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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    21 Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes to Wow Guests Without the Stress

    Published: Oct 31, 2024 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    If you’re already dreading the Thanksgiving rush, I made a list of make-ahead Thanksgiving dishes that’ll save you so much time and stress. Imagine having most of your menu prepped and ready before the big day—leaving you more time to actually enjoy with friends and family. These recipes are perfect for pulling off a delicious spread without the last-minute scramble!

    Overnight Eggnog French Toast

    An eggnog overnight casserole next to coffee cups.
    Overnight Eggnog French Toast. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Assembled in only minutes with 4 ingredients, eggnog French toast is an easy overnight breakfast casserole that’s perfect for the holidays.
    Get the Recipe: Overnight Eggnog French Toast

    Baked Italian Sausage Stuffing

    A casserole dish of baked stuffing with a serving spoon.
    Baked Italian Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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    It’s not Thanksgiving without a good homemade stuffing recipe! This baked stuffing has Italian sausage and sourdough bread.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Italian Sausage Stuffing

    Easy Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe

    A bowl of crock pot mac n cheese in a bowl next to a spoon.
    Easy Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With just 6 ingredients, this Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe will be your new favorite side. You don’t even have to cook the pasta, just dump and go, perfect for make ahead Thanksgiving dishes!
    Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe

    Creamy Broccoli Rice Casserole Without Canned Soup

    A skillet of chicken rice and broccoli casserole.
    Creamy Broccoli Rice Casserole Without Canned Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This broccoli rice casserole without canned soup features steamed broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Rice Casserole Without Canned Soup

    Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere

    Potatoes au gratin in a baking dish with a serving spoon.
    Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Crispy Au Gratin Potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes stacked on their side for the creamiest potatoes with crispy edges in every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere

    Cornbread Corn Pudding

    A spoonful of cornbread corn pudding.
    Cornbread Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This baked cornbread casserole features a custardy cornbread pudding base,mixed with toasted cornbread and fresh or frozen corn. Top with grated cheese!
    Get the Recipe: Cornbread Corn Pudding

    Overnight Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sausage Egg Bread Casserole

    A spoon full of sausage casserole.
    Overnight Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sausage Egg Bread Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This make ahead breakfast casserole is packed with brie and hearty sausage, and surrounded by a creamy custard.
    Get the Recipe: Overnight Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sausage Egg Bread Casserole

    Oven Roasted Carrots Recipe

    A platter of roasted carrots.
    Oven Roasted Carrots Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Oven Roasted Carrots are a healthy side to add to any meal. You won’t find them bland with this vinaigrette addition to the vegetables.
    Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Carrots Recipe

    3 Sausage Balls Recipes Without Bisquick

    Three sausage balls on a grey napkin with a coffee cup next to it.
    3 Sausage Balls Recipes Without Bisquick. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Learn the secret for how to make this sausage balls without Bisquick recipe and you’ll have amazing light and less greasy sausage balls!
    Get the Recipe: 3 Sausage Balls Recipes Without Bisquick

    Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes

    A spoon full of hashbrown casserole.
    Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    An old fashioned casserole with cheesy potatoes and a crunchy cornflake topping. Frozen hashbrowns make this cheesy hashbrown potatoes recipe a breeze to make.
    Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes

    Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

    Butter on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes.
    Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    One bite and you’ll agree these are the BEST make ahead mashed potatoes. This creamy side dish can be reheated in the slow cooker, great for those looking for make ahead Thanksgiving dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

    Creamy Breakfast Sausage And Potato Casserole

    Creamy Breakfast Sausage And Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Create a hearty breakfast casserole filled with tender potatoes and sausage. Prep the night before and just bake in the morning.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Breakfast Sausage And Potato Casserole

    Fruit And Nut Stuffed Acorn Squash

    Fruit And Nut Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fruit and Nut Stuffed Acorn Squash is a perfect side dish for the fall. Bursting with apples and fall spices it’s a healthy addition to any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Fruit And Nut Stuffed Acorn Squash

    Kentucky Spoon Bread

    A serving spoon full of spoon bread.
    Kentucky Spoon Bread. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This Kentucky spoon bread recipe bakes up moist with a dense custardy texture creamy flavor, and the perfect golden, buttery color.
    Get the Recipe: Kentucky Spoon Bread

    Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

    A spoon full of twice baked mashed potatoes.
    Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    All the flavors of a twice baked potato in a casserole. Baked mashed potatoes with cheese and green onions are the perfect side dish.
    Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

    Quick-Baked No-Mayo Spinach Artichoke Dip (25-Minutes)

    A scoop of spinach artichoke dip on a cracker.
    Quick-Baked No-Mayo Spinach Artichoke Dip (25-Minutes). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Skip the mayonnaise! This recipe for hot spinach and artichoke dip is loaded with fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese and gooey melted cheese.
    Get the Recipe: Quick-Baked No-Mayo Spinach Artichoke Dip (25-Minutes)

    Pretzel Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

    A large spoon full of sweet potato casserole.
    Pretzel Topped Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Buttery, rich potatoes topped with pecan-pretzel crumble are an irresistible creamy-crunchy combo. A sprinkle of cranberries makes it festive.
    Get the Recipe: Pretzel Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

    Pecan Sticky Buns With Sweet Potatoes

    A platter of sticky buns next to some cups.
    Pecan Sticky Buns With Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Sweet potatoes make a soft and tender cinnamon roll that is coated with a caramelized honey pecan glaze for an old fashioned sticky bun.
    Get the Recipe: Pecan Sticky Buns With Sweet Potatoes

    Roasted Butternut Squash Salad With Pomegranate

    A bowl of roasted butternut squash salad with pomegranates being sprinkled on top.
    Roasted Butternut Squash Salad With Pomegranate. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    A butternut squash salad with roasted squash and pomegranate seeds is a must-try fall salad. A make ahead Thanksgiving salad that comes together in 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad With Pomegranate

    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Honey

    Hasselback sweet potatoes on a black platter with honey on the side.
    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Honey. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with honey and pecans are not only fun but just add cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper for an amazing side dish.
    Get the Recipe: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Honey

    Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

    Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are the perfect quick snack or appetizer that you can make ahead and freeze in large batches, perfect for make ahead Thanksgiving dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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