Take the chaos out of Thanksgiving Day by prepping these freezer-friendly dishes in advance. By getting a head start this weekend, you can avoid the stress of last-minute cooking and enjoy a more relaxed holiday. These recipes are designed to be prepped ahead of time, giving you the freedom to focus on spending quality time with your loved ones rather than scrambling in the kitchen. Whether it’s preparing your mashed potatoes, pie crusts, or gravy base, these make-ahead dishes will save you hours on the big day.
Each recipe includes clear instructions for how to prep, freeze, and reheat for the best results. You’ll find helpful freezing tips to ensure your dishes stay fresh and retain their flavor when thawed. Additionally, each dish comes with extra tips to help you achieve the perfect texture and taste, whether it’s adjusting consistency after freezing or adding finishing touches before serving. With these smart prep strategies, your Thanksgiving will be stress-free and delicious, leaving you to enjoy the holiday without the frantic kitchen rush.
1. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
To Defrost:
- Thaw in the fridge 1-2 days before serving.
- Serve cold or warm gently on the stovetop.
Tips:
- Revive flavor by adding fresh orange zest or a splash of orange juice after thawing.
- For variety, mix in chopped walnuts or diced apples after defrosting.
2. Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Boil potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash.
- Mix in butter and cream until smooth—season with salt and pepper.
- Cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe dish or bag, pressing flat.
To Defrost:
- Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or on the stovetop, stirring in more cream or butter for smoothness.
Tips:
- Avoid freezing milk-based recipes as they can separate. Stick with cream or half-and-half.
- Reheat in a slow cooker for even heating.
3. Herb Butter for Turkey
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Roll into a log using plastic wrap and freeze.
To Defrost:
- Slice straight from frozen or thaw in the fridge for a few hours.
- Use under turkey skin or for basting.
Tips:
- Make extra and use it on dinner rolls or mashed potatoes!
- Wrap the butter log tightly to prevent freezer odors.
4. Gravy Base
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or turkey stock
Directions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add stock, whisking continuously until thickened.
- Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze.
To Defrost:
- Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat on the stovetop, whisking in fresh turkey drippings for flavor.
Tips:
- Adjust consistency by adding more stock during reheating.
- Freeze in small portions for easy reheating.
5. Stuffing Base
Prep Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf bread, cubed and toasted
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Directions:
- Toast bread cubes until crisp. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
- Toss with bread cubes and seasonings. Cool completely and freeze in a bag.
To Defrost:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Add 2 cups broth and 2 beaten eggs on Thanksgiving, mix, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes.
Tips:
- Freeze in portioned bags to scale for the number of guests.
- Toast the bread extra crispy to avoid sogginess.
6. Freezer-Friendly Pie Crust
Prep Time: 15 minutes per crust
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together.
- Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and freeze. Alternatively, press into a pie pan and freeze wrap in foil.
To Defrost:
- Thaw dough discs in the fridge overnight before rolling.
- For pre-pressed crusts, bake straight from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips:
- Label with “sweet” or “savory” if making multiple types.
- Add 1 tsp of vinegar to the water to keep the crust extra flaky.
General Freezing Tips:
- Label Everything: Include the name, date, and reheating instructions.
- Prevent Freezer Burn: Use airtight containers or double-wrap with plastic and foil.
- Plan Defrosting: Leave enough fridge space for thawing all dishes.
With these dishes prepped, you’ll breeze through Thanksgiving Day and have more time to enjoy with your loved ones!