10 Thanksgiving Dishes to Make Ahead of Time from the Queen of Soul Food Cooking

Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year. I look forward to spending time with family and friends and enjoying good conversation and delicious food. But as the one who does most of the cooking, it can sometime feel overwhelming if proper preparation is not in place. One way I reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day is to start early. About a week before, I start cleaning and preparing my home so there is very little to do that day. I also plan my menu gather everything on my shopping list early and begin the food preparation a few days ahead. I take control of the holiday by prepping as much as I can and making some of the dishes the day before. Here are 10 Thanksgiving dishes that can be made in advance and some preparation tips that have proven to be useful to me during the holiday season.

1. Thanksgiving Cornbread Dressing

Dressing, is a Thanksgiving staple, but it can be time-consuming to make on the day of the feast. Instead, make your dressing a day ahead of time and assemble it in a baking dish then store it in the refrigerator. The morning of Thanksgiving, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake it according to the recipe.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another Thanksgiving classic that can be made ahead of time. Simply peel and cook your potatoes the day before. Once your mashed potatoes are mashed, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On Thanksgiving Day, simply reheat the mashed potatoes on the stovetop or in the oven.

3. Gravy

Gravy is another essential Thanksgiving dish that can be made ahead of time. Simply make your gravy according to your favorite recipe, then let it cool completely. You can then store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. On Thanksgiving Day, simply reheat the gravy on the stovetop.

4. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a quick and easy dish to make, but it can also be made ahead of time. In fact I have made mine the day of Thanksgiving and a few days before and I truly believe it taste so much better when made a day or two ahead. Simply combine prepare according to the recipe then let the cranberry sauce cool completely. It can be store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

5. Collard Greens

Whether you are making collard greens or mixed greens, it is an easy dish that can be prepared the day before. Simply prepare the greens according to your recipe then allow them to cool before placing them in the refrigerator. On Thanksgiving Day, simply reheat them on the stovetop.

6. Baked Mac & Cheese

Mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving. And it can also be made ahead of time! I sometime assemble my mac and cheese and refrigerate or I bake it then let it cool completely. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days. On Thanksgiving Day, simply place your baking dish back in the oven. I usually make my mac and cheese the night before.

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Thanksgiving

7. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs is definitely a Thanksgiving side dish that can be made ahead of time. This can be done in one of two ways: Boil the eggs, separate the yolk from the white then prepare them the morning of. Or you can proceed to making the deviled eggs. Deviled eggs can be safely stored in the refrigerator but keep in mind they should be comsumed within 2 to 3 day.

8. Cakes

You can cook most cakes up to 3 days ahead of time. However, it is important to store your cake properly to ensure that it stays fresh. To store a cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can store the cake at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you are storing the cake in the refrigerator, be sure to take it out at least an hour before serving so that it can come to room temperature. This will help to improve the flavor and texture of the cake.

9. Pies

Everyone loves pie. Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without them. Whether your making sweet potato, pecan, apple or pumpkin pie desserts can safely be prepared ahead of time and properly stored before the big day. Simply bake your pies according to the recipes, then let it cool completely. You can then store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. On Thanksgiving Day, simply serve the pies at room temperature or chilled.

10. Drinks

Whether you are making hot or cold drinks, they are easy to prepare ahead of time. I love cranberry apple cider and of course southern sweet tea.

Here are some additional tips for making Thanksgiving day stress free:

Prepping your vegetable ahead such as onion, garlic, celery, carrots, etc and placing them in airtight containers so they are ready to use.
measuring out as much as you can for some recipes. For example, when making my candied yams I like to measure the dry ingredients and placed them in a small ziploc bag so I simply just add them to the dish.
Setting your table ahead of time. I always take out everything I know I am going to need and those plates, napkin holder, gravy bowl, etc. that can be placed on the table (empty of course) is ready to go.

Making some of your Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time can save you a lot of time and stress on the day of the feast. So be sure to take advantage of these make-ahead Thanksgiving dishes and enjoy your holiday!