Image credit: Joe Lingeman

11 Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Can Make Ahead of Time

by KELLI FOSTER

Image Credit: Christine Han

From stuffing to potatoes to cranberry sauce, we’ve got 11 recipes that can be prepped, assembled, or even totally cooked anywhere from a day to a month in advance.

Image Credit: Joe Lingeman

The Best Easy Stuffing

It doesn't get much easier than this 5-ingredient stuffing. Plus it can be completely assembled refrigerated overnight.

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Image Credit: Joe Lingeman

The Best Mashed Potatoes

Our recipe for the best classic mashed potatoes, with recommendations for potato type, dairy additions, and mashing methods.

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Image Credit: Maria Siriano

Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk & Vanilla Bean

Rich coconut milk and fragrant vanilla bean kick everyday sweet potatoes into holiday mode. 

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Image Credit: Joe Lingeman

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

This is a classic "dump it and forget it" recipe. It'll keep in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for months.

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Image Credit: Joe Lingeman

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

This version, made with turkey pieces, can be made up to a few months in advance and stored in the freezer.

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Image Credit: Joe Lingeman

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Wait to add the fried onion topping until right before serving, but this classic can be made up to three days in advance.

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Image Credit: Kelli Foster

Roasted Butternut Squash Purée with Goat Cheese

When made in advance, all that's left to do is to reheat this velvety purée and stir in the crumbly goat cheese.

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Image Credit: Joe Lingeman

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Hazelnuts & Brown Butter Dressing

Get ahead by prepping this elegant Brussels sprout salad the day before.

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Image Credit: Joe Lingeman

Make-Ahead Creamy Mac & Cheese Casserole

This creamy, dreamy dish was specifically created for those of you that want to get a head start.

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Image Credit: Joe Lingeman

Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

This low-carb cauliflower casserole is inspired by a loaded baked potato with all the fixings.

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Image Credit: Leela Cyd

Herbed Olive Oil Fantail Rolls

An impressive side deserves plenty of attention before Thanksgiving arrives. Make them ahead and warm in the oven just before dinner.

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For more Thanksgiving recipes, visit thekitchn.com