Preparing a Thanksgiving feast can be difficult work. Make it a bit easier by choosing some make-ahead dishes that are freezer-friendly or can be stored in the fridge for a day or two.
You know what a big fan I am of freezer recipes. If I can make a double or even triple batch of something and stash it in the freezer, I’ve saved myself so much time, money, and aggravation. It really takes a load off during busy weeks and helps keep our budget in check.
(If you’re just getting your feet wet in freezer cooking, check out one of the free freezer cooking plans I have posted on Life as MOM. I basically hold your hand through the process, without, you know, actually holding your hand.)
You probably already knew that you could freeze a lasagna for another night, but did you know that you have the potential to make a complete Thanksgiving Dinner and freeze it? I know. Mind blowing.
Now, I realize that you may love the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving Day. You may have grandparents and aunts and uncles and siblings and parents and friends who gather together in one kitchen and cook up a storm. I’m totally cool with that. Rock on!
But, I’m guessing that some folks may buy commercial rolls, gravy, or desserts. Or some people might find that things are just a little too stressful to cook Thanksgiving dinner in one blow. Or maybe work schedules this year aren’t really jiving with a lazy Wednesday fiddling in the kitchen.
Making some homemade Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time can make your holiday so happy.
Trust me.
For us, we’ll be on the road Thursday morning, heading to the grandparents’ house three hours away. I still want to contribute to the meal, so I’m prepping a few dishes in advance and stashing them in the freezer. I can be the Thanksgiving Diva without pulling out my hair!
You with me? Check out these Thanksgiving recipes that you can make-ahead and freeze:
Thanksgiving Dishes to Make-Ahead and Freeze
Turkey Recipes and Make-Ahead Instructions:
It’s true, you CAN cook a turkey in advance and still have a delicious meal on Thanksgiving. Make your usual turkey (or one of these recipes) and then follow Amy’s instructions for Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey. You will be shocked and amazed at how much stress you’ve just relieved. No more worrying about when the turkey will be done!
If you’re new to roasting a bird, be sure to check out these tips on how to cook a turkey. It’s not as hard as you think. You can totally do it!
Side Dish Recipes:
- Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Rustic Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Keeper of the Home – Follow the freezing instructions for the Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Olive Oil and Garlic
- Herbed Stuffing
- Really Homemade Green Bean Casserole
- Alfredo Mac and Cheese
- Clean Eating Broccoli Soup from Once A Month Meals
Gravy and Cranberry Sauce Recipes:
- Homemade Gravy
- Mushroom and Onion Gravy
- Gluten Free Gravy from Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
- Easy Cranberry Sauce
Homemade Bread Recipes:
- Whole Wheat Cranberry Rolls
- Pumpkin Onion Rolls
- Make-Ahead Butterhorns from Money Saving Mom
Desserts:
- Grandma John’s Blue Ribbon Apple Pie
- Mixed Berry Pie with Cinnamon and Lemon
- Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting — Make the cupcakes in advance and freeze. Frost them with with cream cheese frosting after thawing or try this Homemade Vanilla Buttercream Frosting recipe.
- Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls from Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
About Jessica Fisher
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I’ve been planning to make the mashed potatoes from your first cookbook for Thanksgiving. I’m hosting and in charge of potatoes (and gravy), the turkey and stuffing/dressing. With the potatoes from the freezer and a turkey cooked ahead, all I’ll have to worry about the day of is stuffing, and I plan to do much of that prep work (chopping onions & celery) the day before too. So my Thanksgiving should be easy peasy! As far as the food goes at least. If only cleaning could be “done ahead,” too 🙂
We would make a million bucks if we invented the Clean-Ahead House!
I used to make the entire Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving day. After eating and getting the kitchen cleaned up, I would collapse. I have learned the past few years that even making a few dishes ahead of time helps tremendously. I think I will try the turkey ahead of time this year. Thanks so much for the tip and the great links. I usually make pumpkin dinner rolls, but the cranberry rolls look like a must-have. Pinning this one. Thanks, again, Jessica.
I’ve already made your slab apple pie and have it in the freezer and am planning on making the cream cheese mashed potatoes in the next day or 2. So helpful to have some stuff done ahead.