Meal Prep Thanksgiving Dinner

Make Thanksgiving Day a little lighter by prepping your favorite sides and pies with this great Meal Prep Thanksgiving Dinner list. Make the day a little less stressful and more family-centered!

We have a variety of side dishes and desserts that can easily be made the day before, or even a month before and frozen. Plan ahead and make your favorite dishes with ease.

Side Dishes

Sweet Potato Casserole

This is my family's favorite Thanksgiving side dish and it's an easy prep side. The dish 1-2 days before Thanksgiving and once it is cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reheat the day of Thanksgiving in the oven until warm all the way through.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole can be prepped the night before. Follow the instructions as normal but don't bake. Refrigerate overnight and bake as instructed when ready to serve.

Rolls

Make the rolls the night before, or make the dough and form into balls and freeze up to a month in advance. Thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator and then let rise on the countertop as instructed. Bake as usual.

Cranberry Sauce

Prepare the night before and refrigerater. When ready to serve, heat in the microwave. You may need to add a pinch of water to get the consistency you want.

Turkey Injection Sauce

Prepare the turkey brine the night before and refrigerate. When ready to cook the turkey, stir the sauce and then inject into the turkey.

Pies

Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert because the tart lime filling needs time to set, which makes it even better the next day. Simply prepare and refrigerate the pie overnight, then garnish with whipped cream just before serving.

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is ideal for prepping ahead since the flavors deepen as it chills. Bake it the night before and store it in the fridge, then let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

Turtle Pie

This no-bake pie is easy to make in advance, allowing the caramel and chocolate layers to set perfectly overnight. Simply add the pecans and drizzle with extra caramel just before serving for a stunning finish.

Reese's Peanut Butter Pie

Preparing this rich pie the night before gives the peanut butter filling time to firm up and intensify in flavor. Keep it chilled in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to go when dessert time rolls around.

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

This pie’s double-layered structure benefits from being refrigerated overnight, allowing the pumpkin and cream layers to set perfectly. Just top with whipped cream before serving for a hassle-free dessert.

Dream Whip Cheesecake

This no-bake cheesecake sets beautifully in the fridge overnight, ensuring the creamy filling is firm and flavorful by the next day.

Oreo Pie

This pie tastes even better when made in advance, as the Oreo crust has time to meld with the creamy filling. Prepare it the night before and chill it in the fridge for a ready-to-go dessert.

Pistachio Pie

The creamy pistachio filling firms up nicely when left to chill overnight. Make this pie ahead and simply garnish with whipped cream and crushed pistachios right before serving.

Banana Cream Pie

Banana cream pie benefits from overnight refrigeration, allowing the filling to set while keeping the bananas fresh. Make sure to add the whipped cream topping right before serving for the best presentation.

Chocolate Cream Pie

Making this pie the night before ensures the chocolate filling is silky smooth and perfectly set. Chill it overnight and top with whipped cream just before serving for a decadent dessert.

Banoffee Pie

This pie can easily be prepared in advance, allowing the caramel layer to firm up overnight in the fridge. Add the bananas and whipped cream just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Cream Cheese Pie

Cream cheese pie sets beautifully after being chilled, so making it two days ahead is perfect. Simply store it in the fridge and add any fresh fruit toppings or whipped cream just before serving.

Caramel Pie

This pie's creamy caramel filling firms up nicely when chilled, making it ideal for prepping ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, covered, and add whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt just before serving.

Cinnamon Pie

The flavors of cinnamon pie deepen after resting, so making it two days ahead will enhance the taste. And it gives it time to set. Keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge and serve chilled or warmed slightly before slicing.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is the perfect make-ahead dessert because it stays fresh and flavorful for several days. Bake it two days ahead, cover, and store at room temperature or in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Cheesecakes

We have a variety of cheesecakes that are perfect for Thanksgiving meal prep. Cheesecakes are ideal for making two days in advance since they need time to fully set in the fridge. Bake, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate; add any toppings like fruit or whipped cream just before serving for the best results.

Try our Traditional Philadelphia Cheesecake. Pumpkin Cheesecake, Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake, Cranberry Cheesecake, and Passion Fruit Cheesecake.