Get all the prep work done you can so the day of your big Thanksgiving feast you are prepared. Here are 25 incredible make ahead Thanksgiving recipes and side dishes! When you prep with these make ahead Thanksgivingrecipes you are able to spend more time with your family than in the kitchen the day of.
These Thanksgiving recipes and side dishes are great because you can make them ahead of time. That way you have just your turkey and a few other sides to make the day of. I love to prep all I can, so I don’t feel the stress tremendously the day of the big party. Here is a great list to get you started.
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1.) Spiced Cranberry Sauce
This sauce is outstanding to pair next to your turkey or ham. It is a wonderful cranberry sauce with a little hint of spice to dress it up a little for your holiday feast.
2.) Cloverleaf Rolls from Bake Me Some Sugar
These rolls are made in just 60 minutes and no kneading required. Make aheadand then just wrap in foil and toss in the oven to reheat the day of for fresh tasting rolls.
3.) Gouda and Sun-Dried Cheeseball from Amanda’s Cookin
I love a good appetizer to have on hand to serve your guests. This is a homemade cheeseball that is zesty, creamy and packed full of rich flavors.
4.) Crunchy Thai Cashew Rice Salad from 5 Minutes for Mom
This salad is crunchy, savory, nutty and just delicious. This is a wonderful salad to pair with your meal if you want a lighter style salad.
4.) Deviled Eggs from Homemade for Elle
This is a side we always have on hand. Deviled eggs have that mayo-mustard creamy center that is irresistible. This is a must make, and you can make the night before to have on hand to serve up when guests arrive.
5.) Winter Vegetable Gratin from A Calculated Whisk
Here is a great au-gratin recipe that is full of hearty winter vegetables. This is a great potato casserole you can make ahead and just reheat before you go to serve your family and friends.
6.) Turkey Stuffing from Tastes of Lizzy T
A savory and herb flavored stuffing that is the perfect complement to your main dish. I love a homemade stuffing and just make this ahead, toss in the fridge and warm it up the day of.
7.) Easy Texas Caviar from I Heart Recipes
Sometimes Thanksgiving is filled with heavy foods, and having lighter options like this Texas Caviar is always nice. This is a really refreshing and tasty salad mix.
8.) Homemade Macaroni and Cheese from Spend with Pennies
Talk about a comfort dish if there was ever one! make this homemade mac and cheese for your whole family. It will be just as cheesy and flavorful the next day when you reheat it.
9.) Green Bean Casserole from Spend With Pennies
What is so tasty about this dish is it is packed full of veggies and will work at reheating for your big dinner feast. This is a creamy veggie-packed dish with a nice crunchy topping.
10.) Corn Casserole from The Typical Mom
Corn casserole is always a popular dish in our home. You have that sweet corn flavor with a creamy base that is so comforting and melts in your mouth. This casserole is a great make ahead recipe.
11.) Cucumber Avocado Salad from Spend with Pennies
Another light and refreshing salad to make is this cucumber avocado salad. A homemade dressing that really adds the perfect amount of flavor to bring out the natural flavors in the cucumbers and avocados.
12.)Cucumber Lemon Feta Cheese Couscous Salad from Bunny’s Warm Oven
A bright and light salad that is great to serve up. I love the pairing of lemon and feta and the cucumber really lightens it up. Watch this be the star of your dinner.
13.) Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls from Bunny’s Warm Oven
The sweet potato fits into the holiday feast but also adds moisture giving you light, fluffy and moist rolls to serve your family this Thanksgiving.
14.) Mexican Corn Dip from Salty Side Dish
This corn dip is delicious. You get that Tex-Mex flavor with a little heat in each bite. Creamy and perfect to pair with crackers or salty tortilla chips.
15.) Cream Cheese Bean Dip from Julie Blanner
This is a really savory dip that is great to serve as something different. Great to pair next to turkey, prime rib, or whatever else your main dish might be.
16.) Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes from Mom Foodie
Whip up these creamy mashed potatoes in your crockpot the day before. Then put back in your crockpot the morning of your feast and turn on warm to reheat or even heat in a pan on the stove.
16.) Pumpkin and Potato Au Gratin From The Typical Mom
This is a really savory and creamy au gratin. What sets it apart is the pumpkin puree inside. This is so delicious, hearty, and packed full of vitamins and minerals.
17.)Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese & Dried Cranberries from Plating and Pairings
Save the toppings for the day of, but make the risotto the night before. You have such a creamy, savory and elegent dish that fits those fall flavors you are wanting.
18.) Loaded Potatoes In A Jar from The Gunny Sack
You can easily make these potato jars ahead and then top them the day you want to serve them. Potatoes are great at reheating, and this is creamy, and loaded with flavor.
19.) Paleo Gravy from Cook Eat Paleo
Gravy is great reheated and this will save you a lot of time. This is a very simple but delicious gravy that you will want to serve your family this year.
20.) Iceberg Wedge Salad from Pinch And Swirl
Having a nice wedge salad as an option is always nice. A cold dish that all you have to do is add the dressing and toppings before serving.
21. Baked Brussels Sprouts Casserole from Lori’s Culinary Creations
This is a really savory and flavorful brussels sprout recipe to make. Loaded with cranberries and bacon for that nice balance of salty and sweet.
22.) Three Bean Salad from Gluesticks and Gumdrops
This is a really light, hearty, and refreshing salad that is a great option to serve up. You have beans, green beans, a sprinkle of cheese for that savory and refreshing side.
23.) Cauliflower Rice Pilaf from Peace Love and Low Carb
If you are following a low carb diet or know someone who is, this cauliflower rice pilaf is a great recipe to serve. Buttery, savory, and tasty down to the last drop.
24.) Vegan Green Bean Casserole from Strength and Sunshine
If you have a need for allergy-friendly recipes this is vegan and gluten-free green bean casserole. A hearty side that is packed full of hearty flavors.
25.) Broccoli Casserole from Salty Side Dish
Broccoli casserole is always a tasty dish to make. Plus it is super easy and this recipe has a nice salty cracker topping to bring this recipe to a whole new level.
What is your favorite make-ahead recipe for Thanksgiving?
