NEW E-Book: A Taste of Hawai'i At Home 🌺🤙🏼 Get Your Copy Today!

5 from 1 review

Make Ahead Thanksgiving (Stress-Free Recipes, Timeline & Tips)

Posted by Jess Larson on November 1st, 2022 (Updated October 27, 2024)
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE SALES LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLAIMER POLICY FOR DETAILS.
Take the stress out of holiday cooking with PWWB’s Make Ahead Thanksgiving – your ultimate guide to prepping a delicious, stress-free feast in advance, days or even weeks before the big day! Get ahead of the game with make ahead Thanksgiving recipes for appetizers, sides, and desserts, so when Thanksgiving arrives, all you need to do is reheat and serve. More time for family, less time in the kitchen – that’s something to be truly thankful for! 🙏🏼
Jump to Recipe
A stack of four glass casserole dishes with gray lids are filled with and labeled as make ahead mashed potatoes, make ahead sweet potato casserole, make ahead green casserole, and make ahead stuffing. A mason jar filled with and labeled as make ahead gravy rests atop the casserole storage dishes. The dishes sit atop a light peach textured surface with a peach background. A red muted linen napkin and Fall colored florals rest in the background.
Photography by Kate Poskochil
5 from 1 review
Featured Review

OMG! Thanks so much for this handy helper! I hate being stressed on Thanksgiving day and the more I can make ahead the better. You gave me a few more ideas to have a calmer & truly thankful family gathering.

Val
Read More Reviews

Take the Stress Out of Turkey Day With These Stunning Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving dinner is one of the biggest meals of the year, but let’s be real – there’s only so much time to get everything done!

The first time Chris and I hosted Friendsgiving, I tried to juggle it all. Spoiler alert: it ended in our biggest fight ever, a broken garbage disposal, and me crying on the floor. 😅 Definitely not our finest moment!

That’s why I created PWWB’s Make Ahead Thanksgiving, so you can break down your prep for appetizers, sides, and desserts over several days—or even weeks if you’re feeling extra organized.

A close up shot of make ahead thanksgiving dinner served atop a white dinner plate with a gold fork resting atop. The plate is filled with make ahead sweet potato casserole, make ahead thanksgiving stuffing, make ahead mashed potatoes with make ahead gravy, make ahead green bean casserole, and a few slices of carved turkey. The plate sits atop a light peach colored textured surface. this Recipe for Later!
Make ahead recipes are a time-saving solution for busy hosts, those traveling for the holidays, or anyone looking for the easiest Thanksgiving yet!

These recipes are loaded with all the cozy, festive flavors you love, without the last-minute rush.

(And bonus: a lot of these make ahead side dishes are freezer-friendly, too!)

With a little bit of prep, you’ll have more time to enjoy the day – sleep in, catch up with family and friends, and still serve a stunning Thanksgiving feast. Here’s to your best Thanksgiving yet! 🍷

Must-Have Thanksgiving Equipment

Make Ahead Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is all about the sides! Instead of spending hours prepping multiple side dishes on the big day, spread out the work for a more relaxed, stress-free holiday. Start as early as a week before, then simply uncover and reheat right before dinner.

Make ahead turkey gravy inside of a white ceramic gravy boat is poured out overtop of a plate filled with Thanksgiving dinner plate. The plate sits atop a light peach colored textured surface with a red muted linen napkin and a small clear glass vases filled with Fall florals rest in the background.

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy (With or Without Drippings)

Take the pressure off those last-minute gravy-making moments. This make-ahead gravy, infused with herbs and butter, comes together in just 30 minutes. You can make it with or without turkey drippings for a cozy, homemade touch!

Prep up to 5 days ahead. Freezer-friendly.

Get the Recipe!
Finished make ahead stuffing fills a large white ceramic baking dish. The thanksgiving stuffing is garnished with fresh herbs and kosher salt. A wooden serving spoon rests across the top of the baking dish and the baking dish is surrounded by two amber colored drinking glasses, a small wooden pinch bowl filled with kosher salt, Fall florals, a red muted linen napkin, and two white plates with a gold fork resting on top.

Classic Make Ahead Stuffing with Fresh Herbs

This classic stuffing is made from scratch with homemade bread cubes and aromatic veggies tossed in fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley. The flavors get even better as it sits! Simply prep and assemble ahead of time, store in the fridge, and bake fresh on Thanksgiving Day.

Prep up to 3 days ahead. Freezer-friendly.

Get the Recipe!
Make ahead mashed potato is served in a large white scalloped serving bowl atop a light peach colored textured surface. The mashed potatoes have been garnished with pats of butter that have begun to melt and freshly snipped chives. A wooden serving spoons rests across the top of the bowl. The serving bowl is surrounded by two amber colored drinking glasses, a small wooden pinch bowl filled with kosher salt, a muted red linen napkin, red and orange Fall florals, and a stack of two white plates with two gold forks resting on top.

The Fluffiest Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

These classic mashed potatoes come together with just 4 simple ingredients (including creamy Yukon Gold potatoes!) and only 30 minutes of prep. They’re creamy, fluffy, and buttery—exactly how mashed potatoes should be.

Prep up to 2 days in advance. Freezer-friendly.

Get the Recipe!
A final make ahead sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving sits atop a light peach colored textured surface with streusel and maple pecan topping. A muted red linen napkin, two amber colored drinking glasses, red florals, two white plates with a gold fork resting atop surround the baking dish at center.

Creamy Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel Topping

This melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato casserole strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, topped with crunchy maple pecans and a buttery streusel. Prep the components ahead, then assemble on Thanksgiving Day and bake until the streusel is golden and crispy.

Prep up to 3 days in advance.

Get the Recipe!
Finished make ahead green bean casserole made from scratch fills a large white ceramic baking dish that sits atop a light peach colored textured surface. A large wooden serving spoon rests atop the baking dish. A muted red linen napkin, red and orange Fall florals, a small wooden pinch bowl filled with kosher salt, two amber colored drinking glasses, and a stack of two white plates with two gold forks resting on top surround the baking dish at center.

Fresh & Crispy Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch!)

Forget the canned mushroom soup! This from-scratch green bean casserole is easy to make and reheats beautifully. Fresh, crisp green beans are mixed into a creamy béchamel sauce, then topped with slivered almonds and crispy fried onions.

Prep up to 2 days in advance.

Get the Recipe!
A side angle shot of Thanksgiving salad tossed inside of a large gray ceramic bowl with cider cinnamon vinaigrette. A woman's hands hold a large spoon and a fork to toss the salad together. The bowl sits atop a light cream colored textured surface surrounded by a small white bowl filled with maple spiced nuts, another small bowl filled with goat cheese, loose sprigs of fresh herbs, and a natural woven placemat.

Thanksgiving Salad with Cinnamon Cider Vinaigrette

Every holiday table needs a festive salad, and this show-stopping fall salad delivers! It’s made with massaged kale, wild rice, spiced sweet potatoes, and maple candied nuts, all perfectly balanced by a cinnamon cider vinaigrette. You can even dress it ahead of time!

Prep components up to 1 week in advance.

Get the Recipe!

Make Ahead Appetizers

I love serving flavor-packed Thanksgiving appetizers made with seasonal ingredients! These make ahead snacks are a breeze to store, so when the football game or cocktail hour starts, all you have to do is uncover and serve. They’re low-effort, big on flavor, and give you more time to enjoy with family and friends!

Creamy pumpkin hummus shown on a small speckled ceramic plate, topped with olive oil, pomegranate arils, pepitas, and fresh herbs. The hummus is placed on a white marble backdrop, next to some fresh rosemary and a plate of root veggie chips. A woman's hand is reaching into the plate, taking a scoop of it with a root veggie chip.

10-Minute Cozy & Creamy Pumpkin Hummus

This savory hummus gets an autumnal twist with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon. Topped with bright pomegranate arils for a jewel-toned pop, it’s perfect for the holiday season. Ready in just 10 minutes with your food processor!

Prep up to 1 week in advance. 

Get the Recipe!
Various sizes of pumpkin-shaped cheese balls are arranged atop a wood serving platter surrounded by stacks of crackers and pita chips. The platter sits atop a gray textured surface with a metal cheese knife resting alongside the platter.

Savory Autumn Pumpkin Cheese Ball

No Thanksgiving spread is complete without festive decor — and edible decorations are the best kind! This pumpkin cheese ball blends cream cheese, cheddar, and warm spices for a savory, crowd-pleasing snack. Make one large pumpkin or a patch of minis — no one will guess how easy they are to make!

Prep up to 3 days in advance.

Get the Recipe!
Overhead image of a hand dipping a blue corn tortilla chip into a bowl of butternut squash hummus. The hummus is in a white bowl topped with pumpkin seeds, pomegranate arils, and herbs. There are chips and crackers surrounding the bowl of hummus. There are sections of pomegranates in the corners of the image for garnish.

Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus

Roasted butternut squash, garlic, chickpeas, and tahini come together to create a smooth, creamy, veggie-packed hummus, perfect for dipping with pita chips or fresh veggies. A sprinkle of pomegranate arils and toasted pepitas adds a festive finishing touch.

Prep up to 1 week in advance. 

Get the Recipe!

Make Ahead Desserts

Whether you’re craving classic pumpkin or seasonal apple flavors, these make ahead treats put a fun twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts. And the best part? No one will guess you made them in advance!

Side angle of pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crust. The cheesecake is on a small white ceramic plate, topped with drizzly caramel & freshly whipped cream.

Best-Ever Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

A PWWB favorite, this light and airy pumpkin cheesecake with a zippy gingersnap crust is the ultimate fall dessert. Since it needs time to rest and set in the fridge, it’s the perfect make ahead Thanksgiving treat.
 
Prep up to 5 days in advance.

Get the Recipe!
A side angle shot of five apple pie bars stacked on top of each other served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over top. The bars and ice cream are stacked atop a creamy white textured surface.

Mom’s Apple Pie Bars with Walnut Crumble

Perfect for feeding a crowd without the fuss! These bars feature layers of flaky homemade crust, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy walnut-oat topping. It’s like apple pie, but easier! Assemble the bars in a sheet pan and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Prep up to 5 days ahead of time.

Get the Recipe!
An overhead shot of spiced apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream inside of a white bowl with a dainty brown pattern. A gold fork rests inside of the bowl and the bowl sits atop a creamy white textured surface surrounded by two other servings of apple crisp in a brown and white bowls, a gray linen napkin, and a small white ceramic cup of masala chai tea.

Chai Spiced Apple Crisp

This dessert takes classic apple crisp to a cozy new level with warm chai spices. The apples are infused with cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice for a chai twist on a fall favorite. Simply assemble ahead, store in the fridge, and bake until warm and bubbly.
 
Prep up to 1 day in advance.

Get the Recipe!

Thanksgiving Timeline for Easy Prep

There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to preparing Thanksgiving dinner, and timing is key. It can be hard to keep track of it all! Use the instructions in the recipe card, below, as a condensed timeline and checklist of make-ahead Thanksgiving to-dos.

Prefer a printable? ⇢ My FREE Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide removes all the stress and guesswork of your holiday meal prep. You’ll know when to prep each dish, how to store your make ahead Thanksgiving recipes, and how to reheat them so everything is hot, fresh, and ready to serve at the same time!

A close up shot of make mashed potatoes and make ahead gravy alongside other Thanksgiving dinner dishes served on a white plate. The plate sits atop a light peach textured surface with an amber colored drinking glass and a small wooden pinch bowl filled with kosher salt resting alongside the plate.
Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t need to be stressful! Preparing side dishes ahead of time is the key to a relaxed, enjoyable holiday with family and friends.

We can’t wait for you to try these Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes! They’re sure to help make this your most delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving dinner yet – certainly something to be grateful for this year! 🙌🏼

If you do give them a try, be sure to let us know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo and tag @playswellwithbutter on Instagram. We LOVE hearing about and seeing your PWWB creations! ♡ Happy Thanksgiving!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A stack of four glass casserole dishes with gray lids are filled with and labeled as make ahead mashed potatoes, make ahead sweet potato casserole, make ahead green casserole, and make ahead stuffing. A mason jar filled with and labeled as make ahead gravy rests is placed in front of the casserole storage dishes. The dishes sit atop a light peach textured surface with a peach background. A red muted linen napkin and Fall colored florals rest in the background.

Make Ahead Thanksgiving (Stress-Free Recipes, Timeline & Tips)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Jess Larson
  • Prep Time: 6 hours
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 12 hours
  • Yield: serves 10–12, easily scaled 1x
  • Category: Techniques & How-Tos, Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Method: Meal Prep, Make Ahead
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Thanksgiving is, no doubt, one of the most important meals of the year. And if you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, that also makes it one of the most overwhelming meals of the year. If you’re feeling the stress of planning and cooking dinner, I totally feel you!

PWWB’s Make Ahead Thanksgiving is a complete guide designed to help you break your Thanksgiving prep work out over several days (or even a few weeks if you want!). By the time Thanksgiving Day rolls around, there’s not much left to do except reheat & dig in. It’s the easiest way to enjoy a deliciously stress-free holiday!

Use instructions below as a condensed timeline and check list of make-ahead Thanksgiving to-dos. Refer to the blog post, above, for much more guidance including Thanksgiving dessert, drink, and tablescape ideas.

Prefer a printable? ⇢ We’ve got you covered! We’ve already prepared a free printable guide (including all the recipes you’ll need), & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Sign up now! Happy Thanksgiving! ♡

Ingredients

Instructions

2-3 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

  • Plan your menu. Feel free to use our Make Ahead Thanksgiving menu, or scroll through all PWWB Thanksgiving Recipes for even more inspiration to get you started.  
  • Confirm your equipment. Read the recipes for necessary equipment and cross-check with what you have in the kitchen. If you don’t have an essential piece of equipment, like a roasting pan, kitchen shears, or a potato masher, you still have plenty of time to get it ordered before Thanksgiving Day! 

Up to 1 Week Before Thanksgiving

  • Prep turkey seasoning. Making a killer herb butter or oil is an easy way to infuse your holiday bird with tons of flavor. Plus, the longer it sits, the more its flavors meld – a make ahead Thanksgiving win! If you’re making an Herb Butter Roast Spatchcock Turkey or Maple Glazed Spatchcock Turkey, prepare the herb butter up to 1 week in advance, storing it in the refrigerator until Thanksgiving Day. 
  • Prep hardy veggies. Look over your menu and identify any hardy veggies you can prep in advance (e.g. roughly dice sweet potatoes for casserole, trim green beans, etc.). Most hardy veggies will keep, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 

5 Days Before Thanksgiving

  • Prepare Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy. It’s as simple as building a roux and whisking in some turkey broth or turkey stock! 

3-4 Days Before Thanksgiving

  • Defrost your turkey. Safely thawing a turkey takes some time! As a general rule of thumb, plan for 24 hours of refrigerated thawing for every 4 pounds of turkey (that means a 12-14 pound turkey requires 3-4 days of thawing).
  • Prepare Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole. Mash and season the sweet potatoes and prepare a nutty streusel topping. Store both separately for assembly later on.
  • Prepare Make Ahead Stuffing. Toast up easy homemade bread cubes and mix them with plenty of fresh herbs and aromatics. Store the stuffing mix in a baking dish for later.

1-2 Days Before Thanksgiving

  • Prepare Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes. Mash the creamy potatoes and load them up with butter for easy reheating later on.
  • Prepare Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole. Blanch fresh green beans and prepare a creamy mushroom sauce – all from scratch, no cans here! Store in a casserole dish for later. (45 minutes active prep)

The Night Before Thanksgiving

  • Spatchcock your turkey. Allowing the spatchcocked turkey to sit uncovered in the fridge overnight helps the skin lose moisture, ensuring it gets especially golden and crispy as it roasts.

Thanksgiving Morning

  • Empty the dishwasher.
  • Take the herb butter out of the fridge to bring it up to room temperature before you roast your turkey.

Thanksgiving Day

  • Roast the turkey or chicken. Prep your spatchcock turkey or Thanksgiving chicken for roasting, planning to get it in the oven about 2 – 2 ½ hours before you’d like to sit down to dinner.
  • Reheat make ahead Thanksgiving side dishes. Each of these dishes requires a 350 degree F oven and about 40 minutes of reheating time, so you can reheat them all at once. Remember, your Thanksgiving turkey or chicken will need about 30 minutes to rest before it’s ready to carve and serve, so you should have a perfectly timed meal! 
  • Finish Make Ahead Turkey Gravy. This takes just 10 minutes on the stovetop. Prep options for gravy making with and without turkey drippings.

Notes

  • Thanksgiving Cocktails and Mocktails: I like to set up a drink station Thanksgiving morning. Drinks are easy to mix in advance. Set everything up near the snack table and set out ice just before your guests arrive. Check the blog post, above, for Thanksgiving drinks we love! 
  • Thanksgiving Appetizers and Snacks: Fridge-friendly dips and cheese balls are easy to prep up to 1 week in advance. Keep everything stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and on Thanksgiving Day all you have to do is set them out with crackers or crudite veggies. Check the blog post, above, for Thanksgiving apps and snacks we love! 
  • Thanksgiving Desserts: I love to plan an entire day just for baking! Most Thanksgiving desserts benefit from having a day to rest, especially cakes and pies. Check the blog post, above, for Thanksgiving desserts we love! 

Follow along with Plays Well With Butter on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest for more unfussy recipes that pack a big punch of flavor!

Hi there, I'm Jess!

If there’s 1 thing to know about me, it’s this: I am head-over-heels in love with food. I’m on a mission to make weeknight cooking flavorful, fast, & fun for other foodies, & PWWB is where I share foolproof recipes that deliver major flavor with minimal effort. Other true loves: pretty shoes, puppies, Grey’s Anatomy, & my cozy kitchen in Minneapolis, MN.

Topics

Sign up for our newsletter

Leave a Rating & Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. 11.11.22
    Val Bell said:

    OMG! Thanks so much for this handy helper! I hate being stressed on thanksgiving day and the more I can make ahead the better. You gave me a few more ideas to have a calmer & truly thankful family gathering.
    Enjoy your thanksgiving! I love your recipes found you on Instagram! Your Autumn Squash recipe is our new favorite!
    Thanks again 🦃

    Reply
    • 11.15.22
      Erin @ Plays Well With Butter said:

      Hi Val! We are SO glad to hear that you enjoyed this resource – that was our entire goal to make Thanksgiving a little less stressful, giving you back time to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones! We hope you have a great Thanksgiving (let us know which tip or recipe you love most!).

      So glad you found us on Instagram & have been enjoying the Autumn Squash too! 🙂

      Reply