Thanksgiving is a holiday centered on gratitude and, let’s be honest, the dinner table as well! But with all the hustle and bustle, kitchen chaos can creep in fast. This year, let’s prep like pros with make-ahead holiday side dishes that keep the flavors high and the toxic stress low. Read on for recipes that’ll make you relaxed and ready for that turkey timer to ding!.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Prep in Advance!

Thanksgiving sides don’t have to be last-minute miracles! This year, let’s work smarter, not harder. Here are some Thanksgiving side dishes that’ll free up oven space, ease your stress, and make Thanksgiving enjoyable.

1. Classic Green Bean Casserole 

There’s a reason this casserole appears on so many holiday tables. It’s creamy and crunchy and has everyone reaching for seconds. Even better, you can assemble it a day or two before Thanksgiving day.

Ingredients:

Fresh green beans, 1 lb (or canned if you’re in a pinch)

One can of cream of mushroom soup

Milk, 1/2 cup

Soy sauce, 1 tsp

To taste: black pepper

Crispy fried onions, 1 1/2 cups

1. Blanch your green beans (if using fresh) to get them nice and tender.
2. Combine soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Then, fold in green beans and half the fried onions.
3. Transfer to a baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When Thanksgiving dinner arrives, reheat it before serving.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Afterward, sprinkle with remaining onions and bake for another 5 minutes.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on oven space, try baking this casserole in a toaster oven or even an air fryer!

2. Sausage and Herb Stuffing 

The hearty bread, juicy sausage, and fresh herbs create a comforting side worth every effort. Stuffing made from scratch is so much better than boxed. Plus, it’s a breeze to prep ahead.  You can prepare this dish a day or two in advance. Afterward, you’ll just need to heat it before serving.

Ingredients:

Italian sausage, 1 lb, removed from casings

A loaf of French or sourdough bread, cubed

Chopped onion, 1 large

Celery, 2 ribs, chopped

Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup, chopped

Sage, 1 tsp

Thyme, 1 tsp

3 cups of chicken or turkey broth

Make-Ahead Instructions:

1. Brown the sausage in a large skillet, then set aside.
2. Using the same skillet, sauté onions and celery until tender. Afterward, combine with sausage, bread cubes, herbs, and broth until the bread is moistened.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. When Thanksgiving dinner arrives, reheat it before serving.
4. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden and heated through.

Pro Tip: If you like a more cohesive stuffing, add an egg or two to bind the ingredients together.

3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes 

Who doesn’t love a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes? However, peeling and mashing potatoes on Thanksgiving Day can add stress and mess! You can make these up to two days ahead, store them in the fridge, and reheat then serve.

Ingredients:

Yukon Gold potatoes, 5 lbs, peeled and cubed

Butter, 1/2 cup

1 cup half-and-half or milk

Salt and pepper, to taste

Make-Ahead Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until they get tender, then drain and mash.
2. Add butter, half-and-half, salt, and pepper, and mash until creamy.
3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
4. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Then, bake at 350°F for 30 minutes and stir halfway through.

Pro Tip: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for some tanginess.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping 

This Southern favorite can be prepped completely the day before. Sweet potatoes are mashed with butter and brown sugar and topped with marshmallows, creating a dreamy, sweet side dish that pairs perfectly with savory turkey.

Ingredients:

Sweet potatoes, 4 large, peeled and cubed

Brown sugar, 1/2 cup

Melted butter, 1/2 cup

Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp

Salt, to taste

Mini marshmallows, 2 cups

Make-Ahead Instructions:

1. Boil and mash sweet potatoes, then mix in brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Spread in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Then, top with marshmallows and bake until golden.

Pro Tip: Swap the marshmallows with pecan topping for a nutty, crunchy twist.

5. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest 

Forget the canned stuff! Homemade cranberry sauce is easy to make and brings a beautiful pop of color and flavor to your plate. Plus, it’s better if made ahead as this allows the flavors to mingle for a bit.

Ingredients:

12 oz fresh cranberries, 1 bag

1/2 cup orange juice

Water, 1/2 cup

3/4 cup sugar

Orange zest, 1 tsp

Make-Ahead Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, water, and sugar.
2. Cook on medium heat until cranberries pop. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir in orange zest.
3. Finally, let them cool, transfer to a container, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pro Tip: This keeps well in the fridge for up to a week!

Raise a Toast to Easy, Delicious Sides 

There you have it—classic Thanksgiving side dishes, prepped and ready before the big day. With these easy and delicious make-ahead sides, you’ll be set up for a smooth, flavorful dinner featuring family, friends, and thankfulness. Here’s to sharing the good food, good times, and all those precious memories around the table!

FAQs:

Can I really prepare these dishes days ahead of time?

Absolutely! Each recipe here is designed to be made one to three days ahead. Just follow the storage instructions, and they’ll be as tasty as if you made them fresh on Thanksgiving Day.

How do I store these dishes to keep them fresh?

Most dishes can be stored in airtight containers or tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator. You can also store casseroles directly in the baking dish—just make sure they’re covered to prevent drying out.

How do I reheat these dishes without losing flavor or texture?

For best results, reheat dishes in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture. Stir halfway through if needed. For creamy dishes like mashed potatoes, you can add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to restore their silky texture.

Can I freeze these side dishes instead of refrigerating them?

Some dishes freeze well, like stuffing and mashed potatoes, but others, like green bean casserole, are better suited for refrigeration. If freezing, ensure the dish is cooled completely before sealing it in a freezer-safe container or wrap.

Do I have to thaw frozen dishes before reheating them?

Yes, it’s best to thaw frozen dishes overnight in the fridge before reheating. This helps them warm evenly and prevents overcooking.

What’s the best way to transport these dishes if I’m not hosting?

Transport your sides in sturdy, leak-proof containers or casserole carriers. If reheating at someone else’s house, pack them in oven-safe dishes for an easy transfer to the oven.

Can I make substitutions if I’m missing ingredients?

Of course! For instance, canned green beans can replace fresh ones, and you can swap sourdough bread for French bread in the stuffing. These recipes are flexible, so feel free to adapt them to what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have enough oven space for everything?

Try using a toaster oven, air fryer, or stovetop for reheating smaller sides. You can also serve some dishes, like cranberry sauce, straight from the fridge—they taste great cold!

How far in advance can I make cranberry sauce?

Cranberry sauce is the ultimate make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to a week in advance, and the flavors will only improve as they meld in the fridge.

What if I accidentally overcook something while reheating?

Don’t fret! For dry dishes like stuffing, add a splash of broth and stir gently to bring back moisture. For casseroles, a quick sprinkle of fresh cheese or crispy toppings can revive the dish’s texture.

 

Planning a Thanksgiving menu? Don’t stop here! Click here for more make-ahead Thanksgiving side dishes and cooking hacks that make holiday prep a breeze.