Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

Aunt Linda’s Corn Pudding

“This is my late aunt Linda’s Corn Pudding recipe. My cousin makes this for every holiday to carry on her tradition.” – Rhonda

Whose Side Are You On Cranberry Sauce

“The great cranberry debate; canned or homemade? Well, I grew up with my grandmothers, aunts and my mother opening a can of cranberry sauce. Over the years I have developed this easy cranberry sauce that is a continual crowd pleaser and has made its way into a specialty dessert of mine; Lemon Cranberry Cake.” – KC

Hawaiian Style Sweet Potato Casserole

“I have been making this recipe for Thanksgiving for decades. Since my hubby is Hawaiian, it’s our way of bringing the Islands to our holiday table.” – Julie

“This is a good way to doctor up a box of scalloped potatoes. Add the green beans and you have a complete side dish that is yummy for your tummy!” – Lois

Traditional Homestyle Mashed Potatoes

“I always enjoyed but had never made mashed potatoes. And when I went looking for a recipe… no luck. I found many fancy versions and several recipes that called for using mashed potatoes, but nothing that was just the traditional mashed potatoes. Fortunately, there was one granny-style that at least pointed me in the right direction.” – Kat

Tiny Pecan Pies

“We come from a region were pecans are plentiful. My grandmother used to make these for most family dinners and now my sister does the honors. We love them and they go fast when put out on the dessert table during the holidays. You will love the buttery crust and rich filling.” – Kathy

Ricotta Pumpkin Pie

“It’s yummy for those who love ricotta cheese and pumpkin.” – Marie

Southern Deviled Eggs

“My grandma taught my mom how to make these when she was just a girl. I never cease getting raves about these deviled eggs, no matter where I take them. Nothing new wave about this recipe, nothing fancy. Just full of flavor and SO good!” – Barbara

Garlic-Bacon Cheese Log

“I just kinda made this one up, but it sure is tasty and goes over well at parties and holiday gatherings. You can make this into any shape you like such as a cheese ball instead of a log.” – Amy

Creamed Spinach and Artichokes Recipe

“Creamed spinach that tastes just like spinach and artichoke dip! Does it get any better than having a tasty dip as a side dish for dinner?” – Kevin

Hot Crab Dip

“So good and addictive. It’s been referred to as Crack Dip.” – Stacy

The Best Dinner Rolls Ever!

“I have to admit these are the best I have had!” – Marie

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake with Praline Topping

“I made a lot of these cheesecakes between Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are the perfect size for parties, gatherings, or any time you want just a few bites.” – Jeanne

Root Vegetable Gratin

“This is such a great side dish. I didn’t think I would like it at first but I made it anyway. Now it is one of the family’s favorites.” – Joyce

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

“I came up with this last night and it was awesome.” – Lisa

Holiday Spinach Casserole

“This casserole is so cheesy and creamy. The casserole with all the ingredients sort of sets like a souffle. It’s pretty easy to make, and I often make it for holidays.” – Kim

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

“Some folks won’t eat mushrooms (to their great misfortune!), but those who do fall all over this dish.” – Brian

Holiday Cheese Ball

“This recipe comes from my husband’s side of the family. I had to ask for the recipe because eating only once a year was not cutting it.” – Laura

“This recipe is at least 65 years old according to my mom. She remembers her mom making it when she was a little girl, and she is now 74 years old. Mom said it was an economical pie and very rich so it would serve a large family. It is scrumptious.” – Gloria

Pecan Pie Bars

“It’s that time of year. I love the fall and also the smell of these pecan pie bars cooking in the oven. Heaven!” – Shelly