foil, and refrigerating until ready to bake. This comforting and delicious addition to your holiday table is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Savoring the perfect pumpkin cheesecake on Thanksgiving requires patience and planning. Allow it to cool for the recommended 12 hours to ensure the flavors meld together in harmony. This make-ahead dessert is an absolute must-have for the holiday, offering a creamy texture that perfectly balances the warm spices of pumpkin.
As you indulge in that first bite, the smooth filling and buttery graham cracker crust will instantly evoke feelings of belonging and warmth, making it the ultimate centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow
Indulge in the quintessential holiday delight that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. This beloved sweet potato casserole boasts a velvety texture and a satisfying crunch from its pecan topping, making it an effortless centerpiece for any Thanksgiving celebration. With the option to prepare ahead of time by simply following step 4 of our recipe, you’ll be free to focus on other important holiday tasks, such as ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your loved ones.
As the aromatic scents and tantalizing flavors meld together, you can’t help but feel like part of a cozy family gathering – without all the fuss.
Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Transforming scalloped potatoes into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece has never been easier. By using a Crock-Pot to cook this dish, you’ll be freeing up valuable oven space while still enjoying the rich flavors and tender texture that scalloped potatoes are known for.
To start, simply alternate layers of thinly sliced potatoes with a mixture of milk, cheese, and seasonings in your slow cooker.
Then, set it to low in the morning and let the magic happen as the flavors meld together throughout the day.
By dinner time, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s nothing short of phenomenal – tender potatoes smothered in a luscious sauce that will leave your taste buds singing.
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Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
The key to effortless assembly of the pecan crumble is baking the sweet potatoes in advance. This clever move allows you to create a delightful harmony between the tender, creamy potato flesh and the crunchy, sweet pecan topping. As a result, these twice-baked sweet potatoes are like mini casseroles packed with flavor. Not only do they make for a scrumptious side dish, but preparing them ahead of time means one less thing to stress about on Thanksgiving Day.
Your guests will be clamoring for seconds!
Pecan Pie Bars
Indulge in the delightful taste of these pecan pie bars, an ideal treat for any gathering or personal indulgence. Their irresistible combination of a buttery crust and a richly flavored pecan filling ensures they’ll be a crowd-pleaser. What’s more, you can prepare them ahead of time, freeing up your schedule to focus on other essential Thanksgiving preparations.
Green Bean-Mushroom Casserole
To ensure a stress-free Thanksgiving, consider preparing the Green Bean-Mushroom Casserole ahead of time by refrigerating it. This classic side dish, featuring tender green beans and savory mushrooms in a creamy sauce topped with crispy fried onions, can be made in advance without sacrificing flavor. As the casserole sits in the fridge, the flavors have a chance to meld together, resulting in an even more satisfying dish.
Simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking on Thanksgiving, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal.
Pumpkin Soup
For a truly unforgettable seasonal start, consider preparing your pumpkin soup in advance and reheating it just before serving on Thanksgiving. As you reheat the velvety smooth soup, its rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices will meld together in perfect harmony, transporting you to a cozy autumn day filled with warmth, comfort, and loved ones.
This make-ahead recipe is designed for those seeking a stress-free holiday experience without compromising on taste or quality – simply refrigerate the soup ahead of time and enjoy the ease and satisfaction of serving it up to your guests.
Make-Ahead Gravy
Take the hassle out of Turkey Day cooking by preparing this make-ahead gravy up to five days in advance. Simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to reheat, then add the reserved drippings for a rich and savory sauce that’s sure to impress. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavor, but also in its ability to free you up from last-minute cooking duties.
Imagine having more time to focus on other dishes or simply enjoying the company of your loved ones, all thanks to a well-planned gravy game-changer.
Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball
This delectable Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball is a game-changer for any holiday gathering. Its creamy texture, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans meld together in harmony, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With its impressive 8-hour prep time, you can prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors mature to perfection. This savory treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, satisfying even the most discerning palates.
Serve it with crackers or crusty bread for a truly indulgent experience that will leave your guests craving more. The recipe awaits!
Delicious, Creamy Mashed Potatoes
To create indulgently creamy mashed potatoes, leverage the power of a potato masher or hand mixer. The key to achieving the perfect consistency lies in the subtle nuances of technique. Start by boiling your potatoes until they reach a tender, fork-like texture, then drain and return them to the pot. Next, introduce a generous helping of butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and gently coax the mixture into a smooth, velvety consistency.
The outcome is a sumptuous side dish that will surely become the crowning jewel of your Thanksgiving celebration.
Butternut Squash Lasagna
To create an exquisite butternut squash lasagna, begin by coaxing out the natural sweetness in the squash through roasting. Once tender, blend it with ricotta cheese, nutmeg, and sage to craft a luscious filling that’s bursting with flavor. The roasted squash brings a depth of character to the dish, providing a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Layer this filling between lasagna noodles and crown it with a generous helping of shredded mozzarella for a truly satisfying meal.
Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
While roasting a Thanksgiving turkey can be a labor-intensive process, the end result is well worth the effort for a tender and flavorful centerpiece. The savory aroma wafting from the kitchen only adds to the excitement. To make the most of this special day, I prefer to prep my turkey ahead of time, freeing me up to focus on quality time with loved ones.
One key trick I’ve learned to keep the meat moist is to add a splash of chicken broth or turkey stock before reheating – it makes all the difference!
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
To add some crunch and flavor to your Thanksgiving celebration, consider creating a Brussels sprouts side dish by combining thinly sliced sprouts with a tangy dressing and crunchy toppings. This refreshing salad is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones on the holiday. The best part?
You can prep the sprouts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a day, while the dressing can be made three days in advance, giving you even more time to focus on other tasks. With this make-ahead salad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to create memories with your family and friends.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in the sweet and sticky delight of candied sweet potatoes with a maple and bourbon glaze, perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration. The harmonious blend of rich maple syrup and subtle bourbon creates a tantalizingly glazed coating on each tender slice of sweet potato. One of the best aspects of this dish is its make-ahead versatility – simply reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes before serving, freeing up precious oven space for other dishes.
When you’re ready to impress your guests with a delectable side dish, try these candied sweet potatoes with a maple and bourbon glaze.
Slice-Baked Potatoes
Another make-ahead recipe worth exploring is Slice-Baked Potatoes, a creative spin on traditional twice-baked potatoes. The unique aspect of this dish lies in its ability to be prepared ahead of time and stored in the freezer until baking is desired. What’s more, it’s not just limited to Thanksgiving celebrations – these crispy potato slices can be enjoyed throughout the season with your preferred toppings. Try out this recipe to elevate your mealtime experience.
Crockpot Stuffing
Envision starting your Thanksgiving morning with a tantalizing blend of aromatic scents – a symphony of herbs, sautéed onions, and melted butter filling the air. This is exactly what you can expect when you prepare your stuffing in a slow cooker. The low-and-slow heat allows the flavors to harmonize while keeping the bread cubes remarkably moist, taking the stress out of Turkey Day prep.
And with this method, you can confidently make it ahead of time, knowing that your stuffing will stay juicy and flavorful even during the big meal. Simply imagine the savory aroma filling your home, setting the tone for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration.
Pumpkin Pie
For a stress-free holiday season, consider preparing your pumpkin pie well in advance. Once baked and cooled, simply store it in the refrigerator until it’s time to slice and serve. The end result is a delightful combination of rich, spiced filling and tender, flaky crust that’s sure to impress at any fall gathering, whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy evening with friends.
What’s more, this tried-and-true recipe allows you to prepare the pie ahead of time, freeing up your schedule on the big day. So why not get a head start by clicking ‘Get Recipe’ below and starting your culinary journey today?
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday table with a tangy twist on tradition – homemade cranberry sauce. This effortless condiment not only saves time on the big day but also adds a pop of color and flavor to your turkey. The sweet-tart union of fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest is a match made in heaven, complementing your roasted bird beautifully.
Plus, once you’ve got this simple recipe mastered, you’ll be wondering how you ever settled for store-bought – leftovers can be repurposed into scrumptious sandwiches or decadent dessert toppings.
