Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

What can you make ahead for Thanksgiving dinner? Here are 5 dishes we would prepare the day before (or earlier!)—plus a few foods we would save for the “day of.” Why? Not only will you have a more enjoyable holiday, but many Thanksgiving dishes taste better when the flavorsmeld.

Think of the night before Thanksgiving as the cooking day and the day of Thanksgiving for the turkey and a couple of sides. (Frankly, if you have time, start even earlier! You don’t need to “back into” the Thanksgiving Dayfeast.)

Which dishes can be cooked ahead? Think side dishes, stuffing, gravy, casseroles, and pies. Which needs to be cooked the day of? Thinkturkey!

What to Do Ahead forThanksgiving

1.Stuffing

The flavorof stuffing is absolutely 100% better made ahead of time. It helps all the flavors come together. Make the day before, tightly wrap it in plastic, and reheat on the day. See our do-ahead stuffing recipe.

2.Gravy

Many experienced cooks make their gravy in advance, often weeks ahead! Theflavors deepen and improve as theymeld. Our make-aheadTurkey Gravyisrich in flavor, thanks to two roasted turkey wings. Freeze—or thiswill last in the fridge a day or two without aproblem.

3. Pies andDesserts

Almost all pies taste better once they are thoroughly cooked and set, even if you plan to warm them up on the feast day. We guarantee your pies will be firmer, juicier, and less sloppy.This is undoubtedly true of pumpkin pie and pecan pie, which can last several days.Fruit pies such as apple pie can be made the day before to avoid a soggy crust. Whatever pie you make, you can always prepare the pie dough (which is the most time-intensive part) ahead of time and store it in the freezer; the night before Thanksgiving, defrost it and drop in the filling to bake it fresh.

Any cake should hold up well for a day or two. Cheesecakes andany dessert that is refrigerated are greatchoices. OurPumpkin Satin Cheesecakewill hold up nicely.

We also love this refrigeratedCranberry Dream Pie.

Puddings also do quite well when prepared in advance and kept in the fridge. Try our classicIndian Pudding.

4. CranberrySauce

Cranberry Sauce can always be made a day or two in advanceand storedin the refrigerator. (Don’t freeze cranberry sauce, it can drastically chance thetexture.)

5. SideDishes

Any side dish that is a casseroleactuallybenefits from being made a day ahead; the dish becomes more flavorful. This Green Bean Casserole is a classic and reheats nicely. On Thanksgiving, cover with crispy onions and bake.

Another fan favorite is theSweet Potato Soufflé. Some of us aren’t big marshmallow fans, but this is one of our most requested recipes—and Thanksgiving is fortheguests!

6.Soups

Soups are easy to prepare in advance. One of our favorites is thisVermont Butternut Squash Soup.

7.Appetizers

While we wouldn’t go crazy withappetizers before the big Thanksgiving feast, do serve something simple with drinks before the meal begins. This holidayCheese Ballis delicious and always ahit.

A bowl of high-quality mixed nuts are also a fine idea, assuming your guests aren’t allergic to nuts. Guests love theseaddictive Spiced Nuts and often ask for therecipe!

A Few That Should Not Be MadeAhead

Of course, some Thanksgiving recipes should never be made ahead of time. We’re looking at you, mashedpotatoes!

The big bird should always be cooked on the big day.Turkey gets dried out and its texture becomes very unappealing. Don’t forget to leave plenty of time for defrosting (and cooking)! If your turkey is frozen, it needs to be defrosted in a refrigerator. Allow one day of defrosting for every four pounds ofturkey. See our tips on how to cook a turkey (and cooking times).
Of course, any fresh greens or salads will wilt so make on the day itself. You can chop up the vegetables, but do not dress the salad until right before themeal.
Some folks will make the mashed potatoes in advance and store in aplastic container. We’re not fans. You don’t want mashed potatoes to get “gluey.” In fact, we would not whip up those mashed potatoes until right before youserve.
If you’re making bread rolls, we’d also leave for the day of the feast (especially cornbread!).There’s just nothing like warm, freshly baked bread. Set your timer so you don’t forget the rolls! Try our wonderful Fall Harvest Squash Rolls.

Thanks ForReading!

Ready to consider the full Thanksgiving menu, including the turkey? Check out our classicThanksgiving Feast Recipes.