Jump to Recipe These make-ahead Thanksgiving side dishes will help to make your holiday cooking easier while still being incredibly delicious! For the holidays, prep work is half the battle, but don’t worry, no one will even know that you prepared these sides in advance! So kick back, relax, and know that your Thanksgiving meal is all taken care of! Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes To Make Ahead We all know how hectic it can be when you are the one hosting the holidays. Give yourself a hand and take some stress off of your busy Thanksgiving morning by preparing your side dishes in advance! I put together this list of tasty Thanksgiving sides that you can easily prepare before the big day! No matter what you are looking for, I’m sure there is a recipe (or two) that your family will love!
Jump to:Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes To Make Ahead
- Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole
- Honey Roasted Acorn Squash
- Easy Stuffing
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Baked Macaroni & Cheese
- Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes
- Turkey Gravy
- Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
- Jiffy Corn Casserole
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Zucchini Squash Casserole
- Honey Glazed Carrots
- Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Creamed Kale
- Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
- Mashed Potato Casserole 🍂 More Thanksgiving Recipes 📋 Recipe
Whether you’re a pro at hosting Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you’re sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Thanksgiving a help! Don’t forget to safely thaw your holiday turkey early too!
- Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish that has a permanent spot on my holiday table! This recipe adds bacon and cheddar to truly enhance the flavor! To make this tasty dish ahead of time, prepare it as directed (except for the bacon and fried onion topping), wrap it securely, and place it in the fridge. In the morning, when ready to bake, add the toppings and pop it in the oven!
Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole
Serve this amazing bacon cheddar green bean casserole for a tasty upgrade to the easy classic recipe that everyone is sure to love! The traditionally used cream of mushroom is enhanced with grated cheddar then topped with crisped bacon along with the fried onions - and it’s so tasty!!
Check out this recipe
- Honey Roasted Acorn Squash If you’ve never made acorn squash, now is the time! This sweet and savory side pairs perfectly with practically everything. To prepare this recipe in advance, simply prep your acorn squash by cutting it and removing the seeds. You can keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it!
Honey Roasted Acorn Squash
This honey roasted acorn squash is a sweet and savory side dish that is fork-tender and perfect for any meal! It is simple to make and a great way to mix up your standard side dishes. Plus, this tasty winter squash recipe is also super healthy!
Check out this recipe
- Easy Stuffing What is Thanksgiving dinner without stuffing? Everyone includes stuffing in their holiday menu, so let me help you out with an easy recipe you can make ahead of time! For this recipe, you can truly do all of the work beforehand. Go ahead and prepare the recipe as written and stop before placing it into the oven. Instead, keep it covered in the fridge and it will be ready to bake on Thanksgiving!
Easy Stuffing
Easy stuffing is a cornerstone recipe to Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, and amazingly tasty family dinners all year long! Classic ingredients including celery, onion, and ready-to-use stuffing cubes combine with tasty herbs to complement so many dishes!
Check out this recipe
- Baked Sweet Potatoes To save yourself some precious oven space on Thanksgiving day, you can go ahead and completely bake these sweet potatoes the day before! Simply let them cool entirely and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. Once ready to heat them back up, put them in a baking dish covered with foil and bake them in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for 10-15 minutes!
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Super easy, healthy sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that bakes to fluffy perfection in your oven! Serve them sweet or savory—it’s up to you! However you decide to make them, they’re certain to be amazing!
Check out this recipe
- Baked Macaroni & Cheese Macaroni and cheese is an iconic comfort food staple. For this cheesy and gooey side dish, follow the recipe as written all the way up until putting it in the oven. Instead of baking, cover it with a lid or some plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to finish it. Then, finish the directions for how to bake it! Voila!
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This absolutely delicious Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is wonderfully creamy and extra cheesy! Made with a minimum of three cheeses to make the best ever mac and cheese that is sure to be a family favorite!!
Check out this recipe
- Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes Mashed potatoes belong on every holiday table, and these Parmesan roasted mashed potatoes are the best kind! Go ahead and boil your potatoes and mash them ahead of time. You can even get the entire casserole dish prepared (minus the topping) and just keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to finish it up, add the Parmesan topping and bake it like normal!
Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes
A delightfully cheesy, crispy version of your standard mashed potatoes that’s simply perfect for holiday meals!
Check out this recipe
- Turkey Gravy Yes, you can even make your gravy in advance if you have some drippings already, or swap some rich butter in for your fat! Go ahead and make it per the recipe or with a minor substitution. Once it is done, let it cool completely and then store it in the fridge in an airtight container. On Thanksgiving day, pour it into a saucepan, add a splash of broth, and then warm it up over medium-low heat!
Classic Turkey Gravy
Classic turkey gravy is made using roasted turkey drippings and slowly simmered turkey neck and giblets for a flavorful gravy! It is rich, creamy, and amazingly smooth. This super easy gravy takes just minutes to prepare and you’ll be so thankful you skipped the store-bought version!
Check out this recipe
- Cauliflower Mac & Cheese This healthy alternative is still just as gooey and cheesy as your typical macaroni and cheese! When you taste this dish, you’ll immediately forget that there isn’t even pasta in it. You can easily prep this side dish in advance by completely assembling it but leaving off any toppings. On Thanksgiving, add your toppings and bake it in the oven!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Delightfully rich, creamy, and tasty cauliflower mac and cheese can give any macaroni and cheese recipe a run for its money! Pasta or not, this hearty baked cauliflower mac is pure indulgence and just as good (if not better) than any other mac!
Check out this recipe
- Jiffy Corn Casserole Corn casserole is a holiday side dish staple in my house! It is so creamy, sweet, and incredibly delicious! You could prepare this casserole the day before and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it. Additionally, you could go ahead and bake it ahead of time and then just reheat it on Thanksgiving!
Jiffy Corn Casserole
This Jiffy corn casserole is a sweet and savory side dish with creamy corn mixed into every bite of your cornbread! Best of all, you only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to put it together. Whether you call it corn casserole, corn pudding, or spoon bread, it’s a side that goes with practically anything!
Check out this recipe
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes Mashed sweet potatoes are a rich and creamy treat that both kids and adults enjoy! You can use this recipe to completely replace sweet potato casserole, or just go ahead and serve them both! Either way, this tasty dish can be made entirely ahead of time (and even frozen!) Just warm it up on the stove and you’re ready to eat!
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect sweet side dish to accompany all of your favorite holiday meals! They are creamy, rich, and have just the right amount of added sweetness to make them completely irresistible! This is going to become your new favorite sweet potato side dish!
Check out this recipe
- Zucchini Squash Casserole This veggie dish is the best way to use squash and zucchini! It has a delicious cheesy garlic sauce and is topped with some crunchy Panko breadcrumbs! To prepare this yummy side dish ahead of time, completely assemble and prepare the casserole but leave off the breadcrumbs. Store it in the fridge, and then add your breadcrumbs before baking!
Zucchini Squash Casserole
This easy-to-make zucchini squash casserole is a flavorful combination of tender, tasty summer squash and creamy, cheesy sauce! Top it all off with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs for an incredible veggie side dish everyone loves!
Check out this recipe
- Honey Glazed Carrots These mouthwatering honey-glazed carrots are a wonderfully sweet veggie dish that everyone will love! It pairs perfectly with absolutely everything and you can make it the day before! Just reheat these tasty carrots in the oven on the big day.
Honey Glazed Carrots
These oven roasted honey glazed carrots are the perfect easy vegetable side dish for any time of the year! They are sweet and fragrant and pair wonderfully with ham or turkey around the holidays. The winning combination of honey, brown sugar, and fresh herbs is what takes these tender honey glazed roasted carrots over the top!
Check out this recipe
- Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts The balsamic and honey combination on these brussel sprouts brings a sweet and tangy flavor that is absolutely delightful! You can go ahead and make this tasty veggie dish before Thanksgiving, but I would try to do it the day before only, and not any sooner.
Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
My quick balsamic roasted brussel sprouts are tossed with olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and sweet honey – the flavor is out of this world! These delightfully crispy brussel sprouts are the ultimate easy veggie side dish!
Check out this recipe
- Creamed Kale This cheesy, creamy, side dish is super easy (and quick) to throw together. However, you can still make it ahead of time! In fact, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months! Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then just warm it up in a saucepan on the stove when you’re ready!
Creamed Kale
Creamed kale is a new take on an old classic and the perfect cheesy side dish if you’re looking for some savory greens to go with dinner! Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, creamed kale might just be your new favorite way to eat your greens!
Check out this recipe
- Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce This homemade cranberry sauce is a thousand times better than anything you’ll get out of a can! This sauce can be entirely made in advance and stored in the fridge. Just pull it out and it’s ready to serve- no heating up required!
Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
My apple cider cranberry sauce is the perfect blend of spiced apples, sweet sparkling apple cider, and tangy cranberries for Thanksgiving! It’s an easy-to-make cranberry sauce that is sure to be a new family favorite for the holidays!
Check out this recipe
- Mashed Potato Casserole My tasty make ahead mashed potato casserole is delightful in more ways than one! Not only is it ridiculously tasty to begin with, but it is easy to make in advance too! Want another reason to whip up a batch of this rich and delicious potato side dish? It’s a wonderful use of any leftover mashed or baked potatoes!!
Make Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole
This mashed potato casserole features creamy mashed potatoes, cheese, flavorful seasoning, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping! These potatoes are a great way to mix up your standard mashed potato recipes. Plus, it’s the perfect recipe for using up leftover potatoes or you can make it from scratch!
Check out this recipe
These side dishes are sure to help you get a great head start on all of your holiday cooking! Leave a comment down below and let me know which one you’ll be adding to your holiday menu! 🍂 More Thanksgiving Recipes Pumpkin PieTraeger Smoked TurkeyOven Roasted TurkeyGlazed Honey HamDeviled EggsSweet Potato Tart See more Thanksgiving →
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📋 Recipe
Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 1 review
Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole (+Other Holiday Recipes!)
These make ahead Thanksgiving side dishes will help to make your holiday cooking easier while still being incredibly delicious! For the holidays, prep work is half the battle, but don’t worry, no one will even know that you prepared these sides in advance! So kick back, relax, and know that your Thanksgiving meal is all taken care of!
Author | Angela
Servings: 6 servings Calories: 273kcal Prep 5 minutes Cooking 40 minutes Total Time 45 minutes
Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup (10 ½ ounce can)▢ 29 oz green beans (2 14 ½ ounce cans, drained)▢ 1 cup milk▢ 3 slices bacon (cooked and sliced)▢ ½ cup cheddar cheese (+¼ cup additional for the top, optional)▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper▢ ½ tablespoon soy sauce▢ 1 ⅓ cups fried onions (divided - two ⅔ cup portions)
InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Fry your bacon and when cool slice. Set aside.3 slices baconIn a medium mixing bowl combine condensed soup, drained green beans, milk, soy sauce, the first ⅔ cup portion of fried onions, black pepper, and ½ cup of cheese. Mix well.10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup, 29 oz green beans, 1 cup milk, ½ cup cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ tablespoon soy sauce, 1 ⅓ cups fried onionsPour mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.Add the optional ¼ cup additional cheese, the second ⅔ cup portion of fried onions, then sprinkle sliced cooked bacon over.3 slices bacon, ½ cup cheddar cheese, 1 ⅓ cups fried onionsBake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.Remove from oven and enjoy! Equipment You May Need9x13 baking panMixing BowlSilicone Spatula Set Notes The amount can easily be adjusted to double the recipe and still serve this dish in a 9x13 baking pan. I prefer to use all of my fried onions as a topping, but when you do this you will have a creamier casserole (the onions typically soak up some of the liquid). You can mix the ingredients directly in your baking dish if desired.
NutritionCalories: 273kcal (14%) | Carbohydrates: 19g (6%) | Protein: 9g (18%) | Fat: 18g (28%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg (7%) | Sodium: 670mg (29%) | Potassium: 345mg (10%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 5g (6%) | Vitamin A: 785IU (16%) | Vitamin C: 11mg (13%) | Calcium: 153mg (15%) | Iron: 1mg (6%) Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! Bacon & Cheddar Green Bean Casserole, make ahead thanksgiving side dishes, Thanksgiving Course Holiday Recipes, Side Dish, ThanksgivingCuisine AmericanAngela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/
These make-ahead Thanksgiving side dishes will help to make your holiday cooking easier while still being incredibly delicious! For the holidays, prep work is half the battle, but don’t worry, no one will even know that you prepared these sides in advance! So kick back, relax, and know that your Thanksgiving meal is all taken care of!
Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes To Make Ahead
We all know how hectic it can be when you are the one hosting the holidays. Give yourself a hand and take some stress off of your busy Thanksgiving morning by preparing your side dishes in advance!
I put together this list of tasty Thanksgiving sides that you can easily prepare before the big day! No matter what you are looking for, I’m sure there is a recipe (or two) that your family will love!
Whether you’re a pro at hosting Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you’re sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Thanksgiving a help! Don’t forget to safely thaw your holiday turkey early too!
1. Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish that has a permanent spot on my holiday table! This recipe adds bacon and cheddar to truly enhance the flavor!
To make this tasty dish ahead of time, prepare it as directed (except for the bacon and fried onion topping), wrap it securely, and place it in the fridge. In the morning, when ready to bake, add the toppings and pop it in the oven!
Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole
Serve this amazing bacon cheddar green bean casserole for a tasty upgrade to the easy classic recipe that everyone is sure to love! The traditionally used cream of mushroom is enhanced with grated cheddar then topped with crisped bacon along with the fried onions - and it’s so tasty!!
Check out this recipe
2. Honey Roasted Acorn Squash
If you’ve never made acorn squash, now is the time! This sweet and savory side pairs perfectly with practically everything.
Serve this amazing bacon cheddar green bean casserole for a tasty upgrade to the easy classic recipe that everyone is sure to love! The traditionally used cream of mushroom is enhanced with grated cheddar then topped with crisped bacon along with the fried onions - and it’s so tasty!!
To prepare this recipe in advance, simply prep your acorn squash by cutting it and removing the seeds. You can keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it!
Honey Roasted Acorn Squash
This honey roasted acorn squash is a sweet and savory side dish that is fork-tender and perfect for any meal! It is simple to make and a great way to mix up your standard side dishes. Plus, this tasty winter squash recipe is also super healthy!
Check out this recipe
3. Easy Stuffing
What is Thanksgiving dinner without stuffing? Everyone includes stuffing in their holiday menu, so let me help you out with an easy recipe you can make ahead of time!
This honey roasted acorn squash is a sweet and savory side dish that is fork-tender and perfect for any meal! It is simple to make and a great way to mix up your standard side dishes. Plus, this tasty winter squash recipe is also super healthy!
For this recipe, you can truly do all of the work beforehand. Go ahead and prepare the recipe as written and stop before placing it into the oven. Instead, keep it covered in the fridge and it will be ready to bake on Thanksgiving!
Easy Stuffing
Easy stuffing is a cornerstone recipe to Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, and amazingly tasty family dinners all year long! Classic ingredients including celery, onion, and ready-to-use stuffing cubes combine with tasty herbs to complement so many dishes!
Check out this recipe
4. Baked Sweet Potatoes
To save yourself some precious oven space on Thanksgiving day, you can go ahead and completely bake these sweet potatoes the day before! Simply let them cool entirely and place them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Easy stuffing is a cornerstone recipe to Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, and amazingly tasty family dinners all year long! Classic ingredients including celery, onion, and ready-to-use stuffing cubes combine with tasty herbs to complement so many dishes!
Once ready to heat them back up, put them in a baking dish covered with foil and bake them in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for 10-15 minutes!
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Super easy, healthy sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that bakes to fluffy perfection in your oven! Serve them sweet or savory—it’s up to you! However you decide to make them, they’re certain to be amazing!
Check out this recipe
5. Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is an iconic comfort food staple. For this cheesy and gooey side dish, follow the recipe as written all the way up until putting it in the oven.
Super easy, healthy sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that bakes to fluffy perfection in your oven! Serve them sweet or savory—it’s up to you! However you decide to make them, they’re certain to be amazing!
Instead of baking, cover it with a lid or some plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to finish it. Then, finish the directions for how to bake it! Voila!
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This absolutely delicious Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is wonderfully creamy and extra cheesy! Made with a minimum of three cheeses to make the best ever mac and cheese that is sure to be a family favorite!!
Check out this recipe
6. Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes belong on every holiday table, and these Parmesan roasted mashed potatoes are the best kind!
This absolutely delicious Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is wonderfully creamy and extra cheesy! Made with a minimum of three cheeses to make the best ever mac and cheese that is sure to be a family favorite!!
Go ahead and boil your potatoes and mash them ahead of time. You can even get the entire casserole dish prepared (minus the topping) and just keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to finish it up, add the Parmesan topping and bake it like normal!
Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes
A delightfully cheesy, crispy version of your standard mashed potatoes that’s simply perfect for holiday meals!
Check out this recipe
7. Turkey Gravy
Yes, you can even make your gravy in advance if you have some drippings already, or swap some rich butter in for your fat! Go ahead and make it per the recipe or with a minor substitution.
A delightfully cheesy, crispy version of your standard mashed potatoes that’s simply perfect for holiday meals!
Once it is done, let it cool completely and then store it in the fridge in an airtight container. On Thanksgiving day, pour it into a saucepan, add a splash of broth, and then warm it up over medium-low heat!
Classic Turkey Gravy
Classic turkey gravy is made using roasted turkey drippings and slowly simmered turkey neck and giblets for a flavorful gravy! It is rich, creamy, and amazingly smooth. This super easy gravy takes just minutes to prepare and you’ll be so thankful you skipped the store-bought version!
Check out this recipe
8. Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
This healthy alternative is still just as gooey and cheesy as your typical macaroni and cheese! When you taste this dish, you’ll immediately forget that there isn’t even pasta in it.
Classic turkey gravy is made using roasted turkey drippings and slowly simmered turkey neck and giblets for a flavorful gravy! It is rich, creamy, and amazingly smooth. This super easy gravy takes just minutes to prepare and you’ll be so thankful you skipped the store-bought version!
You can easily prep this side dish in advance by completely assembling it but leaving off any toppings. On Thanksgiving, add your toppings and bake it in the oven!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Delightfully rich, creamy, and tasty cauliflower mac and cheese can give any macaroni and cheese recipe a run for its money! Pasta or not, this hearty baked cauliflower mac is pure indulgence and just as good (if not better) than any other mac!
Check out this recipe
9. Jiffy Corn Casserole
Corn casserole is a holiday side dish staple in my house! It is so creamy, sweet, and incredibly delicious!
Delightfully rich, creamy, and tasty cauliflower mac and cheese can give any macaroni and cheese recipe a run for its money! Pasta or not, this hearty baked cauliflower mac is pure indulgence and just as good (if not better) than any other mac!
You could prepare this casserole the day before and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it. Additionally, you could go ahead and bake it ahead of time and then just reheat it on Thanksgiving!
Jiffy Corn Casserole
This Jiffy corn casserole is a sweet and savory side dish with creamy corn mixed into every bite of your cornbread! Best of all, you only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to put it together. Whether you call it corn casserole, corn pudding, or spoon bread, it’s a side that goes with practically anything!
Check out this recipe
10. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes are a rich and creamy treat that both kids and adults enjoy! You can use this recipe to completely replace sweet potato casserole, or just go ahead and serve them both!
This Jiffy corn casserole is a sweet and savory side dish with creamy corn mixed into every bite of your cornbread! Best of all, you only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to put it together. Whether you call it corn casserole, corn pudding, or spoon bread, it’s a side that goes with practically anything!
Either way, this tasty dish can be made entirely ahead of time (and even frozen!) Just warm it up on the stove and you’re ready to eat!
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect sweet side dish to accompany all of your favorite holiday meals! They are creamy, rich, and have just the right amount of added sweetness to make them completely irresistible! This is going to become your new favorite sweet potato side dish!
Check out this recipe
11. Zucchini Squash Casserole
This veggie dish is the best way to use squash and zucchini! It has a delicious cheesy garlic sauce and is topped with some crunchy Panko breadcrumbs!
These mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect sweet side dish to accompany all of your favorite holiday meals! They are creamy, rich, and have just the right amount of added sweetness to make them completely irresistible! This is going to become your new favorite sweet potato side dish!
To prepare this yummy side dish ahead of time, completely assemble and prepare the casserole but leave off the breadcrumbs. Store it in the fridge, and then add your breadcrumbs before baking!
Zucchini Squash Casserole
This easy-to-make zucchini squash casserole is a flavorful combination of tender, tasty summer squash and creamy, cheesy sauce! Top it all off with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs for an incredible veggie side dish everyone loves!
Check out this recipe
12. Honey Glazed Carrots
These mouthwatering honey-glazed carrots are a wonderfully sweet veggie dish that everyone will love! It pairs perfectly with absolutely everything and you can make it the day before!
This easy-to-make zucchini squash casserole is a flavorful combination of tender, tasty summer squash and creamy, cheesy sauce! Top it all off with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs for an incredible veggie side dish everyone loves!
Just reheat these tasty carrots in the oven on the big day.
Honey Glazed Carrots
These oven roasted honey glazed carrots are the perfect easy vegetable side dish for any time of the year! They are sweet and fragrant and pair wonderfully with ham or turkey around the holidays. The winning combination of honey, brown sugar, and fresh herbs is what takes these tender honey glazed roasted carrots over the top!
Check out this recipe
13. Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
The balsamic and honey combination on these brussel sprouts brings a sweet and tangy flavor that is absolutely delightful! You can go ahead and make this tasty veggie dish before Thanksgiving, but I would try to do it the day before only, and not any sooner.
These oven roasted honey glazed carrots are the perfect easy vegetable side dish for any time of the year! They are sweet and fragrant and pair wonderfully with ham or turkey around the holidays. The winning combination of honey, brown sugar, and fresh herbs is what takes these tender honey glazed roasted carrots over the top!
Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
My quick balsamic roasted brussel sprouts are tossed with olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and sweet honey – the flavor is out of this world! These delightfully crispy brussel sprouts are the ultimate easy veggie side dish!
Check out this recipe
14. Creamed Kale
This cheesy, creamy, side dish is super easy (and quick) to throw together. However, you can still make it ahead of time! In fact, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months!
My quick balsamic roasted brussel sprouts are tossed with olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and sweet honey – the flavor is out of this world! These delightfully crispy brussel sprouts are the ultimate easy veggie side dish!
Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then just warm it up in a saucepan on the stove when you’re ready!
Creamed Kale
Creamed kale is a new take on an old classic and the perfect cheesy side dish if you’re looking for some savory greens to go with dinner! Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, creamed kale might just be your new favorite way to eat your greens!
Check out this recipe
15. Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
This homemade cranberry sauce is a thousand times better than anything you’ll get out of a can! This sauce can be entirely made in advance and stored in the fridge. Just pull it out and it’s ready to serve- no heating up required!
Creamed kale is a new take on an old classic and the perfect cheesy side dish if you’re looking for some savory greens to go with dinner! Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, creamed kale might just be your new favorite way to eat your greens!
Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
My apple cider cranberry sauce is the perfect blend of spiced apples, sweet sparkling apple cider, and tangy cranberries for Thanksgiving! It’s an easy-to-make cranberry sauce that is sure to be a new family favorite for the holidays!
Check out this recipe
16. Mashed Potato Casserole
My tasty make ahead mashed potato casserole is delightful in more ways than one! Not only is it ridiculously tasty to begin with, but it is easy to make in advance too!
My apple cider cranberry sauce is the perfect blend of spiced apples, sweet sparkling apple cider, and tangy cranberries for Thanksgiving! It’s an easy-to-make cranberry sauce that is sure to be a new family favorite for the holidays!
Want another reason to whip up a batch of this rich and delicious potato side dish? It’s a wonderful use of any leftover mashed or baked potatoes!!
Make Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole
This mashed potato casserole features creamy mashed potatoes, cheese, flavorful seasoning, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping! These potatoes are a great way to mix up your standard mashed potato recipes. Plus, it’s the perfect recipe for using up leftover potatoes or you can make it from scratch!
Check out this recipe
These side dishes are sure to help you get a great head start on all of your holiday cooking! Leave a comment down below and let me know which one you’ll be adding to your holiday menu!
This mashed potato casserole features creamy mashed potatoes, cheese, flavorful seasoning, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping! These potatoes are a great way to mix up your standard mashed potato recipes. Plus, it’s the perfect recipe for using up leftover potatoes or you can make it from scratch!
🍂 More Thanksgiving Recipes
- Pumpkin PieTraeger Smoked TurkeyOven Roasted TurkeyGlazed Honey HamDeviled EggsSweet Potato Tart
See more Thanksgiving →
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📋 Recipe
Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 1 review
Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole (+Other Holiday Recipes!)
These make ahead Thanksgiving side dishes will help to make your holiday cooking easier while still being incredibly delicious! For the holidays, prep work is half the battle, but don’t worry, no one will even know that you prepared these sides in advance! So kick back, relax, and know that your Thanksgiving meal is all taken care of!
Author | Angela
Servings: 6 servings Calories: 273kcal Prep 5 minutes Cooking 40 minutes Total Time 45 minutes
Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup (10 ½ ounce can)▢ 29 oz green beans (2 14 ½ ounce cans, drained)▢ 1 cup milk▢ 3 slices bacon (cooked and sliced)▢ ½ cup cheddar cheese (+¼ cup additional for the top, optional)▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper▢ ½ tablespoon soy sauce▢ 1 ⅓ cups fried onions (divided - two ⅔ cup portions)
InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Fry your bacon and when cool slice. Set aside.3 slices baconIn a medium mixing bowl combine condensed soup, drained green beans, milk, soy sauce, the first ⅔ cup portion of fried onions, black pepper, and ½ cup of cheese. Mix well.10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup, 29 oz green beans, 1 cup milk, ½ cup cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ tablespoon soy sauce, 1 ⅓ cups fried onionsPour mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.Add the optional ¼ cup additional cheese, the second ⅔ cup portion of fried onions, then sprinkle sliced cooked bacon over.3 slices bacon, ½ cup cheddar cheese, 1 ⅓ cups fried onionsBake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.Remove from oven and enjoy! Equipment You May Need9x13 baking panMixing BowlSilicone Spatula Set Notes The amount can easily be adjusted to double the recipe and still serve this dish in a 9x13 baking pan. I prefer to use all of my fried onions as a topping, but when you do this you will have a creamier casserole (the onions typically soak up some of the liquid). You can mix the ingredients directly in your baking dish if desired.
NutritionCalories: 273kcal (14%) | Carbohydrates: 19g (6%) | Protein: 9g (18%) | Fat: 18g (28%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg (7%) | Sodium: 670mg (29%) | Potassium: 345mg (10%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 5g (6%) | Vitamin A: 785IU (16%) | Vitamin C: 11mg (13%) | Calcium: 153mg (15%) | Iron: 1mg (6%) Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! Bacon & Cheddar Green Bean Casserole, make ahead thanksgiving side dishes, Thanksgiving Course Holiday Recipes, Side Dish, ThanksgivingCuisine American
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
5 from 1 review
Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole (+Other Holiday Recipes!)
These make ahead Thanksgiving side dishes will help to make your holiday cooking easier while still being incredibly delicious! For the holidays, prep work is half the battle, but don’t worry, no one will even know that you prepared these sides in advance! So kick back, relax, and know that your Thanksgiving meal is all taken care of!
Author | Angela
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 273kcal
Prep 5 minutes
Cooking 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup (10 ½ ounce can)▢ 29 oz green beans (2 14 ½ ounce cans, drained)▢ 1 cup milk▢ 3 slices bacon (cooked and sliced)▢ ½ cup cheddar cheese (+¼ cup additional for the top, optional)▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper▢ ½ tablespoon soy sauce▢ 1 ⅓ cups fried onions (divided - two ⅔ cup portions)
InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Fry your bacon and when cool slice. Set aside.3 slices baconIn a medium mixing bowl combine condensed soup, drained green beans, milk, soy sauce, the first ⅔ cup portion of fried onions, black pepper, and ½ cup of cheese. Mix well.10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup, 29 oz green beans, 1 cup milk, ½ cup cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ tablespoon soy sauce, 1 ⅓ cups fried onionsPour mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.Add the optional ¼ cup additional cheese, the second ⅔ cup portion of fried onions, then sprinkle sliced cooked bacon over.3 slices bacon, ½ cup cheddar cheese, 1 ⅓ cups fried onionsBake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.Remove from oven and enjoy!
Equipment You May Need9x13 baking panMixing BowlSilicone Spatula Set
Notes The amount can easily be adjusted to double the recipe and still serve this dish in a 9x13 baking pan. I prefer to use all of my fried onions as a topping, but when you do this you will have a creamier casserole (the onions typically soak up some of the liquid). You can mix the ingredients directly in your baking dish if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 273kcal (14%) | Carbohydrates: 19g (6%) | Protein: 9g (18%) | Fat: 18g (28%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg (7%) | Sodium: 670mg (29%) | Potassium: 345mg (10%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 5g (6%) | Vitamin A: 785IU (16%) | Vitamin C: 11mg (13%) | Calcium: 153mg (15%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Holiday Recipes, Side Dish, ThanksgivingCuisine American
US CustomaryMetric