As the Thanksgiving season approaches, it’s time to start planning for the ultimate holiday feast. While preparing a Thanksgiving meal can be an exciting but daunting task, there are ways to make the process less stressful and more enjoyable. Make ahead recipes are a game-changer when it comes to simplifying the cooking process without sacrificing flavor.
In this post, we’ll delve into some of the most reliable and delicious make ahead recipes that will help you tackle Thanksgiving prep with confidence. So, grab a warm cup of apple cider and let’s get started on discovering the perfect dishes to make your holiday celebration seamless.
Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole
This innovative take on the traditional Thanksgiving side dish, Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole, elevates the flavors to new heights with the addition of smoky bacon and rich cheddar cheese. With its make-ahead capabilities, this recipe is perfect for busy holiday preparations. The harmonious blend of creamy mushroom soup, green beans, and melted cheese creates a deeply satisfying and savory dish.
A sprinkle of crispy bacon and fried onions adds a delightful textural contrast to each bite, making it an undeniable crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead Turkey Gravy
Transform your Thanksgiving celebration with Make Ahead Turkey Gravy, a game-changing addition that combines roasted turkey wings, vegetables, and herbs with wine and stock. This rich and flavorful base is then easily scalable to suit your needs, allowing you to prepare it well in advance of the big day. Whether frozen for up to a month or refrigerated for 3 to 4 days, this homemade gravy can be reheated and adjusted as needed when the time comes to serve.
With its stress-free preparation and impressive presentation, Make Ahead Turkey Gravy is an absolute must-have recipe for any holiday meal looking to impress.
Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole
This Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is a game-changer for holiday gatherings. By preparing it in advance, you can split the recipe into two pans – baking one for Thanksgiving and freezing the other for Christmas. The buttery pecan topping adds a satisfying crunch and texture that complements a variety of dishes. Whether served alongside mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or sausage stuffing, this versatile side dish is sure to please.
With its time-saving convenience and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving feast, making it a staple for many holiday gatherings throughout the year.
Make Ahead Thanksgiving Stuffing
This Thanksgiving, why not shake things up with a game-changing Make Ahead Stuffing? This recipe boasts a harmonious blend of textures – think tender and crunchy in perfect harmony. The best part? It can be prepared well in advance, freeing you from the stress of last-minute cooking on Turkey Day. At the heart of this dish is thick-cut white bread, which lends its satisfying chewiness to the mix.
To prevent sogginess, a quick trip to the oven is all it takes to dry out the bread and set the stage for a truly memorable Thanksgiving spread.
Thanksgiving Turkey
For a worry-free Thanksgiving celebration, look no further than this tried-and-true turkey recipe. This stress-relieving dish yields a succulent bird with a golden-brown crust, all without requiring any brining or basting. The key to its success lies in the simplicity of its ingredients and cooking techniques.
The addition of butter beneath the skin ensures the meat remains tender and moist, while covering the top with foil during cooking prevents the breast from drying out.
A final hour of high-heat cooking then seals the deal, resulting in a crispy, caramelized crust that’s both visually appealing and packed with flavor.
What’s more, this recipe is perfect for novice cooks looking to impress without breaking a sweat. With its straightforward instructions and minimal fuss, it’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a deliciously hassle-free turkey for their Thanksgiving table.
Make Ahead Gravy
For a stress-free Thanksgiving, it’s essential to have a reliable Make Ahead Gravy recipe up your sleeve. This versatile sauce can be prepared well in advance, freeing you from the pressure of last-minute cooking. One of its greatest advantages is that it doesn’t rely on turkey drippings, making it suitable for any meal, not just Turkey Day. The icing on the cake (or should I say, the gravy on the turkey?
) is that this flavorful condiment can be frozen, allowing you to prep even more ahead of time. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, or other Thanksgiving staples, this make-ahead gravy is sure to become a new family favorite.
Make-Ahead Gravy
This make-ahead gravy recipe revolutionizes the Thanksgiving cooking experience by offering a flavorful, pan-drippings-like condiment with minimal effort required. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance, freeing you from last-minute kitchen duties. This stress-free gravy reheats effortlessly and can even be frozen for future use, making it an absolute must-have for any holiday gathering.
Sausage Leek Butternut Stuffing
This make-ahead Thanksgiving recipe offers a delectable twist on traditional stuffing. By combining savory spiced sausage with the natural sweetness of butternut squash, the tanginess of apples, and the subtle onion flavor of leeks, Sausage Leek Butternut Stuffing achieves a masterful balance of flavors. The incorporation of cranberries and herbs adds a pop of festive flair, making it an excellent alternative to traditional stuffing.
This recipe is sure to impress your Thanksgiving guests and become a new family favorite.
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
For Thanksgiving, simplicity is key when it comes to preparing side dishes like mashed potatoes. That’s why these Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes are a lifesaver – they can be prepared the day before and reheated in a slow cooker or oven, freeing up valuable space for other dishes. By combining Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes, you’ll achieve a fluffy and creamy texture that’s hard to beat.
The addition of cream cheese and sour cream takes them to the next level, making this recipe a must-try for anyone looking to streamline their Thanksgiving meal prep.
Roasted Sweet Potato Stuffing
This delectable Roasted Sweet Potato Stuffing is the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving table, offering a rich and satisfying combination of flavors that’s sure to please. Made with homemade buttery toasted bread, savory roasted sweet potatoes, a medley of veggies, garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of white wine, this recipe is not only delicious but also make-ahead friendly.
It can be prepared two days in advance and then heated in the oven when needed, making it a convenient choice for holiday gatherings. As a bonus, Roasted Sweet Potato Stuffing makes an excellent use of Thanksgiving leftovers, ensuring that your meal stays fresh and exciting even after the big day is over.
Best Green Bean Casserole
When it comes to Thanksgiving side dishes, The Best Green Bean Casserole is an unbeatable option that’s perfect for make-ahead preparation. This classic recipe combines canned green beans with the savory flavors of cream of mushroom soup, sautéed mushrooms, and a sprinkle of garlic salt and pepper. Adding crispy fried onions on top gives it a delightful crunch. What’s more, this casserole is incredibly easy to assemble, making it a crowd-pleaser among both kids and adults.
One of its biggest advantages is that it can be prepared well in advance – simply store it in the fridge until Turkey Day and reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready. Alternatively, you can also freeze it for future enjoyment. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to add some variety to your meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Offering the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes is an excellent choice for any gathering. By preparing and freezing these creamy spuds in advance, you’ll not only save time but also minimize food waste. The inclusion of cream cheese guarantees a velvety texture that remains intact even after reheating. This versatile side dish pairs seamlessly with a wide range of main courses, making it an ideal option for a stress-free Thanksgiving meal or any other occasion.
Mashed Potatoes
For Thanksgiving, a classic side dish that’s both delicious and effortless to prepare is Mashed Potatoes. This comforting recipe calls for just five fundamental ingredients, allowing for creative liberties with add-ins like sour cream, cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. What’s more, the instructions also cover make-ahead and freezing options, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday cooks.
As a result, this Mashed Potatoes recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a richly flavored and creamy take on this beloved dish.
Make-Ahead Cider and Sage Gravy
For many, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a delicious, savory gravy accompanying the main course. Make-Ahead Cider and Sage Gravy fills this need beautifully, boasting a unique flavor profile that perfectly complements the holiday’s traditional dishes. The subtle sweetness from fresh apple cider balances out the earthy aroma of sage, resulting in a truly irresistible sauce.
A major advantage of this recipe is its make-ahead capability, allowing the flavors to meld together seamlessly over time. Whether served alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, or even stuffing, this gravy is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple on any Thanksgiving table.
Make Ahead Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
For a stress-free Thanksgiving, look no further than this Make Ahead Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar recipe. By combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warmth of brown sugar, you’ll create a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s sure to impress your guests. With only basic pantry staples required, this make-ahead recipe is perfect for busy hosts looking to simplify their holiday cooking.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
With its trifecta of ingredients – cranberries, sugar (or maple syrup), and water – this Instant Pot cranberry sauce is a stress-reducing game-changer for your Thanksgiving preparations. The cooking time? A mere 5 minutes in the Instant Pot, freeing up valuable time to tackle other essential tasks. And the best part? This tasty condiment can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and refrigerated until serving.
Enjoy it chilled or warm – either way, its harmonious blend of tartness and sweetness is sure to please. As a make-ahead option, this recipe offers unparalleled convenience for your holiday feast.
Simple Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Indulge in the quintessential flavors of the season by whipping up a batch of simple homemade cranberry sauce, the ultimate make-ahead delight for Thanksgiving gatherings. This effortless recipe requires merely 15 minutes of active preparation time and can be stashed away in the fridge for several days to ensure a seamless addition to your holiday feast.
Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
This delectable Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts recipe is perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving celebration. By roasting the sprouts with crispy bacon and sweet apples, you’ll create a delightful harmony of flavors that will balance out the earthy bitterness of the Brussels sprouts.
The star of the show, however, is the luscious maple mustard sauce – its tanginess perfectly complements the savory undertones brought by the bacon, ensuring a side dish that’s both crowd-pleasing and convenient to prepare ahead of time.
Make-Ahead Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
Indulge in the perfect blend of smoky flavor and crunchy texture with Make-Ahead Bacon Wrapped Green Beans, a show-stopping addition to any Thanksgiving table. This crowd-pleasing side dish is not only a hit with family and friends but also simplifies hosting duties by allowing for advance preparation. By blanching the beans and partially cooking the bacon beforehand, you can effortlessly assemble the bundles and store them in the fridge until baking time.
The result is a stress-free, deliciously savory accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast.
Gravy
When it comes to adding depth and richness to your Thanksgiving spread, gravy is the unsung hero. This make-ahead masterpiece allows you to prepare it with ease, freeing up valuable time during the chaotic final stages of cooking. By browning aromatics and incorporating flour, the gravy develops a robust, meaty flavor profile and a warm, golden hue that’s reminiscent of classic comfort food.
The addition of savory broth or stock brings everything together in harmony, while the option to incorporate roast drippings when ready provides an extra layer of complexity and nuance. With this convenient recipe, you’ll be able to create delectable gravy ahead of time, guaranteeing a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving celebration.
Ham & Hash Brown Breakfast Wraps
Indulge in the satisfying flavors of the Ham & Hash Brown Breakfast Wraps, an ingenious make-ahead solution for breakfast or lunch. A harmonious blend of savory ham, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy hash browns creates a mouthwatering combination that’s further elevated by the creamy honey mustard mayo’s tangy-sweet essence. What sets these wraps apart is their adaptability: they can be prepared ahead of time and frozen, making them an ideal choice for hectic mornings or grab-and-go lunches.
As they don’t contain eggs, there’s no need to reheat them, making them a convenient option even on-the-go. Moreover, as egg-free, they’re perfect for a make-ahead Thanksgiving recipe that caters to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Make Ahead Green Beans
For a stress-free holiday gathering, consider preparing Make Ahead Green Beans in advance. This delectable side dish boasts a surprising combination of flavors from the addition of garlic bread crumbs and almonds. By prepping the green beans beforehand, you’ll free up valuable time on the day of hosting to focus on other aspects of your celebration. Simply reheating and finishing with a rich butter sauce will have these tasty treats ready to serve in no time.
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
For the ultimate Thanksgiving experience, consider whipping up a batch of Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes. This delectable make-ahead recipe combines the creaminess of sour cream, the richness of cheese, and the tanginess of buttermilk to create a velvety texture that’s sure to wow your guests. Not only does it pair beautifully with an array of main courses, but it also reheats effortlessly in a crock pot or stays warm for hours.
Whether you’re seeking convenience or craving something truly exceptional, this recipe is an absolute must-try for a stress-free and mouthwatering Thanksgiving side dish.
Prosciutto Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
A symphony of flavors unfolds with the Prosciutto Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates, where sweet and salty notes harmonize in perfect balance. The dates are lovingly stuffed with tangy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and a hint of thyme, then elegantly wrapped in a slice of savory prosciutto. This effortless make-ahead appetizer is a masterclass in simplicity, requiring no cooking and yielding a one-bite phenomenon that will leave your guests yearning for another bite.
