Best Make Ahead Thanksgiving 2018 Recipes: How To Cook And Freeze Dishes

When Thanksgiving arrives people across the nation look forward to celebrating the holiday with their loved ones over a delicious meal. However, many people find themselves spending most of their time in the kitchen preparing dinner.

The fourth Thursday of November doesn’t have to be dedicated to cooking food. There are several easy ways to get a head start on your Thanksgiving menu. Below are some of the best make ahead recipes that will allow you to freeze and store your favorite dishes before the holiday.

Make Ahead Appetizers

Spinach puffs anyone? These bite-size treats from Deliciously Declassified can be frozen in advance as long as you don’t brush the pastries with egg wash. However, when it is time to reheat, brush with egg wash and remember, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time in order to make sure this dish is thoroughly done. The food blog also offers a make-ahead recipe of mac n cheese bites that allows you to freeze the dish ahead of time. Simply reheat in a muffin tin and use a buttered knife to remove the bites.

Make Ahead Desserts

Are you in the mood for chocolate this Thanksgiving? If so, consider making this chocolate-honey ganache layer cake by Fine Cooking that can be made up to two weeks ahead of being served. If pie is your preference, this deep-dish apple pie recipe found on Bon Appétit can be made one day ahead of Thanksgiving and requires a 9-inch deep pie dish. Once it has cooled, cover it with foil and store it at room temperature. There’s also the option to put a healthy twist on tiramisu by following this recipe from Food Network that uses pumpkin puree and can be made two days in advance.

Make Ahead Turkey

Avoid making a turkey on Thanksgiving day by cooking it in advance. Follow this simple recipe from Taste of Home and wait for your turkey to cool. Carve it and place the portions in shallow freezer containers with the cooking juices. Cover with lid and freeze for up to three months.

Make Ahead Casseroles

Surprise your guests with these cheesy mashed potatoes by whipping them up the night before Thanksgiving. On Thursday, preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place them inside for 55 to 60 minutes. Those who are looking for something sugary can assemble this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and streusel two days before Thanksgiving. Simply make the dish without the topping, tightly cover and place it in the refrigerator.

Make Ahead Gravy

This make-ahead turkey gravy found on AllRecipes can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for five days. Reheat on a stove top and bring it almost to boiling before serving. To create a richer flavor, add in turkey pan drippings just before your guests are ready to dig in.

Make Ahead Dinner Rolls

These buttery rolls can be made up to four weeks in advance and stored in the freezer. However, the rolls will need at least five hours to thaw, so make sure you take them out of the freezer on Thanksgiving morning.