Discover stress-free make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes to simplify your holiday prep! From flavorful sides to hearty mains and delicious desserts, these dishes can be prepared in advance, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Feast Without the Fuss: Your Guide to Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes! 🍂
Thanksgiving is all about coming together with your loved ones—but let’s be real: if you’re the host, cooking, cleaning, and catching up with everyone can get intense.
That’s where these make-ahead Thanksgiving dishes come in to save the day. They’re the absolute game-changers!
From appetizers to sides, desserts, and even main dishes, these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes let you get a head start, giving you more time to relax and truly enjoy the day.
This Thanksgiving, you deserve a seat at the table, too.
Why Try These Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes
More Fun, Less Stress 🎉
With most of the cooking done in advance, you don’t have to juggle ten things at once, and you can actually hang out with everyone instead of being stuck by the stove.
Extra Punch of Flavor 💥
Some Thanksgiving classics actually taste even better the next day! Letting them sit overnight gives all those flavors time to mingle, so your pies and casseroles are extra tasty when you reheat them.
Easy Reheat & Serve 🍽️
These make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes heat up well—no loss of taste or texture. They’re just as delicious as if you’d made them fresh!
Focus on the show-stopping centerpiece 🌟
With most of the appetizers, sides, and desserts made in advance, you can give all your attention to your main centerpiece, or turkey.
Common Mistakes To Avoid ⚠️
❌ Not Planning Your Menu
Choose Thanksgiving recipes that are known to keep well and are easy to reheat. Stick with dishes that hold their texture and get better flavor with time.
❌ Not Using The Right Container
Storage is key for make-ahead recipes. Choose oven-safe dishes for baked items or microwave-safe ones for easy reheating. If you’re freezing any dishes, wrap them well and store in airtight containers.
❌ Overcrowding the Fridge
Thanksgiving dishes can take up a lot of space. A packed fridge doesn’t cool well, so make sure you have enough room to store all the prepped dishes to keep them fresh.
❌ Reheat Everything At Once
Reheating wisely in stages is important! To keep everything hot and ready at the same time, start with the dishes that may need a little extra reheating time, then add the ones that just need a quick warm-up. Avoid reheating dishes too early; you want them to be fresh and hot, not lukewarm. Timing is key!
❌ Forgetting About the Garnishes
For make-ahead dishes, adding garnishes right before serving is key to keeping them fresh and lively. Fresh herbs, toasted nuts, crispy onions—any of those toppings will add that vibrant, crunchy touch so they don’t end up soggy.
Thanksgiving Bliss: Prepare These Make-Ahead Recipes for a Perfect Feast! 🍁
Thanksgiving should be about coming together and enjoying each other’s company—not getting caught up in a kitchen frenzy.
With these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes and a little bit of advance planning, you can feel more organized and a lot less chaotic.
Plus, you’ll have time to actually enjoy the holiday without the last-minute scramble and soak up those special moments with your loved ones!
Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every bite (and every moment) this holiday season! 🧡
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers
Thanksgiving Turkey Charcuterie Board {with Pear}
Recipe by Haute & Healthy Living
Ready in ~ 45 minutes
Yields ~ 15 servings
Why Everyone Will Love This ~ A Thanksgiving charcuterie board beautifully arranged to look like a turkey, with delicious cheeses, an assortment of fresh fruits, and sliced meats. Prepare and assemble it the day before to save time, and keep it chilled until guests arrive. It’s the perfect make-ahead appetizer for your holiday spread!
Get the Recipe for Thanksgiving Turkey Charcuterie Board!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 398kcal
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 17g
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball (Party Favorite!)
Recipe by Sally’s Baking Addiction
Ready in ~ 15 minutes
Yields ~ 24 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Creamy, tangy cheese mixed with fresh herbs, then rolled in a crunchy coating of dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and more chives. It takes only 15 minutes of prep work and can be made the night before—simply shape, wrap, and chill until ready to serve.
Get the Recipe for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball!
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Guava BBQ Meatballs
Recipe by Butter Be Ready
Ready in ~ Prep: 10 mins Cook: 4-8 hours
Yields ~ 10-12 servings
Why Everyone Will Love This ~ These juicy meatballs in a sweet and tangy guava BBQ sauce are a deliciously easy make-ahead recipe for Thanksgiving! After cooking, store the meatballs in an airtight container with the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm, satisfying, and perfect for your holiday gathering!
Get the Recipe for Slow Cooker Guava BBQ Meatballs!
Herbed Whipped Ricotta
Recipe by The Clever Meal
Ready in ~ 5 mins
Yields ~ 1 heaped cup
Why You’ll Love It ~ Made with milk ricotta cheese, pepper, garlic, chives, and parsley that too in under 5 minutes. The creamy, herby, and garlicky flavor goes well with just about anything. Store it in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3 days. It is guaranteed to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner!
Get the Recipe for Herbed Whipped Ricotta!
Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs
Recipe by Crayons and Cravings
Ready in ~ 15 mins
Yields ~ 15 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Creamy goodness with the spicy heat of jalapeno, this simple and quick to prepare thanksgiving appetizer recipe. You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Plus, they’re universally loved!
Get the Recipe for Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 89 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 4g
Salami Appetizer
Recipe by BabaGanoush
Ready in ~ 10 minutes
Yields ~ 10 servings (4 pieces each)
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ This deliciously easy make-ahead recipe for your Thanksgiving gathering is made with layers of savory salami, cheese, and olives. Simply assemble the appetizer in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving, where it will stay fresh for up to 48 hours.
Get the Recipe for Salami Appetizer!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 228kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tarts
Recipe by Sally’s Baking Addiction
Ready in ~ 15 minutes
Yields ~ 24 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Flaky, golden puff pastry shells filled with buttery, creamy Brie cheese that pairs beautifully with sweet, fruity cranberry sauce infused with hints of orange. You can freeze the baked and cooled tarts for up to 3 months. This warm, gooey treat is sure to be a crowd favorite!
Get the Recipe for Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tarts!
Cranberry Salsa
Recipe by Fresh Coast Eats
Ready in ~ Prep: 10 mins Chill: 1 hour
Yields ~ 8 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This vibrant, fresh, and tangy Cranberry Salsa is the perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer for your holiday spread. Prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It’s refreshing, sweet, and spicy!
Get the Recipe for Cranberry Salsa!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 47kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 0.3g
Make-Ahead Soups & Salads
Pumpkin Red Lentil Soup
Recipe by Dishing Out Health
Ready in ~ Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 40 mins
Yields ~ 5 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Warm up with a bowl of hearty, nourishing soup! Made with Thai curry, coconut, and pumpkin, this satisfying pumpkin soup with creamy lentils is perfect for crisp fall gatherings. Plus, you can whip up a batch and store it in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days.
Get the Recipe for Pumpkin Red Lentil Soup!
Nutritional Info for 1.25cups
Calories: 275kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 8g
Chicken Wedge Salad
Recipe by Orchids and Sweet Tea
Ready in ~ 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Give leftover rotisserie chicken a refreshing twist with this vibrant salad of tender shredded chicken, tangy blue cheese, and roasted chickpeas. Prep ingredients ahead and store separately; just assemble and add dressing when ready to enjoy!
Get the Recipe for Chicken Wedge Salad!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 144kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 13g
Roasted Acorn Squash Salad
Recipe by Foolproof Living
Ready in ~ Prep: 15 mins, Cook: 30 mins
Yields ~ 6 serving
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Made with arugula, pepitas, cranberries, goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds. Store the roasted acorn squash, greens, and dressing separately, and assemble when ready to serve. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Get the Recipe for Roasted Acorn Squash Salad!
Nutritional Info
Calorie: 365kcal
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Vegan Curried Cauliflower Soup
Recipe by Nourish Plate
Ready in ~ Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This vegan and gluten-free soup made with good for your health veggies in under 30 minutes or less. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Also, this soup is freezer-friendly!
Get the Recipe for Vegan Curried Cauliflower Soup!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 237kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 3g
Autumn Grain Bowl with Maple Vinaigrette
Recipe by Plays Well with Butter
Ready in ~ Prep: 20 mins, Cook: 50 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ Loaded with fresh, seasonal fall ingredients such as massaged kale, wild rice, quinoa, roasted spiced sweet potatoes, apples, and smoked gouda. Store it in one large airtight container or individually in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Get the Recipe for Autumn Grain Bowl with Maple Vinaigrette!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 337kcal
Carbohydrates: 38.7g
Protein: 15.6g
Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Recipe by Dishing Out Health
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 1 hour 10 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A hearty, vegetarian soup made with the nutty flavors of wild rice and the earthy richness of mushrooms, making it irresistibly savory and satisfying. You can store it up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Plus, it’s easy to make and ideal for a cozy dinner on a chilly night!
Get the Recipe for Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Roasted Tomato Soup
Recipe by Lena’s Kitchen
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 30 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A perfectly crispy, golden grilled cheese sandwich paired with tangy, rich tomato soup is ideal for a cozy dinner on a cold day. Store the cooled soup in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. There is nothing like roasted tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich to embody ultimate comfort food!
Get the Recipe for Roasted Tomato Soup!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 175kcal
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Sides
Creamy Garlic Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Recipe by Ambitious Kitchen
Ready in ~ Prep: 15 mins, Cook: 4 hours
Yields ~ 10 serving
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ These mashed potatoes are a healthier twist, packed with garlic flavor and creamy goodness from sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can whip them up in the slow cooker a day or two ahead and stash them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them back in the slow cooker and add a splash of milk if they need it. Easy peasy!
Get the Recipe for Creamy Garlic Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes!
Nutritional Info
Calorie: 204kcal
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing
Recipe by What Molly Made
Ready in ~ Prep: 30 mins, Cook: 45 mins
Yields ~ 12 serving
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ It’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and packed with flavor. Just dry out the cornbread, cook the chorizo, and chop up some veggies. You can store everything separately in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready, mix it all together and bake!
Get the Recipe for Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing!
Nutritional Info
Calorie: 672kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Recipe by Oh Sweet Basil
Ready in ~ Prep: 60 mins, Cook: 50 mins
Yields ~ 6 serving
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ This sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving must! It’s creamy and topped with fluffy marshmallows that caramelize beautifully. You can prep the sweet potatoes and crumbly topping ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake the casserole on the day to avoid any weird marshmallow texture.
Get the Recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole!
Nutritional Info
Calorie: 579kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 98g
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Mushrooms
Recipe by Bites with Bri
Ready in ~ Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 1 hour 5 mins
Yields ~ 10 serving
Get the Recipe for Green Bean Casserole!
Nutritional Info
Calorie: 268kcal
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Cinnamon Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Recipe by Kale Junkie
Ready in ~ Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 20 mins
Yields ~ 8 serving
Get the Recipe for Cinnamon Bourbon Cranberry Sauce!
Nutritional Info
Calorie: 268kcal
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Mains
Stuffed Pepper Casserole (Super Easy!)
Recipe by The Recipe Critic
Ready in ~ Prep: 15 mins Cook: 45 mins
Yields ~ 8 people
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A simple, hearty casserole with all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers. Made with seasoned meat, colorful bell peppers, and a tangy, rich tomato sauce, all topped off with melty, gooey cheese. Perfect for a homestyle, comforting family dinner!
Get the Recipe for Stuffed Pepper Casserole!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 352kcal
Carbs: 27g
Protein: 28g
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Recipe by Platings and Pairings
Ready in ~ Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 25 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ With a delicious and nutritious twist, this rich and creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili will leave you feeling warm and satisfied. Plus, it takes only about 30 minutes to prepare and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Get the Recipe for Turkey Pumpkin Chili!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 123kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 19g
Classic Beef Bourguignon
Recipe by So Much Food Blog
Ready in ~ Prep: 30 mins, Cook: 3 hrs 30 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Perfect for special occasions or a fancy yet comforting weeknight meal, this Classic Beef Bourguignon is made with tender beef simmered in a rich red wine sauce. Plus, it can be stored in an airtight container for 4-6 days in the fridge. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a truly satisfying meal!
Get the Recipe for Classic Beef Bourguignon!
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Recipe by Foodie Crush
Ready in ~ Prep: 30 mins Cook: 3 hours
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ These tender, meaty, and fall-off-the-bone braised beef short ribs have been slow-cooked in a bold red wine sauce with fragrant herbs, veggies, and a hint of garlic. It can be cooked 1-2 days before serving. Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes for a special dinner or cozy weeknight meal!
Get the Recipe for Red Wine Braised Short Ribs!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 376kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 33g
Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Recipe by Platings and Pairings
Ready in ~ Prep: 10 mins Cook: 1 hour 15 mins
Yields ~ 8 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A deliciously creamy, comforting bake made with roasted squash, tomatoes, Italian spices, creamy ricotta cheese, and Parmesan. This hearty, vegetarian-friendly casserole is perfect for family dinners!
Get the Recipe for Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 223kcal
Carbs: 25g
Protein: 11g
Ground Beef Sheet Pan Lasagna
Recipe by The Recipe Critic
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 35 mins
Yields ~ 12 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A modern twist on a classic favorite! This super easy sheet pan lasagna is made without the hassle of layering—perfect for when you want to put together a delicious meal quickly. It’s a timeless favorite!
Get the Recipe for Ground Beef Sheet Pan Lasagna!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 497kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 27g
Old Fashioned Savoury Mince with Curry
Recipe by The Cooking Collective
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 5 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A comforting, satisfying, and wholesome meal made with ground beef, aromatic spices, and a touch of flavorful curry. Perfect meal for batch cooking, and make-ahead prep!
Get the Recipe for Old Fashioned Savoury Mince with Curry!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 332kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 32g
Make-Ahead Breads & Rolls
Rosemary Pumpkin Rolls
Recipe by Nutmeg Nanny
Ready in ~ Prep: 15 mins, Cook: 20 mins
Yields ~ 16 servings
Get the Recipe for Rosemary Pumpkin Rolls!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 145kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Best Butter Garlic Rolls
Recipe by Rich and Delish
Ready in ~ Prep: 30 mins, Cook: 25 mins
Yields ~ 12 serving
Get the Recipe for the Best Butter Garlic Rolls!
Nutritional Info
Calorie: 199kcal
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Recipe by Modern Honey
Ready in ~ Prep: 3 hour 35 mins, Cook: 25 mins
Yields ~ 14-16 serving
Get the Recipe for Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls!
Nutritional Info
Calorie: 636kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Scallion Butter
Recipe by Butter Be Ready
Ready in ~ Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 30 mins
Yields ~ 9 serving
Get the Recipe for Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread!
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts
Bourbon Buttermilk Pumpkin Pie
Recipe by Aberdeen’s Kitchen
Ready in ~ 3 hrs 15 mins
Yields ~ 6-8 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A sophisticated twist on traditional pumpkin pie! Buttery, flaky crust with a velvety filling, infused with classic fall spices and a splash of bourbon. You can make the crust and filling the night before, allowing the pumpkin puree to really soak up all the flavors!
Get the Recipe for Bourbon Buttermilk Pumpkin Pie!
Vegan Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars
Recipe by Butternut Bakery Blog
Ready in ~ 1 hour + 20 mins chilling
Yields ~ 8 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ These vegan cheesecake bars are naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and can be made without an oven. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. A great option for all your guests!
Get the Recipe for Vegan Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie
Recipe by Sally’s Baking Addiction
Ready in ~ Prep: 3 hours, Cook: 1 hour 5 mins
Yields ~ 8-10 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A buttery, flaky golden pie crust filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, extra apple filling, and a sweet, salty, gooey layer of salted caramel. You can make this pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. A fully baked pie also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Get the Recipe for Salted Caramel Apple Pie!
Roasted Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Recipe by Butter Be Ready
Ready in ~ Prep: 20 mins, Cook: 1 hour 30 mins
Yields ~ 8 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A creamy, rich cheesecake made with roasted sweet potato, warm spices, and a crisp, buttery gingersnap crust. It can be baked, cooled, topped, and chilled in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before serving—perfect for all your holiday gatherings!
Get the Recipe for Roasted Sweet Potato Cheesecake!
Pumpkin Lush
Recipe by Little Sunny Kitchen
Ready in ~ Prep: 20 mins Chill: 4 hrs
Yields ~ 12 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ This no-bake pumpkin dessert features layers of silky cream cheese, spiced pumpkin pudding goodness, and plenty of light, airy whipped topping, all sitting atop a buttery, crunchy crust. It’s the perfect make ahead dessert recipe for large gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something deliciously creamy!
Get the Recipe for Pumpkin Lush!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 296kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Blondie Trifle
Recipe by Easy Apple Dessert Recipe
Ready in ~ Prep: 1 hour 30 mins Cook: 40 mins
Yields ~ 10-12 servings
Why Everyone Will Love It ~ A trifle is the ultimate make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert! You can assemble it the day before to let the flavors meld perfectly overnight. Just pull it from the fridge before serving, and let your guests enjoy layers of rich, creamy cheesecake, spiced caramel apples, and buttery blondie bites!
Get the Recipe for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Blondie Trifle!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 826kcal
Carbohydrates: 97.2g
Protein: 7.9g
And there you have it— make-ahead thanksgiving recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings!
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