Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food! Imagine the delight of your loved ones as they gather around a beautifully set table, feasting on a mouthwatering spread of make-ahead dishes that you expertly prepared without the last-minute stress. With our "Make Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes" recipe, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday while still impressing your guests with a succulent turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and a decadent pie. Ready to elevate your Thanksgiving game? Dive into our recipe and discover how to create a memorable feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 2 cups stuffing
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups green bean casserole
- 1 pie (pumpkin or pecan)
- Gravy
- Cranberry sauce
- Rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey 1-2 days before Thanksgiving by removing giblets and patting the bird dry with paper towels. Season generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Prepare stuffing mixture by combining bread cubes, chopped herbs, sautéed onions, and celery. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Make mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes until tender. Mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
- Assemble green bean casserole by mixing blanched green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. Store in a covered baking dish in the refrigerator.
- Bake pie 1-2 days in advance. For pumpkin pie, prepare custard filling and blind bake the crust. For pecan pie, complete the entire pie and store at room temperature.
- Prepare cranberry sauce by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and orange zest. Cool and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
- On Thanksgiving morning, remove dishes from refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 1 hour before reheating.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Reheat mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, covered with foil, for 25-30 minutes.
- Roast turkey by placing stuffing inside the cavity, brushing with melted butter, and cooking approximately 15 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While turkey rests, prepare gravy using pan drippings, flour, and turkey stock. Warm rolls in the oven during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
- Arrange all dishes on serving platters, garnish as desired, and serve hot to guests.
Tips
- Turkey Prep is Key: Start by preparing your turkey 1-2 days before Thanksgiving. Removing the giblets and patting the bird dry with paper towels will ensure a crispy skin. Don’t skimp on seasoning; a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper will elevate the flavor.
- Stuffing Secrets: For the stuffing, combine bread cubes with fresh herbs, sautéed onions, and celery. Storing it in an airtight container in the fridge keeps it fresh and ready for the big day.
- Perfect Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, cream, salt, and pepper. For convenience, transfer them to a freezer-safe dish and refrigerate until it's time to reheat.
- Casserole Assembly: For the green bean casserole, mix blanched green beans with cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. Store it in a covered baking dish to keep it fresh and flavorful.
- Pie Perfection: Bake your pumpkin or pecan pie 1-2 days ahead. For pumpkin pie, prepare the custard filling and blind bake the crust. Pecan pie can be made in its entirety and left at room temperature.
- Cranberry Sauce Magic: Cook fresh cranberries with sugar and orange zest for a zesty cranberry sauce. Once cooled, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a refreshing touch to your meal.
- Reheating Strategy: On Thanksgiving morning, allow all dishes to come to room temperature for about an hour before reheating. This ensures even heating and better texture.
- Oven Timing: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, covered with foil, for 25-30 minutes.
- Roasting the Turkey: Stuff the turkey with your prepared stuffing, brush it with melted butter, and roast it at approximately 15 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Gravy Goodness: While the turkey rests, use the pan drippings to make a rich gravy with flour and turkey stock.
- Final Touches: Warm the rolls in the oven during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Arrange all dishes on serving platters, garnish as desired, and serve hot to your guests for an unforgettable Thanksgiving feast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 750kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 180mg
