Get ready for the holidays with over 30 of the best make-ahead side dishes for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2024! These tried-and-true, family-approved recipes are guaranteed to save you time and wow your guests. Effortless, delicious, and sure to become beloved staples on your holiday table, year after year!
After hosting many a Thanksgiving and Christmas for over 30 years (yes, really!), I’ve discovered what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, what can be made ahead to save precious time (and sanity!). I’ve gathered my all-time favorite side dishes, as well as some top picks from a few trusted blogging friends. These recipes have been tested over the years, passed the family-and-kid-approval test, and are guaranteed to be hits on any holiday table.
With each passing year, I’ve picked up a few tricks—like how to keep mashed potatoes creamy, prevent stuffing from getting soggy, and how to bake rolls that stay soft and fluffy for hours. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a holiday newbie, you’ll find these make-ahead sides deliciously reliable. Because let’s face it: the holidays should be about enjoying the meal, not stressing over it!
Plus, I’m providing tips on a stress-free Thanksgiving holiday, even if you are starting late! Like this easy free Turkey Roasting Guide, print it out, it will save your bacon! But don’t limit these to Thanksgiving, these are great make-ahead side dishes for Christmas too!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Looking for fabulous Thanksgiving recipes? Here are a few must-try desserts you can make ahead: Pumpkin Custard Pie Recipe (Costco Copycat), Gluten-Free (or not) Apple Crumb Pie and this gorgeous Pear Bundt Cake.
Each year, I plan on making my holiday plans way in advance; menu, setting the table, cleaning the house, planning the day out, making some dishes ahead – but then life, life just happens. Can anyone relate?
Top Tips for Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes
While we all want the picture perfect Thanksgiving meal, one thing I’ve learned through years of entertaining is to relax more, not worry about everything being spotless!
- Broom sweep your floors, after all, your perfectly mopped floors will once again be dirty after Aunt Freda accidentally drops her plate on the floor.
- Declutter what you can and clean your bathrooms, on that I must insist!
- Set your table a day or two ahead of time.
- Make as many dishes as you can ahead of time.
- Be ready for your guests; if you are running behind, be sure to get yourself ready first, nobody likes to arrive with their host upstairs with wet hair.
- You can always ask your guests to help set the table, put finishing touches on things, carve the turkey, put together an appetizer, pour a drink! Why not, they’d love to, wouldn’t you if asked?
- Relax, put on some relaxing music and breathe, put a smile on your face, stop and sit with your guests.
- Be sure to print out our Turkey roasting guide!
What to Serve with Turkey
Holiday Menu Planning
Think about what is on your menu that you can make ahead and plan on making one every few days, from now until Thanksgiving, or better yet, ask those who are joining you to bring along a side or two. I cannot tell you enough the one thing I’ve learned about having people over is to ask, don’t do it all alone!
Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes you Can Make Ahead!
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole (Vegetable Au Gratin)
Because sometimes it just needs to stay simple!!
Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
A no-oven required, crockpot Hashbrown Casserole that will have you swooning!
Easy Corn Casserole without Jiffy
Soft, fluffy almost souffle like, this corn pudding goes with every meal and can easily be made ahead of time.
Best Sweet Cornbread Recipe {Buttermilk Cornbread}
Ready for the oven in minutes, this sweet, cake-like soft and fluffy corn bread will become a family favorite side dish!
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Creamy, smokey mac and cheese is a great make ahead side dish, that you can keep warm in the oven!
Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Bacon
Classic green bean casserole made without canned soup and crispy bacon!
Easy Crock Pot Corn Casserole Recipe without Jiffy
My best corn pudding casserole but made in the crockpot! Oh yea!!!!
Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Seriously so much better than anything you'll ever get from a can and it only takes 20 minutes (most of than is hands off!) to make!
Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Because the holidays are worth the splurge! Not overly sweet, sweet potato casserole with the option of adding marshmallows or keeping them off! Please everyone this thanksgiving!
Wild Rice Supreme {Easy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole}
Omit the chicken and this becomes a deliciously creamy side dish, make the day ahead and keep in fridge, then bake before serving.
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Who doesn't love cheesy potatoes, these Funeral potatoes can be made a day to hours ahead of time and baked before serving.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze
Technically these are not make ahead, but you can trim your brussels, make the glaze and have everything ready to go into the oven.
Fall Harvest Salad {with Roasted Butternut Squash & Quinoa}
A gorgeous salad filled with the produce of autumn! Dressed in a light apple cider vinaigrette!
Sugared Cranberries | 3 Sugar Varieties
Whether you make these for garnishing your turkey or just placing in a bowl for nibbling you will love these beauties!
Harvest Wild Rice Salad {Holiday Salad Recipe}
A hearty, beautiful salad to serve alongside dinner, especially great for those who are not big turkey fans. Prep most of this salad ahead of time, then assemble when ready.
Maple Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe
A family favorite, saute the onions, celery and goodies ahead of time and then toss when ready to stuff your bird or bake in the oven.
Potatoes au Gratin (Potatoes Dauphinoise)
This dish can be made ahead and frozen if need be, just remember to allow plenty of time to thaw before rewarming.
How to Make Gravy from Scratch {Turkey Giblet Gravy}
The words best gravy! Starting this gravy a day or two before turkey day ensures that your turkey will be thawed if it's been frozen.
Cheesy Asparagus Bake {No Fail!}
Shred the cheese, measure the cream, trim the asparagus and you've got a quick to assemble and quicker to bake side dish!
Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
A delicious and easy stuffing or dressing made with three types of bread, you can even bake this ahead of time, then cover with foil and reheat in the oven.
Glazed Tarragon Carrots (Instant Pot or Stove Top)
Chop, measure and slice -- get all of your ingredients ready and place in crisper drawer for quick assembly the day you need it.
Instant Pot Rustic Mashed Potatoes {Stovetop & Crockpot too}
Make these a few hours ahead of time in your instant pot and keep them on warm! DONE!
Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These creamy mashed potatoes can be made a couple days ahead, even frozen if needed. Rewarming instructions in the post.
Fresh Cranberry Relish
This palate cleansing cranberry relish is best when made ahead of time, especially since the flavors marry while it sits.
Holiday Praline Yams (Sweet Potatoes)
I've made this dish for years and often frozen it up to two weeks before Thanksgiving. Place in the fridge the night before to thaw and bring to room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy sweet potatoes in a bourbon casserole with a crunchy pecan oat topping.
Simple Thanksgiving Dressing - Great All Year Long
A delicious dressing just for the holidays perfect with any meal!
How to make Candied Sweet Potatoes
Deliciously simple candied sweet potatoes or yams!
Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
A new spicy twist on a classic holiday dish!
Try these traditional dishes to complete your Thanksgiving meal; tender tasty turkey or try this Instant Pot Turkey Breast if you feed a smaller crowd or just need more breast meat.
The Best Air Fryer Turkey Recipes
If you are looking for turkey to go with your sides (wink-wink) try these easy, air fryer turkey recipes.
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- Air Fryer Turkey Thighs Recipe
- Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast Recipe
- Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs
- Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
Best rolls and breads to serve with make-ahead Thanksgiving sides
To with your sides, you are going to want to bake up some warm, tender rolls or bread:
- Easy Yeast Rolls (great for beginners)
- Sweet Molasses Brown Bread Rolls
- Oatmeal Dinner Rolls
- Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread
- Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits
- Cheddar Beer Popovers
- Cranberry Walnut Bread
Thanksgiving Desserts to Make Ahead
Try these easy and tasty make-ahead Thanksgiving desserts for your celebration this year!
Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
This recipe for sweet potato pie is rich and velvety, with roasted sweet potatoes adding extra warmth and depth. A classic Southern dessert perfect for any occasion!
No Bake Chocolate Pie
It’s pie season! I have the easiest, most scrumptious no bake chocolate pie recipe for you with options for personalization. My mouth waters just thinking about the silky smooth texture and rich flavor in this dessert!
Best Pumpkin Fluff Recipe (Pumpkin Pie Dip)
Why not switch things up this year and make this delicious, thick, and easy pumpkin fluff recipe that tastes like creamy pumpkin pie without the pie crust? Dive in with your favorite dippers such as gingersnap cookies, Nilla wafers, graham crackers, Biscoff cookies, fresh fruit, and more! A big hit at your next fall party, Halloween party, or Thanksgiving feast.
Best Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Homemade)
These apple pie filled cinnamon rolls are decadent, fruity, and made entirely from scratch. Ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls with a quick homemade apple pie filling are worth the time and effort.
Start ahead a day or two, breaking up the prep.
Easy Gluten-Free Apple Pie Recipe with Crumb Topping
This gluten-free apple pie will rock your socks off; with the crust and crumble topping made from the same dough, this is an easy, fail-proof pie.
Easy Mini Apple Pie Recipe in Muffin Tin
An easy mini apple pie recipe in your muffin tin. With a simple sugar cookie crust, a quick homemade apple filling, a drizzle of caramel, and a buttery streusel topping.
Pumpkin Custard Pie Recipe (Costco Copycat)
This pumpkin custard pie recipe is spot-on for a Costco pumpkin pie recipe! With a buttery crust, creamy custard filling; this is the best pumpkin pie, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!
Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Recipe
The rich buttery brown sugar flavors mixed into a creamy homemade butterscotch pudding nestled in a flaky pastry crust. This Butterscotch Cinnamon pie recipe is Heavenly!
Whether you are joining others or hosting Thanksgiving yourself, I pray that it is filled with deep gratitude, I pray you can find oodles of reasons to be thankful and that it spills out of you onto others around you! I love this book on Thanksgiving graces, prayers and quotes.
A Thanksgiving Psalm
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness and delight;
Come before His presence with joyful singing.
Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His].
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting,
His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.
Psalm 100 (AMP)
Got Turkey Leftovers?
Our favorite leftover turkey recipes (and a few ham too!)
- Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe
- Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe (Baked)
- Turkey Divan Recipe (or chicken)
- Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole
- Turkey and Cranberry Sliders
- Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Oven Baked Turkey Cheese Sliders
- Hawaiian Fried Rice
Don’t forget your main dish recipes, this perfect, make-ahead giblet gravy or maybe you want a holiday honeybaked ham??
I hope you loved this Thanksgiving side dishes make ahead post — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
Jackie
This is the most delicious giblet gravy. I’ve made twice and it comes out perfect. I love that I can make in advance and just heat up on TG day. This year we ordered a smoked turkey, so I had to buy the giblets at the grocery store and that worked fine.
Love how you improvised!!!