Thanksgiving’s right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already thinking about all the delicious treats you’ll be whipping up. But let’s face it, the holiday can get pretty hectic. That’s why I’ve found meal prepping to be a lifesaver. It takes the stress out of the big day and lets you enjoy more time with family and friends.
I’ve got some tried-and-true Thanksgiving treats that are perfect for meal prepping. Whether you’re looking to make a classic pumpkin pie or some savory stuffing muffins, prepping ahead can make all the difference. Trust me, a little planning goes a long way in making your Thanksgiving feast both delicious and stress-free.
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Make-Ahead Pies
Pies are essential for Thanksgiving and prepping them in advance can save a lot of time. Trust me; these pies can be made ahead and stored properly without losing their charm.
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is an all-time favorite pumpkin dessert at my Thanksgiving table. I usually prepare the filling a few days before and store it in the fridge. On baking day, I roll out the crust, fill it, and pop it in the oven. After it cools, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This way, I’m assured it’s fresh and delicious when we serve it.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is surprisingly easy to prep ahead. I mix the filling and pour it into the pie shell, then freeze it. On Thanksgiving morning, I take it out and bake it directly from frozen for a perfect pie. No one can ever tell it was prepped in advance because the nuts stay crunchy, and the filling remains gooey and delightful.
Easy Thanksgiving Cookies
When it comes to Thanksgiving, I love having cookies ready to go! They make for perfect snacks, and they’re straightforward to prep. Here are some of my favorite easy Thanksgiving cookies that you can make ahead.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Pumpkin spice cookies are a must-have for Thanksgiving. I mix the dough using pumpkin puree, a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—basically all the flavors of pumpkin pie in a cookie. Once the dough’s made, I scoop it into balls and freeze them. On Thanksgiving morning, I just pop them in the oven. It saves a lot of time and makes the house smell like fall.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Cranberry orange cookies bring a fresh and tangy twist that’s hard to resist. I start by mixing dried cranberries and orange zest into a basic cookie dough. The combination gives a perfect balance of sweet and tart. I always make the dough in advance, roll it into logs, wrap it in parchment paper, and freeze it. On the big day, I slice and bake. Super easy, and they taste fresh every time.
Maple Pecan Cookies
Maple pecan cookies are another favorite. The maple syrup adds a rich sweetness, while the chopped pecans give a great crunch. I prepare the dough by creaming the butter and sugars, then mixing in the syrup and nuts. Like with the other cookies, I form the dough into balls and freeze them. Baking them from frozen ensures they don’t spread too much and keeps them chewy in the center. It’s a little prep that yields big flavors.
Prepped Ahead Thanksgiving Cakes
Thanksgiving cakes can be a real timesaver if you prep them ahead. They often taste better after resting, allowing flavors to meld and textures to settle.
Carrot Cake
Making a carrot cake in advance is a no-brainer. I usually bake the cake layers up to three days before, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to assemble, I let the layers thaw at room temp before frosting. For the frosting, a classic cream cheese blend can be prepped and chilled two days ahead. This way, you just frost the cake on the big day—easy and delicious.
Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
Cranberry upside-down cake is another make-ahead winner. I always prepare the caramelized cranberry topping and batter a day or two before baking. Store the topping in an airtight container in the fridge, and the batter can rest covered in the same way. On Thanksgiving morning, I just pour the topping into the pan, add the batter, and bake. It’s super quick, and the cake stays moist and flavorful.
Spiced Bundt Cake
Spiced Bundt cakes are perfect for prepping. I often bake the cake up to three days in advance. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it at room temp or even freeze if you’re prepping way ahead. On Thanksgiving, you can simply drizzle it with a glaze or dust with powdered sugar before serving. It’s stress-free and tastes even better as the spices have time to develop.
Meal-Prepped Savory Treats
Savory treats can be just as exciting as the sweet ones, especially when you’re looking to save time on Thanksgiving. Here are a few savory dishes you can prep ahead to make the big day less stressful.
Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms
I love making cheesy stuffed mushrooms because they’re always a hit. To prepare these, I start by cleaning and hollowing out the mushrooms a couple of days in advance. Then, I mix cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, breadcrumbs, and a bit of garlic for the filling. I stuff the mushrooms and line them up on a baking sheet before covering them tightly with plastic wrap and storing them in the fridge. On Thanksgiving day, they just need about 20 minutes in the oven to be perfectly golden and melty.
Sweet Potato Casserole Bites
Sweet potato casserole bites are a fun twist on the classic dish. I roast the sweet potatoes and scoop out the insides, mixing them with brown sugar, butter, and a dash of cinnamon. I spoon the mixture back into the skins and top each with a pecan half and a marshmallow. These can be prepped and kept in the fridge a couple of days ahead. When it’s go-time, pop them in the oven until the marshmallows are toasted and gooey.
Mini Sausage Quiches
Mini sausage quiches are great because they can be served at any time during Thanksgiving day. I brown the sausage and mix it with beaten eggs, shredded cheese, and a bit of milk. I pour this mixture into mini pie crusts, which I prep ahead by either using store-bought dough or making my own. I store these in the fridge in an airtight container. On the day of, a quick bake for about 15-20 minutes, and they’re ready to go. These quiches are tasty hot or at room temperature, making them super versatile.
Prep-Friendly Favors
When it comes to Thanksgiving, I love having a few favor treats ready ahead of time. They’re easy to prep, fun to make, and everyone loves them. Here are a few of my go-to’s:
Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are perfect for healthy snacking or adding to dishes. Mix pecans with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of salt. Bake them at a low temperature, stirring occasionally, until they’re crunchy and caramelized. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. These stay fresh for weeks, and they make great gifts in pretty jars!
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
Chocolate-dipped pretzels are a hit with both kids and adults. Melt dark or milk chocolate and dip the pretzels halfway. Lay them on parchment paper and sprinkle with festive sprinkles before the chocolate hardens. You can store them in a cool place in an airtight container. They look great on a dessert table and are so easy to make in bulk.
Cranberry Pistachio Bark
Cranberry pistachio bark combines tart and nutty flavors. Melt white chocolate and spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle dried cranberries and chopped pistachios over the top. Let it set in the fridge until firm, then break into pieces. This bark is simple to prep ahead, and the colors make it perfect for Thanksgiving. Keep it in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of last-minute cooking and stress. By taking the time to meal prep, you can enjoy more moments with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. From make-ahead pies and cookies to savory dishes and thoughtful favors, there’s a variety of treats that can be prepared in advance to ensure a seamless and delightful holiday.
So, go ahead and try out these meal prep ideas. You’ll find that a little planning goes a long way in making your Thanksgiving celebration both delicious and stress-free. Happy prepping and enjoy the feast!
Richmond Howard started Meal Prepify in 2019 and has helped over a million people learn how to meal prep, get better at meal planning, and create a kitchen they love to use. He’s an avid home chef and loves to bbq, grill out, and make awesome food for family and friends. He’s been featured on MSN, Renaissance Periodization, and Good Financial Cents.
