Turkey
Classic Roast Turkey
A golden, butter-rubbed 12 to 14 pound turkey roasted unstuffed until juicy.
12 recipes · free to read
Thanksgiving Dinner With a Make-Ahead Plan: Turkey, Sides, Breads and Pies
Everything for the big meal in one place: a classic roast turkey with gravy from the drippings, the sides everyone expects, and pies you can bake ahead.
The plan below spreads the work over three days, so the day itself is mostly roasting the turkey and reheating. Most recipes include make-ahead or storage notes, and every recipe has a nutrition estimate per serving.
See the recipes
Turkey
Turkey Gravy from Drippings
Smooth, savory gravy made from roasting-pan drippings, flour and turkey broth.
Salads & Sides
Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
Crisp-tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with golden, crunchy fried shallots.
Salads & Sides
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes made with Yukon Golds and warm cream, with no lumps and no gluey texture.
Salads & Sides
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans
Caramelized Brussels sprouts with a light maple glaze and buttery toasted pecans.
Salads & Sides
Honey Roasted Carrots
Carrots roasted at high heat until caramelized at the edges, glossed with honey and a squeeze of lemon.
Breads & Banana Bread
Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls
Pillowy, buttery rolls with a golden top, made with a simple milk and egg dough.
Breads & Banana Bread
Skillet Buttermilk Cornbread
Tender, tangy cornbread with a crisp golden crust from a sizzling hot cast-iron skillet.
Desserts
Classic Pecan Pie
A glossy, caramel-sweet custard filling loaded with toasted pecans in a flaky crust.
Desserts
Classic Apple Pie
A flaky double-crust pie packed with tender cinnamon apples and a thick, spiced filling.
Desserts
Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Tender cinnamon apples under a buttery, crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble.
Plan it
A simple make-ahead plan
- Two days before: bake the pumpkin and pecan pies and refrigerate them once cool.
- One day before: make the dinner rolls, assemble the green bean casserole (without the topping) and peel the potatoes into cold water.
- On the day: roast the turkey first. While it rests for at least 30 minutes, bake the casserole, roast the vegetables and make the gravy.
- Check the turkey with a thermometer: 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
Kitchen picks
Helpful for these recipes
9-Inch Glass Pie Dish
9 x 13-Inch Ceramic Baking Dish
Aluminum Half Sheet Baking Pans (Set of 2)
Large Stoneware Serving Bowl
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Questions
Can I make the pumpkin pie ahead?
Yes. Bake it up to two days ahead, cool it completely and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
How many people does this collection serve?
Most side dishes serve 6 to 8. Each recipe lists its servings at the top, so you can double what you need.
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