Cooking a Thanksgiving feast is stressful, but it doesn't have to be! We asked a professional chef how to prep your meal in advance so you can spend less time cooking on the big day.
As a professional chef, I know all about prepping food. Cooks spend the hours before dinner service chopping, slicing and dicing. We even cook things like soups, sauces and side dishes in advance, reheating them to order so the meal makes its way to your table as quickly as possible. Proper preparation is the best way to keep yourself out of the weeds on the line, but that prep-in-advance principle isn’t reserved for restaurant food. You can prepare almost every single dish for your Thanksgiving feast ahead of time. We’ll show you how.
(Don’t forget to double-check your shopping list, too—these are the things people forget on Thanksgiving.)
Turkey
If cooking and carving the turkey is the most stressful part of your Thanksgiving dinner, do it a day ahead! Roast the turkey using your favorite method (we’re grilling ours this year) and carve it on Wednesday. Cover it snugly with aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator, spooning some chicken broth or turkey drippings over the sliced meat to ensure it stays nice and moist. On Thanksgiving, remove the turkey from the fridge and reheat it in a 300° F oven for 45 minutes. You’ll still fill the kitchen with amazing roasted turkey aromas, fooling your guests into thinking you spent all day cooking.
Get our best turkey recipes here.
You can still prep the turkey in advance if you don’t want to miss out on carving it in front of your guests. Simply brine the turkey two to three days before Thanksgiving Day. The night before the big event, remove it from the brine and place it in a roasting pan—adding chopped onions, carrots and celery to the pan, if you like. The bird can sit uncovered in the refrigerator overnight, or you can cover it loosely with plastic wrap for 24 to 48 hours. Let the turkey come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Gravy
Think you have to make gravy on Thanksgiving Day? Think again! Make a gravy using chicken stock a day or two before Thanksgiving and store it in the refrigerator. After you’ve roasted the turkey, add a cup or so of white wine or chicken stock to the roasting pan and simmer it to release all those tasty turkey drippings. Then, add your prepared gravy to the pan, simmering the mixture until your gravy is thickened and warmed through. Check out more time-tested tips for cooking gravy.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are often the last thing I make on Thanksgiving Day because they taste lighter and fluffier if they’re mashed at the last minute. That said, you can absolutely do a few things to make it easier to get there. Peel and quarter your spuds a day or two before Thanksgiving and store them in water in the refrigerator. A few hours before dinner, boil them in salted water until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. Then, just let them hang out in that hot water until you’re ready to mash them.
Alternatively, you can mash the potatoes ahead of time and hold them warm in a slow cooker for up to four hours. Just make sure to stir the potatoes once an hour to keep them from burning to the bottom of the pan. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle in some extra melted butter or hot cream and whip them with a silicone spatula to return them to their fluffy glory.
Stuffing or Dressing
Stuffing is one of those dishes that always tastes better the day after Thanksgiving, so why not prep it a day early? Prepare your favorite stuffing recipe but only add half the liquid. Once the ingredients are in the baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, add the remaining liquid and bake it like normal.
Cranberry Sauce
Did you know that homemade cranberry sauce is good in the refrigerator for 10 to 14 days? That sounds like an excellent reason to get it out of the way well before the big feast. Make your cranberry sauce using fresh or frozen cranberries, let it cool slightly and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat.
Green Bean Casserole or Sweet Potato Casserole
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a few casserole sides.(These are hands-downthe best side dish casserole recipes.) Unfortunately, these dishes usually compete with the turkey for oven space, so it’s a good idea to get them prepped early. You can bake these dishes the day before, preparing any crispy toppings but setting them aside in a separate container. When you’re ready to eat, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let the dish come to room temperature to prevent it from cracking. Add the prepared toppings and cook until it’s warmed through.
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding really tastes best the day it’s baked, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare it in advance. In fact, an overnight rest in the refrigerator gives the flavors time to come together. Combine the ingredients and place them in the baking dish. Instead of popping it into the oven, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the casserole dish come up to room temperature before baking it on Thanksgiving Day. Once it’s baked, you can cover it with aluminum foil and keep it warm on the counter until you’re ready to serve.
Salads
If there’s one thing on the dinner table that shouldn’t be made ahead of time, it’s the salad. Greens wilt super fast when dressed with acidic dressing, so you’ll want to toss them just before serving. That said, you can absolutely prep the salad bowl ahead of time by chopping your vegetables and making the dressing. If it sounds like too much work, try making a salad that can be dressed ahead of time, like coleslaw or pasta salad. Give these great pasta salad recipes a try.
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls freeze exceptionally well, so there’s no reason you can’t make them as early as a week ahead of Thanksgiving. You can either freeze already baked rolls and warm them through in the oven or freeze the portioned-out dough and bake the rolls fresh. Try our Freeze-and-Bake Rolls recipe if you’re new to making homemade bread.
Pumpkin Pie or Pecan Pie
You have a few options when it comes to dessert. You can make an easy, no-bake pie well in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Or, if you want to go for the traditional pumpkin or pecan pie options, you can pre-bake your pie weeks in advance and pop them into the freezer. Thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before letting it come to room temperature on the counter. You can either serve them at room temp or heat them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Cook up a delicious feast this holiday season with our best Thanksgiving recipes.
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Make-Ahead Turkey GravyGravy is essential for any Thanksgiving meal. You can never have enough of this make-ahead turkey gravy on hand for a holiday dinner. It's easy to whip up in no time. Just make sure you don't eat it all before serving.
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Honey-Glazed TurkeyThe sweet and spicy turkey glaze gives the bird a wonderful flavor. It's the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving meal.
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Duo Tater BakeThis is a creamy and comforting Thanksgiving recipe that is sure to become a classic. It's great for kids, too!
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Chocolate-Caramel Pumpkin TorteIf you're tired of the same old Thanksgiving desserts, try this one out. It's not only stunning to look at, but each bite is full of chocolate, caramel and pumpkin pie goodness.
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Cranberry Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Cranberry Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter SauceThese pillowy dumplings are a fun and exciting way to make Thanksgiving taste brand new. It's a touch sweet thanks to the cranberry ricotta and brown butter sauce.
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Chocolate Pecan PiecakenWhy fight over whether cake or pie is better when you can combine the two? This Thanksgiving Piecaken is a real stunner!
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Cranberry Ambrosia SaladThis creamy and refreshing salad is a delightful dessert to have if you're tired of all things pie. It's also a great palette cleanser after eating a heavy meal. Having a small Thanksgiving this year? Find scaled-down versions of your holiday favorites in these Thanksgiving recipes for two.
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Slow Cooker Mushroom Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Slow Cooker Mushroom PotatoesThis savory Thanksgiving recipe jazzes up potatoes with mushrooms, onions, canned soup and cheese. This dish tastes amazing with turkey and ham.
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Pecan Pie CookiesThese sweet cookies are the perfect bite-sized treats everyone will love. Plus, they're easy to send home with family and friends (if there are any left!).
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Classic Stuffed Turkey Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Classic Stuffed TurkeyThis Thanksgiving recipe might be our most moist and tender turkey ever!
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Cranberry Sauce with Maple SyrupIt's not a proper Thanksgiving without a great cranberry sauce! This version with maple syrup is simple, quick to make and sure to become a family favorite in your household. It's also delicious as a garnish for turkey.
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Roasted Fall VegetablesRoasted fall vegetables are a wonderful and delicious way to get some more veggies on your plate. Even kids will enjoy this Thanksgiving recipe!
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Sweet Potato Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Sweet Potato PieThis creamy sweet potato pie is subtly spiced and slices beautifully! We suggest baking up a few sweet potato pies around the holidays to give to friends and family. — North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission
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Cranberry Apple StuffingThis stuffing isn't your ordinary Thanksgiving stuffing. The cranberries and apples add texture and fall flavors.
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Oh-So-Good Creamy Mashed PotatoesWhen it comes to mashed potato recipes, you can't ever go wrong with a simple recipe like this. We promise you, it tastes anything but boring.
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Tastes Like Thanksgiving CasseroleThis hearty and filling casserole is Thanksgiving in a bowl! This dish is full of turkey, potatoes and plenty of herbs. Dig in!
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Spiced Cranberry SauceThis spiced cranberry sauce will fill your home with sweet and spicy fragrances. It's just the thing your turkey and stuffing need.
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Holiday Creamed SpinachThis rich, delicious creamed spinach is going to be inhaled by kids, too. It pairs well with classic Thanksgiving recipes.
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Golden Butternut Squash TartThis savory and flavorful butternut squash tart is perfect for the holiday season. It'll warm you right up on chilly November nights.
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Pumpkin Spice CakeYou can't go wrong with a pumpkin spice cake for dessert. Everyone will love every sweet bite they can have before calling it a night!
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Pumpkin FudgeCombining the creamy richness of traditional fudge with the warm essence of pumpkin, this treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and seasonal spice.
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Butter Pecan CheesecakeThis pecan cheesecake is sure to be a hit at this year's Thanksgiving dinner. It's creamy, rich and hard to resist.
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Crumb-Topped Apple PieThis apple pie with crumb topping is gorgeous and delicious. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added layer of sweetness.
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Praline-Topped Apple Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Praline-Topped Apple BreadApples, toasted pecans and a praline glaze make this bread a fall favorite. Pair it with coffee or even ice-cream for a real treat!
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Autumn Pork RoastThis Thanksgiving recipe captures the fabulous flavor of fall perfectly. It's a soothing roast that will have you warmed up in no time.
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Pumpkin Apple PieApple and pumpkin flavors come together to make a sweet and delectable pie. It has all the flavors of autumn in one single bite.
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Cauliflower GratinCauliflower gratin is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with turkey, ham or pork. It's so creamy and delicious that even the pickiest eaters in your family will ask for seconds (or thirds).
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Pots de CremeThis chocolatey and rich custard is the perfect way to end a wonderful holiday with your loved ones. It's not overly sweet and is light enough to have after your meal.
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Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Homemade Pumpkin Ice CreamIf you're an avid pumpkin lover, you really need to try this spiced pumpkin ice cream recipe. But be prepared to make more!
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Turkey with Sausage-Cornbread StuffingYour turkey will taste even better alongside this sausage cornbread stuffing. Even skeptics of stuffing will want to devour this Thanksgiving recipe.
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Sweet Potato CasseroleThis dish artfully combines tender sweet potatoes with a buttery brown sugar pecan topping, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
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Party Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Party PotatoesThese creamy, tasty potatoes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to pop them in the oven for the big day. The garlic powder and chives add nice flavor to the dish and the shredded cheese adds mouthwatering color.
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Elegant Green BeansMushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. It's a perfect mix of creamy and comforting.
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Triple Cranberry SauceWith the needed addition of orange and all spice, cranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again.
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Angel BiscuitsThese light biscuits are the perfect side dish to have at your Thanksgiving table. They are soft and taste wonderful with a spoonful of gravy on top.
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Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed PotatoesWhen it comes to Thanksgiving, prepping is everything. This mashed potato recipe is easy, creamy and comforting. If you want to ease the holiday rush, then check out our collection of make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes.
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No-Bake Chocolate-Pecan TartletsThis Thanksgiving recipe is so easy to make because it's no bake! Hooray, finally a recipe where you don't have to use your oven.
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Billie’s Southern Sweet Potato CakeTired of pie? Try out this Thanksgiving recipe! It's sweet as pie, but the cake gives you a fluffier and creamier texture from the icing.
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Caramel-Pecan Apple PieIf you want to make something a little different this Thanksgiving, why not try this decadent caramel-pecan apple pie? It's even better with some ice cream or whipped cream on top.
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Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese SpreadThis easy Thanksgiving recipe is equal parts savory and sweet. Plus, you can't go wrong with a cheesy spread. You can dip bread, cornbread or rolls into this dip.
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Spiced Toffee Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Spiced Toffee CookiesThese cookies are thin and chewy with a crispy exterior. The toffee bits make it even more fun to eat. Expect these treats to be gone before you can say, "Happy Thanksgiving!"
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Butternut Squash Oven Risotto Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Butternut Squash Oven RisottoSquash and beer make this risotto unique. If you're looking for an ultra-comforting side, this is the one to make.
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Cranberry Cornmeal DressingThis moist dressing is perfect when paired with poultry or even pork. You won't regret trying this recipe out for Thanksgiving this year.
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Roasted green beans are not only scrumptious, but they will look beautiful on your Thanksgiving table. This version of green beans with lemon and walnuts will be a crowd pleaser.
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Maple-Sage Brined TurkeyMaple-sage brine helps to brown your turkey while also making the meat incredibly juicy. This is a lovely Thanksgiving dish that screams "fall".
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Mini Apple Pies Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Mini Apple PiesIf you don't want to make a whole pie, why not make sweet mini apple pies? They'll surely be a hit with your guests.
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Orange-Glazed Pork LoinThis bright and flavorful Thanksgiving recipe is perfect for meat lovers. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness too.
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Cinnamon Apple CheesecakeA gorgeous topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade crust make this Thanksgiving recipe a definite showstopper. We love this because it's not too sweet or overpowering.
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Taste-of-Fall SaladFor Thanksgiving, it's nice to get some greens in and take a break from rich entrees. This salad is perfect for Thanksgiving, thanks to the nutty pecans and sweet pear slices.
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Maple-Glazed Acorn SquashWith a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, this Thanksgiving recipe becomes pleasantly sweet. This pairs well with savory ham, turkey or chicken.
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For a vegetarian main dish, you've got to try this butternut and portobello lasagna. It's unexpected, yet totally delicious.
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Pumpkin Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pumpkin BarsIndulge in these soft, sweet pumpkin bars with a cup of hot coffee after your stomach has settled from the big feast.
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Potluck German Apple CakeThis dessert unites the richness of a moist, spiced apple cake with the sweetness of a cream cheese frosting, making it a potluck favorite.
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Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Never-Fail Scalloped PotatoesNever fail is right! This savory Thanksgiving recipe is easy to make on the first try.
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Pumpkin Ice Cream RollThis wonderfully light Thanksgiving recipe will surely be a staple for you for many years. The pumpkin and the cold ice cream makes this dessert extra refreshing.
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Honey CornbreadThe addition of honey gives this cornbread a slight sweet taste that pairs well with turkey.
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Cranberry Bundt CakeCranberry sauce gives this bundt cake a beautiful holiday feel. It's great for leftovers, too, when you want something sweet for breakfast or brunch.
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Deep-Dish Apple PieThis deep-dish apple pie is a real winner! The filling is oh-so sweet without being too over the top. It tastes even better with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
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Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Old-Fashioned Macaroni and CheeseThanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without this ooey-gooey classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give this baked macaroni and cheese just the right amount of spice.
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