Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, but let’s be real—it can also be a bit overwhelming! That’s why I absolutely love to make ahead Thanksgiving dishes. Trust me, preparing some of the meal in advance makes everything so much easier on the big day! I remember the first year I did this; I prepped all my sides the day before, and it was like magic! I got to actually enjoy time with my family instead of being stuck in the kitchen. These make ahead Thanksgiving dishes are not just a lifesaver; they’re game-changers!
Ingredients for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
When it comes to make ahead Thanksgiving dishes, having the right ingredients is key! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of chopped vegetables: I love a mix of carrots, celery, and bell peppers for color and flavor.
- 4 cups of turkey broth: A rich, flavorful broth is essential—homemade if you can swing it, but store-bought works in a pinch!
- 1 cup of heavy cream: Use thickened heavy cream for that luscious, velvety texture in your dishes.
- 1 lb of green beans: Fresh green beans are fantastic, but frozen ones work too—just make sure they’re cut and ready to go!
- 3 cups of mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a must; I usually make mine with a hint of garlic!
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, this sweet-tart addition is a holiday essential.
- 1 pumpkin pie: Don’t forget dessert! A classic pumpkin pie rounds out the meal perfectly.
How to Prepare Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
Getting ready for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be stressful! By prepping your dishes ahead of time, you can enjoy the holiday without the chaos. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by chopping your vegetables. I like to do this a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- On Thanksgiving morning, heat your turkey broth in a large pot until it’s simmering.
- Once it’s warm, stir in the heavy cream until it’s well combined and creamy.
- Next, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch your green beans for about 3 minutes. This keeps them vibrant and crisp!
- While that’s happening, prepare your mashed potatoes. Keep them warm on the stove with a lid on to maintain that perfect temperature.
- Transfer your cranberry sauce to a serving dish, and don’t forget to taste it—yum!
- Finally, bake your pumpkin pie according to your favorite recipe. Let it cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chop the vegetables: Use a mix of carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a colorful medley.
- Prepare the broth: Heat 4 cups of turkey broth in a pot over medium heat until simmering.
- Add cream: Stir in 1 cup of thickened heavy cream, mixing until smooth.
- Blanch green beans: Boil water, add 1 lb of green beans, and cook for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make mashed potatoes: Cook your potatoes, mash them with butter and a hint of garlic, and keep warm.
- Serve cranberry sauce: Place 1 cup of cranberry sauce in a dish; it’s a must-have!
- Bake the pumpkin pie: Follow your favorite recipe, allow it to cool, then slice and serve.
Why You’ll Love These Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
- Saves time: Prepping ahead means less rushing around on Thanksgiving Day.
- Reduces stress: With most of the work done, you can actually relax and enjoy your guests.
- More family time: Spend quality moments with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
- Consistent results: Make sure everything is just right, from the flavors to the presentation.
- Flexibility: You can adjust portions and try new recipes without the pressure!
Tips for Success with Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
To nail your make ahead Thanksgiving dishes, here are some pro tips! First, store your chopped vegetables in airtight containers to keep them fresh and crisp. For the mashed potatoes, add a splash of cream right before serving to restore their creamy texture. When reheating, do it gently on low heat to prevent them from drying out. And don’t forget to taste everything again before serving—sometimes a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can make all the difference! Enjoy the holiday stress-free!
Variations for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
There are so many fun ways to personalize your make ahead Thanksgiving dishes! For the vegetables, consider adding seasonal favorites like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts for extra flavor and variety. If you want to spice up your mashed potatoes, try mixing in some roasted garlic or cream cheese for a creamy twist. As for the cranberry sauce, a splash of orange juice or some chopped walnuts can give it a refreshing zing! You can even switch up the pie—how about a pecan pie or a delicious apple crumble instead? The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make these dishes your own!
Nutritional Information for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
When it comes to enjoying these delicious make ahead Thanksgiving dishes, here’s what you need to know nutritionally! Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with 20g of fat and 10g of protein. You’ll also find about 30g of carbohydrates and 5g of fiber, plus 8g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. So, feel free to adjust to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying all the flavors of the holiday!
FAQ About Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
Can I make these dishes a few days in advance? Absolutely! Most of these make ahead Thanksgiving dishes can be prepped 1–2 days before the big day, which is a huge help! Just store everything properly in the fridge.
How do I reheat the dishes? For best results, gently reheat your dishes on low heat. This keeps them moist and prevents overcooking. You can also use the oven for items like mashed potatoes and the pumpkin pie.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. Most dishes will last about 3–4 days, so you can enjoy that Thanksgiving goodness even after the holiday!
Is it safe to freeze these dishes? Yes, many of these make ahead Thanksgiving dishes can be frozen! Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce freeze particularly well.
Can I adjust the recipes for dietary needs? Definitely! You can swap out ingredients to cater to dietary preferences, like using dairy-free cream or gluten-free broth. Just have fun with it!
Final Thoughts on Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these make ahead Thanksgiving dishes! They truly make the holiday so much more enjoyable and stress-free. I’d love to hear how your preparations go and any creative twists you put on these recipes. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or share your Thanksgiving adventures on social media. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together—happy Thanksgiving!
Print
Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes: 5 Ways to Simplify Joy
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy make-ahead dishes for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of chopped vegetables
- 4 cups of turkey broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 lb of green beans
- 3 cups of mashed potatoes
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1 pumpkin pie
Instructions
- Prepare the chopped vegetables and store them in a container.
- Heat the turkey broth in a pot.
- Add the heavy cream and stir well.
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes and keep them warm.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish.
- Bake the pumpkin pie according to recipe instructions.
Notes
- Make the vegetables a day ahead.
- Keep the mashed potatoes covered to maintain warmth.
- Store the pie in a cool place until serving.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving
- Method: Baking and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: make ahead thanksgiving dishes
