Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes for a Stress Free Holiday

Let's enjoy a stress free holiday with my Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes. With over 20 years as a personal chef, I've mastered prepping and preparing holiday recipes in advance.

A toast with red wine at a Thanksgiving table.

The Thanksgiving menu is traditional. I know my family and friends like to see the classic Thanksgiving day feast on our table. But I do sneak in a few surprises because the best kind of prize is a surprise!

With my make ahead recipes, Thanksgiving can be stress free and spent visiting instead of standing over a hot stove. I've included a variety of recipes so pick and choose the ones you like best.

Jump to:

Make ahead Thanksgiving side dishes
Thanksgiving appetizer recipes
Thanksgiving dessert recipes
Thanksgiving breakfast recipes
One more thing

Make ahead Thanksgiving side dishes

The turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving feasts. We always head outdoors and grill our turkey. If you have the means to cook a turkey on a grill, I highly recommend it. Not only does it have a smoky delicious flavor, but it frees up oven space which can be a premium on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving side dishes make the dinner interesting. And with these make ahead options you will have more time to kick your feet up and enjoy the day.

Apple, Fennel and Radish Slaw with Pecans and Blue Cheese

Spinach and Blueberry Salad

Mashed Potato Stuffed Mushrooms

Apple and Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate

4 apple and bacon stuffed sweet potatoes

Roasted Fall Squash with Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Twice Baked Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes

pan of cheddar stuffed potatoes ready to be baked

Easy 20 Minute Cauliflower Rice Pilaf - Gluten free stuffing option

cauliflower that has been riced and sauteed with spinach and mushrooms

Roasted Carrot and Parsnip Fries

thanksgiving side dish of roasted carrots and parsnips

Garlic Butter Mushrooms with Blue Cheese

baked mushrooms stuffed with blue cheese

Orange Scented Couscous with Cranberries

Zucchini Pie with Fresh Herbs

Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce

Thanksgiving appetizer recipes

A nibble here and a nibble there is always a fun way to nosh. I keep these appetizers on hand for easy to grab snacks for visiting family and friends. They all keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator pull these out and get the party rolling!

Muffin Tin Mac and Cheese Bites - Kids and adults LOVE these!

Easy Antipasto Skewers

skewers with mozzarella, artichoke hearts, olives and salami

Garden Fresh Basil Hummus

bowl of basil hummus with cut up vegetables

Homemade Pimento Cheese

bowl of pimento cheese with carrot and celery sticks and wheat crackers

Deviled Eggs with Dill Pickles

Pumpkin Spice Pretzels

pumpkin spiced pretzels with white chocolate drizzle.

Thanksgiving dessert recipes

Just a little something sweet to put the finishing touch on your Thanksgiving dinner. I do love pumpkin pie and always use Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie recipe. It's a classic and never disappoints. And you can always pick up a BIG pumpkin pie at Costco. They are delish! Here are some more favorite desserts to add to your sweets table.

Delicious Mini Pumpkin Streusel Mini Bread

a loaf of pumpkin bread with streusel on top

Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Old Fashioned Stovetop Rice Pudding

2 bowls of rice pudding with dried cranberries

Apple Crumble Bars

apple crumb bars topped with vanilla ice cream

Copycat Bakers Square French Silk Pie

French silk pie with slice with shipped cream.

Thanksgiving breakfast recipes

Do you have some overnight guests for your Thanksgiving celebration? Our house is full to the brim each year so I like to have a few breakfast options on hand. What better way to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade then with a mimosa and a few sweet and savory breakfast treats.

Super Easy Ham and Egg Cups