15 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Meals for Busy Families

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

A Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is a fantastic way to prepare a tender and flavorful main dish for your Thanksgiving feast without the hassle of traditional roasting. This hands-off cooking method allows you to free up the oven for side dishes and desserts while still delivering a juicy, succulent turkey that is sure to impress your guests.

Cooking Steps:

1. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the seasoned turkey breast in the slow cooker and pour chicken broth over it.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Remove the turkey from the slow cooker, let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then slice and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Classic Stuffing

Classic Stuffing is a quintessential Thanksgiving side dish that adds flavor and texture to your holiday feast. This savory mixture of bread, herbs, and vegetables compliments the turkey beautifully and can be prepared in advance, making it a great addition to your make-ahead Thanksgiving meals.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
3. In a large bowl, combine the stale bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in enough broth to moisten the mixture, stirring until evenly combined.
4. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 20-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until golden brown on top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a rich and comforting side dish that is a must-have for Thanksgiving. Their smooth texture and buttery flavor provide the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey and gravies. Best of all, they can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends on the holiday.

Cooking Steps:

1. Peel and chop the potatoes into even-sized chunks and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt.
2. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.
3. Add butter, heavy cream, garlic (if using), salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
4. Transfer to a serving dish, cover, and keep warm. You can also refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve, adding a splash of cream to loosen the texture if needed. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a delicious and savory side dish that adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. The combination of crispy bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to please your guests. Plus, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and simply reheated, making it perfect for enjoying more precious time with loved ones during the holiday.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half, then place in a large bowl.
3. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the drippings.
4. Toss the Brussels sprouts with the reserved bacon drippings, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and tender.
6. Chop the cooked bacon and stir it into the Brussels sprouts before serving, drizzling with balsamic vinegar if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before enjoying.

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Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a classic Thanksgiving condiment that brightens up the holiday meal with its sweet and tart flavors. This versatile sauce can be made ahead of time, allowing for an easy and hassle-free preparation on Thanksgiving Day. By using fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest, you’ll have a deliciously vibrant accompaniment to your turkey and side dishes.

Cooking Steps:

1. Rinse the fresh cranberries in cool water and remove any stems or damaged berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat, season with salt, and let cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a beloved holiday side dish that combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions. This make-ahead option can be prepared a day or two in advance, allowing flavors to meld together and making Thanksgiving Day just a bit easier. Simply bake it before serving for a warm and comforting addition to your holiday table.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until bright green; if using frozen, thaw and drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold in the green beans and 2/3 cup of fried onions into the soup mixture until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven, stir, and top with the remaining fried onions, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before refrigerating if making ahead.

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Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish known for its sweet and savory flavors. This comforting casserole is made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, topped with a crunchy pecan or marshmallow topping, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient addition to your holiday feast. Make it a day or two in advance, then simply bake it on Thanksgiving Day for a warm and inviting side dish.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash in a large bowl with brown sugar, milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
3. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Top with crushed pecans or marshmallows.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and the topping is golden. Let cool before refrigerating if making ahead.

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Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Soup is a warm and comforting dish that embodies the flavors of fall and is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. Creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, this soup can be easily made ahead of time and reheated on the big day, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without the last-minute rush.

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, ground ginger, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then blend the soup until smooth.
4. Return the soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and heat through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Let cool completely before refrigerating if making ahead. Reheat before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

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Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that adds creamy richness and cheesy goodness to your Thanksgiving spread. This dish is perfect for make-ahead preparation, allowing you to simply bake it before serving. With a crispy topping and a gooey interior, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday gathering.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens.
5. Stir in the cheddar cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
7. Top with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Let cool completely if making ahead, then refrigerate. Reheat before serving.

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Glazed Carrots

Glazed Carrots are a simple yet delightful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness and color to your Thanksgiving table. This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated just before serving, making it a perfect addition to your make-ahead meal plan. The carrots are tender, coated in a buttery glaze, and enhanced with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar or honey.

Cooking Steps:

1. Peel and slice the carrots into uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch thick).
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender; drain.
3. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and honey until dissolved.
4. Add the drained carrots to the pot and toss to coat with the glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove from heat and let cool completely if making ahead, then transfer to a container and refrigerate. Reheat before serving, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that is always a hit at Thanksgiving gatherings. This dish combines fresh spinach, tender artichokes, and a rich blend of cheeses, creating a warm, inviting dip that pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. It can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent addition to your holiday feast.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, wilt the fresh spinach over medium heat until just tender, about 2-3 minutes; remove from heat and chop.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Let cool slightly, then serve warm with tortilla chips or vegetables, or let cool completely if making ahead and refrigerate. Reheat before serving.

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Mini Pumpkin Pies are a delightful, bite-sized treat that captures the essence of fall and Thanksgiving flavors in a convenient form. Perfect for family gatherings or as a sweet ending to your holiday feast, these mini desserts feature a rich pumpkin filling spiced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. They can be made ahead of time and served either warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for busy holiday preparations.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth.
3. Place mini pie crusts on a baking sheet and fill each crust with the pumpkin mixture, being careful not to overfill.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool slightly before serving, or let them cool completely and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Herb-Seasoned Dinner Rolls

Herb-Seasoned Dinner Rolls are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, bringing a warm, inviting aroma and a burst of flavor to the table. These soft, fluffy rolls are infused with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, making them a delightful accompaniment to any dish. What’s great about them is that they can be prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on other dishes while still enjoying freshly baked rolls at your holiday gathering.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, olive oil, and herbs to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a roll and place on a greased baking sheet.
6. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls with melted butter and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving, or let cool completely and store in an airtight container until ready to reheat and serve.

Savory Meatballs

Savory Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides during Thanksgiving. Packed with flavor from herbs and spices, these meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving, allowing you to efficiently manage your cooking schedule on the big day. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of the main course, these savory bites are sure to delight your guests.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Mix until well combined and shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container until ready to reheat and serve.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake

Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that beautifully combines the flavors of rich chocolate with the warm, comforting essence of pumpkin and spices. This make-ahead cheesecake is perfect for Thanksgiving, allowing you to indulge your guests with a show-stopping treat that can be prepared in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, sour cream, melted chocolate, flour, spices, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour the pumpkin mixture onto the prepared crust and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
6. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.