Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • Home & Garden
  • Style & Culture
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • These Haircuts Are Going To Be Huge in 2021

      The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. Read More Next
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More Next
    • The Right Way to Heat a Pre-Cooked Ham

      It's so easy, trust us. Read More Next
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food

    Lost Cakes of the South

    These simple and spectacular Southern cakes deserve a comeback
    • All Food
    • All Recipes
    • Holidays & Occasions
    • Quick Fix Suppers
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Casseroles
    • Healthy Recipes
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining

    70 Wedding Vow Examples That Will Melt Your Heart

    Fight writer's block and find ways to express your love with these romantic, funny, and short wedding vow examples.
    • Christmas
    • Entertaining
    • Thanksgiving
    • Southern Weddings
    • Easter
    • Kentucky Derby
    • Valentine's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Mother's Day
  • Home & Garden

    Home & Garden

    See All Home & Garden

    7 Paint Colors We’re Loving for Kitchen Cabinets in 2020

    ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Before & After
    • Inspired Communities
    • Curb Appeal
    • House Plans & Builders
    • The Grumpy Gardener
    • Plant Names A-Z
  • Style & Culture

    Style & Culture

    See All Style & Culture

    50 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime

    Curl up with a classic!
    • Southern Culture
    • Hair
    • Travel
    • Beauty
    • Pets
    • Southern Fashion
    • Healthy Living
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. food
  3. Holiday and Occasion Food
  4. 50+ Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes For The Perfectly Prepared Host

50+ Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes For The Perfectly Prepared Host

By Southern Living Editors
Updated October 08, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Save FB Tweet
Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Oh, the Thanksgiving paradox: a house filled with loved ones who have traveled from near and far to see you, yet your quality time is spent with the stove. You try to seem a calm, cheery hostess, but in truth, you're frazzled. Your mind races with forgotten ingredients, you overmix the mashed potatoes, and the gravy burns. We're here to break the cycle. This year, we've designed every dish on our menu to be made ahead so all you have to do on the big day is reheat and assemble. We have all the classic dishes like Old School Green Bean Casserole and Candied Sweet Potatoes on deck for easy to prepare beforehand dishes. Don’t worry: We didn’t forget about the grand finale—a gorgeous dessert—we’ve got an all-star lineup of seasonal treats. Revel in good company and delicious dishes this holiday season. A festive, fuss-free Thanksgiving? Now that's something to be thankful for.

Start Slideshow

1 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Leeks

Credit: Linda Puglies; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Homemade Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Leeks

Fried leeks give this classic green bean casserole the most elegant topping. Make the casserole the day before Thanksgiving then fry the leeks the day of.

1 of 57

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Classic Cornbread Dressing

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Classic Cornbread Dressing

For all the go-getters and holiday planners, this heavenly cornbread dressing can be prepared a month ahead of time and stored in the freezer until the holidays.

2 of 57

3 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole

Credit: Photo: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole

This elegant hasselback technique has completely transformed the traditional sweet potato casserole. Make this dish the day before turkey day.

3 of 57

Advertisement

4 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Toasted pecans, cheese, and breadcrumbs gives this Sweet Potato Casserole some extra savory nodes.

4 of 57

5 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Savory Corn Pudding

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Savory Corn Pudding

This fluffy and creamy corn pudding has won over our hearts and will win over yours too! This dish can chill up to two days then be reheated for the big feast.

5 of 57

6 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Gingerbread Cheesecake with Lemon-Ginger Glaze

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Gingerbread Cheesecake with Lemon-Ginger Glaze

Impress your guests by serving this showstopping dessert. Create this cake two days in advance to allow enough time for its required chill time.

6 of 57

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: Kellie Gerber Kelley

Recipe: Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls

Form these decadent treats the week of Thanksgiving and store them in your fridge until they’re ready to be served.

7 of 57

8 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Corn Pudding Casserole

Credit: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

We cut some corners with this cheesy corn pudding by substituting frozen corn for fresh corn. Prepare this crowd-pleaser a day ahead of time.

8 of 57

9 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Classic Cranberry Salad

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Classic Cranberry Salad

This fruity dish requires a 24-hour chill time, so you have an excuse to go ahead and get started.

9 of 57

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Classic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Classic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

These buttermilk potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and reheat oh-so beautifully. We like to add a sliver of butter on top as the finishing touch.

10 of 57

11 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Buttermilk-Pecan Pralines

These sugary, rich treats are so heavenly and can be stored in an airtight tin for up to a week.

11 of 57

12 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Old-School Green Bean Casserole

You can mix up this classic casserole dish up to 3 days in advance—just slide it in the oven and add toppings the day of.

12 of 57

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Credit: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole

This delicate and rich casserole is so creamy that you wouldn’t believe us if we told you we prepared this ahead of time.

13 of 57

14 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese

It's true what they say, macaroni and cheese tastes even better the next day. Store this best-ever dish in the refrigerator the day before the feast then let it sit out for 30 minutes before sliding it in the oven.

14 of 57

15 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Apple Stack Cake

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasi; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Apple Stack Cake

This award-worthy apple delight requires two to three days of chill time to solidify.

15 of 57

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Salted Butter-Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Salted Butter-Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Create this cookie dough in advance. You can stick it in the fridge for up to two days before baking.

16 of 57

17 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Fruitcake Bark

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Fruitcake Bark

Holiday bark is the perfect make-ahead treat to set out on the dessert table.

17 of 57

18 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Classic Candied Yams

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Classic Candied Yams

You can assemble this holiday classic three days in advance.

18 of 57

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Roasted Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Roasted Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Make your way through the first half of this recipe a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. Once you're ready to complete, just bring it to room temperature and keep on cooking.

19 of 57

20 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

Credit: Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

Let this tangy and sweet cheesecake chill overnight then add the final brûlée touch when dessert time comes around.

20 of 57

21 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Cherry-Spice Cake Trifle

Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

Recipe: Cherry-Spice Cake Trifle

Take out the Holiday Spice Cake layers to thaw then use it to create this one-of-a-kind holiday trifle.

21 of 57

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Pumpkin-Espresso Tiramisù

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Pumpkin-Espresso Tiramisù

Forget the pies this Thanksgiving, make-ahead Tiramisu is the smarter way to go.

22 of 57

23 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Wake up on Thanksgiving morning and put this sweet potato mixture into your slow cooker. It'll be ready to serve by dinnertime.

23 of 57

24 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Turkey Cheese Ball

Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Turkey Cheese Ball

Bring back your retro cheese ball recipe with a cheeky Thanksgiving spin. You can prep this cute turkey the night before and pop it out of the fridge before your family arrives.

24 of 57

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

It’s all in the name here—this classic turkey gravy recipe can be made up to three days in advance. Don’t forget to serve it from a gorgeous gravy boat!

25 of 57

26 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Herby-Pecan Cornbread Dressing

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Herby-Pecan Cornbread Dressing

This earthy version of classic cornbread dressing included toasted pecans for a bit of fall brunch. You can prepare the cornbread up to three days in advance, and store it, covered at room temperature. 

26 of 57

27 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Caramel-Pecan-Pumpkin Bread Puddings

Credit: Jim Franco

Recipe: Caramel-Pecan-Pumpkin Bread Puddings

Swap out your usual parade of pies for a seasonal bread pudding recipe. This decadent dessert can be made in a 13x9 dish or individual ramekins and can be prepped up to a day in advance.

27 of 57

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole

Add this greens casserole to your repertoire of Thanksgiving side dishes this year. We chose kale, but you can use whatever greens are your favorite. To make this new addition ahead of time, cover and chill up to three days before baking.

28 of 57

29 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Cheddar Cheese Straws

Credit: Photo: Lee Harrelson

Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Straws

It wouldn’t be a holiday in the South without a snack bowl full of homemade cheese straws. This old-school recipe can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week before Thanksgiving.

29 of 57

30 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Overnight Yeast Rolls

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Overnight Yeast Rolls

Trust us when we say these rolls are just as easy as buying the frozen ones. With just about 20 minutes of hands-on time and seven ingredients, you should definitely give homemade rolls a shot this Thanksgiving. Prepare the dough a day ahead of Thanksgiving and let it chill overnight.

30 of 57

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 57

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Roasted Herb Turkey and Gravy

Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Roasted Herb Turkey and Gravy