Southern Living
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holidays and occasions
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

Hector Sanchez

Stress less this Thanksgiving with our best make-ahead recipes and tips.

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The Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy

Recipe: Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy

Hosting a holiday dinner party? Simplify preparations on the day-of with our easy recipe for delicious gravy. We all know that Thanksgiving in the South is a chaotic whirlwind. Catching up with family members, preparing the food, and hosting a large amount of people can be somewhat overwhelming. Why not make it a little easier on yourself and prepare the gravy in advance of the big day?

Packed with garlic powder, melted butter, and freshly ground black pepper, this dish is sure to send your taste buds soaring. It’s so easy to make! Begin by melting the butter in a Dutch over medium heat, and slowly whisk in the flour. Cook the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring constantly. Next, gradually add in 4 cups of the chicken stock, and increase the heat to high. After the mixture reaches a boil, stir in the sage, kosher salt, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Lastly, let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes or until it has reached your desired thickness. Cover and chill the gravy for up to 3 days, and serve it up when the time is right!

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Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

This casserole can be prepared and frozen up to two weeks before serving, just wait to add the breadcrumbs until reheating.

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Sweet Potato Tartlets

PHoto: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Sweet Potato Tartlets

These festive tarts are the perfect sweet treat for grazing guests. You can make them up to a day ahead, and store, covered, in the fridge.

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The Ultimate Make Ahead Gravy

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: The Ultimate Make Ahead Gravy

Once you cook The Ultimate Make Ahead Gravy, you can cool, cover and chill for up to 3 days.

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Cheese Cracker-Topped Squash Casserole

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cheese Cracker-Topped Squash Casserole

This kid friendly casserole can be made and frozen ahead of time, but just make sure to save the crackers until just before serving.

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Grandma Erma's Spirited Cranberry Sauce

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Grandma Erma's Spirited Cranberry Sauce

This recipe can be kept on hand for up to 3 weeks. It is perfect to prepare ahead of time and can also be enjoyed with leftovers.

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Benne-Maple Roasted Pecans

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Benne-Maple Roasted Pecans

Make these a few days ahead, and chill in an airtight container.

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Herb-and-Cream Biscuits

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Herb-and-Cream Biscuits

Herb and Cream biscuits can easily be made ahead of time, frozen and thawed just before your Thanksgiving dinner.

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Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole can be made ahead of time and frozen, just leave off the topings until you are ready to reheat and serve.

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Cranberry-Pecan Chutney

Photo: Jody Horton

Recipe: Cranberry-Pecan Chutney

This make-ahead Cranberry-Pecan Chutney is a great appetizer for your guests while they wait for Thanksgiving dinner to be served. Just wait to add the pecans until serving.

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Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic Soup

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower-and-Garlic Soup

This soup can be prepared two days ahead of time and will serve as a great starter for your Thanksgiving menu.

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Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole

This casserole can be cooked and frozen up to two weeks before serving, but you can also prepare and chill up to three days before baking.

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Southern Giardiniera

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Southern Giardiniera

These bread-and-butter style pickled veggies can be prepared and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They serve as a great starter or side for any Thanksgiving meal.

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Squash Casserole

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Squash Casserole

If you want to make and freeze this squash casserole ahead of time, simply leave off the toppings and add them before reheating.

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Marinated Olives and Almonds

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Marinated Olives and Almonds

A big batch of these antipasti will last in the refrigerator up to a week. It's the perfect snack to keep on hand to serve unexpected holiday company.

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Hot-and-Spicy Cranberry-Pear Chutney

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Hot-and-Spicy Cranberry-Pear Chutney

Our Hot-and-Spicy Cranberry-Pear Chutney will keep up to one month in the refrigerator.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake

Cheesecake can be baked and refrigerated for up to two days before serving.

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Four-Cheese Macaroni

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Four-Cheese Macaroni

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, simply bake and freeze for up to two weeks. Make sure to add the toppings just before reheating.

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Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

To make this recipe ahead of time, cover and chill cooked potatoes up to 1 day. To reheat, let stand at room temperature 1 hour and then bake, covered with foil, at 350° for 20 minutes.

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