Hey there, busy bee. You know what’s not cool? Sweating over a hot stove while everyone else is lounging around on Thanksgiving. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back with these 15 Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes. Trust me, you’re gonna want to stick around for this.
These recipes are like your secret weapon for Thanksgiving cooking. From killer corn casseroles to veggie sides that’ll make even your picky aunt happy, we’ve got it all. And the best part? You can make ’em ahead of time. Yep, you heard that right.
So whether you’re looking for easy Thanksgiving dinner ideas or some fancy-schmancy sides to impress, we’ve got you covered.
These recipes are so good, you might even forget about the turkey. Okay, maybe not, but they’re pretty darn close. Don’t miss out on making your life easier this Thanksgiving. Your future self will thank you.
Easy Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
01. Pumpkin Roll Cake
02. Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle
03. Rum Cake
04. Apple Pie Jello Shots
05. Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini
Bacon with Cranberries These crostini are the perfect combination of sweet, smokey, salty, and cheesy, with jam and cheese on top of a crusty baguette and topped with chopped walnuts for added crunch!
06. Pumpkin Dip
Believe me when I say that this is the BEST pumpkin dip you’ll taste this season! It’s light, quick, and simple, but most importantly, it’s delicious. Perfect for your next Thanksgiving party.
07. Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log
This colorful cheese log can be prepared DAYS ahead of time, making it a perfect stress-free appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering! YAY for simple entertainment! YAY for the best Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log!
08. Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
It’s the perfect combination of tangy, spicy, and sweet, and when paired with crackers, it’s one of the most “complete” foods you’ll ever have.
09. Spinach Artichoke Dip
10. Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball
11. Antipasto Skewers
12. Make-Ahead Roasted Turkey
13. Maple Glazed Ham
14. Classic Cheese Ball
This Classic Cheese Ball dish is great for a party appetizer. This cheese ball is made with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, green onion, seasonings, and nuts.
15. Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are the best holiday snack or appetizer to prepare ahead of time. A creamy mixture folded in tortillas and sliced with feta cheese and sweet dried cranberries. These are the talk of the party!
This Cranberry Feta Pinwheels dish has been around for a long time and is absolutely loved by everyone! It’s great at any time of year, but especially for the holidays!
16. Cranberry Brie Bites
Eat all of the Cranberry Brie Bites before the other guest’s notice is the new favorite party game.
Each of these addictive tiny nuggets tastes like a small baked brie since it’s buttery, flaky, and loaded with tangy cranberry + creamy brie cheese.
They’re just the right size for dropping directly into your pie (hem, puff pastry) hole and have a dangerous habit of vanishing during holiday gatherings.
17. Deviled Eggs
Everyone’s favorite Deviled Eggs recipe is a timeless classic, prepared with only a few basic ingredients such as pickle relish, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
18. Jeweled White Cheddar Cheeseball
Try these amazing white cheddar cheeseballs recipes which are filled/prepared with pomegranate, toasted almonds, and sage. And trust me it tastes YUM!!!
By incorporating make-ahead Thanksgiving dishes into your meal plan, you can significantly reduce stress and enjoy a more relaxed holiday. With a little planning, you can prepare delicious and satisfying dishes in advance, leaving you more time to spend with loved ones.
So, don’t hesitate to embrace the convenience and peace of mind that make-ahead Thanksgiving offers. Happy Thanksgiving!