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OMG! Thanks so much for this handy helper! I hate being stressed on Thanksgiving day and the more I can make ahead the better. You gave me a few more ideas to have a calmer & truly thankful family gathering.

Val
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Take the Stress Out of Turkey Day With These Stunning Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving dinner is one of the biggest meals of the year, but let’s be real – there’s only so much time to get everything done!

The first time Chris and I hosted Friendsgiving, I tried to juggle it all. Spoiler alert: it ended in our biggest fight ever, a broken garbage disposal, and me crying on the floor. 😅 Definitely not our finest moment!

That’s why I created PWWB’s Make Ahead Thanksgiving, so you can break down your prep for appetizers, sides, and desserts over several days—or even weeks if you’re feeling extra organized.

A close up shot of make ahead thanksgiving dinner served atop a white dinner plate with a gold fork resting atop. The plate is filled with make ahead sweet potato casserole, make ahead thanksgiving stuffing, make ahead mashed potatoes with make ahead gravy, make ahead green bean casserole, and a few slices of carved turkey. The plate sits atop a light peach colored textured surface. this Recipe for Later!
Make ahead recipes are a time-saving solution for busy hosts, those traveling for the holidays, or anyone looking for the easiest Thanksgiving yet!

These recipes are loaded with all the cozy, festive flavors you love, without the last-minute rush.

(And bonus: a lot of these make ahead side dishes are freezer-friendly, too!)

With a little bit of prep, you’ll have more time to enjoy the day – sleep in, catch up with family and friends, and still serve a stunning Thanksgiving feast. Here’s to your best Thanksgiving yet! 🍷

Must-Have Thanksgiving Equipment

Make Ahead Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is all about the sides! Instead of spending hours prepping multiple side dishes on the big day, spread out the work for a more relaxed, stress-free holiday. Start as early as a week before, then simply uncover and reheat right before dinner.

Make ahead turkey gravy inside of a white ceramic gravy boat is poured out overtop of a plate filled with Thanksgiving dinner plate. The plate sits atop a light peach colored textured surface with a red muted linen napkin and a small clear glass vases filled with Fall florals rest in the background.

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy (With or Without Drippings)

Take the pressure off those last-minute gravy-making moments. This make-ahead gravy, infused with herbs and butter, comes together in just 30 minutes. You can make it with or without turkey drippings for a cozy, homemade touch!

Prep up to 5 days ahead. Freezer-friendly.

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Finished make ahead stuffing fills a large white ceramic baking dish. The thanksgiving stuffing is garnished with fresh herbs and kosher salt. A wooden serving spoon rests across the top of the baking dish and the baking dish is surrounded by two amber colored drinking glasses, a small wooden pinch bowl filled with kosher salt, Fall florals, a red muted linen napkin, and two white plates with a gold fork resting on top.

Classic Make Ahead Stuffing with Fresh Herbs

This classic stuffing is made from scratch with homemade bread cubes and aromatic veggies tossed in fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley. The flavors get even better as it sits! Simply prep and assemble ahead of time, store in the fridge, and bake fresh on Thanksgiving Day.

Prep up to 3 days ahead. Freezer-friendly.

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Make ahead mashed potato is served in a large white scalloped serving bowl atop a light peach colored textured surface. The mashed potatoes have been garnished with pats of butter that have begun to melt and freshly snipped chives. A wooden serving spoons rests across the top of the bowl. The serving bowl is surrounded by two amber colored drinking glasses, a small wooden pinch bowl filled with kosher salt, a muted red linen napkin, red and orange Fall florals, and a stack of two white plates with two gold forks resting on top.

The Fluffiest Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

These classic mashed potatoes come together with just 4 simple ingredients (including creamy Yukon Gold potatoes!) and only 30 minutes of prep. They’re creamy, fluffy, and buttery—exactly how mashed potatoes should be.

Prep up to 2 days in advance. Freezer-friendly.

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A final make ahead sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving sits atop a light peach colored textured surface with streusel and maple pecan topping. A muted red linen napkin, two amber colored drinking glasses, red florals, two white plates with a gold fork resting atop surround the baking dish at center.

Creamy Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel Topping

This melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato casserole strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, topped with crunchy maple pecans and a buttery streusel. Prep the components ahead, then assemble on Thanksgiving Day and bake until the streusel is golden and crispy.

Prep up to 3 days in advance.

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Finished make ahead green bean casserole made from scratch fills a large white ceramic baking dish that sits atop a light peach colored textured surface. A large wooden serving spoon rests atop the baking dish. A muted red linen napkin, red and orange Fall florals, a small wooden pinch bowl filled with kosher salt, two amber colored drinking glasses, and a stack of two white plates with two gold forks resting on top surround the baking dish at center.

Fresh & Crispy Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch!)

Forget the canned mushroom soup! This from-scratch green bean casserole is easy to make and reheats beautifully. Fresh, crisp green beans are mixed into a creamy béchamel sauce, then topped with slivered almonds and crispy fried onions.

Prep up to 2 days in advance.

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A side angle shot of Thanksgiving salad tossed inside of a large gray ceramic bowl with cider cinnamon vinaigrette. A woman's hands hold a large spoon and a fork to toss the salad together. The bowl sits atop a light cream colored textured surface surrounded by a small white bowl filled with maple spiced nuts, another small bowl filled with goat cheese, loose sprigs of fresh herbs, and a natural woven placemat.

Thanksgiving Salad with Cinnamon Cider Vinaigrette

Every holiday table needs a festive salad, and this show-stopping fall salad delivers! It’s made with massaged kale, wild rice, spiced sweet potatoes, and maple candied nuts, all perfectly balanced by a cinnamon cider vinaigrette. You can even dress it ahead of time!

Prep components up to 1 week in advance.

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Make Ahead Appetizers

I love serving flavor-packed Thanksgiving appetizers made with seasonal ingredients! These make ahead snacks are a breeze to store, so when the football game or cocktail hour starts, all you have to do is uncover and serve. They’re low-effort, big on flavor, and give you more time to enjoy with family and friends!

Creamy pumpkin hummus shown on a small speckled ceramic plate, topped with olive oil, pomegranate arils, pepitas, and fresh herbs. The hummus is placed on a white marble backdrop, next to some fresh rosemary and a plate of root veggie chips. A woman's hand is reaching into the plate, taking a scoop of it with a root veggie chip.

10-Minute Cozy & Creamy Pumpkin Hummus

This savory hummus gets an autumnal twist with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon. Topped with bright pomegranate arils for a jewel-toned pop, it’s perfect for the holiday season. Ready in just 10 minutes with your food processor!

Prep up to 1 week in advance. 

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Various sizes of pumpkin-shaped cheese balls are arranged atop a wood serving platter surrounded by stacks of crackers and pita chips. The platter sits atop a gray textured surface with a metal cheese knife resting alongside the platter.

Savory Autumn Pumpkin Cheese Ball

No Thanksgiving spread is complete without festive decor — and edible decorations are the best kind! This pumpkin cheese ball blends cream cheese, cheddar, and warm spices for a savory, crowd-pleasing snack. Make one large pumpkin or a patch of minis — no one will guess how easy they are to make!

Prep up to 3 days in advance.

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Overhead image of a hand dipping a blue corn tortilla chip into a bowl of butternut squash hummus. The hummus is in a white bowl topped with pumpkin seeds, pomegranate arils, and herbs. There are chips and crackers surrounding the bowl of hummus. There are sections of pomegranates in the corners of the image for garnish.

Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus

Roasted butternut squash, garlic, chickpeas, and tahini come together to create a smooth, creamy, veggie-packed hummus, perfect for dipping with pita chips or fresh veggies. A sprinkle of pomegranate arils and toasted pepitas adds a festive finishing touch.

Prep up to 1 week in advance. 

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Make Ahead Desserts

Whether you’re craving classic pumpkin or seasonal apple flavors, these make ahead treats put a fun twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts. And the best part? No one will guess you made them in advance!

Side angle of pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crust. The cheesecake is on a small white ceramic plate, topped with drizzly caramel & freshly whipped cream.

Best-Ever Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

A PWWB favorite, this light and airy pumpkin cheesecake with a zippy gingersnap crust is the ultimate fall dessert. Since it needs time to rest and set in the fridge, it’s the perfect make ahead Thanksgiving treat.
 
Prep up to 5 days in advance.

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A side angle shot of five apple pie bars stacked on top of each other served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over top. The bars and ice cream are stacked atop a creamy white textured surface.

Mom’s Apple Pie Bars with Walnut Crumble

Perfect for feeding a crowd without the fuss! These bars feature layers of flaky homemade crust, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy walnut-oat topping. It’s like apple pie, but easier! Assemble the bars in a sheet pan and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Prep up to 5 days ahead of time.

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An overhead shot of spiced apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream inside of a white bowl with a dainty brown pattern. A gold fork rests inside of the bowl and the bowl sits atop a creamy white textured surface surrounded by two other servings of apple crisp in a brown and white bowls, a gray linen napkin, and a small white ceramic cup of masala chai tea.

Chai Spiced Apple Crisp

This dessert takes classic apple crisp to a cozy new level with warm chai spices. The apples are infused with cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice for a chai twist on a fall favorite. Simply assemble ahead, store in the fridge, and bake until warm and bubbly.
 
Prep up to 1 day in advance.

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Thanksgiving Timeline for Easy Prep

There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to preparing Thanksgiving dinner, and timing is key. It can be hard to keep track of it all! My FREE Printable Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Timeline removes all the stress and guesswork of your holiday meal prep.

A close up shot of make mashed potatoes and make ahead gravy alongside other Thanksgiving dinner dishes served on a white plate. The plate sits atop a light peach textured surface with an amber colored drinking glass and a small wooden pinch bowl filled with kosher salt resting alongside the plate.
Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t need to be stressful! Preparing side dishes ahead of time is the key to a relaxed, enjoyable holiday with family and friends.

Follow along with Plays Well With Butter on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest for more unfussy recipes that pack a big punch of flavor!

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