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20 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes to Feed a Crowd

You never thought hosting Thanksgiving dinner would be easy. But how the heck are you supposed to referee the drama and refill the wine glasses when you’ve got turkey timers to check and mashed potatoes to stir? This year, go easy on yourself and whip up these 20 make ahead Thanksgiving recipes.

20 Delicious Make-Ahead Dinner Recipes


1. Cranberry Meatballs

Freeze these bite-sized bad boys for up to one month in advance. Then thaw and serve with a side of cranberry sauce (no, you don’t have to make it from scratch).

2. Prosciutto Bites

This app—basically a reverse of pigs in a blanket—can be served warm or at room temperature.

3. Lemony Wheat Berries With Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Whip this healthy side dish up the day before and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Brussels Sprouts Recipes That Will Change Your Life


4. One-pot Pumpkin Yellow Curry

Keeps in the fridge for four days or in the freezer for one month.

5. Sweet Potato Hummus

Making this tasty dip a couple of days in advance is easy. The hard part? Keeping your hands off it until the guests arrive.


6. Make-ahead Dinner Rolls With Honey Butter

No-knead, no problem.

7. Pumpkin-pecan Pie Paleo Bites

These no-bake cuties can be served straight out of the freezer.

8. Honey-lime Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Because it doesn’t always have to be about the turkey.

9. Hasselback Thanksgiving Tart

A hearty vegan main that can be made the day before Thanksgiving.


10. Cream Of Pumpkin Soup With Maple Pecans

Prep everything in advance and then assemble on the big day.

11. Red-wine Cranberry Sauce

Only five ingredients and can be whipped up one week before.

12. Butternut Squash And Sun-dried Tomato White Lasagna

Pop this cheesy goodness in the freezer and all you have to do is heat before serving.


13. Chocolate Roll

Once finished, let chill in the refrigerator for a few days... or transfer to a zip-top freezer bag where it’ll keep for up to one month.

14. Garlic Breaded Roast Chicken Breast

Tired of turkey? Opt for this perfectly seasoned (and totally freezable) dish instead.

15. Cajun Corn Chowder

Just leave out the coconut milk before freezing then add when you’re ready to reheat.

16. Make-ahead Mashed Potatoes

Less time cooking means more time sipping wine with your guests.


17. Make-ahead Vegetarian Gravy

No turkey pan drippings necessary.

18. Stuffing Muffins

Perfectly-sized portions of deliciousness.

19. Honey Butter Roasted Acorn With Burrata And Pomegranate

Prepare the day before and serve at room temperature or heated up.

20. Pumpkin Pie With Cinnamon-roll Crust

Make the crust way ahead of time (like, weeks!), cover tightly in plastic wrap and stash it in the freezer until you’re ready to bake. You don’t even have to thaw before baking, and, bonus, it’ll keep its shape even better in the oven.

Additional reporting by Alexandra Hough



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Royal family expert, a cappella alum, mom

Rachel Bowie is Senior Director of Special Projects & Royals at PureWow, where she covers parenting, fashion, wellness and money in addition to overseeing initiatives within...