What can you make ahead for Thanksgiving dinner? Here are 5 dishes we would prepare the day before (or earlier!)—plus a few foods we would save for the “day of.” Why? Not only will you have a more enjoyable holiday, but many Thanksgiving dishes taste better when the flavorsmeld.
Think of the night before Thanksgiving as the cooking day and the day of Thanksgiving for the turkey and a couple of sides. (Frankly, if you have time, start even earlier! You don’t need to “back into” the Thanksgiving Dayfeast.)
Which dishes can be cooked ahead? Think side dishes, stuffing, gravy, casseroles, and pies. Which needs to be cooked the day of? Thinkturkey!
The flavorof stuffing is absolutely 100% better made ahead of time. It helps all the flavors come together. Make the day before, tightly wrap it in plastic, and reheat on the day. See our do-ahead stuffing recipe.
2.Gravy
Many experienced cooks make their gravy in advance, often weeks ahead! Theflavors deepen and improve as theymeld. Our make-aheadTurkey Gravyisrich in flavor, thanks to two roasted turkey wings. Freeze—or thiswill last in the fridge a day or two without aproblem.
3. Pies andDesserts
Almost all pies taste better once they are thoroughly cooked and set, even if you plan to warm them up on the feast day. We guarantee your pies will be firmer, juicier, and less sloppy.This is undoubtedly true of pumpkin pie and pecan pie, which can last several days.Fruit pies such as apple pie can be made the day before to avoid a soggy crust. Whatever pie you make, you can always prepare the pie dough (which is the most time-intensive part) ahead of time and store it in the freezer; the night before Thanksgiving, defrost it and drop in the filling to bake it fresh.
Any cake should hold up well for a day or two. Cheesecakes andany dessert that is refrigerated are greatchoices. OurPumpkin Satin Cheesecakewill hold up nicely.
We also love this refrigeratedCranberry Dream Pie.
Puddings also do quite well when prepared in advance and kept in the fridge. Try our classicIndian Pudding.
4. CranberrySauce
Cranberry Sauce can always be made a day or two in advanceand storedin the refrigerator. (Don’t freeze cranberry sauce, it can drastically chance thetexture.)
5. SideDishes
Any side dish that is a casseroleactuallybenefits from being made a day ahead; the dish becomes more flavorful. This Green Bean Casserole is a classic and reheats nicely. On Thanksgiving, cover with crispy onions and bake.
Another fan favorite is theSweet Potato Soufflé. Some of us aren’t big marshmallow fans, but this is one of our most requested recipes—and Thanksgiving is fortheguests!
6.Soups
Soups are easy to prepare in advance. One of our favorites is thisVermont Butternut Squash Soup.
7.Appetizers
While we wouldn’t go crazy withappetizers before the big Thanksgiving feast, do serve something simple with drinks before the meal begins. This holidayCheese Ballis delicious and always ahit.
A bowl of high-quality mixed nuts are also a fine idea, assuming your guests aren’t allergic to nuts. Guests love theseaddictive Spiced Nuts and often ask for therecipe!
A Few That Should Not Be MadeAhead
Of course, some Thanksgiving recipes should never be made ahead of time. We’re looking at you, mashedpotatoes!
The big bird should always be cooked on the big day.Turkey gets dried out and its texture becomes very unappealing. Don’t forget to leave plenty of time for defrosting (and cooking)! If your turkey is frozen, it needs to be defrosted in a refrigerator. Allow one day of defrosting for every four pounds ofturkey. See our tips on how to cook a turkey (and cooking times).
Of course, any fresh greens or salads will wilt so make on the day itself. You can chop up the vegetables, but do not dress the salad until right before themeal.
Some folks will make the mashed potatoes in advance and store in aplastic container. We’re not fans. You don’t want mashed potatoes to get “gluey.” In fact, we would not whip up those mashed potatoes until right before youserve.
If you’re making bread rolls, we’d also leave for the day of the feast (especially cornbread!).There’s just nothing like warm, freshly baked bread. Set your timer so you don’t forget the rolls! Try our wonderful Fall Harvest Squash Rolls.
Thanks ForReading!
Ready to consider the full Thanksgiving menu, including the turkey? Check out our classicThanksgiving Feast Recipes.
Many Thanksgiving staples can be made entirely ahead of time and reheated before mealtime – think Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, and Apple Pie. Others can get most of the way there with minimal cooking the day of.
If any night is the most critical, it's the night before, when many Americans will bake pies and prepare reheatable dishes, like casseroles and soups, so that Thursday morning doesn't dissolve into chaos.
If you don't plan on stuffing the bird, but preparing the dressing as a side dish, you can prepare uncooked stuffing ahead of time as long as you freeze the stuffing immediately after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. USDA recommends that you never refrigerate uncooked stuffing.
Most desserts on traditional Thanksgiving tables don't require refrigeration. Apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, fruit crumbles, betties, and cobblers can all travel for hours at room temperature and be ready to serve when you arrive.
No matter where you fall, getting a head start on what can be prepared before the big day is essential. One question that always crops up: Can you make stuffing ahead of time? The short answer to whether you can making stuffing ahead of time is yes.
If you're tackling any or all of the Thanksgiving cooking this year, here's a big sanity-saving secret: Most of your Thanksgiving menu can be prepared way before Thanksgiving. In fact, you'll cut a lot of stress out of turkey day if you prep a few side dishes now.
How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.
Mashed potatoes are far and away the best way to consume potatoes on Thanksgiving. And for many members of our team, they're the best Thanksgiving side period. Mashed potatoes are fluffy, creamy, and serve as the ideal vessel to store your ample gravy reserve.
The Turkey-Tryptophan Connection—Is There Really One? Turkey meat contains tryptophan, an amino acid that the body needs to make Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and serotonin, a hormone that helps you relax and—yes, makes you sleepy.
Some dishes, like a green bean or broccoli cheddar casserole, benefit from a day or two in the fridge. As they marinate, they become more flavorful. Classics like sweet potato casserole can be assembled a few days in advance and kept in the fridge as well.
It's easy: Simply cook it a day or two in advance, let it cool completely, then carve the bird into large pieces—breasts, wings, thighs and drumsticks. Store in a container in the refrigerator until the big day. This method actually result in juicier meat—and an infinitely more relaxed host.
A great make-ahead recipe: You can make this Thanksgiving side dish up to a day in advance, and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it. The leftovers are good for up to 4 days so you can enjoy leftover cornbread dressing with your turkey leftovers the next day.
Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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