Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes, From Turkey to Stuffing

The holiday season tends to fly by, so enjoy every moment by making the turkey the day before. On the big day, simply let the turkey come to room temperature while you preheat the oven. Drizzle chicken broth over the bird, cover again with foil and roast for as little as one hour. Find more turkey cooking tips to roast the perfect bird every time.

Trust us, these Yukon gold potatoes mashed with cream cheese, butter and cream make for one positively delicious side dish that can be made ahead for a stress-free Thanksgiving weekend.

This retro appetizer gets a fresh twist when you shape them into bite-sized portions. Roll these paprika-spiced cheese balls in crushed nuts, fresh herbs, seeds or go all out and cover them in bacon bits. Prep the day before your small gathering for simple setup and serving. For more options, try one of these fantastic make-ahead holiday appetizers.

Stress less this Thanksgiving by getting your stuffing halfway done beforehand. Simply prepare the bread cubes, sausage and vegetables, then freeze until needed. Once you have all the advance prep in the bag, the rest is a cinch. You can also try out one of these easy freezer meals you can make ahead – and devour later.

Save time this Thanksgiving by making this easy sweet potato dish in advance before freezing it. Potatoes are roasted and pureed until smooth and creamy and ready to eat. Reheat on the big day, and simply add the tiny finishing touch of chopped pecans and scallions sprinkled on top.

Roast your bird in advance and freeze it. For the big dinner, simply thaw, slice and reheat with a creamy, herbed butter. Find more main course options with our best Thanksgiving turkey recipes for your fall feast.

Don’t waste time with pastry, when you can make a tasty shortbread-based square that will satisfy all your pumpkin pie cravings. Don’t forget the pecan-hazelnut topping, which adds an addictive nutty crunch to each bite.

Fall baking is all about sharing, not stressing. Skip the last-minute mess and prep your pie in advance with this genius recipe. The buttery pastry and heady, cinnamon-spiced apple filling are piled high in a deep-dish pie plate for a classic slice of pure comfort food.