Food

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.

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 — See the RecipeVanessa Rees

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

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

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

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

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) — This light, Lebanese lentil salad is flavored with lemon juice, cumin, allspice, and parsley.Todd Coleman

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

Serve these clever little appetizers instead of bread at lunchtime or for supper.Todd Coleman

See the Recipe

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

See the RecipeTodd Coleman

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

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 — Earthy rutabagas and aged Gruyere add intrigue to a classic potato gratin.Todd Coleman

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

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 — A variation of traditional sweet potato casserole gets its depth of flavor from bourbon and pineapple.Anna Stockwell

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

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