Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes
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!
1 of 19
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
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.
2 of 19
Sweet Potato Tartlets
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.
3 of 19
The Ultimate Make Ahead Gravy
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.
4 of 19
Cheese Cracker-Topped Squash Casserole
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.
5 of 19
Grandma Erma's Spirited Cranberry Sauce
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.
6 of 19
Benne-Maple Roasted Pecans
Recipe: Benne-Maple Roasted Pecans
Make these a few days ahead, and chill in an airtight container.
7 of 19
Herb-and-Cream Biscuits
Recipe: Herb-and-Cream Biscuits
Herb and Cream biscuits can easily be made ahead of time, frozen and thawed just before your Thanksgiving dinner.
8 of 19
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole
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.
9 of 19
Cranberry-Pecan Chutney
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.
10 of 19
Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic Soup
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.
11 of 19
Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole
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.
12 of 19
Southern Giardiniera
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.
13 of 19
Squash Casserole
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.
14 of 19
Marinated Olives and Almonds
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.
15 of 19
Hot-and-Spicy Cranberry-Pear Chutney
Recipe: Hot-and-Spicy Cranberry-Pear Chutney
Our Hot-and-Spicy Cranberry-Pear Chutney will keep up to one month in the refrigerator.
16 of 19
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cheesecake can be baked and refrigerated for up to two days before serving.
17 of 19
Four-Cheese Macaroni
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.
18 of 19
Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
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.