7 Thanksgiving Dishes You Should Always Make Ahead (and 5 You Should Never)

  • Stuffing. “We always make my mom’s sweet potato stuffing ahead of time.
  • Casseroles.
  • Mise en place.
  • Gravy.
  • Most desserts.
  • Turkey and chicken stock.
  • Brussels Sprouts.
  • Rolls.

What can you prepare 3 days before Thanksgiving?

Shop for perishable ingredients like vegetables and any fresh herbs. To store, wrap herbs in a damp paper towel and keep in the refrigerator until ready to use. Be prepared for leftovers. Make sure you have enough storage containers or plastic resealable bags to send everyone home with something tasty.

What can I cook 2 days before Thanksgiving?

Two Days Until Thanksgiving: Start Preparing Side Dishes, Gravy, and Stuffing

  • If you didn’t make and freeze the All-Purpose Gravy, remove the turkey giblets and neck and make gravy now.
  • If you’re making homemade stuffing, set the bread out to stale.
  • Make any creamy dips.
  • If you didn’t freeze your pie dough, make it now.

How far in advance can I make Thanksgiving sides?

Whether your family demands green bean casserole or scalloped potatoes alongside their turkey, these dishes can be prepped and assembled two whole days before the big event. Make sure to cover and refrigerate them, then stick the dish in the hot oven once you’ve taken the turkey out to rest.

What can you make ahead and freeze for Thanksgiving?

Freeze Your Feast: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Thanksgiving

  • Recipes for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving.
  • Make-Ahead Roasted Turkey Breast.
  • Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy.
  • Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole.
  • Make-Ahead Whipped Sweet Potatoes.
  • Make-Ahead Sausage Stuffing.
  • Make-Ahead Cranberry-Fig Chutney.
  • Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls.

Can sweet potatoes be prepared ahead of time?

Cutting sweet potatoes in advance is a great way to meal-prep your way to an easier weeknight dinner. You can absolutely cut sweet potatoes a day or two in advance, but make sure to store them in cold water in the refrigerator. Otherwise, they’ll dry out pretty quickly after they’re cut.

What should I cook for Thanksgiving?

Main Course:

  1. Butter-and-Herb Roast Turkey.
  2. Buttermilk Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage.
  3. Leek and Potato Gratin.
  4. Green Bean Salad with Red Onions.
  5. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Roasted Chestnuts.
  6. Sweet Potatoes with Ancho-Maple Glaze.
  7. Cranberry and Dried-Cherry Sauce.
  8. Pumpkin Cheese Bread.

When should I start preparing for Thanksgiving dinner?

When you should start cooking: Season the turkey the night before and start cooking it Thanksgiving morning. While it’s best to actually cook your turkey on Thanksgiving day, Holzman recommends seasoning your turkey the night before.

When should I start planning for Thanksgiving?

Our number one suggestion? Start early! By starting your meal planning in early November, you can secure the perfect ingredients for holiday appetizers, cocktails, and side dishes. Plus, putting up early Thanksgiving decorations and arranging make-ahead side dishes can cut your Thanksgiving work in half.

What can I freeze for Thanksgiving?

Turkey: YES. Roasted turkey freezes very well, but you should remove the meat from the bones first and freeze each separately.

  • Mashed Potatoes: YES, with some exceptions.
  • Gravy: YES, with some exceptions.
  • Cranberry Sauce: YES.
  • Stuffing: YES.
  • Green Bean Casserole: NO.
  • Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, or Squash Dishes: YES.
  • Rolls: YES.