21 Make-Ahead Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

Save your sanity on Thanksgiving Day by having a few of these make-ahead sides at the ready.

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

"This recipe is excellent! I make it every Thanksgiving."

-jenjie

Sweet Potato Souffle

"Being from Louisiana, this definitely passes the comfort food test with flying stars! I cook this every Thanksgiving for my family."

-GoBugsy

Creamy Macaroni & Cheese

"This recipe is unbelievable! It is like little bites of heaven. I will be recommending to all of my friends and family."

-Chef #1554474

Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

"These easily portable potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and are ready-to-eat after a quick reheat."

-FKKeysJen

Pecan-Stuffed Mushrooms

"These mushrooms were little bites of heaven! I added a small handful of gorgonzola before stuffing the mushrooms. This was a great make-ahead recipe."

-KPD

Cornbread Casserole

With both cornbread mix and creamed corn, this'll definitely be the softest cornbread you've ever baked.

Make-Ahead Twice-Baked Potatoes

"These were so light, fluffy and a huge time-saver. Making the potatoes ahead and having them ready to go made everyone very happy."

-Lucky in Bayview

Cranberry Sauce

"My daughter made this sauce for Thanksgiving and it was a real hit. The tangy and sweet combination tastes even better after a couple of days so it could be prepared ahead of time."

-BeckyF

Seasoned Green Beans

"A healthy, fast, freezer-friendly vegetable side dish. These are super. Everyone loved them, including the kids."

-StephanieZ

Spinach Balls

"These were great. My teenagers even liked them. I made the balls ahead of time and baked them a few minutes before serving."

-CaramelPie

Oyster Dressing for Patty Shells

"This recipe is older than my grandma. Freezable, too!"

-gailanng

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

"This worked out wonderfully for us at Thanksgiving. What a great idea and saves so much time the day of!"

-Linda's Busy Kitchen

Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes

"So yummy! I think these potatoes will be the 'regular' from now on! I love the that these can be made ahead...GREAT!"

-kittycatmom

Creamy Broccoli Casserole

"So creamy and tasty! I had rice with the dish for supper last night, and I was full and satisfied."

-shaunasimoneau

Freezer Dinner Rolls

"These came together FAST. I baked six of them for supper, and they were wonderful. Soft and delicious."

-Mama's Kitchen (Hope)

Freezable Quick Cheese Biscuits

"These biscuits were great. They were very easy to make and would complement any dish perfectly."

-MsSally

Butternut Squash & Parmesan Gratin

"Can I give this recipe 10 stars? It is absolutely delicious. I loved the contrast of flavors and textures."

-Debbwl

Maple-Glazed Carrots

"My family wanted a new side dish for Thanksgiving and this fit the bill. They were easy and delicious — my favorite kind of recipe."

-The Happy Housewife

Crescent Roll Dough

"Exactly what I was looking for! The perfect crescent roll recipe for the bread machine. This was scrumptious!"

-lolablitz

Freezable Baked Potatoes

"This was an excellent way to make freezable baked potatoes. They heat up well in the microwave and the flavors blend so well together."

-~Nimz~

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

"These are my all-time favorite mashed potatoes! I would have never thought to use cream cheese, but it went so well."

-Melibug