Finding time in the day or room in the oven on Thanksgiving to make a full menu is no easy feat. From the turkey to mashed potatoes to stuffing to side dishes – let alone desserts – cooking Thanksgiving dinner requires more strategic planning than a wedding. That’s where these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes come in. By making dough and side dishes a day (or so) before can help take some stress of you and allow you to enjoy your day in the kitchen.
The Best Sweet Yeast Roll Dough I Have Ever Found
“Absolutely best yeast dough I’ve ever used, great for dinner rolls, bread, even apple fritters and cinnamon buns. Blue ribbon quality night doubt!” - Dave We recommend refrigerating if you make this ahead of time (not freezing) and giving plenty of time for the dough to sit out for a second proof.
Creamy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes (Crock Pot)
“Instead of waiting for the water to boil, using the stove when you should be making gravy, try my hassle free slow cooker recipe. I wouldn't dream of making mashed potatoes for a crowd days before and re-heating them! I was so excited to figure this one out and have many raves these are the best mashed potatoes. Hope they become a family favorite for Thanksgiving or anytime you want to serve a crowd.” - V
Fresh Cranberry Relish
“This relish is a perfect alternative for cranberry sauce for your holiday meal, or better yet, in addition to cranberry sauce! I like to eat cranberry relish by the spoonful either as a side for a meal, or as a snack all by itself, or on top of a cream cheese, in sandwiches, etc.” - Kevin make this a day ahead to let the flavors marinade together for the perfect cranberry relish!
Holiday Spinach Casserole
“This is one of those easy holiday casseroles that you can prepare ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when ready to eat. It is cheesy, creamy and oh so good. The spinach flavor really shines through. So yummy!” - Kitchen Crew
Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
“This is a good recipe to make ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s great for overnight guests, busy morning, and entertaining.” - Paula
Slap Yo' Mama Sausage Stuffing
“Made your yummy stuffing again this year and took a pic this time. So good and so easy. Thanks again!” - Geri “I usually make this the day before and bake it, then refrigerate. Then, you only need to heat it and serve when ready.” - Susan
Make Ahead Turkey Gravy
“There are a lot of make ahead gravy recipes and I tried several. They were mostly tasteless. So I began adding ingredients and changing things around. This makes a really good turkey gravy. I know it seems like a lot of work, and it is. But if it's done a week or so ahead, you have it done and ready and no last minute rush.” - Charlotte
Easy No Sugar Added Apple Crumble
“It is absolutely amazing and it takes far less effort to make! I like to make it a day or two ahead of time and throw it into the oven after taking the turkey out so it can warm while we are eating dinner. This helps cut down on the effort involved in getting the Thanksgiving dinner on the table and dessert is just as delicious as ever!” - Kevin
100 Year Old Pie Crust Recipe
”This pie crust recipe is top notch in my book! No fuss and comes out perfect every time!! Thanks for sharing this, and my family thanks you as well!” - Nancy note: this pie crust freezes well!