17+ Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. However, the thought of preparing a Thanksgiving feast can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you have a large family or are hosting guests. That's where make-ahead recipes come in. By preparing some of your Thanksgiving dishes in advance, you can save time and reduce the stress of cooking on the big day. In this article, we will share some make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes that will make your holiday feast a breeze.
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Sugar, Clove, Cinnamon Sticks, Allspice
If you're looking for a festive and flavorful drink to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner, look no further than this Thanksgiving Cider Sangria recipe. It combines the traditional flavors of apple cider with the tangy sweetness of cranberry juice, and a splash of brandy for a little extra kick. Serve it in a large pitcher or punch bowl for a fun and festive twist on your Thanksgiving libations.
2of 20
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Loaf, Cornbread, Butter, Large Onion, Celery
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a hearty serving of stuffing. This classic Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe uses a combination of bread, celery, onions, and herbs for a flavorful and comforting side dish. It can be made ahead of time and baked on the day of, making it the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
The star of the Thanksgiving show, the turkey, is a must-have at any Thanksgiving dinner. This Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is simple and straightforward, using a combination of butter, herbs, and seasonings to create a juicy and flavorful bird. Serve it up with your favorite Thanksgiving sides for a delicious and traditional holiday meal.
4of 20
Thanksgiving Sides
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground
Speaking of sides, no Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without a delicious array of side dishes. From creamy mashed potatoes to savory green bean casserole, there are endless options to choose from. Mix and match your favorites or try something new with these Thanksgiving Sides recipes.
5of 20
Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
No turkey dinner is complete without a side of cranberry sauce. This Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce recipe takes a classic approach, using fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of cinnamon for a tart and sweet addition to your holiday meal. It's easy to make and can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on the rest of your Thanksgiving preparations.
6of 20
Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
If you're looking for a more traditional take on Thanksgiving stuffing, this Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe is for you. It uses a combination of white and wheat bread, along with traditional herbs and seasonings, to create a flavorful and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving turkey.
Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but this recipe takes them to the next level. Featuring a combination of Yukon gold and red potatoes, as well as garlic, butter, and cream cheese, these mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. Your Thanksgiving guests will be begging for seconds!
8of 20
OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking
Looking for a fun and tasty dessert to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner? These OREO Cookie Balls in the shape of turkeys are sure to be a hit. Made with crushed OREO cookies, cream cheese, and chocolate, these cute and festive treats are easy to make and will add a touch of whimsy to your holiday table.
If you're tired of the same old Thanksgiving sides, mix things up with this Thanksgiving Slaw recipe. Combining shredded cabbage, apples, and dried cranberries with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, this slaw adds a refreshing and crunchy element to your holiday meal.
10of 20
Thanksgiving Punch
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Caramel Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon
Looking for a festive and tasty drink to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering? This Thanksgiving Punch recipe is the perfect choice. Made with a combination of apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger ale, it's a refreshing and flavorful option for both kids and adults.
11of 20
Thanksgiving Sangria
Main Ingredients: Honey, Water, Apple Pie Spice, Pinot Grigio, Apple
For a more adult-friendly Thanksgiving beverage, try this Thanksgiving Sangria recipe. It combines the flavors of apple cider, white wine, and brandy with fresh fruit and warm spices for a delicious and festive drink that pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving feast.
If you're looking for a unique and tasty appetizer to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner, these Thanksgiving Croquettes are a must-try. Made with a combination of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey, these bite-sized croquettes are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them the perfect pre-dinner snack.
13of 20
Pumpkin Crunch – The Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Evaporated Milk, Granulated Sugar, Large
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple, but if you're looking for a different pumpkin-based dessert, this Pumpkin Crunch recipe is the perfect choice. With a crunchy pecan topping and a creamy pumpkin base, it's a delicious and easy alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.
14of 20
Thanksgiving Pockets
Main Ingredients: Roasted Turkey, Buttermilk Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes
Looking for a fun and creative way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers? These Thanksgiving Pockets are the answer. Using leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, these hand-held pies are a tasty and convenient way to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast all over again.
15of 20
Multi-Cooker Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Large Eggs, Salt, Pepper
If oven space is at a premium on Thanksgiving Day, this Multi-Cooker Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe is a game-changer. Using a pressure cooker or multi-cooker, you can whip up a delicious and flavorful stuffing in just a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.
16of 20
Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Onion, Celery, Medium Carrot, Garlic
For those looking for a meatless option for their Thanksgiving meal, this Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf is a delicious and satisfying alternative. Made with a combination of lentils, veggies, and herbs, it's a hearty and flavorful dish that will please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Another great way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers is with this Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie recipe. Featuring a flaky crust, creamy filling, and all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors, it's a delicious and comforting way to enjoy your leftovers in a new and tasty way.
18of 20
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Ice Water, Tap Water, Dark Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt
If you want to take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level, try brining it before roasting. This Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Brine recipe uses a combination of herbs, spices, and citrus to infuse your turkey with flavor and moisture, resulting in a juicy and delicious bird that will impress your guests.
19of 20
Bacon and Cheese Brussels Sprouts Casserole + My...
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Ground Pepper
For a delicious and indulgent Thanksgiving side dish, try this Bacon and Cheese Brussels Sprouts Casserole recipe. Featuring crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender Brussels sprouts, it's a decadent and tasty way to enjoy this often overlooked vegetable.
To really get into the Thanksgiving spirit, serve up a big batch of this Thanksgiving Cider. Made with a combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and spices, it's a warm and comforting drink that will make your home smell amazing and your guests feel cozy and content.
The Benefits of Make-Ahead Recipes
1. Time-Saver
One of the biggest advantages of make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes is that they save you time. By preparing some dishes in advance, you can focus on the more time-consuming dishes on the day of Thanksgiving. This will not only save you time in the kitchen but also give you more time to spend with your loved ones.
2. Stress-Reducer
Thanksgiving can be a stressful time, especially for the host. Trying to cook multiple dishes at once can be overwhelming and can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. By having some dishes prepared in advance, you can reduce the stress of cooking and enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.
3. Better Flavor
Believe it or not, some dishes actually taste better when they are made ahead of time. This is because the flavors have time to develop and meld together, resulting in a more delicious and flavorful dish. Plus, you won't have to worry about any last-minute mistakes or rushed cooking, which can affect the taste of your dishes.
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple on the Thanksgiving table, but they can also be time-consuming to make. Instead of waiting until the last minute to prepare them, try making them ahead of time and reheating them on the day of. Simply make the mashed potatoes as you normally would, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop and add a little extra butter or cream for a creamy and delicious side dish.
2. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is another must-have on any Thanksgiving table. To save time and reduce stress, make your cranberry sauce a few days before Thanksgiving. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it the perfect make-ahead dish. For an extra burst of flavor, add some orange zest or cinnamon to your cranberry sauce.
3. Stuffing
Stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving dish that can be made ahead of time and reheated on the day of. You can make the stuffing a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. When it's time to serve, simply reheat it in the oven for a crispy and flavorful side dish.
In conclusion, make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes are a lifesaver for any busy host. They save time, reduce stress, and can even result in better-tasting dishes. So this year, give yourself a break and try some of these make-ahead recipes for a stress-free and delicious Thanksgiving feast.