7 Thanksgiving Sides You Can Make Ahead of Time

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to get our kitchens ready for a feast! If you’re like most home cooks, the thought of prepping a giant meal can be a little overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it all on the day! In this post, we’re going to share 7 Thanksgiving sides you can make ahead of time, making your holiday prep a breeze. Let’s dive into these easy recipes that will take the stress out of your Thanksgiving preparations!

Why These Thanksgiving Sides Are Special

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family and friends, sharing stories, and, of course, enjoying delicious food. These make-ahead side dishes not only save you time on the big day but also allow the flavors to meld beautifully. They are the perfect complement to your turkey, and trust us—your guests will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Below are the essential ingredients for our seven standout sides:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

   • Potatoes
   • Garlic
   • Butter
   • Cream
   • Salt & pepper

2. Green Bean Casserole

   • Fresh green beans
   • Cream of mushroom soup
   • French fried onions
   • Milk
   • Seasoning

3. Sweet Potato Casserole

   • Sweet potatoes
   • Brown sugar
   • Marshmallows
   • Cinnamon
   • Milk

4. Cranberry Sauce

   • Fresh cranberries
   • Sugar
   • Orange juice
   • Zest for flavor

5. Stuffing

   • Cubed bread
   • Celery
   • Onion
   • Chicken broth
   • Herbs

6. Mac and Cheese

   • Elbow macaroni
   • Cheddar cheese
   • Milk
   • Butter
   • Flour

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

   • Brussels sprouts
   • Olive oil
   • Balsamic vinegar
   • Salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Prep: Peel and chop the potatoes. Boil until tender.
• Combine: Mash with roasted garlic, butter, cream, salt, and pepper.
• Store: Refrigerate; reheat on Thanksgiving.

2. Green Bean Casserole

• Mix: Combine fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
• Bake: Top with French fried onions and bake until bubbly.
• Make-Ahead: Cover and refrigerate; simply reheat before serving.

3. Sweet Potato Casserole

• Prepare: Boil and mash sweet potatoes with brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Top: Add marshmallows and bake until golden.
• Easier Thanksgiving: Make in advance and heat before serving.

4. Cranberry Sauce

• Cook: Simmer fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice until thick.
• Chill: Let it cool and refrigerate for the flavors to develop.

5. Stuffing

• Mix: Combine cubed bread, sautéed celery, onions, and herbs with chicken broth.
• Bake: Transfer to a casserole dish and bake until crispy.
• Storage: Store in the fridge and warm up on Thanksgiving.

6. Mac and Cheese

• Prep: Cook elbow macaroni and make a cheese sauce.
• Combine: Mix together and place in a baking dish.
• Easier Sides: Reheat in the oven before serving.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Toss: Coat Brussels sprouts with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Roast: Bake until crispy.
• Prep Ahead: Make in advance and warm up to retain their crunch!

Tips and Variations

• Make-Ahead Tip: Most of these sides can be prepped and frozen, allowing for even more convenience!
• Flavor Boost: Use fresh herbs in your stuffing for an extra layer of flavor.
• Sweet Potato Twist: Add pecans to your sweet potato casserole for some crunch.

Conclusion

This Thanksgiving, let these 7 Thanksgiving sides you can make ahead of time take some of the pressure off your plate! With just a little preparation, you can surprise your family and friends with an impressive spread while enjoying the day without stress.

Try these recipes out and let us know how they turned out! Share your thoughts and any variations you made in the comments below. Happy Thanksgiving!