Your guide to make ahead Thanksgiving recipes for a relaxed holiday – and a free printable Thanksgiving Prep Ahead Timeline.
You don't have to spend Thanksgiving morning juggling casseroles and pie crusts while guests arrive. With a little planning, nearly every dish on your holiday table can be prepped ahead – giving you time to actually enjoy the day with your loved ones.
This collection of make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes includes everything from juicy turkey to creamy mashed potatoes and show-stopping desserts. Each one comes with tips on when and how to prep it, plus a printable timeline so you can plan with confidence.
2 Weeks Before Thanksgiving
Homemade Rolls
These Homemade Rolls freeze beautifully after baking – just thaw and warm them in the oven before serving. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Easy Pie Crust
Make this Easy Pie Crust dough weeks ahead, roll it out into a flat disc, and freeze it until you're ready to assemble.
Graham Cracker Pie Crust
Graham Cracker Pie Crust can be made and frozen for easy prep of cream pies. Also check out our Oreo Pie Crust.
Stuffing (Bread Cubes)
Start your Stuffing prep by drying out the bread cubes 2 weeks early and storing them airtight or frozen.
1 Week Before Thanksgiving
Thaw Turkey
Start thawing your Turkey in the fridge – give it 24 hours per 4–5 lbs.
Cranberry Relish
Cranberry Relish can be made and refrigerated up to a week ahead for maximum flavor.
Cheese Ball (save nuts for right before serving)
Prepare this Cheese Ball up to a week ahead and refrigerate – just roll in nuts before serving.
2 Days Before Thanksgiving
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate make-ahead side – just reheat with a little extra butter or cream. I like to put them in my slow cooker to free up space on the stove.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole is easy to prep ahead – just make the filling and store the topping separately.
1 Day Before Thanksgiving
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole can be fully assembled the night before and baked just before serving.
Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad
This Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad combines fresh fruit with a light, creamy dressing and is perfect to make the night before.
Cranberry Fluff Salad
Cranberry Fluff Salad is a nostalgic favorite that’s perfect for prepping a day ahead – just fold everything together and chill until serving.
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad holds up well in the fridge and can be made the night before for a crisp, tangy side.
Deviled Eggs
Make Deviled Eggs the day before and keep them chilled in a covered container until you're ready to plate and serve.
Thanksgiving Day
- Roast Turkey – and let rest before carving
- Bake Pre-Assembled Stuffing
- Top and Bake Sweet Potato Casserole
- Reheat Mashed Potatoes in a slow cooker with a splash of cream
- Warm Rolls
- Cheese Ball – roll in nuts about 1 hour before serving
How to Carve a Turkey
Make Ahead Pies (1-2 days in advance)
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pecan Pie
- Apple Pie
- Banana Cream Pie
- Blueberry Pie
- Chocolate Cream Pie
- Peanut Butter Pie
- Key Lime Pie
- Cherry Pie
- Triple Berry Pie
- Check out all of our Pie Recipes
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