Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

Mashed Potato Casserole

This one's a lifesaver. You can assemble Mashed Potato Casserole and refrigerate it up to 2 days before baking, or assemble it in a freezer- and oven-safe dish and freeze it for up to 1 month before baking. Just be sure to defrost the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

This make-ahead mashed potato recipe is my go-to for Thanksgiving. You can make them hours in advance and keep them warm in the slow cooker, freeing up your oven and stove for other tasks.

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

While you will want to cook, mash, and serve these mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving Day, you can speed up prep the night before. Peel and chop your potatoes as the recipe directs. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, cover with cold water, salt well, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. When ready to cook, drain, add to a large pot, cover with fresh water, and prepare as normal.

Bread Stuffing

You can assemble and refrigerate this Thanksgiving classic up to 3 days before baking, saving yourself precious time on the big day.

Sweet Potato Casserole

You can prepare both the streusel and base up to 2 days in advance, or freeze them for up to 1 month. Wait to assemble the casserole until you're ready to bake to keep the streusel crisp and crunchy.

Corn Casserole

While it's best baked the day you serve it, you can mix the batter up to 24 hours ahead to save time (and dishes) on Thanksgiving Day.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

I tested this recipe with a make-ahead option because I know so many of us need it during the holidays. And while best straight from the oven, the make-ahead version is ALMOST as good.

Broccoli Rice Casserole

This make-ahead Thanksgiving dish can be assembled up to 2 days before baking, or frozen for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe dish. If frozen, let the casserole defrost overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Because this turkey gravy is made without drippings, it's perfect for a less chaotic holiday. Prepare the gravy, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently over low heat, whisking to smooth it out, and add a splash of stock if you need to thin it.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is one of those dishes that actually improves after a couple of days, as the flavors meld and deepen. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for 3 months. Try my stovetop cranberry sauce or Instant Pot cranberry sauce for a make-ahead version that's miles better than canned.

Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is a must on my family's Thanksgiving menu. Make my stovetop applesauce when you want the house to smell incredible as it slowly cooks, or use my Instant Pot Applesauce to keep the process hands-off and free up stovetop space.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

You can roast the squash, prepare the dressing, and toast the nuts up to 3 days in advance. When you're ready to serve, just dice the pears and assemble. Easy-peasy, yet so impressive.

Whole Wheat Rolls

You can prepare the dough for homemade rolls up to 3 months in advance. After shaping the rolls, flash-freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator, then let it rise at room temperature for 5-8 hours before baking as directed.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is actually one dessert that improves with time, as it needs at least 14 hours to set and develop flavor. You can bake it up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze it for up to a month (a disposable foil pan works best for freezing).

Dutch Apple Pie

You can prepare Dutch Apple Pie up to 5 days in advance. For the ultimate cozy flavor, I recommend gently reheating the pie, covered with foil, in a 300℉ oven for 20-30 minutes. Do this while enjoying dinner. 😉

Pumpkin Roll

This make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert is my personal favorite, and it takes zero last-minute effort. You can make it up to 4 days in advance if refrigerated, or store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

Easy Pumpkin Cake

You can make this easy Thanksgiving dessert up to 3 days before Thanksgiving, though I don't recommend freezing it because the frosting doesn't thaw well. Just let the refrigerated cake come to room temperature before serving.

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

Cheesecake is another dessert that benefits from a little chill time. You can make it up to 4 days in advance and refrigerate it, or freeze it for up to a month.

More Thanksgiving Resources

From hosting tips to easy recipes, I truly want to help provide everything you need for Thanksgiving. Below are a few resources to help pull off a feast (or side dish) to remember.

• How to Roast a Turkey
• How to Host Thanksgiving
• Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
• Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

With a little prep and planning, Thanksgiving doesn't have to feel like a marathon. Whether you're freezing casseroles, baking pies early, or setting your slow cooker to keep warm, I hope these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes help you actually enjoy the holiday. xo-Kristen