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 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes to Feed a Crowd
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Published Nov 27, 2019
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.
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.
