{"id":2569,"date":"2025-11-18T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/18\/40-easy-make-ahead-thanksgiving-recipes\/"},"modified":"2026-03-25T08:02:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:02:27","slug":"40-easy-make-ahead-thanksgiving-recipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/18\/40-easy-make-ahead-thanksgiving-recipes\/","title":{"rendered":"40+ Easy Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Find great, easy, great Thanksgiving recipes for a stress-free holiday! From main dishes to dessert, we have you covered!<\/em><\/p>\n

Whether it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving or your 27th, these 40 no-fail, crowd-pleasing recipes will make your holiday stress-free, especially with our DIY tips! Featuring mains, appetizers, side dishes, desserts, drinks, and classic favorites like homemade cranberry sauce, sausage stuffing and the best turkey gravy. We’ve even included a drop sheet dinner for small gatherings. There’s a little something for everyone this holiday season, and recipes you can make year after year to add to your family’s traditions.<\/p>\n

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1<\/strong><\/p>\n

easy thanksgiving turkey<\/h6>\n

Finally, a really simple and delicious recipe! I followed the instructions, my 14 lb bird was done in 2 hours, rested for 30 minutes. Perfection. PS the broth link is a life saver!<\/em><\/p>\n

-Lorraine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"How\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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2<\/p>\n

how to make the best turkey gravy<\/h6>\n

First time making broth of any kind. Made for Thanksgiving for 13 people. Not only was it super easy, but it tasted GREAT. Everyone loved it. I had enough juice to make a double batch. Definitely keeping this in my wheelhouse.<\/em><\/p>\n

-Cindy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Classic\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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3<\/p>\n

classic thanks to stuffing<\/h6>\n

This is absolutely the perfect Thanksgiving filling. It had all the flavor people expect, it’s so easy to make, and I LOVE that it only uses fresh herbs. This will be my go-to trip.<\/em><\/p>\n

-Cassie<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Buttermilk\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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4<\/p>\n

buttermilk cornbread<\/h6>\n

The best cornbread ever!!! Hey! A crunchy crust and a moist, tender interior. Loved it! It looked exactly like the picture when it came out of the oven.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Penny<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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5<\/p>\n

apple cranberry pecan salad<\/h6>\n

A lovely, refreshing salad! A little extra work to make candied pecans is definitely worth it!<\/em><\/p>\n

-Elizabeth<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Cranberry\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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6<\/p>\n

cranberry orange sauce<\/h6>\n

I have been making this recipe for years and I always double it. With the leftovers I make amazing cranberry bread and freeze that!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Kathleen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Cornbread\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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7<\/p>\n

cornbread stuffing<\/h6>\n

We love cornbread stuffing and this was perfect for our Friendsgiving!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Eden<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Easy\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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8<\/p>\n

Easy skillet dinner rolls<\/h6>\n

Omg these are the best, most delicious rolls I have ever had. My husband couldn’t stop talking about these. I also make them Christmas dinner.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Erin<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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9<\/p>\n

easy creamed corn<\/h6>\n

This is easy and fun! I can just drink the sauce. I bring this to Thanksgiving and any large gathering. Everyone loves it!<\/em><\/p>\n

-Meg<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Apple\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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1<\/strong>0<\/p>\n

apple walnut sausage stuffing<\/h6>\n

I never put in the good stuff. I thought I would try last year to make them from scratch. I’m so glad I did. I have never made your bad recipe so I thought this one should be good. It will be my Thanksgiving trip every year.<\/em><\/p>\n

-Laura<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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11<\/p>\n

fried turkey breast<\/h6>\n

I made this for the first time hosting my family’s Thanksgiving and I am SO PROUD of how it turned out. Probably the best Thanksgiving turkey I’ve ever had (my husband also said it was the best he’s ever had, too!). Do this. Immediately. Good.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Blondecurly<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Brussels<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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1<\/strong>2<\/p>\n

brussels sprouts gratin<\/h6>\n

Only Chungah can take a take-it-or-leave-it vegetable and make me LOVE it! These brussels sprouts are so delicious, I could eat them forever. I plan to add this dish to my holiday table, that’s great. A glorious combination of bacon, thyme and nutmeg!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Robin<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1<\/strong>3<\/p>\n

how to make perfect mashed potatoes<\/h6>\n

It’s delicious! I’ve been making mashed potatoes for a long time, but I wanted something better…smooth – rich – rich….and here they are! I have made your recipe 3 times now and each time it was perfection – rave reviews from all the guests.<\/em><\/p>\n

-Eileen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1<\/strong>4<\/p>\n

sheet pan chicken and stuffing<\/h6>\n

This dish was absolutely delicious. I’ve never baked before because the thought of soggy bread scares me, but I’m so glad I gave this recipe a go as they really rock it!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Copy me<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Glazed\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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1<\/strong>5<\/p>\n

glazed carrots<\/h6>\n

These are great. Perfect for dinner parties and holiday meals. Used large diced carrots and dried rosemary and thyme, no fresh herbs, and still came out amazing.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Emily<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1<\/strong>6<\/p>\n

easy brown sugar ham<\/h6>\n

OMG! This was hands down the BEST ham I have EVER made! The only thing I did different was use oranges instead of pineapple (that’s all I had). This will be the only way I make ham from now on.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Nicole<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1<\/strong>7<\/p>\n

sheet pan scalloped potatoes<\/h6>\n

I made this for our Easter dinner and it was delicious. It’s very convenient and cleanup was easy. Nothing sticks to the pan. Everyone wanted the recipe.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Jenny<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1<\/strong>8<\/p>\n

overnight pumpkin french toast casserole<\/h6>\n

I just made this for Thanksgiving morning. I used challah bread, and it came out delicious. It’s soft, light, and very tasty. I was afraid it wouldn’t be moist enough but it’s perfect. It’s so easy to prepare the night before! <\/em><\/p>\n

– Emily<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1<\/strong>9<\/p>\n

the best classic deviled eggs<\/h6>\n

I LOVE this recipe, it’s my go-to with just a few changes to make it milder for a younger crowd: white vinegar instead of ACV and yellow mustard instead of Dijon. We found that 1\/8 tsp of salt for 6 eggs is perfect.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Marie-Claude<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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20<\/p>\n

instant pot cranberry sauce<\/h6>\n

I always try recipes ahead of time but you never let me down so I just made it for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving. It’s PERFECTION! Thanks (again!) for a simple, yet impressive meal.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Mary<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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21<\/p>\n

baked mac and cheese<\/h6>\n

Made it for dinner and it was great!! Creamy and tasty, my whole family loved it. I can’t wait to win again!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Eden<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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22<\/p>\n

maple pecan baked brie<\/h6>\n

This was good and bad! It was the perfect Christmas meal. Everyone was happy! Definitely again.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Julie<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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23<\/p>\n

a mid-winter salad<\/h6>\n

I just made your mid winter salad, it was amazing!!! My husband said it was the best salad he had ever eaten.<\/em><\/p>\n

-Party<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Golden\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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24<\/strong><\/p>\n

buttermilk biscuits<\/h6>\n

Yum-A-Licious! This was my first attempt at making buttermilk biscuits. I knew I couldn’t go wrong with one of Chungah’s recipes. I’m actually not a big fan of biscuits (until now). But my family loves them and my sons bought me an iron skillet for Christmas so I decided to give it a try. These are, hands down, the best biscuits I have ever tasted.<\/em>
-Karen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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25<\/p>\n

butternut squash mac and cheese<\/h6>\n

The best mac and cheese I have ever tasted! Absolutely delish.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Cathy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pumpkin\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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26<\/p>\n

pumpkin donut holes<\/h6>\n

Wow. I don’t even like donuts (yes, I know I’m boring) and this was hilarious! Everyone who has had them comments on how good they are! Save yourself and make a double batch!!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Amber<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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27<\/p>\n

sweet cornbread<\/h6>\n

Truly the BEST cornbread in the world! I’ve been using this recipe for a few years and actually get requests to make it for family gatherings. THANK YOU for this amazingly delicious recipe!!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Marlene<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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28<\/p>\n

garlic herb carrots<\/h6>\n

I made these carrots for Easter and they were amazing!!! My whole family yelled at them. I used to roast my carrots, but not anymore! Thanks for another stellar recipe!!!<\/em><\/p>\n

-Jackie<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Creamy\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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29<\/p>\n

cream potato gratin<\/h6>\n

This was a favorite at Thanksgiving dinner and is easy to make. Made it in the afternoon and put it in the oven in the evening when we were ready to eat. Leftovers still taste amazing freshly warmed in the microwave.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Divya<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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30<\/p>\n

easy creamed spinach<\/h6>\n

It is restaurant quality and very easy to make. It’s delicious!<\/em><\/p>\n

-Kim<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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31<\/p>\n

slow cooker holiday ham<\/h6>\n

This is a very simple and tasty recipe. The ham was very moist and the orange zest and marmalade gave it that sweet tang. It’s just the two of us. Christmas dinner. Meat and eggs for breakfast. Ham and cheese for lunch. The bone will be the base of the bean soup. Thanks for the easy and fun recipe!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Ossie<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Candied\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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32<\/p>\n

candied yams<\/h6>\n

I took it to my office for Thanksgiving. The sweet potato was delicious and everyone was talking about it. Now share the recipe.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Wait<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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33<\/p>\n

jalapeno cornbread muffins<\/h6>\n

My husband and I loved this; she said it was the best thing she had ever baked and I made sure to keep the recipe. They are very addictive!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Jade<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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34<\/p>\n

sheet pan herb roasted turkey and cranberry pecan stuffing<\/h6>\n

This was everything we could want in a Thanksgiving meal without all the dreaded work! It was fun, everyone loved it, I was happy with the limited runway needed and I felt that clean-up was easy-peasy! A brilliant idea. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Lori<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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35<\/p>\n

roasted sweet potato<\/h6>\n

This is the first recipe I tried on your website – I loved it!! I will make it again and again – and I will use a combination of spices on chicken or shrimp to serve with potatoes… but I made a meal with just potatoes. YUM!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Kathi<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Slow<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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36<\/p>\n

a chef who drinks creamed corn<\/h6>\n

I started making this 3 years ago and it gets hot every time I make it. Everyone asked me for the recipe. I’m a hairdresser and I talk about this recipe all the time until I print the recipe and I’m at my station. Literally everyone is taking your picture. I get calls all the time thanking me for the recipe. It is a necessity<\/em>.<\/p>\n

-Marco<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Cranberry<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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37<\/p>\n

cranberry apple sangria<\/h6>\n

A fun and very entertaining presentation! It will do it again. I added some sugar and maple syrup.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Hannah<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Cinnamon\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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38<\/p>\n

cinnamon pecan roasted butternut squash<\/h6>\n

I have been making this recipe for the past few years. It is absolutely delicious and has become my staple butternut squash recipe!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Math<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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39<\/p>\n

sheet pan holiday dinner<\/h6>\n

I have since made this recipe almost every month during the cooler months. Love that I can do this for two or six people and it’s done within 30 minutes.<\/em><\/p>\n

– Rebecca<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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40<\/p>\n

pumpkin bread<\/h6>\n

This bread is amazing!!! The keeper of the truth. I followed as written and added cinnamon, ginger and more cloves as my family likes spice. We will do so!<\/em><\/p>\n

– Janet<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Find great, easy, great Thanksgiving recipes for a stress-free holiday! From main dishes to dessert, we have you covered! Whether it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving or your 27th, these 40 no-fail, crowd-pleasing recipes will make your holiday stress-free, especially with our DIY tips! Featuring mains, appetizers, side dishes, desserts, drinks, and classic favorites like […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2570,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2569","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kitchen-cooking-essentials"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2569","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2569"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2569\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2571,"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2569\/revisions\/2571"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2569"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2569"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wiki-living.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2569"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}