24 Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes: Prep Now, Feast Later!
Introduction
Thanksgiving is a celebration of good food and togetherness, but it often comes with a busy kitchen and tight timelines. This year, take the stress off your plate and maximize flavor with these 24 Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes. By prepping in advance, you’ll enjoy more time with loved ones and ensure every dish—from appetizers to desserts—comes out perfectly. It’s the ultimate way to feast later and savor the holiday to its fullest!
Why Make Ahead is a Game Changer for Thanksgiving
Prepping ahead means no scrambling on the big day and no sacrificing flavor. These make ahead recipes are chosen for their ability to maintain taste and texture, even after reheating. Enjoy classic favorites and innovative twists, all suited for preparing days in advance—making Thanksgiving deliciously stress-free and organized.
24 Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes: The List
From savory starters to delectable desserts, here’s a roundup of recipes designed for advance prep. Each one is a crowd pleaser and perfect for assembling or cooking before Thanksgiving Day.
1. Classic Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
2. Green Bean Almondine Casserole
3. Brown Sugar & Sage Roasted Turkey Breast
4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
5. Herb-Buttermilk Biscuits
6. Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
7. Cranberry Orange Sauce
8. Sausage & Apple Stuffing
9. Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots
10. Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
11. Broccoli Cheese Rice Bake
12. Traditional Cornbread Dressing
13. Baked Mac and Cheese
14. Creamy Deviled Eggs
15. Roasted Beet & Feta Salad
16. Apple Walnut Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
17. Bacon Wrapped Dates
18. Baked Brie with Fig Jam
19. Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
20. Pumpkin Pie (Make Ahead & Freeze)
21. Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
22. No Bake Cheesecake Jars
23. Apple Crisp
24. Classic Bread Pudding
Ingredients
Each recipe varies, but here’s a sample shopping list covering the essentials:
– Yukon Gold potatoes
– Green beans
– Turkey breast or whole turkey
– Sweet potatoes
– Fresh herbs: sage, thyme, rosemary
– Eggs
– Heavy cream
– Cream cheese
– Assorted cheeses (cheddar, Parmesan, feta)
– Fresh and dried cranberries
– Apples and walnuts
– Pumpkin puree
– Brown sugar, white sugar
– Baking essentials: flour, baking powder, cornstarch
– Butter
– Honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard
– Bread, cornbread, dinner rolls
– Prep snacks: dates, brie, fig jam
– Pecans and pumpkin pie spice
– Vanilla extract
– Assorted vegetables for roasting (carrots, Brussels sprouts, beets)
– Pantry spices and seasonings
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these 24 Thanksgiving recipes to automatically generate an organized shopping list sorted by store section. Make grocery trips efficient and ensure you don’t forget a single ingredient while prepping in advance!
How to Make Thanksgiving Recipes Ahead of Time
1. Identify dishes that improve or maintain quality with advance prep, such as casseroles, sides, and desserts.
2. Assemble and store unbaked casseroles in the fridge up to 2 days ahead; bake them day-of.
3. Cook and freeze gravies and sauces up to a month early—thaw and reheat on Thanksgiving.
4. Prepare pies and breads, wrap tightly, and store in the freezer or at room temperature as needed.
5. Chop and portion veggies, herbs, and toppings to speed up the final cook.
6. For cold starters (salads, deviled eggs), assemble the night before and refrigerate.
Feast-Worthy Make Ahead Serving Suggestions
– Arrange cold salads and bites on platters for easy snacking.
– Present sides in oven-to-table bakeware for quick rewarming and serving.
– Garnish with fresh herbs after reheating to brighten up the look and flavor.
– Complete your dessert spread with pre-portioned bars, jars, or slices—ready to serve, less mess!
Nutritional Information and Servings
This curated list features a variety of dishes to suit different diets and preferences. On average, servings range from 6-10 per recipe, ideal for typical Thanksgiving gatherings. Caloric content varies depending on dish selection, but balance and variety ensure something for everyone.
24 Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes: Recap
By choosing these make ahead dishes, you’re guaranteeing a memorable, delicious Thanksgiving with less stress in the kitchen. Every recipe promises flavor, convenience, and a heartwarming experience for your table.
Instructions
The preparation methods will differ per recipe, but here’s a general make ahead game plan:
- Choose and plan your recipes for the week leading to Thanksgiving.
- Use organized shopping lists to gather ingredients in one efficient trip.
- Prepare components in advance, storing as instructed (refrigerate, freeze, or keep at room temperature as necessary).
- Label containers with cooking/reheating instructions for the big day.
- Bake, reheat, assemble, and serve on Thanksgiving—enjoy more time with family and zero last-minute stress.
Weekly Meal Planning
Harness the full benefits of make ahead cooking by integrating these dishes into your holiday meal plan. Save and schedule multiple recipes to plan what to cook each day, generate smart shopping lists, and streamline your entire Thanksgiving prep.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically aggregates ingredient quantities across all recipes
- Organizes your shopping list by grocery store aisle
- Reduces duplicate purchases and ensures you don’t miss key ingredients
- Makes big holiday meal prep easier and more enjoyable
Pro tip: Schedule your Thanksgiving recipes in advance so you can see overlapping ingredients—perfect for bulk shopping and preventing food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time (per recipe): 15–40 minutes
Cook Time (per recipe): 20–90 minutes
Advance Storage: Up to 2 days in fridge, up to 1 month in freezer
Total Thanksgiving Day Assembly: Under 2 hours for a complete feast
Plan ahead, cook smarter, and make this Thanksgiving your tastiest, most relaxing yet!
