| Share Your Photos | Follow Us on Pinterest | Subscribe
|

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

Related Content

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?

View Earlier Comments
Advertisement