Thanksgiving can be both joyous and hectic, with multiple dishes to prepare and a house full of guests to entertain. The good news? You can get a lot of the work done in advance!
These make-ahead Thanksgiving tasks will help you get a head start, saving you from stress and letting you enjoy the holiday as much as everyone else.
1. Plan Your Menu and Make a Shopping List
The first step to a stress-free Thanksgiving is a solid plan. Finalize your menu at least two weeks ahead, and create a detailed shopping list. Split your shopping into non-perishables (to be bought early) and fresh items. This early preparation helps avoid last-minute grocery runs and ensures you won’t forget anything essential.
Additionally, consider your guests' dietary needs—such as allergies or vegetarian options—and plan accordingly. By being organized ahead of time, you can make sure that everyone has something they can enjoy without scrambling for substitutes.
2. Prep the Pantry and Gather Equipment
Take inventory of your pantry and ensure you have all the basics—flour, sugar, spices, stock, etc. Make sure you also have enough roasting pans, pie dishes, and mixing bowls. Gathering everything ahead of time helps you avoid the frustration of missing tools or ingredients on the big day.
Also, check your appliances: make sure your oven is working correctly and your meat thermometer is calibrated. Set out your mixer, food processor, or any other equipment you’ll need, so you aren’t hunting for them in the middle of cooking.
3. Make and Freeze Pie Crusts
Homemade pie crusts can be time-consuming but are well worth it for that flaky, buttery goodness. Make the dough ahead of time, roll it into discs, and freeze.
On Thanksgiving, all you need to do is defrost, fill, and bake! You can even roll the crust into pie tins before freezing, which saves even more time on the big day. Label the pie crusts and wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Making the crusts ahead will not only save you time but also reduce the stress of worrying if they’ll turn out right at the last minute.
4. Chop Vegetables in Advance
Chopping vegetables can be a major time-sink, especially for dishes like stuffing and casseroles. Chop onions, celery, carrots, and any other veggies you need a few days ahead and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to cook.
To keep them fresh, store each type of vegetable separately with a damp paper towel in the container. You can also label the containers by dish so you know exactly where everything goes, making the cooking process much more efficient and organized.
See more: What Is The Best Knife For Chopping Vegetables?
5. Prepare and Freeze Gravy
Making gravy ahead of time ensures you won't be scrambling with drippings at the last minute. Prepare the gravy, let it cool, and freeze it in a container. On Thanksgiving, just reheat and add any additional drippings for extra flavor.
To avoid lumps when reheating, whisk the gravy thoroughly and add a bit of stock if needed to adjust the consistency. Freezing gravy in portions makes reheating quicker and allows you to add drippings gradually until you get the perfect flavor balance.
6. Assemble Casseroles Ahead
Most casseroles, like green bean or sweet potato, can be assembled the day before. Cover them tightly and refrigerate until it's time to bake. This step will save valuable time and oven space on the day of the feast.
Consider using disposable foil trays to make cleanup easier, and don’t forget to label each dish. If your casserole recipe includes a crunchy topping, like breadcrumbs or fried onions, add that just before baking to keep it from getting soggy.
7. Make Cranberry Sauce Early
Cranberry sauce actually tastes better when made in advance, as it allows the flavors to meld together. Make it up to a week ahead and store it in the fridge. This is one side dish that’s easy to cross off your list early!
You can even get creative by adding orange zest, cinnamon, or other spices to enhance the flavor. Store it in an airtight container, and on Thanksgiving Day, you can serve it directly from the fridge or let it come to room temperature for a fresher taste.
8. Set the Table the Night Before
Setting the table can easily be done the evening before Thanksgiving. Lay out the plates, utensils, napkins, and any decorations or centerpieces you plan to use. Waking up to a beautifully set table will instantly put you in a festive mood.
You can even add name cards if you have assigned seating or a seating plan for larger gatherings. Doing this ahead of time also gives you a chance to spot anything missing, like extra chairs, and fix it before the guests arrive.
9. Bake Rolls in Advance
Bake your dinner rolls a day or two ahead. Store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. They’ll taste just as fresh, and you’ll save time on baking day.
To keep them soft, wrap the rolls in foil before reheating. If you prefer, you can also par-bake the rolls—bake them until they’re almost done, then finish baking just before dinner for that fresh-baked taste without all the work.
10. Prepare Appetizers and Snacks Early
Appetizers can often be overlooked until the last minute, leading to extra stress. Prepare cheese boards, dips, or other easy appetizers a day ahead and store them in the fridge. This way, you can keep guests happy while you finish the main meal.
You can also portion out things like nuts or crackers into serving bowls and cover them with plastic wrap. Having these ready to go means you can focus on the main course while still keeping guests entertained and well-fed.
11. Brine the Turkey Overnight
If you’re planning to brine your turkey, do it the night before. Whether it’s a wet or dry brine, letting the turkey soak up all those flavors overnight means less work for you on Thanksgiving morning, plus a juicier bird.
Make sure the brine is well-seasoned with salt, sugar, and aromatics like herbs or citrus. Place the turkey in a large brining bag or container, and keep it in the fridge overnight. The brine helps break down proteins, ensuring a moist, tender turkey that will impress your guests.
Read more: 8 Turkey Mistakes That Can Make or Break Your Thanksgiving (And Their Simple Fixes)
12. Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead
Mashed potatoes are a beloved side dish but can be a hassle to prepare at the last moment. Cook and mash your potatoes a day ahead, then store them in the fridge.
On Thanksgiving, reheat with extra butter and cream for a freshly made taste. Use a slow cooker to keep them warm without burning. Adding extra cream or milk during reheating helps keep them smooth and creamy, and no one will ever know they weren’t made fresh that day.
13. Prepare a Cooking Schedule
Write out a cooking schedule for Thanksgiving Day. Include cooking times, oven temperatures, and any overlapping tasks. Having everything laid out ahead of time will make the entire process flow more smoothly and help you stay organized.
Consider staggering your dishes so that your oven isn’t overwhelmed. For example, cook dishes that need different temperatures in sequence and keep them warm in the oven or under foil while you make others.
14. Make the Salad Dressing Early
If you’re serving a salad, the dressing can be made a few days ahead of time. Homemade vinaigrettes and creamy dressings store well in the fridge and taste better when they’ve had time for the flavors to come together.
Keep it in a jar or bottle to make shaking and pouring easy on the day of. Dressing the salad just before serving ensures the greens stay crisp, giving you a fresh, vibrant dish without any fuss.
15. Arrange Serving Dishes and Utensils
The last thing you want is to be scrambling for serving dishes as guests are arriving. Take out all the platters, bowls, and serving utensils you plan to use, and label them with sticky notes for each dish. This makes the final prep fast and easy.
Arranging these items ahead of time ensures you have enough space for everything and gives you peace of mind knowing there won’t be any last-minute searches for that perfect gravy boat or pie server.
Enjoy A Calm and Enjoyable Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of last-minute stress. By planning and preparing as much as possible ahead of time—like chopping veggies, setting the table, and freezing casseroles—you can save your sanity and actually enjoy the day.
With these simple make-ahead tasks, your Thanksgiving will be smoother, happier, and more delicious.