Take the stress out of Thanksgiving dinner with these make-ahead Thanksgiving side dishes that will make your holiday meal easier, help you save valuable oven space on the big day, and spend less time in the kitchen so you can spend more time with the people you love.
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Thanksgiving holds a special place in my heart, not only because my youngest son was born just two days before Thanksgiving, giving me one more very special reason to be thankful, but also because of the wonderful memories I have of Thanksgiving dinner at my grandparents’ house.
It was a time when our family would gather together to catch up, laugh and enjoy a delicious holiday feast. I can still remember walking into my grandparents’ home on Thanksgiving and being greeted by all the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen. My grandmother put so much love into those meals and somehow made preparing a feast for everyone look so effortless.
Now, that Thanksgiving dinners are gathered around our table, I’ve come to appreciate even more all the hard work my grandmother put into those meals. I don’t know how she did it because it can get really stressful trying to get everything done at the same time, especially when you only have one oven.
Which is why having a few make-ahead side dish recipes ready can be so helpful as it takes some of the pressure off on Thanksgiving Day allowing you to spend more time enjoying the meal and the people gathered around the table.
So, for that very reason I’ve decided to share some of the best make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish recipes that are perfect for getting a head start on your holiday meal. Hopefully, these simple recipes will make your Thanksgiving a little easier this year.
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53 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes
These must-try make-ahead side dishes for Thanksgiving include everything from stuffing recipes, sweet potato casseroles, flavorful vegetable sides and so much more. They would be perfect for feeding a crowd at your Thanksgiving Day feast, or if you need a dish to bring to a Thanksgiving dinner or potluck. Enjoy!
1
Foodess
Apple Herb Turkey Stuffing
This apple herb stuffing bakes up golden, flavorful and rich without ever going inside the turkey. It keeps the turkey juicy and still gives you that classic holiday taste.
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2
Flavorful Eats
Mom’s Sausage Stuffing
Mom’s Sausage Stuffing recipe is a homemade stuffing made with sausage, onion, garlic, celery, hand-torn bread, and plenty of spices.
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3
Spend With Pennies
Crock Pot Stuffing
Crock Pot Stuffing is a classic stuffing recipe from scratch. This make ahead side dish is perfect to serve with your turkey dinner.
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4
Little Nonni
Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing
This easy Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing is made with toasted bread cubes tossed in herb-butter sauce and baked until golden.
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5
The Air Frying Diva
Jiffy Cornbread Stuffing Casserole
This Jiffy Cornbread Stuffing Casserole is easy to make and tastes so good! Made with cornbread crumbles, seasonings, and broth, this simple recipe is savory and moist, making it perfect for serving with your favorite turkey.
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6
Mae's Menu
Wild Rice Stuffing
Wild rice stuffing is packed with sausage, apples, & cranberries. It's perfect for Thanksgiving!
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7
Maplevine Kitchen
Wild Rice with Cherries and Hazelnuts
Warm and hearty wild rice with cherries, hazelnuts, and thyme—an easy side dish for holiday celebrations and ready in under 1 hour!
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8
Chicken Fried Kitchen
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and loaded with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Velveeta. A perfectly baked comfort food classic for any occasion.
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9
Maria's Mixing Bowl
Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
You’re going to love the ease and flavor of this slow cooker macaroni and cheese recipe!
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10
Feels Like Home
Creamy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
These make ahead mashed potatoes are made with Yukon Gold potatoes, cream cheese, and sour cream for the creamiest texture you will find in a holiday side dish.
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11
Chef’s Pencil
Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes with Greek Yogurt
A delicious, creamy mashed potatoes recipe with caramelized onions and Greek yogurt. Easy to make and perfect for Thanksgiving.
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12
Risa’s Family Kitchen
Baked Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
These Baked Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese are make-ahead potatoes that are ideal for the holidays.
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13
Camp.Grill.Eat.
Make-Ahead Roasted Potatoes
These make-ahead roasted potatoes are a delicious side dish to enjoy at home during the holidays, as they can be prepared well in advance and finished just before serving.
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14
Cooking Gorgeous
Potatoes au Gratin - Dauphinoise Potatoes
This deliciously cheesy homemade Potatoes au Gratin - Dauphinoise Potatoes are made with creamy layers of potatoes that are baked to perfection.
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15
Small Town Woman
Classic Scalloped Potatoes
These Classic Scalloped Potatoes are made with sautéed onions and garlic, creamy sauce, fresh herbs, and plenty of salt and fresh ground black pepper.
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16
She's Not Cookin'
Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole is loaded with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. It's the perfect make-ahead holiday side dish.
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17
In the Kitch
Savory Potato Galette
If you are craving a savory pie with delicious flavors but simple steps, this potato galette recipe with basil pesto will hit the spot.
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18
Unicorns in the Kitchen
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
A creamy mashed sweet potatoes recipe that’s simple and delicious for a tasty holiday side dish.
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19
Next Level Baker
Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
Bourbon sweet potatoes combine the creaminess of mashed potatoes with warm spices and pecans to create a sweet and indulgent side dish.
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20
Recipes From a Pantry
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish, and this sweet potato casserole recipe is so easy to make any time of the year!
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21
Savvy Mama Lifestyle
Pretzel Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes Casserole Recipe
This Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes casserole has a crunchy pretzel topping that’s speckled with fresh cranberries for a delicious Thanksgiving side.
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22
Where Is My Spoon
Sweet Potato Dauphinoise
Easy sweet potato dauphinoise or sweet potatoes au gratin with Parmesan and lots of spices, a comforting side dish everyone will enjoy.
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23
Amy Casey Cooks
Apple and Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate
These delicious Apple and Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate are the ultimate comfort food.
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24
Trop Rockin Recipes
Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied Sweet Potatoes bake in a buttery maple brown sugar glaze with warm spices for an easy Thanksgiving or holiday side dish.
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25
State of Dinner
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries
This sweet & savory Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries is an easy side dish with roasted pecans & creamy goat cheese.
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26
The Cookin' Chicks
Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Easy Jiffy Cornbread Casserole with corn, sour cream, and cheese. A family favorite for holidays!
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27
The Buttery Fairytale
EASY Corn Casserole Without Jiffy Mix
This corn casserole without jiffy mix is delicious and easy! It has a golden brown caramelized top with a soft custardy layer of corn underneath.
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28
Mom Foodie
Crock Pot Corn Casserole
This Crock Pot Corn Casserole recipe makes this classic dish so simple to include in your holiday meal. No fuss and no oven space taken up!
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29
Hip Hip Gourmet
Cream Cheese Corn
This cream cheese corn recipe is creamy, buttery, and packed with sweet-savory flavor. It's an easy 15-minute side dish everyone loves.
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30
Foxes Love Lemons
Cheesy Corn Casserole
Cheesy Corn Casserole can be made up to 3 days ahead. With bacon and two different kinds of cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food for the holidays.
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31
Tessie's Table
Cheesy Green Beans with Garlic and Bacon
These cheesy green beans with garlic and bacon are creamy, savory, and simple to make. A quick one-pan side dish perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
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32
Our Love Language is Food
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Your favorite side has gotten an upgrade with fresh green beans, fresh mushrooms, and a homemade sauce. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
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33
My Rad Kitchen
Brussel Sprout Casserole
This Brussel Sprout Casserole is rich, cheesy and baked with bacon, tender sprouts and a crispy panko topping.
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34
The Fresh Cooky
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole (Vegetable Au Gratin)
An easy recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. This vegetable au gratin makes a wonderful side dish for any holiday dinner.
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35
Simple And Fraiche
Easy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus With Cheese
These Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bundles are a tasty, simple and elegant side dish to any meal. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in under 30 minutes!
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36
I Heart Naptime
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These slow cooker brown sugar glazed carrots are a definite crowd-pleaser. Made in the crockpot with carrots, brown sugar, butter and salt.
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37
Kitchen Ready Betty
Broccoli and Quinoa Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing
Broccoli and Quinoa Salad combines crunch and taste for a healthy and delicious side for everyone.
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38
Get Inspired Everyday!
Apple Spinach Salad
Simple to make, tasty, and so colorful, this Apple Spinach Salad is perfect for holiday dinners. Crisp apples, juicy pomegranates, toasted almonds, savory onion, and crumbled feta cheese combine together to make this flavorful salad.
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39
Modern Honey
Arugula Pear Salad with Candied Pecans
This easy arugula salad with pears and candied pecans is a show-stopping salad that’s perfect for entertaining. The delicious combination of peppery greens, sweet fruit, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts and a zesty homemade vinaigrette that ties it all together.
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40
The Wholesome Spoon
Carrot Apple Walnut Salad
This Carrot Apple Walnut Salad features shredded carrots, tart apple, toasted walnuts, fresh herbs and a homemade honey citrus dressing!
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41
Craving Something Healthy
The Best Sautéed Mushrooms With Garlic, Herbs & Balsamic
Tender, flavorful sautéed mushrooms seasoned with lots of garlic, fresh herbs, and tangy balsamic vinegar.
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42
The Forked Spoon
Mushroom Gravy
Cozy, rich mushroom gravy made with sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and vegetable broth.
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43
Kitchen Treaty
Vegetarian Gravy
This vegetarian gravy recipe is what you’ve been missing on Thanksgiving with only 5 ingredients, it can be ready in 20 minutes.
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44
The Sage Apron
Make Ahead Turkey Gravy (Without Drippings)
This rich and flavorful turkey gravy can be made ahead of time (without drippings!) and is perfect for your Thanksgiving feast!
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45
Thanksgiving Mommy
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Make this easy homemade cranberry sauce in 25 minutes! Fresh, tart, and perfect for Thanksgiving dinners and holiday meals.
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46
Rebecca Taig
Homemade Red Wine Cranberry Sauce
This homemade red wine cranberry sauce recipe is vibrant and flavorful, sweetened with organic maple syrup, orange juice, and red wine.
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47
Mommy Evolution
Cranberry Pear Sauce with Rosemary and Ginger
This delicious Cranberry Pear Sauce is super quick, easy to make and does not include any refined sugar.
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48
Jello Joy
Cranberry Jello Salad
This cranberry jello salad is tart, sweet, and easy to make with only 4 ingredients!
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49
Sourdough Brandon
The Fluffiest Sourdough Dinner Rolls
These soft pull-apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary are so fluffy and buttery! The brioche rolls are the perfect Thanksgiving side.
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50
The Feathered Nester
Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls
Bake soft, buttery rolls with this homemade yeast rolls recipe made with real mashed potatoes. A comforting addition to any meal with classic flavor.
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51
baste cut fold
Dinner Rolls with Dates and Blue Cheese
A yeast-raised dinner roll recipe with blue cheese, dates, and rosemary. These homemade rolls are the best roll recipe for Thanksgiving!
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52
Neighbor Food
Easy Butterhorns (Make Ahead Dinner Rolls)
These fluffy, eggy, slightly sweet Butterhorns are an easy make-ahead dinner roll for your Thanksgiving dinner table.
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53
Recipes From Leftovers
Fluffy Sweet Potato Bread Rolls
Fluffy sweet potato bread rolls are soft, golden brown, and freezer-friendly. A frugal recipe using leftover sweet potatoes.
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