30 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes for a Stress-Free Feast

Updated on September 25, 2018 by Jenny Potter

Thanksgiving can be a blur. With so many dishes to be made and served at once, it can be hard to keep all the cooking timed perfectly. Take the pressure off the big day with make-ahead Thanksgiving sides, desserts, potatoes and pies. Then simply heat and serve!

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Cheese Ball Bites

This retro appetizer gets a fresh new twist when you make 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. Mix and roll the day before your party for simple set-up and serving. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/blog/these-cheese-ball-bites-are-the-ultimate-make-ahead-appetizer/" target="_blank">Cheese Ball Bites</a>
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Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Mustard Dill Vinaigrette

Roasted sweet potatoes are a must-have at every holiday dinner, but rather than just roasting or mashing them, try them on a bed of dressed kale as a classy appetizer or side that you can make ahead of time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-sweet-potato-kale-salad-with-mustard-dill-vinaigrette/15074/" target="_blank">Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Mustard Dill Vinaigrette</a>
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Killer Kale Salad

Crispy bacon and crumbled goat cheese are the keys to making this salad killer. Because kale is such a hearty green, it won’t wilt, so it’s the perfect make-ahead salad. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/killer-kale-salad/18896/” target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Killer Kale Salad</a>
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Thanksgiving Succotash

Succotash is the perfect make-ahead side dish to free up some counter space on the big day. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/thanksgiving-succotash/19110/" target="_blank">Nancy Fuller's Thanksgiving Succotash</a>
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Thanksgiving Rolls

Make your bread ahead of time to save time and stress on Thanksgiving day. These light and fluffy rolls make an excellent addition to the meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/thanksgiving-rolls/19101//" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Rolls</a>
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Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Cornbread

This sweet, buttermilk cornmeal bread bakes away in your slow cooker while you prepare the rest of your meal. Once baked, set it to keep warm, so it's hot and ready come dinner time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-butternut-squash-cornbread/17154/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Cornbread</a>
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No-Knead Cloverleaf Rolls

Ree Drummond knows how to serve up a feast and these rolls will go with any spread. Served piping hot from the oven, these yeast-raised rolls are good enough to become a tradition at your holiday feasts. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/no-knead-cloverleaf-rolls/15618/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s No-Knead Cloverleaf Rolls</a>
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Simple Oven Baked Stuffing

Speed up your turkey cooking time by baking this super simple stuffing in the oven. In fact, you can save time by cooking it the day before. Just reheat and enjoy! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/simple-oven-baked-stuffing/17153/" target="_blank">Simple Oven Baked Stuffing</a>
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Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts and Pomegranate

Set it and forget about it with this slow-cooker recipe that adds the perfect festive touch to your holiday meals. Melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes are topped with a flavourful combination of lemon, walnuts and pomegranate seeds. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-sweet-potatoes-with-walnuts-and-pomegranate/19354/" target="_blank">Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts and Pomegranate</a>
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Brie and Broccoli Quiche

Wow your vegetarian guests with this Brie and Broccoli Quiche that’s a must-try for cheese lovers. It can be served at room temperature, leaving you counter and oven space to prep the rest of the meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/brie-and-broccoli-quiche/19469/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Brie and Broccoli Quiche</a>
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Sweet Potato Galette with Balsamic-Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese

This easy free-form galette will please not only the vegetarians at your table but is even better at room temperature , making it easy to prep in advance for a less stressful Thanksgiving day! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/gourmet-cooking/blog/sweet-potato-galette-with-balsamic-%C2%ADcaramelized-onions-and-goat-cheese-from-eat-live-travel-write-3331/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Galette with Balsamic--Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese</a>
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Giada's Turkey Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing

Turkey sausage in a stuffing for turkey? Why not! This colourful recipe from Giada De Laurentiis, made with cornbread, apples, cranberries and chestnuts, takes less than an hour to make. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/raffys-turkey-sausage-and-chestnut-stuffing/17061/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis's Turkey Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing</a>
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Roasted Root Veggie Platter

To make things easier, plan for a few dishes that can sit at room temperature while others are in the oven. Roasted root vegetable platters can be prepared ahead, so all you have to do is reheat and uncover your creations. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-root-veggie-platter/11419/" target="_blank">Roasted Root Veggie Platter</a>
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Ricardo's Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

These scalloped potatoes will ease some stress as they’re a set-and-forget version of everyone's favourite potato dish, which makes them perfect for entertaining. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-scalloped-potatoes/17237/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes</a>
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Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin

You can't go wrong with butter, cheese and cream when it comes to cooking veggies and this comforting side made with broccoli and cauliflower can be prepared in advance so you only have to worry about the main event. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/broccoli-and-cauliflower-gratin/16981/" target="_blank">Nancy Fuller's Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin</a>
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Onion Gravy

A warm, aromatic gravy is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. This flavourful sauce comes together in just 35 minutes, but tastes like it's been cooking for hours. Whisk in turkey drippings at the last minute before serving for another burst of flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/onion-gravy/14153/" target="_blank">Onion Gravy</a>
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Charred Onion-Cranberry Relish

This easy, make-ahead sweet relish, flavoured with tart cranberries and the smokiness of charred onions, will brighten up your holiday table and the turkey. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/charred-onion-cranberry-relish/13972/" target="_blank">Lynn Crawford's Charred Onion Cranberry Relish</a>
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The Pioneer Woman's Cranberry Sauce

This simple five-ingredient cranberry sauce takes just 30 minutes to make and can be done in advance of your holiday meal, freeing up valuable stovetop real estate. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cranberry-sauce/15009/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Cranberry Sauce</a>
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Roasted Cauliflower with Almonds

You can’t get much simpler than this 4-ingredient side dish. Almonds offer a nutty flavour and added crunch with each delicious bite. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-cauliflower-with-almonds/8030/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Roasted Cauliflower with Almonds</a>
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Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Can’t decide what to make for dessert? This Apple Crumble Cheesecake combines two favourites and can be made ahead of time so you’re not stressing on the big day. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apple-crumble-cheesecake/20494/" target="_blank">Apple Crumble Cheesecake</a>
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Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Nanaimo Bars

This classic B.C. dessert gets a fall twist as these Nanaimo Bars are flavoured with pumpkin and cinnamon – perfect for rounding out the Thanksgiving meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/dark-chocolate-pumpkin-nanaimo-bars/17178/" target="_blank">Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Nanaimo Bars</a>
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Anna Olson's Pumpkin Pie

Did you know that using whole wheat dough instead of white makes for a pie crust that browns nicely and stays crisp under the pumpkin filling? Make this pie in advance to save you time and without any worry it’s going to go soggy. Get the recipe for <a href="//www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/anna-olsons-pumpkin-pie/12429/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Pumpkin Pie</a>
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Slow Cooker Sticky Toffee Pudding

Let your slow cooker do all the work making this sticky, pudding-like cake. Pumpkin pie spice and rich caramel sauce are the perfect flavours to end your Thanksgiving meal. Even better, it's hands off to let you focus on the main course. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-sticky-toffee-pudding/18957/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Sticky Toffee Pudding</a> Mardi Michels is a full-time French teacher at the elementary school level, cookery teacher, food and travel writer, recipe developer and the author of eatlivetravelwrite.com. A full-time francophile, she and her husband operate a vacation rental home in Southwest France (neracvacationrental.com). Her first cookbook, "In the French Kitchen with Kids" (Appetite by Random House,) will publish in the summer of 2018.
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Maple Cinnamon Rolls

For a sweet treat, make these maple cinnamon rolls ahead of time and pop them in the freezer, thawing only when you’re ready to bake. The warming flavours are perfect for a fall feast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/maple-cinnamon-rolls/18830/" target="_blank">Maple Cinnamon Rolls</a>
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Pumpkin Pie Bars

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. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/these-beautiful-pie-bars-are-the-best-way-to-enjoy-pumpkin-spice-this-fall/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Pie Bars</a>
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Apple Pie Bars

This dessert gives you all the goodness of an apple pie with half the effort — a great option for an office potluck. A combination of Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples add an irresistible sweet-tartness. Get the recipe for Ina Garten’s <a href=" http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apple-pie-bars/20537/" target="_blank">Apple Pie Bars</a>
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Make-Ahead Deep-Dish Apple Pie

Fall baking is all about sharing, not stressing. Skip a 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. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/make-ahead-deep-dish-apple-pie/18862/" target="_blank">Make-Ahead Deep Dish Apple Pie</a>
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Make-Ahead Apple Crisp

We make plenty of freezer meals in the fall, but what about freezer desserts? Thanks to this simple recipe that keeps well in the freezer, having a warm apple crisp only takes a matter of minutes the next time you feel like treating yo’self. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/make-ahead-apple-crisp/20455/" target="_blank">Make-Ahead Apple Crisp</a>
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Ina Garten's Pecan Squares

It's no secret that a whole slice of pecan pie can be a bit sweet for some, which is where Ina Garten’s squares come in handy. Not only is the recipe great for those who are a little unsure about making an actual pie crust, but it’s a real crowd pleaser thanks to the smaller (but equally delicious) portion sizes. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pecan-squares/17197/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Pecan Squares</a>
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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

Free up your oven by placing your springform pan inside your slow cooker for a super-moist dessert. Just be sure to make this recipe a day ahead of serving, you’ll need at least 3 hours of chilling time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-pumpkin-cheesecake-with-gingersnap-crust/20857/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust</a>
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