Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

November 18, 2012

Save time and stress on Thanksgiving day by choosing a menu with several dishes that can be made well in advance. These holiday recipes all can be made several days ahead of time.

Cranberries with Port

This delicious cranberry sauce is a simple, luscious side that can be prepared a day ahead. See the recipe for Cranberries with Port »Richard Ross
Whole Cranberry Sauce

Whole Cranberry Sauce

See the RecipeVanessa Rees

Lemon and Coriander Marinated Olives

Chunks of lemon and cracked coriander seeds lend a bright flavor to these earthy olives. See the recipe for Lemon and Coriander Marinated Olives »André Baranowski

Potato-Celeriac Gratin

Comte or Emmentaler cheese, celeriac (also known as celery root), and tomatoes are combined with sliced potatoes and creme fraiche for this sumptuous gratin. This recipe is an adaptation of one in Patricia Wells's cookbook Bistro Cooking (Ted Smart, 1999). See the recipe for Potato-Celeriac Gratin »Larry Nighswander
See the RecipeBen Fink

Boiled Beets with Tarragon Butter

Fresh dill or mint may be substituted for tarragon. See the Boiled Beets with Tarragon Butter RecipeBen Fink

Jessica's Spiced Pecans

These fragrant, skillet-roasted pecans get their earthy, spicy bite from rosemary, Spanish smoked paprika, and chili powder.Landon Nordeman
See the RecipeAndré Baranowski
Classic Apple Pie

Classic Apple Pie

Simple and delicious, this recipe brings out the sweet flavor of the apples.James Oseland

Olive Oil Marinated Goat Cheese

When baked, these marinated cheeses are great spread on crusty bread or served with a tart, rustic salad. The marinade can be reused or whisked into a vinaigrette. See the Olive Oil Marinated Goat Cheese recipe »Todd Coleman
Salata Adas (Garlicky Lentil Salad)

Salata Adas (Garlicky Lentil Salad)

This light, Lebanese lentil salad is flavored with lemon juice, cumin, allspice, and parsley.Todd Coleman
Red Cabbage Gratin

Red Cabbage Gratin

A lightly-spiced and creamy cabbage casserole is baked with a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan topping.Todd Coleman

Cheese Straws

Serve these clever little appetizers instead of bread at lunchtime or for supper.Todd Coleman
See the Recipe
Cheesy Corn Casserole

Cheesy Corn Casserole

This baked corn casserole is a popular side dish at Smokestack restaurant in Kansas City.Todd Coleman

cauliflower salad

See the RecipeTodd Coleman
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

This sweet potato casserole is an especially festive, over-the-top take on the Thanksgiving classic, topped with a crisp pecan crumble and dotted with marshmallows.Todd Coleman
Creamed Onion Gratin

Creamed Onion Gratin

Sweet, translucent roasted onions marry beautifully with bechamel and Gorgonzola in this rich casserole.Todd Coleman

Cranberry-Ginger Chutney

This sophisticated take on cranberry sauce, laced with spices and plenty of fresh ginger, gets a boost from chopped celery and tart apples. See the recipe for Cranberry-Ginger Chutney »Todd Coleman

Potato and Rutabaga Gratin

Potato and Rutabaga Gratin
Earthy rutabagas and aged Gruyere add intrigue to a classic potato gratin.Todd Coleman

Winter Squash and Apple Soup

Winter Squash and Apple Soup
A garnish of fried mushrooms and a drizzle of spiced mint butter adds elegance to a simple pureed vegetable soup.Todd Coleman
Pumpkin Pie with Brown Sugar-Pecan Crust

Pumpkin Pie with Brown Sugar-Pecan Crust

The crust is made with raw pecans, a flavorful counterpoint to the traditional spiced filling. Plus, this pie is naturally gluten-free.Anna Stockwell
Apple Pie Ice Cream Pie

Apple Pie Ice Cream Pie

A crust of finely ground gingersnap cookie crumbs adds delicious crunch to vanilla ice cream, softened apples, and a caramel drizzle.Maxime Iattoni
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Pie

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Pie

This pie packs in all the spicy sweetness of your traditional pumpkin pie, with the added bonus of a creamy pumpkin ice cream filling.Maxime Iattoni
Roasted Pumpkin Pie

Roasted Pumpkin Pie

Roasting the pumpkin will add sweetness and rich flavor to this holiday favorite.Todd Coleman
Roasted Vegetable Terrine

Roasted Vegetable Terrine

Our colorful vegetarian take on terrine features smoky roasted vegetables, tangy goat cheese, and a sun-dried tomato pesto.Helen Rosner

Sweet Potato Casserole with Bourbon and Pineapple

Sweet Potato Casserole with Bourbon and Pineapple
A variation of traditional sweet potato casserole gets its depth of flavor from bourbon and pineapple.Anna Stockwell

Kale and Sweet Potato Gratin

Kale and Sweet Potato Gratin
Don't limit traditional pie spices—clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg—to the dessert table. In this cheesy, rich gratin, the spices take a savory note alongside kale, sweet potatoes, and sharp white cheddar.Maxime Iattoni

Latest

Our 50 Best Shrimp Recipes Will Turn You Into a Seafood Master
Our 45 Best Indian Recipes
Our Best Skillet Recipes
Our Favorite Southern Food
Our 24 Best Savory Pies
Pasta Salad Recipes and Potato Salad Recipes
The Elusive Story of the Bread-and-Butter Pickle Sandwich
23 Easy Green Salads
Leave It to That Eccentric Genius Chef Patrick O’Connell to Serve Up Surprise and Delight Just When We Need It Most