Every year, I tell myself I’m going to be more organized for Thanksgiving. Then November rolls around and I’m suddenly panic-prepping three different casseroles while the turkey’s in the oven and guests are arriving in two hours.
That’s why I’ve become obsessed with make-ahead casseroles – they’re the secret weapon that transformed my holiday hosting game. This collection lets you prep everything from sweet potato casserole to green bean bake days in advance, so you can actually enjoy dinner instead of running back and forth to the kitchen.
No time to read all the recipes? Pin it to read later ⤵️
The magic of make-ahead casseroles isn’t just about saving time – it’s about reclaiming your sanity during the busiest cooking day of the year. These recipes include classics like cornbread stuffing, creamy corn casserole, and Brussels sprouts gratin, all designed to be assembled ahead and chilled until you’re ready to bake. Most can be prepped up to three days in advance, giving you back precious time on Thanksgiving day.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
The ultimate side dish for any occasion — creamy mashed potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions, then baked to golden perfection. It’s hearty, indulgent, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole is lightly buttery and fluffy with a sweet, crunchy oatmeal pecan crust that everyone will love.
Recipe
Sweet potato casserole with black beans and buckwheat
Enjoy this savory, comforting, vegan sweet potato casserole with black beans, kale, quinoa and roasted garlic sauce. It’s easy to assemble and perfect to make ahead.
Recipe
Baked tortellini casserole
Make this deliciously easy vegetarian baked cheese tortellini casserole recipe made with fresh tortellini, veggies, and homemade marinara sauce. It requires minimal prep, and basic ingredients, and can be made in 30 minutes.
Recipe
Butternut squash casserole
Make your Thanksgiving easier with this make-ahead butternut squash casserole—filled with tender roasted squash, thick-cut maple bacon, spiced apples, kale, and plenty of cheese. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden, it’s a rich, festive side dish that’s perfect for prepping in advance and serving at your holiday table.
Recipe
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole
This easy make-ahead green bean casserole can be baked from frozen, and taken out the day of! With a sauce made from scratch with no canned soup, this fresh-to-frozen casserole is a great way to make a classic favorite ahead of time!
Recipe
Turnip and Apple Casserole
Wild Rice Stuffing Casserole
Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing
Make Ahead Sausage Cornbread Dressing
Hash Brown Casserole
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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