20 Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes That You Can Prep Ahead
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Did you know that most Thanksgiving recipes– from appetizers to sauces to side dishes to desserts– can be prepped ahead of time? That means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying friends and family on Turkey Day. We’ve rounded up 20 delicious make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes for you to prep ahead to make cooking Thanksgiving dinner a breeze!
Looking for more holiday recipes and food ideas? You’ll go bananas over our roundup of the 25 most-pinned Thanksgiving and Christmas side dishes and our popular Christmas punch recipe, Santa’s Little Helper.
The first time I cooked an entire Thanksgiving meal from start to finish I was so exhausted I couldn’t even eat it afterwards. I happily watched in a stupor while everyone enjoyed it, but just was too tired to put my fork to my mouth myself. I wondered, how did my Grammie ever do this, year after year, with such grace and peacefulness?!
Needless to say, I wised up the following year. I peeled, chopped, baked, and assembled almost everything in the days before Thanksgiving. I brined the turkey overnight. On the big day, I simply took it all out and warmed, cooked, and did the final baking. It still took a little time, but it was SUCH a gamechanger and my kitchen wasn’t a disaster zone of dirty pans and utensils afterwards.
With that game-changing concept in mind, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes for you to make and enjoy. Now you’ll have more time to cheer on your favorite team, sip wine with your family and friends, and avoid talking about politics with Uncle Joe. Sorry, I can’t help you with that last one though. 😉
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20 Delicious Prep-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes
Grandma Betty’s Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes | The Gingham Apron
Make-ahead Turkey Gravy | Woman’s Day
Easy Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce | Ahead of Thyme
Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole | Half Baked Harvest
Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts | Food, Folks and Fun
Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole | Melanie Makes
Cheesy Potato Casserole | Tablespoon
Make Ahead Freezer Rolls | Lets Dish Recipes
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn | Damn Delicious
Cheddar and Herb Stuffing | Woman’s Day
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole | Mom Advice
Maple Roasted Carrots | Life Currents
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts | The Food Charlatan
Green Bean and Quinoa Salad with Maple Citrus Dressing | Peas and Crayons
Make-Ahead Sausage Stuffing | Food Network
Cranberry Brie Bites | Well Plated by Erin
Super Easy Pumpkin Pie | I Wash You Dry
French Silk Tart | That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Dutch Apple Pie | The Taylor House
Pecan Pie Truffles | High Heels and Grills
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SO MUCH YUM, right? What are your Thanksgiving shortcuts and timesavers so you can spend more time with family and less time working on the meal?
