The most important feast of the year just got easier with my menu for a Complete Make Ahead Thanksgiving. Make the turkey ahead, make it all ahead, make your life easier with these great recipes!
Don’t let this holiday stress you out; knock out the main course and all the trimmings well ahead of Thursday. You won’t need a dozen ovens to do it, either! By the time the big day arrives, you actually have time to be thankful.
Table of Contents
Make Ahead Roasted Turkey
If you’re pressed for time (or oven space), Make Ahead Roasted Turkey is just what you need. With this technique, cooking turkey the day before, the week before, or even the month before, still tastes delicious and freshly carved.
Get the recipe: Make Ahead Roasted Turkey
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Reduce your Thanksgiving Day stress with Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes. These creamy, fluffy potatoes can be mashed a few days in advance and reheated in the oven or a slow cooker.
Get the recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Make Ahead Stuffing
This is my favorite (and wildly popular) bread stuffing recipe updated with make-ahead instructions. It’s a great way to get a jump-start on the holiday!
Get the recipe: Make Ahead Stuffing
Make Ahead Pumpkin Pie
This no bake, Make Ahead Pumpkin Pie can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and frozen. You’ll love the maple-cinnamon topping, too!
Get the recipe: Make Ahead Pumpkin Pie
Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce
Any cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time. Refrigerate it for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in the refrigerator).
Choose your recipe:
Homemade Crescent Rolls (freezer friendly!)
Pillowy soft with a sweet, buttery taste, these Homemade Crescent Rolls are perfect for all the holidays. My Thanksgiving table is incomplete without them!
The best part? Bake them a month in advance, cool, and freeze until the big day. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving. Make a double batch if you want to enjoy some right away (you definitely want to!).
Get the recipe: Homemade Crescent Rolls
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
While you could technically mix this up in advance, it’s so quick and easy, there’s really no reason. Just combine everything in a slow cooker a few hours before your guests arrive. Set out cozy cups and a big ladle and let your guests help themselves.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
Set the Table
Whether you’re looking for a casual event or a formal affair, find your preferred way to set the table for Thanksgiving.
Get the guide: How to Set a Table
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how long can cooked stuffing be kept in a warming oven?
Hi Rich, cooked stuffing can be kept in a low-temperature oven for several hours. But keep in mind, food left in a warmer for more than two to four hours loses its freshness and starts to dry out. Hope this helps! – Meggan
Thanksgiving stuffing – can you freeze two weeks in advance? If so is it better to freeze before or after Baking?
Hi Mary! I recommend assembling the stuffing, freezing, then baking. The frozen stuffing will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Enjoy! – Meggan
Thank you for making an effort to educate me on how to set a table for myself/family dinners.
I’m learning a lot about table etiquette and how to prepare meals for my family.
Happy to help Lorraine, thanks! – Meggan