21 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Sides You Can Prep Early
Best Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays of the year. It's the day we take a moment to reflect on our many blessings and share a meal together with the special people in our lives. Take the stress out of this year's preparation and include one of these 21 spectacular make-ahead Thanksgiving side dishes on your menu.
Related: 101+ Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
It includes all of your favorites, like macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes and deviled eggs, plus mashed potatoes, cranberry chutney and more. Scroll through the gallery for mouthwatering inspiration that you can make in advance, giving you time to enjoy your Thanksgiving Day.
Related: 65 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
From prepping, chopping and defrosting ingredients the night before Thanksgiving, to assembling full sides that can be popped in the oven in the morning, these make-ahead dishes will take the pressure off your Turkey Day morning to-do list.
Best Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes
AltonBrown.com
Everyone's favorite Thanksgiving side, but better, thanks to fresh (not canned green beans! Get the recipe here.
Catherine McCord
Sweet potato casserole gets a single-serve makeover and a zingy pop of citrus in these Sweet Potatoes in Orange Cups. Get the recipe here.
Yummy Healthy Easy
Extra light and fluffy Make-Ahead Potato Crescent Rolls can be refrigerated for up to two days before rolling out and baking. If you’re looking for a new roll recipe to try this Thanksgiving, try this one! Get the recipe here.
Melanie Makes
This Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole is a holiday side dish must! Sweet potatoes take a swim with half and half, vanilla and brown sugar before being mashed together. Then they're topped with marshmallows and pecan streusel before being baked to perfection. Get the recipe here.
Creations by Kara
For a sweet addition to your thanksgiving table, this Creamy Cranberry Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and tart, creamy and crunchy. Get the recipe here.
Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen
Gooey Double Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese can be assembled in advance, then chilled. Bring to room temperature and bake just before serving. Get the recipe here.
Peas & Crayons
This Green Bean and Quinoa Salad with Maple Citrus Dressing is totally crave-worthy and can easily be made in advance for a tasty holiday side dish that’s sure to impress! Get the recipe here.
Foxes Love Lemons
Fruit & Nut Brussels Sprouts Slaw is a perfectly light, green and fresh dish to break up all the heavy food on the plate. Get the recipe here.
Inside BruCrew Life
This Homemade Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect side to any brunch or dinner. Potatoes, cheese and veggies make this easy dish disappear at any meal. Get the recipe here.
Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen
Bacon Dill Deviled Eggs will make the bacon and eggs fans at your Thanksgiving table very happy. Get the recipe here.
Blackberry Babe
Need a super easy, inexpensive side for the holidays? This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole with Green Chiles fits the bill! So simple and creamy.
Farm Fresh Feasts
Make-Ahead Irish Mashed Potato Casserole with cream cheese, roasted garlic and sour cream is a cinch to reheat in the oven or the slow cooker. Great for holiday potlucks! Get the recipe here.
Celebrating Sweets
Moist and tender Pumpkin Cornbread with a slight sweetness and subtle pumpkin flavor. A delicious seasonal twist on cornbread that can also be made gluten-free. Get the recipe here.
Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen
These Baked Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are creamy and flavorful with a hint of garlic that's not overpowering.
Get the recipe here
The View from Great Island
Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Nuts is a symphony of colors and textures, and it would thrill any vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free eaters at your holiday table. Get the recipe here.
Kalyn's Kitchen
This Broccoli Gratin with Swiss and Parmesan is a deliciously healthy low-carb option for a Thanksgiving side dish, and it's also gluten-free. Get the recipe here.
Swanky Recipes
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is classic comfort food at its finest. This dish is made with sour cream, cream cheese, melted cheddar cheese and spices and then topped with bacon, green onions and parsley. Get the recipe here.
Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen
Assemble this Homestyle Squash Casserole in advance and chill. Just before serving, sprinkle with herb seasoned stuffing and bake until golden and bubbly. Get the recipe here
Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen
This Cranberry-Apple Fruit Chutney is sweet and chunky and can be made up to two weeks in advance. If you like toasted nuts in chutney, they can also be added for a little crunch. Get the recipe here.
Home Cooking Memories
Cornbread Sausage Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries—a delicious stuffing for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Sunday dinner. Get the recipe here
Related: 10 of the Most Delicious Mashed Potatoes Recipes Ever
Deliciously Plated
Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Bananas and Honey will have the kids begging for more. Get the recipe here
Up next, 150+ best Thanksgiving dessert recipes.
