Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, the sides are where the fun happens! Every recipe here can be prepped ahead in some way, so the holiday itself is mostly about baking, warming, and enjoying the day with your family.
Assemble Ahead, Bake the Day Of
These casseroles are made for holiday prep. Put them together the day before, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. On the big day, let them sit on the counter while the oven preheats and plan on an extra 10 to 15 minutes of bake time.
Save crunchy toppings like fried onions, crackers, and pecans until right before baking so they stay crisp!
Homemade Mac and Cheese
Assemble this extra creamy mac and cheese up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. On the big day, it bakes in about 20 minutes under a crunchy, buttery panko topping.
More Mac and Cheese Options:
Green Bean Casserole
Frozen green beans mean no trimming, and the whole casserole goes together in minutes. Assemble it a day early, then add the crispy fried onions just before it goes into the oven.
Easy Potato Casserole
Just three ingredients make a cheesy, comforting potato casserole that feeds a crowd. It’s simple enough to stir together the night before, even in the middle of a busy holiday week.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Make the creamy sweet potato filling up to a day ahead, then add the brown sugar and pecan topping right before baking. That way the topping stays perfectly crunchy.
Spinach Casserole
Rich, creamy spinach baked into a cheesy casserole that even the vegetable skeptics will eat. It’s a nice green option for the table, and it holds up well when assembled early.
Party Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy, and made for a crowd, just like the name says. These potatoes are a great choice when you want something rich that you can get out of the way before guests arrive.
Southern Squash Casserole
Tender yellow squash and cheese under a buttery cracker topping. Assemble the filling ahead and hold the crackers until baking time, so the top comes out golden and crisp.
Broccoli Casserole
Tender broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce is always a welcome change from green beans. It’s quick to put together, so it’s a good one to knock out the night before.
Au Gratin Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce until golden and bubbly. They look special on a holiday table, and the slicing and layering can all happen the day before.
Butternut Squash Casserole
Sweet butternut squash and tender apples make this a cozy, seasonal twist on the usual sweet potato dish. It’s a pretty side for Thanksgiving and just as good at Christmas.
Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
Broccoli, rice, and plenty of cheese baked into an old-fashioned casserole that’s hearty enough to stretch a holiday meal. Make it ahead and it’s ready to bake when you are.
Old-Fashioned Scalloped Corn
A soft, custardy corn casserole with a golden top, just like the ones on Grandma’s holiday table. It’s a classic that’s easy to stir together ahead of time.
Make It Now, Reheat Later
These dishes are cooked all the way through days ahead, then simply warmed up on the big day. Most of them reheat best covered in a low oven or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth. Mashed potatoes can even stay warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting!
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Roasted turkey wings give this homemade gravy rich flavor without any pan drippings. Make it up to 3 days ahead or freeze it, then stir in drippings on the big day.
Make-Ahead Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are made to be prepped ahead, so you’re not peeling and mashing while the turkey rests. They pair perfectly with the gravy above.
Twice Baked Potatoes
Scooped, mashed, filled with cheese, and tucked back into the skins. Get them assembled ahead, then bake them until hot and golden right before dinner.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Simple, buttery mashed sweet potatoes that reheat beautifully on the stove. They’re a lighter option when you want sweet potatoes without a full casserole.
Cranberry Sauce (with Orange)
Homemade cranberry sauce is the easiest holiday side to make early, because it only gets better as it chills. Cook it a few days ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready.
Pumpkin Cornbread
Bake this tender pumpkin cornbread a day ahead and keep it wrapped on the counter or stick it in the freezer. Rewarm it before dinner and brush on fresh maple butter so it tastes just-baked!
Braised Red Cabbage
Sweet, tangy, and colorful, this braised cabbage is a fresh change from the usual holiday sides. Like most braised dishes, the flavor gets even better the next day.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Tender carrots in a buttery brown sugar glaze add a pop of color next to all the casseroles. Cook them ahead and rewarm them on the stove just before serving.
Keep the Oven Free
When every rack is full, these sides cook in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. The crock pot dishes can stay on warm for a couple of hours, which is a huge help when dinner runs a little late.
Slow Cooker Green Beans
Southern-style green beans simmer low and slow in the crock pot until they’re tender and full of flavor. Start them in the morning and forget about them until dinner.
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
All the creamy, cheesy comfort of baked mac and cheese, made right in the slow cooker. It stays warm and ready to serve, so it’s perfect for a holiday buffet.
Crockpot Mushrooms
Tender mushrooms in a buttery, savory sauce that’s great spooned over turkey, ham, or mashed potatoes. Set them up in the slow cooker and let them simmer while you work.
Sauerkraut (with Bacon)
In our family, sauerkraut with crispy bacon was always on the holiday table, because it’s what my grandmother served! Its tangy flavor is a nice contrast to all the rich dishes.
Creamed Peas
Sweet peas in a simple, creamy sauce come together on the stovetop in just a few minutes. It’s an old-fashioned side that’s great for last-minute cooking when the oven is full.
Crock Pot Applesauce
Homemade applesauce simmers in the slow cooker and fills the house with the smell of cinnamon and apples. Make it days ahead and serve it warm or cold with ham or turkey.
Tips for Making Holiday Sides Ahead
A little planning goes a long way when you’re cooking several dishes at once. These simple habits make the big day run so much smoother:
- Spread the work over a few days. Make cranberry sauce and gravy first, cook potatoes and reheatable sides 2 to 3 days out, and save casserole assembly for the day before.
- Write the bake time on the foil. Use a marker to note the dish name, oven temperature, and bake time right on top. Anyone can help get it in the oven, even if you’re busy with something else.
- Group dishes by oven temperature. Casseroles that bake at the same temperature can go in together, so plan your oven schedule around them instead of one dish at a time.
- Let cold casseroles warm up first. Set them on the counter for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats. A cold glass dish can crack if it goes straight into a hot oven.
- Keep finished dishes warm. Covered casseroles stay hot for 20 to 30 minutes, which is usually enough while the main dish rests. The slow cooker on warm is great for mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and gravy.
I hope these make-ahead sides give you a little more breathing room this holiday season! Save this list so it’s handy while you plan your menu, and share it with anyone who’s bringing a dish.
