Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and for many of us, it’s a time to gather with loved ones and indulge in delicious food. But let’s be real – planning a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming, especially when you’re hosting a crowd. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 18 effortless make-ahead recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic dishes like turkey breast and mashed potatoes to sweet treats like pumpkin cheesecake and pecan pie, these recipes are designed to save you time and energy in the kitchen. And the best part? Each one can be prepared ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying the company of your guests rather than stressing over cooking.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these make-ahead recipes, providing tips and tricks for making them a success. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find something to love in this collection of Thanksgiving recipes.
Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast
Elevate your holiday meal with this flavorful turkey breast recipe, featuring a compound butter infused with fresh herbs and lemon zest. Perfect for serving as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) turkey breast
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, parsley, thyme, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. Season turkey breast with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the herb butter evenly over the turkey breast, making sure to cover all surfaces.
5. Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack set in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potato game with this make-ahead recipe, perfect for busy days or special occasions. By preparing the potatoes ahead of time, you can focus on other aspects of your meal while still enjoying creamy, delicious spuds.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, chives, or grated cheese for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, combine the chopped potatoes and enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the softened butter, milk, and salt. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
4. Transfer the mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
5. When ready to serve, reheat the mashed potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (including make-ahead time)
Slow Cooker Stuffing
Get ready to enjoy a deliciously moist and flavorful stuffing without the fuss of constant stirring or monitoring. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy holiday gatherings, as it allows you to prepare ahead and let the magic happen while you’re busy with other tasks.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups cubed bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon sage
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, celery, onion, bell pepper, garlic, poultry seasoning, sage, black pepper, and salt.
3. Pour in melted butter and mix until the bread is evenly coated.
4. Add chicken broth and stir until the mixture is well combined.
5. Transfer the stuffing to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Classic Green Bean Casserole
A timeless Thanksgiving side dish, this classic green bean casserole is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the goodness of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup French-fried onions
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and blanch the green beans for 5 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion in butter until translucent.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
5. Add the cooked green beans and sautéed onions to the soup mixture, stirring well.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, and top with French-fried onions.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Roasted Sweet Potato Casserole
Elevate your side dish game with this creamy, sweet, and savory roasted sweet potato casserole recipe. A perfect blend of comfort food and fall flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes or until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and melted butter.
4. Arrange roasted sweet potatoes in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with marshmallows.
5. Pour cream mixture over marshmallows.
6. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
Make-Ahead Gravy
Make-Ahead Gravy Recipe
Elevate your holiday meals with this convenient and flavorful make-ahead gravy recipe. Perfect for busy cooks, this rich and savory gravy can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup turkey or chicken broth, warmed
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add the warmed broth, whisking constantly.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including prep time)
Make-Ahead Tips:
– Prepare the gravy up to 2 days in advance, refrigerating it after cooling.
– Reheat the gravy over low heat, whisking occasionally, until warmed through.
Cranberry Orange Relish
This refreshing relish is perfect for adding a burst of citrusy flavor to your holiday gatherings. Made with fresh cranberries, oranges, and spices, it’s an easy and elegant condiment that pairs well with turkey, ham, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
– 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
– 1/4 cup (60ml) granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange segments, orange juice, sugar, and ginger.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries have popped and the relish has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in salt to taste.
4. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
This Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust is a delightful fall treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin puree with the spiciness of gingersnap cookies. Perfect for serving at your next autumnal gathering or as a cozy dessert for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookies, crushed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crushed gingersnap cookies, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until well combined.
3. Press the crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Cornbread Casserole
A warm and comforting twist on classic cornbread, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 (15.25 oz) can of whole kernel corn
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, eggs, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and whole kernel corn.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in Brussels sprouts, while crispy bacon adds a smoky savory flavor to this tasty side dish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a accompaniment to your favorite holiday meal.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
5. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. After the Brussels sprouts have roasted for 15 minutes, add the cooked bacon to the baking sheet and stir to combine.
7. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the flavors are well combined.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls
These soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for any occasion. With a simple recipe and a little planning ahead, you can have freshly baked rolls without the hassle of last-minute prep.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
7. Roll out the dough to desired thickness and shape into rolls.
8. Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
9. Brush tops with beaten egg and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Apple Pecan Stuffing
Elevate your holiday turkey with this flavorful Apple Pecan Stuffing recipe, featuring the perfect blend of crispy pecans, sweet apples, and savory herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the parsley and sage in melted butter until fragrant.
3. In a separate bowl, combine bread, sugar, apples, pecans, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked herb mixture to the bread mixture and toss until well combined.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Tart
A sweet and savory tart that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and earthy mushrooms with flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a large skillet, cook onions and mushrooms in olive oil over medium-low heat until caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Arrange the onion-mushroom mixture leaving a 1-inch border around edges. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the filling.
4. Roll out remaining pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place on top of the filling, pressing edges to seal. Crimp or flute edges to create a decorative border.
5. Brush with egg wash and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple Glazed Carrots
Elevate your vegetable side dish game with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the rich flavor of maple syrup. This glazed carrot recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, honey, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chopped carrots to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Spread the carrot mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
6. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Make-Ahead Pecan Pie
Elevate your holiday entertaining with this make-ahead pecan pie recipe, perfect for parties and gatherings. With its gooey filling and crunchy pecans, this classic dessert is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Stir in chopped pecans.
4. Roll out the pie crust and fill with the pecan mixture.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
As the weather cools down, a comforting bowl of roasted butternut squash soup is just what you need to cozy up. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of butternut squash, the warmth of aromatic spices, and the creaminess of coconut milk for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika.
4. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
5. Scoop the roasted squash into a blender or food processor with the chopped onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and coconut milk.
6. Blend until smooth, then season to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
A classic party favorite that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! This spinach and artichoke dip is perfect for game day gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or serving bowl.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce
This recipe allows you to make a delicious cranberry sauce ahead of time, perfect for busy holiday seasons. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a tangy and sweet condiment ready to accompany your turkey, mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and orange zest.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to stress less and feast more this Thanksgiving with these 18 effortless make-ahead recipes. Perfect for busy hosts, these dishes can be prepared ahead of time, freeing up your schedule on the big day. From turkey breast to green bean casserole, mashed potatoes to pecan pie, we’ve got you covered. Our collection includes both classic and innovative recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, put your feet up, and let these make-ahead recipes do the work for you.
Leave a Reply