Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
One of the most beloved side dishes at Thanksgiving is mashed potatoes. Making them a day ahead can save you valuable time on the big day. These make-ahead mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and can be reheated easily.
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, sour cream, or cream cheese for added flavor
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and return to the pot. Add the butter, cream, salt, and pepper.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate.
- On Thanksgiving, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Easy Cranberry Sauce
Skip the store-bought cranberry sauce and whip up a quick homemade version that can be made a day in advance. This easy cranberry sauce is tart, sweet, and a perfect complement to turkey.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Optional: orange zest or cinnamon for added flavor
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Stuffing (Dressing) to Prep Ahead
Stuffing is a must-have at any Thanksgiving feast. Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion and celery until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Add the broth gradually until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until Thanksgiving.
- On Thanksgiving, bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Pumpkin Pie Filling
Make your pumpkin pie filling in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when you’re ready to bake the pie on Thanksgiving Day.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, and salt.
- Add eggs and evaporated milk, whisk until smooth.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- On Thanksgiving Day, pour into a pie crust and bake according to your pie recipe instructions.
Green Bean Casserole
This classic dish can be made ahead to make your Thanksgiving prep easier. With its creamy texture and crunchy topping, it’s always a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then transfer to ice water.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the crispy fried onions. Add salt and pepper.
- Add the green beans and mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining fried onions, and cover.
- Refrigerate until Thanksgiving, then bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Simple Spinach Artichoke Dip
This creamy dip is a fantastic appetizer that can be prepped a day in advance. Serve it with tortilla chips or sliced baguette.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until well blended.
- Transfer to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it on Thanksgiving Day.
- On the day, bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables ahead of time is a great way to add color and flavor to your Thanksgiving table. You can use any combination of seasonal veggies!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of your favorite vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, etc.)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Chop vegetables into even pieces and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Spread out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and browned.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on Thanksgiving Day.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This dish is both sweet and savory, making it a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving spread. It can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with marshmallows and pecans if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate until Thanksgiving, then bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and marshmallows are golden.
Conclusion
Preparing these day before Thanksgiving recipes not only saves you time but also allows you to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. By planning ahead and making some of these dishes in advance, you can ensure your Thanksgiving feast is delicious, stress-free, and memorable. Happy Thanksgiving!
Stuffing Muffins
These stuffing muffins are a fun twist on traditional stuffing, and they can be made ahead for a quick reheat on Thanksgiving Day. They are perfectly portioned and easy to serve!
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion and celery until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container. Reheat on Thanksgiving Day.
Pumpkin Bread
This moist pumpkin bread is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. It can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack throughout the holiday weekend.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, and eggs.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Pour into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.
- Wrap tightly and store in the fridge until Thanksgiving.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This savory side dish combines the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, making it a crowd-pleaser at any Thanksgiving gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add Brussels sprouts to the skillet with olive oil. Sauté until tender and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked bacon, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar if using.
- Let cool before storing in the fridge. Reheat on Thanksgiving Day.
Mashed Potato Casserole
This creamy mashed potato casserole is a perfect make-ahead side dish that can be easily reheated on Thanksgiving Day. It’s rich, comforting, and sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add sour cream, cream cheese, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in shredded cheese and green onions. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. On Thanksgiving Day, bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until heated through.
Green Bean Almondine
This light and fresh green bean almondine is an elegant side that can be prepared in advance and adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green. Drain and shock in ice water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the almonds and toast for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the green beans, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Let cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat briefly before serving.
Conclusion
By preparing these delicious day before Thanksgiving recipes, you’ll not only save time but also impress your family and friends with a fabulous feast. Take a moment to enjoy the flavors and warmth of the season, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!