Easy make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes! These delightful dishes are perfect for easing the holiday hustle and ensuring a stress-free celebration.
Make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes for busy hosts!
These fun and simple recipes will help you prepare a fabulous feast without the last-minute chaos so you can enjoy the festivities!
Thanksgiving can be overwhelming—between cooking, entertaining, and spending time with loved ones, it’s easy to feel the pressure.
A flurry of family activities, meal prep, and accommodating everyone’s tastes can lead to a bit of holiday madness.
So, let’s keep it simple!
I’ve gathered a list of make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes that will transform your holiday experience from stressful to stress-free.
These easy dishes will help you enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving without the chaos because they:
- Can be prepared in advance
- Feature straightforward, affordable ingredients
- Will impress even the pickiest eaters at your table
From succulent turkeys and creamy sides to irresistible desserts, there’s something here for every palate.
Explore the recipes now and get ready to enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving with your family and friends!
1. Maple Walnut Cake
Maple Walnut Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Maple Walnut Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting is a cozy, fall-inspired dessert, and beautiful-looking dessert!
This cake is richly flavored with warm walnuts and sweet maple syrup, and topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting.
Perfect for gatherings, it’s easy to make and packed with comforting flavors that will impress everyone.
2. Gruyere and Crab Palmiers
Savory Palmiers with Bacon, Gruyère, and Caramelized Onions
Have you ever tried a Savory Palmier? These Savory Palmiers with Bacon, Gruyère, and Caramelized Onions are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Flaky puff pastry wraps around smoky bacon, gooey Gruyère, and sweet caramelized onions for a perfectly crispy, cheesy bite.
These appetizers are easy to prep ahead and can be baked from frozen—making them a fuss-free, irresistible treat for any gathering!
3. Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy is the ultimate solution for a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner!
This flavorful gravy, made from roasted turkey wings, fresh vegetables, and garlic, delivers rich, savory goodness.
Prepare it in advance to enjoy the festivities without last-minute cooking.
Your family will love this delicious addition to their holiday feast!
4. Make-Ahead Creamy Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish.
This simple recipe transforms humble potatoes into a rich, velvety side dish that compliments any meal.
With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a family favorite everyone loves.
Add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch—these mashed potatoes are sure to elevate your dinner table!
5. Jazzed-Up Green Bean Casserole
Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on a classic holiday favorite!
This dish combines crispy bacon, fresh mushrooms, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, creating a rich and savory side dish.
Perfect for gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, ensuring stress-free cooking for your next family feast!
6. Old-Fashioned Dressing
Southern Cornbread Dressing is a deliciously moist and savory side dish that captures the essence of Southern cooking!
Featuring the rich flavors of sage, onions, and celery, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prepare it ahead of time to enjoy more family moments, and watch it become a beloved staple at your table!
7. Slow-Cooker Mushrooms
Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms are the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal!
With just a few minutes of prep time, this easy recipe transforms simple mushrooms into a flavorful delight infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs.
Ideal for busy weeknights, these tender mushrooms will impress your family and guests alike!
8. Texas Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Steakhouse Style Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a rich and creamy side dish that brings the taste of your favorite steakhouse home!
Boiled in chicken broth instead of water, buttery and garlic-infused, these mashed potatoes are perfect for any meal.
You’ll love how simple they are to make, and everyone will savor their smooth, cozy flavor—ideal for holidays or family dinners alike!
9. Pureed Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut Squash Soup is a warm and cozy starter that’s perfect for Thanksgiving dinner and as a make-ahead recipe!
This one-pot recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, combining the sweet, earthy flavor of butternut squash with a hint of spice.
Customize with toppings like cream, croutons, or fresh herbs for a bowl of comforting, nourishing goodness everyone will love.
10. Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Pull-Aparts
Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread is a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s soft, fluffy, and packed with warm pumpkin spice in every bite.
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snack, it’s easy to make, smells amazing, and tastes even better with a drizzle of glaze.
Everyone will love pulling apart each deliciously spiced layer!
11. Herb & Garlic Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
The Best Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Creamy, fluffy, and infused with garlic and herbs like sage and thyme, they’re ready in just 30 minutes—all in one pot!
Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, you’ll love how easy and customizable they are with options like cream cheese or sour cream.
A classic side made effortlessly delicious!
12. Crunchy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
The Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is a deliciously easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
With a creamy sweet potato base topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan crumble, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
It comes together in under an hour, making it the ideal comforting side for your holiday table!
13. Make Ahead Apple Crisp
Classic Apple Crisp is a cozy, one-pan dessert that’s perfect for chilly evenings!
Tender, spiced apples topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble make this easy treat taste like home. You can assemble the dish the night before, and bake it once you’re ready.
Ready in under an hour, it’s a warm, nostalgic dessert—just add vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing favorite everyone will love!
14. Skillet Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Harvest Chicken Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
Harvest Chicken Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts is a delicious one-pan meal that captures the flavors of fall!
This easy recipe combines tender chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and caramelized Brussels sprouts, enhanced with sweet apples and a hint of cinnamon.
Perfect for small Thanksgiving gatherings, it offers cozy comfort with minimal cleanup. You can dice the veggies and chicken the day before to save some time!
15. Make Ahead Honey Roasted Carrots
Honey Roasted Carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish!
Coated in honey and roasted to perfection, these carrots become sweet and caramelized, making them a hit with even the pickiest eaters. They reheat well, so you can make them in advance.
With minimal prep time and just a handful of ingredients, they’re perfect for any meal—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
16. Broccoli Casserole From Scratch
Awesome Broccoli-Cheese Casserole is a creamy and cheesy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite and can be assembled the night before.
Quick to prepare and loaded with rich flavors, it makes a delightful side for holiday gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Kids will love it, making it a fantastic option for picky eaters!
17. Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash is a sweet and savory side dish that’s easy to make. Roasting the squash and pecans the night before can free some space in your hectic schedule!
Roasted to golden perfection, the squash is drizzled with honey and sprinkled with warm spices.
This vibrant dish is a fantastic addition to any meal and is sure to impress at your next gathering!
18. Maple Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted Butternut Squash is a warm and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any fall meal!
When roasted, the squash becomes sweet and caramelized, with a savory twist.
Your family will love customizing it with their favorite herbs or a drizzle of maple syrup, and you’ll love how easy it is to make in just one pan and it reheats beautifully!
19. Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars
Paleo Pumpkin Pie Bars with Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Crust are a guaranteed holiday favorite!
These bars combine the creamy, spiced goodness of pumpkin pie with a soft, grain-free sugar cookie crust—without gluten or refined sugars.
Perfect for Thanksgiving or fall gatherings, they’re easy to make ahead and customize with whipped cream or powdered sugar for a crowd-pleasing, healthy treat!
20. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Pomegranates
Brussels Sprout Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for fall and winter gatherings!
This easy-to-make salad combines crunchy Brussels sprouts, sweet apples, juicy pomegranate seeds, crispy bacon, and creamy feta in a delicious dressing. You can slice the Brussels sprouts and make the dressing the day before to save time.
Ideal as a light meal or festive side, it’s a nutritious showstopper that will impress your family and guests!
21. Cheesy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving dinner!
Their velvety texture and rich flavor make them a family favorite.
Best of all, you can prepare them in advance and simply reheat before serving.
Enjoy a hassle-free holiday with these deliciously creamy potatoes that everyone will love!
22. Mini Pecan Pies
Mini Pecan Pies are the perfect bite-sized treat!
These little delights pack all the rich, buttery flavor of a classic pecan pie into a single serving.
Easy to make and crowd-pleasing, they’re ideal for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you crave something sweet and nutty.
Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
23. Cheddar Green Bean Casserole
Best Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday favorite!
With just four simple ingredients, this quick and easy dish brings together the rich flavors of creamy mushroom soup, tender green beans, and crunchy French fried onions.
Perfect for family gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining!
24. Creamy Parmesan Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic and Chives
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic and Chives is a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, ready in just 20 minutes!
This creamy side dish can be made ahead and boasts the rich flavors of garlic and fresh chives, making it perfect for any meal.
Enjoy a nutritious and kid-friendly option that’s easy to customize for the whole family!
25. Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Gravy
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Instant Pot Turkey Breast is a delicious and effortless recipe that turns a classic holiday dish into a quick weeknight meal!
Ready in under an hour, this one-pot wonder offers juicy, tender turkey infused with savory herbs.
Perfect for any occasion, it’s a flavorful, stress-free option that the whole family will love!
26. Pumpkin Cornbread
Pumpkin Cornbread is a warm, cozy twist on a classic!
The moist texture of pumpkin and a hint of spice make it perfect for Thanksgiving.
Bake it in a skillet or pan, and top with butter, honey, or cranberry butter for a seasonal touch.
Everyone will love the flavor, and you’ll love how simple and versatile this recipe is!
27. 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to your holiday table!
With just five ingredients, this easy recipe allows you to create a rich, tangy sauce that perfectly complements Thanksgiving dishes.
It’s a set-it-and-forget-it, make-ahead recipe, making holiday prep a breeze while delivering homemade taste that impresses!
26. Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Salad
Hearty Sweet Potato, Arugula & Wild Rice Salad with Ginger Dressing is a vibrant and nutritious meal-in-a-bowl!
The earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, nutty wild rice, and peppery arugula come together with a zesty ginger dressing and can be made ahead of time.
Perfect for meal prep, it keeps well for lunches all week and is a fantastic option for gatherings!
