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    Home » Recipes

    Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes for a Stress Free Holiday

    Published: Nov 7, 2021 · Modified: Nov 4, 2022 · Amy Casey · 2 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.
    a collection of make ahead recipes for Thanksgiving

    I can't believe that the countdown is on for Thanksgiving! Let's enjoy a stress free holiday and make the side dishes ahead of time. I'll be sharing some of my tried and true Thanksgiving side dish recipes along with a few out of the ordinary recipes to keep the feasting interesting. I've also tossed in my crowd pleasing appetizers and desserts and a make ahead breakfast or two too.

    Without further adieu, let's get the Thanksgiving menu planning started!

    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.

    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

    crunchy slaw with apples and fennel

    Apple and Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate

    4 apple and bacon stuffed sweet potatoes

    Roasted Fall Squash with Cinnamon and Nutmeg

    squash with cinnamon and roasted

    Easy and Delicious Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes

    pan of cheddar stuffed potatoes ready to be baked

    Easy 20 Minute Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

    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

    Zucchini Pie with Fresh Herbs

    a savory pie made with zucchini

    Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce

    bowl of chunky 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

    mini mac and cheese bites on a platter

    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

    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

    fall dessert with raisins and pecans

    Old Fashioned Stovetop Rice Pudding

    2 bowls of rice pudding with dried cranberries

    Apple Crumb Bars

    apple crumb bars topped with vanilla ice 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

    eggs cooked in ham in muffin tins

    Easy Drop Blueberry Scones

    drop blueberry scones on a baking sheet

    Easy Sausage, Spinach and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

    breakfast egg casserole with spinach, sausage and cheese

    Breakfast Sandwich with Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese

    breakfast sandwich cut in half

    I wish you all the happiest of Thanksgivings. I hope it is filled with good food, loving family and best friends.

    just one more thing

    If you prepare any of my make ahead Thanksgiving side dishes, appetizers, desserts or breakfast recipes, I’d love hearing from you all. Be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating ~ I do my best to reply to all your comments. And snap a photo to post to Instagram. I’ll add the photos to my Insta stories as I love seeing all your creations.

    Check out my Facebook and Pinterest pages for lots of fabulous foodie stories and videos, cooking tips, and recipes.

    a collection of make ahead recipes for Thanksgiving

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    1. Angela Vargas

      November 13, 2022 at 8:38 pm

      Yummy

      Reply
      • Amy Casey

        December 08, 2022 at 7:40 pm

        Thank you Angela!

        Reply

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    Welcome to amycaseycooks! I’m Amy and my lifelong love of food lead me to my personal chef business as well as sharing my tried and true easy recipes with you. More about my culinary journey.

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