21 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Sides You Can Prep Early

Melissa Sperka
·4 min read
6

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

<p>AltonBrown.com</p><p>Everyone's favorite Thanksgiving side, but better, thanks to fresh (not canned green beans! <a href="https://parade.com/26763/altonbrown/best-ever-green-bean-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Catherine McCord</p><p><a href="https://parade.com/1199823/kelli_acciardo/ruths-chris-sweet-potato-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sweet potato casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sweet potato casserole</a> gets a single-serve makeover and a zingy pop of citrus in these Sweet Potatoes in Orange Cups. <a href="https://parade.com/1295795/parade/sweet-potatoes-in-orange-cups/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Yummy Healthy Easy</p><p>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! <a href="https://www.yummyhealthyeasy.com/2013/11/make-ahead-potato-crescent-rolls.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Melanie Makes</p><p>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. <a href="https://melaniemakes.com/blog/2015/11/make-ahead-sweet-potato-casserole.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Creations by Kara</p><p>For a sweet addition to your thanksgiving table, this Creamy Cranberry Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and tart, creamy and crunchy. <a href="https://www.creationsbykara.com/2014/11/creamy-cranberry-salad.html/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen</p><p>Gooey Double Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese can be assembled in advance, then chilled. Bring to room temperature and bake just before serving. <a href="https://www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com/double-cheddar-macaroni-and-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here</a>.</p>
<p>Peas & Crayons</p><p>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! <a href="https://peasandcrayons.com/2015/11/green-bean-and-quinoa-salad-with-maple-citrus-dressing.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/950107/mayakrampf/best-low-carb-keto-thanksgiving-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:18 Low-Carb and Keto Thanksgiving Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">18 Low-Carb and Keto Thanksgiving Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Foxes Love Lemons</p><p>Fruit & Nut Brussels Sprouts Slaw is a perfectly light, green and fresh dish to break up all the heavy food on the plate. <a href="https://foxeslovelemons.com/fruit-nut-brussels-sprout-slaw/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Inside BruCrew Life</p><p>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. <a href="https://insidebrucrewlife.com/2015/11/homemade-hash-brown-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen</p><p>Bacon Dill Deviled Eggs will make the bacon and eggs fans at your Thanksgiving table very happy. <a href="https://www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com/bacon-dill-deviled-eggs/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here</a>.</p>
<p>Blackberry Babe</p><p>Need a super easy, inexpensive side for the holidays? This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole with Green Chiles fits the bill! So simple and creamy.</p><p><a href="https://blackberrybabe.com/2015/11/16/cream-cheese-corn-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Farm Fresh Feasts</p><p>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! <a href="https://www.farmfreshfeasts.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-2012-mas-make-ahead-irish.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Celebrating Sweets</p><p>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. <a href="https://celebratingsweets.com/2015/10/25/pumpkin-cornbread/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/67-classic-thanksgiving-recipes-guests-183023323.html" data-ylk="slk:65+ Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Dishes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">65+ Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Dishes</a></strong></p>
<p>Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen</p><p>These Baked Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are creamy and flavorful with a hint of garlic that's not overpowering.<br><a href="https://bit.ly/13csRpV" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here</a></p>

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

<p>The View from Great Island</p><p>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. <a href="https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/wild-rice-salad-cranberries-nuts/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Kalyn's Kitchen</p><p>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. <a href="https://www.kalynskitchen.com/2008/11/recipe-for-broccoli-gratin-with-swiss.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Swanky Recipes</p><p>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. <a href="https://www.swankyrecipes.com/cheesy-mashed-potato-casserole.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen</p><p>Assemble this Homestyle Squash Casserole in advance and chill. Just before serving, sprinkle with herb seasoned stuffing and bake until golden and bubbly. <a href="https://www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com/homestyle-squash-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here</a></p>
<p>Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen</p><p>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. <a href="https://www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com/cranberry-apple-fruit-chutney/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here.</a></p>
<p>Home Cooking Memories</p><p>Cornbread Sausage Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries—a delicious stuffing for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Sunday dinner. <a href="https://homecookingmemories.com/cornbread-sausage-stuffing-apples-cranberries/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here</a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/845856/brianneizzo/10-of-the-most-delicious-mashed-potatoes-recipes-ever/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:10 of the Most Delicious Mashed Potatoes Recipes Ever;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">10 of the Most Delicious Mashed Potatoes Recipes Ever</a></strong></p>
<p>Deliciously Plated</p><p>Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Bananas and Honey will have the kids begging for more. <a href="https://deliciouslyplated.com/recipe/whipped-sweet-potatoes-with-bananas-and-honey/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe here</a></p>

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