It’s almost Thanksgiving. Are you ready for the day? This recipe round up has lots of recipes that you could serve for Thanksgiving from appetizers to dessert and everything in between! I will let you know how far ahead each recipe can be made as well. The more you can get done ahead of time the better.
This post does not include a turkey recipe. The reason for that is I always buy Butterball turkeys and follow their instructions for defrosting, stuffing and cooking a turkey. Check out this resource at The Butterball Hotline to get instructions from the experts.
If you are looking for other entertaining ideas, check out Super Bowl Party Round Up and 25 Simple Cinco de Mayo Recipes.
APPETIZERS:
Baked Brie with Honey and Dried Cranberries is a simple appetizer that bakes in 10 minutes. You could assemble the brie and cranberries the day before and keep covered in the refrigerator overnight. Drizzle the honey over the top just before baking.
Bean Relish is a flavorful relish that is savory with a touch of sweetness from sweet relish. It can be made up to two days in advance.
Spinach Artichoke Dip is always a hit! So cheesy and delicious. This can be assembled up to two days ahead of time and kept refrigerated. It bakes in about 20 minutes.
Date Nut Ball is slightly sweetened with dates and maple syrup. It can be made 2 days in advance and be kept in the refrigerator covered in wrap.
Cranberry Chili Glazed Meatballs have a festive and flavorful sauce. They freeze well and can be made up to two months in advance and be kept frozen in an airtight freezer container.
COCKTAILS:
Apple Cider Mule is a refreshing fall cocktail. Because it is made with ginger beer, it must me made at the time of serving so the ginger beer does not go flat.
Holiday Cape Codder is a festive vodka cocktail. You can mix a pitcher of them without the ice up to the day before and keep it in the refrigerator.
Pumpkin Martini is a creamy fun cocktail that could double as dessert. You can mix a batch early the day of Thanksgiving and keep refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
SIDE DISHES:
Apple Walnut Salad with Cheddar Croutons is a flavorful fall salad. You can make the walnuts, apples, croutons and dressing the day before and keep refrigerated. Simply add them to the spring mix when you are ready to serve.
Classic Bread Stuffing can be cooked inside the turkey or in a casserole dish. It will freeze well for up to two months so it can be made now and defrosted two days before Thanksgiving in the refrigerator.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are best when made just before the meal. You can peel the potatoes the day before and cut the them into cubes. Place them into a bowl and cover them entirely with water or they will brown. Keep in the refrigerator overnight.
Roasted Butternut Squash is a simple side that is flavorful and delicious. You can prepare this the day before, refrigerate it, and reheat it just before serving.
Turkey Gravy is the finishing touch to the meal. It can be made while the turkey is resting. It comes together in just a few minutes.
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are a great side to prepare in advance. They freeze well so you can make them up to two months in advance. Place them in an airtight freezer container to store and take them out the day before to defrost in the refrigerator.
Cranberry Orange Sauce is a fresh and flavorful addition to your meal. You can make it 2-3 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
BREADS:
Pumpkin Bread is a great addition to a holiday bread tray. It freezes well so it can be made up to two months in advance, tightly wrapped and frozen. Take it out to defrost early Thanksgiving morning.
Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread is another good choice. It too can be made ahead and frozen tightly wrapped up to two months in advance. Take it out early in the morning to defrost.
Date Nut Bread is moist and flavorful.Like the other two breads, it freezes well and can be made up to two months in advance, tightly wrapped and frozen. Take it out to defrost early in the morning.
DESSERTS:
Apple Crumble is much easier than baking a pie and its just as good! You can make this up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Simply warm it before serving.
Pumpkin Panna Cotta is creamy and flavorful. It can be made up to two days in advance and be kept covered in the refrigerator.
Cranberry Orange Clafoutis is a cross between a flan and a cake. It can be made up to 2 days in advance and be kept covered in the refrigerator.
Apple Cinnamon Olive Oil Cake is simple and moist. It can be made up to two months in advance and frozen tightly wrapped. Take it out early in the morning to defrost.
Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding is for all the chocolate lovers. A bit decadent and delicious. It can be made up to two days in advance and be kept covered in the refrigerator.
Pumpkin Spice Ricotta Cookies are a moist, soft, cake like cookie that are always a hit. These can be made up to two months in advance and frozen in a freezer container. Defrost them on a wire rack Thanksgiving morning.
LEFTOVERS:
Turkey Gnocchi Soup is a simple, creamy and comforting soup. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey.
Turkey Wild Rice Soup is another comforting soup to make with leftover turkey.
Check back the day after Thanksgiving for this year’s Thanksgiving leftover recipe.
I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
