13 Make-Ahead Dishes for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving can feel busy, but planning a few make-ahead dishes makes it so much easier. With some of the cooking done early, you can spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen. Many sides and desserts taste even better after resting overnight, letting flavors blend. These simple dishes help you serve a warm, delicious meal without the rush.

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Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

This smaller take on the holiday bird is perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving. Tender turkey breast rubbed with butter, garlic, and herbs turns juicy and flavorful with minimal effort. It’s easy to slice, reheats well, and still gives that classic holiday aroma. You can make it a day ahead and warm it with its juices before serving.

You’ll need one 3-pound turkey breast, 4 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary or thyme.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub butter and herbs all over the turkey, place in a roasting pan, and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest 10 minutes, slice thin, and pour the warm pan drippings on top before serving.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a must-have on Thanksgiving, and this version holds up perfectly when made ahead. Butter, milk, and roasted garlic bring comfort and smooth texture. Reheating with a splash of cream keeps them soft and rich.

You’ll need 3 pounds potatoes, 4 tablespoons butter, ½ cup milk, ½ cup cream, 4 cloves roasted garlic, and salt to taste.

Peel and boil potatoes for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain, mash with butter and garlic, then stir in milk and cream. Store in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often.

Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

This classic side dish gets creamy and crunchy all in one bite. Green beans in mushroom sauce topped with fried onions make it a favorite every year. It’s easy to assemble the day before and bake right before serving.

You’ll need 1 pound blanched green beans, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, 1 cup fried onions, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

Mix beans, soup, milk, and pepper, then pour into a baking dish. Top with onions and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until bubbly and browned.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

This comforting dish brings together sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans. It’s a great side that doubles as dessert and can be prepped well in advance. Families love the mix of creamy filling and crisp topping.

You’ll need 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, ¼ cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ½ cup chopped pecans, and 2 tablespoons butter.

Whisk potatoes with sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Pour into a buttered dish and top with pecans and butter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cranberry-Orange Sauce

This tangy, bright sauce adds color and balance to the Thanksgiving plate. Making it ahead lets the flavors of cranberry and orange meld beautifully. It thickens as it cools, so it’s best prepared a few days early.

You’ll need 12 ounces fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup orange juice, and 1 teaspoon zest.

Combine everything in a saucepan and simmer for 10–12 minutes until berries burst. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate in a covered bowl. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Good gravy ties the meal together, and this one keeps beautifully in the fridge. Made with stock, butter, and flour, it can be reheated easily while the turkey rests. It’s rich, smooth, and stress-free on the big day.

You’ll need 4 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons flour, 4 cups turkey or chicken stock, and salt and pepper to taste.

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add stock while whisking until thickened. Cool and store, then reheat gently before serving.

Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy soup is light enough to start the meal but still feels warm and seasonal. Its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with herbs or a drizzle of cream. It reheats easily without losing flavor.

You’ll need 1 large butternut squash, 1 diced onion, 2 cups broth, ½ cup cream, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Roast squash halves at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes until tender. Sauté onion in oil, add squash and broth, and simmer for 10 minutes. Blend until smooth, stir in cream, and serve warm.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze

This dish brings out the best in Brussels sprouts with a touch of sweetness. Roasting makes them crispy on the outside and tender inside. The maple glaze gives them a glossy, caramelized finish.

You’ll need 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and salt and pepper.

Halve sprouts, toss with oil and seasoning, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. Drizzle with maple syrup and roast 5 more minutes. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Macaroni and Cheese Bake

Creamy macaroni with a golden topping makes a comforting addition to any table. This version bakes beautifully ahead of time and stays rich when reheated. Kids and adults love it equally.

You’ll need 1 pound macaroni, 2 cups shredded cheddar, 2 cups milk, 3 tablespoons butter, and 2 tablespoons flour.

Cook pasta and set aside. Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk, and stir until thick. Add cheese, mix with pasta, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

Deviled Eggs

Simple and familiar, deviled eggs are an easy make-ahead appetizer. They keep well in the fridge and add color to your holiday table. Filling them just before serving keeps them fresh.

You’ll need 6 eggs, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon mustard, and salt and paprika.

Boil eggs 10 minutes, cool, and halve. Mash yolks with mayonnaise and mustard. Spoon or pipe into whites, sprinkle with paprika, and chill.

Dinner Rolls

Soft, buttery rolls round out the meal and can be made in advance. The dough rises overnight in the fridge, saving you time on Thanksgiving morning. Freshly baked, they smell wonderful and taste even better with gravy.

You’ll need 3 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 cup milk, 4 tablespoons butter, and 1 egg.

Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let rest 5 minutes. Stir in flour, butter, and egg, then knead until smooth. Refrigerate overnight, shape rolls, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Whipped Cream

This classic dessert tastes even better after chilling overnight. The creamy pumpkin filling sets perfectly, and a touch of cinnamon cream adds warmth. It’s the ultimate make-ahead treat.

You’ll need 1 pie crust, 1 can pumpkin puree, ¾ cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, and pumpkin pie spice.

Whisk filling ingredients, pour into crust, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50–55 minutes. Cool completely, chill overnight, and serve with whipped cream flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.

Apple Crisp

A cozy dessert that fills the kitchen with sweet fall aroma. Tender apples under a buttery oat topping make this a favorite end to the meal. It’s best baked ahead and reheated until warm and golden.

You’ll need 6 sliced apples, ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup oats, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup butter.

Mix apples with sugar and cinnamon, spread in a dish, and top with oats, sugar, and butter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until bubbly. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.