30 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes for an Easy Dinner
Save time and stress on the big day.
What's Ree Drummond's secret to the easiest Thanksgiving Day ever? She always starts her cooking timeline in advance. "To make the day run smoothly, I have to start early," she says. In other words, she preps ingredients and adds a few make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes to her holiday feast. That's right—there are tons of Thanksgiving dishes that you can make entirely in advance! There are also quite a few essentials that you'll be glad to have on hand in your freezer.
For instance, Ree's creamy mashed potatoes can be made a day or two ahead. It'll make a "world of difference," she says. Not only will these make-ahead recipes take the stress out of Thanksgiving, but they're also perfect for a Friendsgiving celebration or a Thanksgiving potluck. Many of these dishes double as make-ahead recipes for a busy November, since you'll be occupied with all of those aforementioned social gatherings. Plus, choosing a few of these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes means you'll have more space in the oven for anything you want to whip up at the last minute.
Here, you'll find Thanksgiving sides like green bean recipes, twice-baked sweet potatoes, and even a few Thanksgiving appetizers. There are desserts and even the turkey recipes! Just be sure to check out these tips for reheating turkey and you'll be good to go. Of course, a side of make-ahead gravy couldn't hurt either. If the sound of all these dishes is enough to make you hungry, check out these ideas for prepping your whole holiday feast ahead of time.
Spatchcock Turkey
A spatchcock turkey might seem tricky, but it's actually a great way to save time in the kitchen. You can do most of the prep work the night before as long as you have room in the refrigerator. Then, cooking the bird on Thanksgiving Day will take even less time!
Get the Spatchcock Turkey recipe.
Green Bean Casserole
Don't sacrifice on flavor just because you're looking for a shortcut. This green bean casserole is entirely homemade (no canned soup required) but it's easy when you make it ahead.
Get Ree's Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Sausage Stuffing
Stuffing is practically required on Thanksgiving! Luckily, you can dry out the bread in advance and make the whole dish entirely ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator before baking.
Get the Sausage Stuffing recipe.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Making these extra-creamy, buttery mashed potatoes a day or two in advance has "made a world of difference" in Ree's Thanksgiving plans. Just reheat for fluffy goodness!
Get Ree's Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Sweet Potato Pie
There are so many ways to prep this sweet potato pie ahead. For one, the crust can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Then, the whole pie can be baked ahead since it needs time to cool before you slice it anyway.
Get the Sweet Potato Pie recipe.
Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese doesn't take long to cook but you can set the slow cooker to warm for up to two hours if you want to prep it earlier in the day. That's one less thing to worry about!
Get the Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow
Make this classic holiday dish through step 4 ahead of time, then finish with the toppings and baking on Thanksgiving Day.
Make-Ahead Gravy
Yes, you can make gravy up to five days in advance of Turkey Day! Just be sure to add the drippings when you reheat.
Get Ree's Make-Ahead Gravy recipe.
Apple Cranberry Sauce
It doesn't take long to prepare this classic turkey side dish, but checking it off your list up to 2 weeks in advance is one less thing you need to worry about! You can even freeze it for up to three months if you really want to think ahead.
Get the Apple Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Skillet Cornbread
If you want to make cornbread stuffing, you not only can but should make your cornbread in advance. Cut it into pieces and let it sit out to dry a day or two ahead of time.
Get Ree's Skillet Cornbread recipe.
Butternut Squash Casserole
Instead of going the sweet route, this casserole is more savory. It has cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, and kale. Make it up to four days in advance and sprinkle almonds over the top before finishing.
Get the Butternut Squash Casserole recipe.
Pumpkin Cream Pie
A cream pie like this one needs time to set up and chill, so it's perfect for making a night in advance. Plus, you'll be rewarded with the lightest, fluffiest version of pumpkin pie around!
Get Ree's Pumpkin Cream Pie recipe.
Slow Cooker Ham
Not everyone is into turkey on Thanksgiving or maybe you like variety. Either way, you can make ham in your slow cooker ahead of time with just 15 minutes of prep. You can even make the glaze in advance, too.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Ham recipe.
Cheddar Biscuits
Freshly baked biscuits are hard to beat (especially with they're laced with cheese)! But to make life easier on yourself, make these in advance, freeze them, and just reheat when dinner is ready to serve.
Get Ree's Cheddar Biscuits recipe.
Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon
Thanksgiving season is also butternut squash season, and Ree thinks this would make a perfect appetizer. Because the creaminess is mostly from the squash instead of dairy, it can be made in advance, too.
Get Ree's Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon recipe.
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Don't forget about breakfast! They morning of, you might be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle. Do yourself a favor and assemble this the night before and wake up to sausage, potatoes, eggs, and cheese.
Get the Sausage Breakfast Casserole recipe.
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
These savory-sweet bites are a host's secret weapon for serving appetizers. You can make them in advance and freeze them unbaked. Then when the guests arrived, just pop them in the oven for 20 minutes!
Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.
Turkey Stock
This might not seem like the most important make-ahead dish but it is if you think about how much faster it will be to make gravy the day of and soup the next day!
Get the Turkey Stock recipe.
Perfect Pie Crust
No matter which pie recipe you choose, you can make your pie crust way in advance. In fact, make a second one so you can make leftover turkey pot pie the next day. Talk about planning ahead!
Get Ree's Perfect Pie Crust recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
Not much for pie? Serve coffee and dessert at the same time with this seasonal twist on tiramisu instead. You can assemble it up to 36 hours in advance.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu recipe.
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