Best Holiday Recipes

Step-by-Step Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Checklist

Whole Turkey

Use this timeline to help plan and prep your make-ahead Thanksgiving dinner menu.

Up to 3 Days in Advance

Up to 2 Days in Advance

1 Day in Advance

  • Make the No-Knead Onion Rolls; store at room temperature.
  • If frozen, transfer the gravy base and/or scalloped potatoes to refrigerator to thaw.

Thanksgiving Morning

  • Bring the stuffing and potatoes to room temperature.

4 Hours Before the Meal

  • Roast the turkey.
  • Make the Candied Nut Cream for the sweet potato pie; refrigerate.

1 Hour Before the Meal, While the Turkey Rests

  • Bake the potatoes.
  • Bake the stuffing.
  • Finish the gravy.
  • Bring the cranberry compote to room temperature.
  • Unmold the jellied cranberry sauce; refrigerate.
  • Bring the sweet potato pie to room temperature.

1/2 Hour Before the Meal

  • Cook the carrots.
  • Cook the Brussels sprouts.
  • Warm the onion rolls, if desired.

Just Before the Meal

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Various rolls, breads and biscuits

14 Easy Recipes for Bread

These breads, biscuits, and rolls are fancy enough to earn a spot on your holiday buffet, but simple enough to make for an everyday treat.

Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

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