4 Best Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is all about bringing family and friends together over a scrumptious feast! But let’s face it—managing the kitchen chaos on that special day can be overwhelming. That’s why having a few make ahead Thanksgiving side dishes in your culinary arsenal is a game changer! These easy recipes not only save you time but also allow you to savor the holiday with your loved ones.

The Magic of Make Ahead Sides

Make ahead side dishes have gained immense popularity because they allow you to enjoy every moment of Thanksgiving without being tethered to the stove. Imagine prepping your dishes in advance, so you have more time to catch up with family or watch the parade! These mouthwatering make ahead recipes we’ve compiled are not only simple but also bursting with flavor, ensuring your Thanksgiving table is both festive and stress-free.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for each of our four best make ahead Thanksgiving side dishes:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• 5 lbs Russet potatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

2. Green Bean Casserole

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup French fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

3. Stuffing

• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Prep Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into quarters. Place them in a large pot of salted water.
2. Cook: Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Mash: Drain, then return to pot. Add heavy cream, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.
4. Store: Transfer to a baking dish and cover. Refrigerate until ready to heat.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

1. Blanch Beans: Boil green beans for 5 minutes and then transfer to ice water.
2. Mix: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings.
3. Layer: Add the blanched beans and half of the fried onions, then mix well.
4. Store: Pour into a casserole dish, top with remaining onions, cover, and refrigerate.

How to Make Stuffing

1. Sauté: In a large skillet, heat some butter and sauté onions and celery until soft.
2. Combine: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with the sautéed mixture, broth, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Store: Transfer to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Boil Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil until soft, about 20 minutes.
2. Mash: Drain and mash with brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt.
3. Layer: Transfer to a baking dish, top with pecans and marshmallows if desired.
4. Store: Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Tips and Variations

• Make Them Vegetarian: For vegetarian-friendly versions, ensure your broth and soups are vegetable-based.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your sweet potato casserole less sweet, reduce the brown sugar and maple syrup.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to play with herbs in your stuffing! Thyme or rosemary can add a lovely depth of flavor.
• Freezing: Many of these dishes can be frozen. Just ensure you thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.

Conclusion

These make ahead Thanksgiving side dishes are sure to impress your guests while allowing you to enjoy this festive occasion. With minimal stress and maximum flavor, they’ll become staples at your holiday gatherings.

Try these recipes and let us know how it turned out! Feel free to share your own tips or variations in the comments below! Happy cooking, and happy Thanksgiving!