Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides for a Stress-Free Feast

Name: Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides for a Stress-Free Feast
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Green Beans – 1 pound; Garlic – 4 cloves; Butter – 1/2 cup; Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons; Cranberries – 1 cup; Brown Sugar – 1/4 cup; Sweet Potatoes – 2 pounds; Marshmallows – 1 cup; Stuffing Mix – 1 box; Vegetable Broth – 2 cups

October 31, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and, of course, indulging in delicious food! One of my favorite parts of the holiday is having a spread of *make ahead Thanksgiving sides* that not only taste amazing but also take the stress out of the day. I remember our family tradition of prepping dishes the night before, which meant more time to spend with family and less time scrambling in the kitchen. Trust me, there’s something magical about pulling out a perfectly cooked sweet potato casserole from the fridge and watching everyone’s eyes light up. These sides are simple to prepare, and they’ll make your Thanksgiving dinner a breeze!

Ingredients for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your fabulous make-ahead Thanksgiving sides. I like to keep things simple and straightforward, so let’s dive into the details!

Green Beans: 1 pound, washed and trimmed for a fresh crunch.
Garlic: 4 cloves, chopped finely to infuse that aromatic flavor.
Butter: 1/2 cup, unsalted for sautéing and adding richness.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for that lovely, smooth finish.
Cranberries: 1 cup, fresh or frozen, mixed with sweetness.
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed, to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
Sweet Potatoes: 2 pounds, peeled and cubed for a creamy texture.
Marshmallows: 1 cup, mini or regular, to top off your sweet potatoes with a gooey goodness.
Stuffing Mix: 1 box, your choice, to create that warm, comforting side.
Vegetable Broth: 2 cups, to prepare the stuffing and add depth of flavor.

Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start cooking, and you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free Thanksgiving feast!

How to Prepare Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—preparing these delicious make ahead Thanksgiving sides! I promise, it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have everything prepped and ready to go in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

First things first, wash and trim your green beans. I like to snap off the ends—it’s a little therapeutic! Just make sure to give them a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt. Once they’re clean and trimmed, they’re ready for cooking!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Cook Green Beans

Next, let’s get that garlic going! Chop up your 4 cloves finely. In a large skillet, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter along with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant (but don’t let it burn!). Now, toss in the green beans and cook them for around 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender but still crisp. Yum!

Step 3: Prepare Cranberries

While the green beans are cooking, grab a bowl and mix your 1 cup of cranberries with the 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar. This step is super simple but so important—it balances the tartness of the cranberries beautifully! Set this mixture aside for now; we’ll add it to the green beans later for a pop of flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Now, onto the sweet potatoes! Peel and cube the 2 pounds of sweet potatoes—make sure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Drain the water, and then transfer the sweet potatoes to a baking dish. Top them with 1 cup of marshmallows and pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and toasty. Heaven!

Step 5: Make the Stuffing

For the stuffing, just follow the package instructions, but swap out the usual water for 2 cups of vegetable broth. This little trick adds tons of flavor! Prepare it in a large bowl, and once it’s ready, set it aside to cool.

Step 6: Combine and Refrigerate

Finally, it’s time to combine everything! In separate serving dishes, layer the green beans with the cranberry mixture and the sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows. Place the stuffing in its own dish. Cover each dish with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. And there you have it—your make ahead Thanksgiving sides are all ready to shine at the dinner table!

Tips for Success with Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides

Now that you’ve got all the prep down, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your make ahead Thanksgiving sides turn out perfectly. These little tricks have saved me so much time and stress over the years, and I’m excited to share them with you!

Prep Ahead: Don’t hesitate to prepare your sides a day in advance. This way, all you have to do on Thanksgiving is reheat and serve!
Reheating: For best results, reheat your sides in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.
Flavor Adjustments: Taste your dishes before serving. You might want to adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of herbs to brighten the flavors.
Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a world of difference! Choose the freshest green beans and sweet potatoes you can find for the best flavor.
Cover When Baking: If you notice your marshmallows are browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil for part of the baking time to prevent burning.
Mix and Match: Feel free to add your favorite spices or veggies to the stuffing or sweet potatoes. Customize these sides to fit your family’s tastes!
Labeling: If you’re making multiple sides ahead, label your dishes with what they are and reheating instructions. Trust me, it saves a lot of guesswork later!

Nutritional Information for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of these delicious make ahead Thanksgiving sides. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary slightly based on specific brands and preparation methods, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Enjoy these sides knowing they’re not just tasty but also packed with good stuff! Perfect for fueling up before the big feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sides a few days in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare these make ahead Thanksgiving sides up to two days in advance. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully, and you’ll be all set for a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner!

What is the best way to reheat these sides?

The best way to reheat your sides is in the oven at 350°F (175°C). This method helps keep the textures just right, especially for the green beans and sweet potatoes. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out, and heat until warmed through—about 20-30 minutes should do the trick. You want that delicious aroma filling your kitchen again!

Can I customize the ingredients?

Why You’ll Love These Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides

Quick Preparation: With everything prepped in advance, you can spend more time enjoying the holiday rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
Delicious Flavors: Each dish is packed with flavor, from the sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows to the savory stuffing, ensuring everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Stress-Free Thanksgiving: No last-minute scrambling! Everything is ready to go, letting you focus on your family and friends.
Versatile Options: These sides can be customized to fit your family’s preferences, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients or spices!
Perfect for Leftovers: These sides taste just as great the next day, making them ideal for post-Thanksgiving feasts.
Easy to Reheat: Quick and simple reheating methods mean you can serve up a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Vegetarian-Friendly: These sides cater to all diets, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy them!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your make ahead Thanksgiving sides properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious for when you’re ready to enjoy them! Here’s how I do it:

First, once everything has cooled down after cooking, transfer your sides to airtight containers. This helps prevent any moisture loss and keeps them from absorbing other odors in the fridge. If you’re using dishes that aren’t airtight, just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

For the best flavor and texture, store each dish separately. This way, you can easily reheat exactly what you need without compromising the others. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or if you want to save them for later, they freeze beautifully! Just make sure to label your containers with the date so you can keep track.

When it’s time to reheat, the oven is my go-to method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cover your dishes with foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until everything is warmed through. If you’re reheating the sweet potatoes with marshmallows, you might want to uncover them for the last few minutes to get that delightful golden top back! Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

And there you have it—easy storage and reheating tips to ensure your *make ahead Thanksgiving sides* are as tasty as the day you made them!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.