51 Thanksgiving Meal Prep Recipes That Make The Thanksgiving Feast Run Smoothly

Getting the Thanksgiving feast running smoothly truly depends on these 51 meal prep recipes ready for the big day or leftovers. On every table, people gravitate because texture stands out and flavor keeps each bite interesting. Word spreads quickly when bowls go empty. No hosting panic ever needs to happen.

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves. — Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic Chicken and Waffles

A stack of waffles and fried chicken pieces with syrup being poured on top, served on a beige plate. — Classic Chicken and Waffles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Brunch service feels complete once guests discover options designed for busy Thanksgiving mornings. The crowd pleases easily with Classic Chicken and Waffles as the crispy base gives way to savory notes above. Aroma travels across plates while laughter fills the room. Brunch favorites always find their way back to festive traditions.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken and Waffles

Moist Pumpkin Cake

Close-up of sliced pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, with plates in the background. — Moist Pumpkin Cake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Slicing through dessert prep ahead of time eases the pressure when guests arrive with leftover containers in hand. Attention always turns to Moist Pumpkin Cake since its finish provides the gentle touch needed after a big meal. Friends swap stories while savoring forkfuls. The dessert tray empties long before cleanup starts.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Cake

Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary. — Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Having a reliable entrée keeps stress low and the pace steady for Thanksgiving meal prep plans. Compliments echo when the table features Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast which makes servings effortless and brings warmth to every gathering. Forks move with anticipation as slow cooker favorites become legend.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Classic Cherry Pie

A slice of cherry pie with a flaky crust is served on a black plate with a spoon; another plate with pie is in the background. — Classic Cherry Pie. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Pie prep ahead gives every Thanksgiving host an extra sense of control with options that freeze well and serve easily. The centerpiece can become Classic Cherry Pie with its tried and true balance of sweet and tart. The crumb always holds up with every slice. Stories about cherry pies get shared all year.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cherry Pie

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork. — Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta dishes provide flexibility for meal prep plans that bridge brunch and dinner as friends gather early. Servings double quickly for Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi since the texture stays light while flavors bring quiet excitement. Spoons scrape the bowl during dinners. Extra gnocchi becomes a welcome bonus for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Close-up of a tater tot breakfast casserole topped with melted cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped herbs. — Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Morning celebrations take off with easy meal prep casseroles designed to hold heat and flavor throughout full days. The highlight ends up Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole because every bite packs comfort and keeps plates loaded. Guests rush to serve themselves first. Casserole traditions never miss the Thanksgiving lineup.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and small pastel-colored marshmallows on top, arranged in a group against a neutral background. — Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet bites keep the energy high as meal prep desserts deliver familiar flavors with a festive spin. The excitement around Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes grows whenever trays arrive and aroma fills the air. Texture offers a soft touch that remains memorable. Cupcakes build holiday anticipation with every batch.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole

A serving of bread pudding with a creamy sauce and chopped herbs is lifted from a baking dish. — Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Rapid brunch options create less stress for busy hosts facing crowds before or after the Thanksgiving feast. Appetites stay strong for Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole as the soft bite contrasts with bold savory finish. Plates fill up quickly and guests linger for seconds. The elegance transforms expectations for a holiday breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Rich Eggs Benedict Casserole

Rich Creamed Spinach

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon. — Rich Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic sides simplify meal prep for hosts by offering dishes that blend well with every spread on Thanksgiving. Excitement picks up when Rich Creamed Spinach appears because each spoonful highlights flavor while remaining soft and silky. Compliments surround the serving bowl. Event planners keep this recipe for future gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Moist Pumpkin Muffins

A stack of pumpkin muffins in paper liners is arranged on a light surface, with small decorative pumpkins in the background. — Moist Pumpkin Muffins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Single-bite treats fill the gap between busy meal prep schedules and festive eating. On Thanksgiving morning, trays stacked with Moist Pumpkin Muffins delight every guest. Forks move quickly to capture each soft crumb as aroma travels. Muffin baskets never stay full for long.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Muffins

Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

A golden brown Thanksgiving casserole of baked stuffing garnished with fresh herbs. — Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

All-in-one casseroles make Thanksgiving meal prep easier by combining comfort and variety without extra effort. Guests mark Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole as a special moment for its familiar flavors layered in every slice. Stories center around how fast the pan disappears. Trays get refilled before anyone expects.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

A baked pull-apart bread ring with melted cheese and cranberries on a gray plate, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Handheld options allow hosts to keep meal prep on pace while guests circulate with plates in hand. Surprise sparks when Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread appears thanks to warm texture and subtle flavor explosion. The bread fragments encourage sharing all day. Quick bites become story starters.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Buttery Cheddar Biscuits

A close-up of several golden-brown biscuits stacked on parchment paper, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh herbs. — Buttery Cheddar Biscuits. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sides for the Thanksgiving feast need to be easy to prep and quick to serve for guests who come hungry. People talk about Buttery Cheddar Biscuits because every crumb brings needed comfort with soft waves of flavor. The basket empties without any reminders. Biscuits always steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Cheddar Biscuits

Rich Chocolate Cream Pie

A slice of chocolate cream pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, served on a black plate. — Rich Chocolate Cream Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Perfecting meal prep for dessert means having a dish guests look forward to before and after the meal. Dessert tables highlight Rich Chocolate Cream Pie thanks to bold flavor and cloudlike texture. Slices disappear faster than any other pie. Favorite stories about chocolate cream pie carry through generations.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cream Pie

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Standout sides serve up interest while adding something memorable to the Thanksgiving meal prep process. Compliments center on Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze since the texture balances with a quiet sweet note and crispy finish. Serving bowls clear quickly. Sprout fans always return for more bites.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Hearty Sausage Casserole

A baked dish containing sliced sausages, potatoes, and green beans in a white casserole dish with a serving spoon. — Hearty Sausage Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hosts rely on hearty casseroles to make prep easier especially when the guest list grows for Thanksgiving celebrations. The most discussed dish often becomes Hearty Sausage Casserole since bold texture creates a comforting foundation in every slice. Guests ask about the source. Recipe requests travel far.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Sausage Casserole

Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie

A lemon meringue pie in a white dish, topped with swirled, browned meringue, sits on a light-colored surface next to a lemon. — Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Choosing desserts with zing gives Thanksgiving hosts an extra burst of energy for meal prep and serving. Guest applause follows for Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie as the tart finish breaks up traditional sweet courses. Slices show off peaks that everyone notes. Stories about lemon pie get retold each holiday.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Close-up of stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs. — Hearty Stuffed Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Savory main courses help Thanksgiving planners complete prep without fuss over presentation or leftovers. Compliments travel the room when Hearty Stuffed Cabbage gets passed across the table. Texture highlights comfort while the filling brings warmth to every bite. Subtle flavors build anticipation for future gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Comforting Chicken and Biscuits

A close-up of a baked chicken pot pie topped with six round biscuits and garnished with chopped parsley. — Comforting Chicken and Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Tradition finds new meaning with comfort food at Thanksgiving gatherings especially when meal prep needs to be smooth. The table buzzes for Comforting Chicken and Biscuits which merges tender notes below a golden topping. Forks move with purpose as serving pans clean easily. Compliments echo every year.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Chicken and Biscuits

Crispy Stuffing Balls

Close-up of several stuffing balls containing herbs and dried cranberries, garnished with fresh parsley. — Crispy Stuffing Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Meal prep appetizers define the celebration by making each plate vivid and easy to refill before the main event. Excitement grows for Crispy Stuffing Balls because small bites offer intense texture that sparks fast conversations. Bowls run out without warning. These snacks always spark recipe requests.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

A close-up of meatballs in a creamy sauce with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a side of white rice, with a fork picking up one meatball. — Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bite-sized proteins keep guests fueled during Thanksgiving preparations while hosts appreciate quick serving options. The signature moment happens with Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs when quiet flavor delivers comfort for each round. Guests linger near the serving dish. Favorites get added to the prep rotation.
Get the Recipe: Tender Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

The Best Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed. — The Best Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crowd-pleasing sides simplify hosting busy Thanksgiving gatherings especially when meal prep comes first. Conversations pivot around The Best Corn Casserole since every bite matches a blend of soft and hearty textures. Bowls empty before guests take seats. Corn casserole always returns by request.
Get the Recipe: The Best Corn Casserole

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning. — Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Adding roasted veggies helps meal prep move faster while bringing color to the Thanksgiving table. Guests note Tender Roasted Broccoli as a standout option due to its soft bite and vivid green appearance. The dish makes repeat appearances at holidays. Hosts rely on roasted sides for every feast.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Warm Apple Fritters

Close-up of freshly baked apple cookies drizzled with icing, resting on parchment paper with part of a bowl visible to the right. — Warm Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet and quick treats boost Thanksgiving meal prep plans for hosts juggling dessert and snacks. Buzz surrounds Warm Apple Fritters because each bite cracks softly while the aroma carries across the room. Fritter plates empty faster than expected. Guests share stories about favorite bites.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Fritters

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served. — Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Comfort food favorites let meal prep for Thanksgiving events run smoothly with classic bake-and-serve techniques. Guest anticipation builds for Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole once the pan arrives bubbling with rich flavors. Texture stays hearty in every scoop. Stories about casseroles get retold often.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Classic Shepherd’s Pie

A baked shepherd's pie with a golden mashed potato topping, partially served to reveal ground meat, peas, carrots, and gravy in a white dish. — Classic Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Hearty main dishes stay important for hosts seeking a balance between meal prep and serving timing at large gatherings. Excitement builds for Classic Shepherd’s Pie since spoonfuls deliver comfort in every bite. The layers finish strong while plates refill quickly. Pie moments do not get forgotten.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Crunchy Celery Salad

A bowl filled with chopped celery, red onion, apples, almonds, and fresh herbs. — Crunchy Celery Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh salad bowl options keep Thanksgiving meal prep light for hosts balancing heavy dishes and busy kitchens. Lively bites from Crunchy Celery Salad carry interest with their crisp texture and subtle flavor. The salad bowl returns for refills throughout the party. New salad traditions begin each year.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Classic Southern Cornbread

Close-up of two stacked pieces of cornbread with melted butter on top, showcasing a golden-brown crust and moist, crumbly texture. — Classic Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Meal prep bread options anchor big spreads by giving guests simple flavors they look forward to each Thanksgiving. The crowd gathers for Classic Southern Cornbread knowing they will get a gentle crumb and warm aroma. Compliments fly when the basket empties. Cornbread favorites stand the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread

Hearty Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork. — Hearty Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Starting the day with hearty flavors keeps prep timely for guests arriving early at Thanksgiving gatherings. Conversations start around Hearty Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole because each layer fills plates until the pan clears. Casserole mornings hint at traditions to come. Everyone stays energized through each celebration.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Classic Turkey Meatloaf

Close-up view of sliced turkey meatloaf with a browned crust on top, revealing a moist and textured interior. The meatloaf appears to contain pieces of onions and possibly sun-dried tomatoes. — Classic Turkey Meatloaf. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Smart menu planning relies on entrees that stretch across Thanksgiving prep while remaining easy to slice and share. Stories get told as Classic Turkey Meatloaf slices across each plate, delivering balanced texture and quiet comfort. Leftover turkey meatloaf never stays in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Classic Turkey Meatloaf

Hearty Red Lentil Soup

A bowl of lentil curry garnished with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream, with a spoon in the bowl. — Hearty Red Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warm bowls keep Thanksgiving meal prep smoother, especially when minutes matter. Interest grows around Hearty Red Lentil Soup since each ladle delivers texture and gentle flavor. Soup bowls see rapid refills and relaxation. Tomato-tinged aroma signals comfort at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Red Lentil Soup

Classic Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon. — Classic Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Picking casserole options for Thanksgiving meal prep means choosing tried-and-true sides everyone enjoys. Hosts serve Classic Yellow Squash Casserole so guests get layered textures with each scoop. Conversations follow across the table. Squash casseroles get added to the annual playlist.
Get the Recipe: Classic Yellow Squash Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

A person scooping a sweet potato casserole out of a baking dish. — Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Planning ahead for Thanksgiving sides pays off with dishes that spark excitement and empty pans. The main moment always features Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows where textures blend below a soft topping. Plates clear with each scoopful. Casserole traditions become lasting memories.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Hearty Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro. — Hearty Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soup and stew options keep Thanksgiving meal prep flexible for hosts who want something filling but light. Guest requests center on Hearty Turkey Chili, where bold flavor leads and tender texture supports every bite. Refills continue until the pot runs empty. Chili stories emerge every holiday.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Chili

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Roasted sweet potato wedges sprinkled with herbs on parchment paper. — Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick appetizers help hosts keep meal prep on track while guests cycle through bites before the feast. Each plate gets brighter with Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges because crisp edges and color capture attention. Wedges make rounds faster than forks. Appetizer fans show up early.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Someone spooning out cranberry sauce from a glass bowl. — Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Homemade touches fill Thanksgiving meal prep with comfort as sauces pull together the whole feast. Jars open to Homemade Cranberry Sauce since the tart finish pairs naturally with every plate. Compliments echo from across the table. Cranberry sauces disappear before dessert.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Close-up of a dish of warm cinnamon rolls topped with white glaze. — Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brunches and breakfasts benefit from meal prep dishes that deliver softness and sweet aromas to the Thanksgiving rush. Guest anticipation grows for Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole with every swirl of spice above a tender crumb. Plates fill up quickly. Brunch stories always start with cinnamon rolls.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Juicy Turkey Burger

A close-up of a chicken burger with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce in a toasted bun. — Juicy Turkey Burger. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sandwich ideas for Thanksgiving meal prep fit busy hosting schedules while flavor keeps guests engaged at every table. The highlight of any quick meal becomes Juicy Turkey Burger since the inside holds flavor and stays moist through every bite. Burgers never fail to start new Thanksgiving memories.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Turkey Burger

Mashed Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with crispy fried onions and sliced green onions, served in a white oval dish on a tiled surface with a beige cloth nearby. — Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Picking pillowy sides during Thanksgiving meal prep gives the feast a lift and plates an extra reason to refill. Excitement builds with Mashed Potato Casserole as every bite offers gentle texture and comfort. Casserole dishes find their way back for seconds. Potato stories never grow old.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Matcha Tiramisu

A close-up of a slice of tiramisu topped with green matcha powder, served on a ceramic plate. — Matcha Tiramisu. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bold desserts anchor Thanksgiving meal prep for hosts eager to impress with something unexpected. Dessert plates shine thanks to Matcha Tiramisu where layers alternate with soft filling under a delicate finish. Compliments keep coming until the last bite. New tiramisu stories start each year.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Smooth sides help carry Thanksgiving meal prep with comfort, guests depend on when serving big crowds. Spoons stir Mashed Sweet Potatoes to a gentle finish that softens every spread. Stories about favorite sides grow with the gathering. Sweet potato memories spark joy.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Moist Zucchini Muffins

Close-up of several zucchini muffins on a plate, with one muffin split in half to show its moist, textured interior. — Moist Zucchini Muffins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Filling morning menus during Thanksgiving meal prep with muffins guarantees plates stay full and guests ask for more. Layers of flavor find their way through Moist Zucchini Muffins as trays brighten the day. Muffin lovers always return before breakfast finishes.
Get the Recipe: Moist Zucchini Muffins

Southern Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple casserole in a casserole dish with a serving spoon in it. — Southern Pineapple Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of flavor sweeten Thanksgiving meal prep while plates go from full to empty in minutes. Guests gravitate to Southern Pineapple Casserole for its playful combination of soft crumb and bold finish. Casserole plates become the talk of the table. Requests travel fast throughout the event.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pineapple Casserole

Mushroom Gravy

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with mushroom and onion gravy, garnished with rosemary. — Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sauces pull together Thanksgiving meal prep by offering comfort and bold flavor to any spread. The bowl always finds Mushroom Gravy thanks to its smooth pour and savory finish across every serving. Gravy ladles keep moving until nothing remains. Sauce traditions grow quickly.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background. — Cheesy Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Choosing hearty casseroles for meal prep means guests never leave a Thanksgiving feast hungry. Conversations circle around Cheesy Eggplant Casserole since each scoop brings bold flavor buried inside layers of comfort. Plates stack up as servings repeat.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse

A glass dessert cup filled with chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, placed on a light-colored surface. — Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lightweight desserts finish any Thanksgiving meal prep gathering with energy and smiles for guests looking to indulge. Trays fill up with Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse as texture stays delicate above a bold round of flavor. Dessert bowls vanish before cleanup starts.
Get the Recipe: Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon. — Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vegetable casseroles make meal prep easier for hosts while flavors surprise guests throughout the celebration. Hype surrounds Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole since each piece combines softness and sharp flavor. Casserole fans track the recipe year after year.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Sourdough Stuffing

A close-up of a serving of bread stuffing with chopped herbs, lifted from a baking dish. — Sourdough Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Baked sides give Thanksgiving meal prep a lasting foundation for hosting big crowds throughout the day. The table highlights Sourdough Stuffing for its gentle bite and blended finish in every serving. Plates fill up with old favorites. Stuffing stories spread well beyond the feast.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

A spoon lifts a serving of baked macaroni and cheese with a golden breadcrumb topping and melted cheese from a casserole dish. — Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Filling the table with loaded casseroles boosts Thanksgiving meal prep for hosts preparing to serve hungry crowds. Anticipation centers around Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole with hearty portions and playful layers. Casserole dishes make a fresh start for comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

A stack of pumpkin coffee cake squares with crumb topping and white glaze, arranged on a wooden board. — Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Brunch ideas flourish during Thanksgiving meal prep when cakes hold their shape and flavors draw guests in early. Favorite trays include Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake as the crumb bounces back with each slice. Stories about pumpkin cake continue every year.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Wrapping up Thanksgiving meal prep means returning to the energetic burst found in dishes that combine comfort with playful flavors. Plates clear with Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad because texture and freshness win every round. Recipe traditions begin once bowls are empty. Guests never forget what started the celebration.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad