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These are the Thanksgiving dishes to make ahead so you can enjoy a relaxing and delicious dinner. Don't wait until the big day or even the week before. These recipes can be made in advance or frozen so that you can cross a few things off your to-do list early. From classic sides to cozy soups and festive appetizers, everything reheats beautifully and tastes just as fresh as the day you made it. With these make-ahead favorites, Thanksgiving will feel calm, cozy, and completely stress-free.
Stuffing
Stuffing is often the most important side on the Thanksgiving table, so you want to get it just right. This classic version with apples, pecans, and celery delivers the perfect mix of savory and sweet.
Get the recipe: Baked Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
These creamy mashed potatoes are a game-changer when you are serving a crowd. You do not even have to boil the potatoes first. They cook right in the slow cooker and are loaded with cream cheese, sour cream, and butter for rich flavor in every bite.
Get the recipe: Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower is the perfect faux potato for low-carb diners, but it stands on its own as a delicious side dish. Blended with cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and spices, it is rich, smooth, and every bit as satisfying as traditional mashed potatoes.
Get the recipe: Frozen Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce with a hint of orange adds a burst of fresh flavor to the meal, and you control the amount and type of sugar. It is quick to make but easy to overlook in the rush to get dinner on the table, so make it early and freeze it!
Get the recipe: No-Sugar Cranberry Sauce
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy side that can be baked as a classic casserole or in cute individual muffin portions. It is a lighter twist on potatoes and can be made ahead, so it is ready to bake on Thanksgiving Day.
Get the recipe: Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Stuffing Muffins
Turn classic stuffing into perfectly portioned muffins that crisp up around the edges. Make them ahead and reheat for a fun twist on everyone’s favorite side.
Get the recipe: Muffin Tin Stuffing
Broccoli Bites
Cheesy broccoli bites are a fun way to sneak more veggies onto the dinner table. Even the pickiest of eaters will gobble up these cheesy bites.
Get the recipe: Broccoli Muffins
Mashed Butternut Squash
Smooth and naturally sweet mashed butternut squash is made right in the slow cooker. Enjoy it simply with a little seasoning and a pat of butter, or use it as a flavorful base for soups or blend it in mac and cheese.
Get the recipe: Mashed Butternut Squash
Roasted Garlic
Sweet, mellow roasted garlic is the secret weapon for rich flavor in mashed potatoes, gravy, or vegetables. Roast a big batch ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later.
Get the recipe: Roasted Garlic Cloves
Butternut Squash Apple Soup
This velvety butternut squash apple soup is bursting with fall flavor from the first spoonful. It is slightly sweet, perfectly spiced, and makes a beautiful first course for a Thanksgiving meal.
Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Artichoke Dip
It never hurts to start the celebration with this creamy, cheesy artichoke dip. It takes the edge off anyone getting antsy for dinner will disappear quickly.
Get the recipe: Artichoke Dip
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip
Creamy pumpkin cream cheese dip belongs on your Thanksgiving dessert table. Serve it with fresh fruit or graham crackers. It's so good you will want to keep a stash in the freezer all season long.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip
Caramelized Onions
Is there anything that caramelized onions do not make better? These slow cooked onions are rich, golden, and finished with a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth. Make a big batch ahead and add them to gravy, green beans, or mashed potatoes for instant flavor.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions
Crab Balls
These elegant crab bites make a budget-friendly appetizer that feels special. Watch for crab to go on sale, then make a batch and freeze them for the holidays.
Get the recipe: Crab Ball Recipe
Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
These chocolate pumpkin muffins made with Greek yogurt are so good you will forget they are healthy. The rich, chocolatey flavor makes them perfect for a sweet treat, and you might want to sneak them onto the Thanksgiving table too.
Get the recipe: Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
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