37 Best Unconventional Healthy Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

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Preparing some of the dishes ahead of time reduces stress on Thanksgiving! These make ahead Thanksgiving recipes round up has something for everyone.

1. Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Butternut Squash

Brussels sprouts gratin with butternut squash is so delicious, even the pickiest of eaters will love it! Perfect for your holiday or Thanksgiving table.

Calories per serving: 190

Here is the recipe.

2. Freezer-Friendly Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

This Freezer-Friendly Instant Pot Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a delicious, fall-inspired twist on everyone’s favorite comfort food – just add butternut squash puree, cheese, and pasta!

Calories per serving: 547

Here is the recipe.

3. Herb & Garlic Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Herb & garlic Instant Pot mashed potatoes are simple to prepare and can be made ahead and kept warm in the Instant Pot. Perfect for a holiday feast.

Calories per serving: 294

Here is the recipe.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole is a Thanksgiving classic that should be on every holiday table. This sweet, creamy casserole is made with a crunchy pecan topping, adding the perfect mix of textures. Learn how to make sweet potato casserole for every holiday, and you can even make this easy recipe ahead of time to cut down on prep time. Everyone will love this Thanksgiving side dish.  Include this in your make ahead thanksgiving recipes!

Calories per serving: 503

Here is the recipe.

5. Make Ahead Apple Crisp

Make ahead apple crisp is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving…make it the day before, store in the fridge, and reheat in the oven while your guests enjoy turkey dinner! It’s a good idea to include in your make ahead thanksgiving recipes.

Calories per serving: 280

Here is the recipe.

6. Skillet Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes

Skillet Brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes are a super quick and easy side dish to serve with chicken, steak, turkey, or pork!  This healthy recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, Paleo, and makes a great weeknight, Christmas, or Thanksgiving vegetable side dish, too!

Calories per serving: 186

Here is the recipe.

7. Broccoli Casserole From Scratch

This cheesy broccoli casserole from scratch is filled with fresh broccoli and a homemade cream sauce. A buttery, cheesy breadcrumb topping adds a crispy finishing touch to this classic broccoli casserole.

Calories per serving: 272

Here is the recipe.

8. Make Ahead Honey Roasted Carrots

Make ahead honey roasted carrots are perfect for your Easter feast! Buttery, sweet, and pretty to look at. Roast them ahead and reheat for an easy and delicious side dish.

Calories per serving: 93

Here is the recipe.

9. Cranberry Almond Rice Pilaf

This Cranberry Almond Rice Pilaf recipe is an easy side dish that is perfect for the holidays! You can make it ahead and reheat in the oven.

Calories per serving: 256

Here is the recipe.

10. Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta – This sweet and savory side dish is perfect for the holidays and loaded with Fall flavor!

Calories per serving: 122

Here is the recipe.

11. Maple Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash

This maple cinnamon roasted butternut squash recipe is the perfect easy side dish! Easy to prepare and loved by all (especially the kids!).

Calories per serving: 130

Here is the recipe.

12. Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars

These pumpkin pie bars are the perfect healthy dessert for any fall occasion! The crust is made from almond flour, warm fall spices, and maple syrup.

These dairy-free pumpkin pie bars are healthy dessert bars that are perfect for a healthy Thanksgiving dessert or if you’re just looking for a little something sweet.

Calories per serving: 144

Here is the recipe.

13. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Pomegranates

Shaved brussels sprouts salad has toasted almond slices, sweet pomegranate seeds, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a holiday side dish. Vegan, gluten-free, paleo.

Calories per serving: 133

Here is the recipe.

14. Cheesy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

These Cheesy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes are so creamy and perfect for the holidays! No more rushing around before Christmas dinner — simply reheat and serve! Includes a step by step recipe video.

Calories per serving: 314

Here is the recipe.

15. Make Ahead Sage Apple Stuffing

Make ahead sage apple stuffing- do the bulk of the prep work the day before you serve this delicious Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.

Calories per serving: 229

Here is the recipe.

16. Mini Pecan Pies

These Mini Pecan Pies are easy to make and can also be made ahead of time.  These are the perfect mini treat for Thanksgiving too!

Here is the recipe.

17. Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Instant Pot cranberry sauce leaves your hands free to prep other things! This easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe can also be made 2-3 days ahead.

Calories per serving: 116

Here is the recipe.

18. Cheddar Green Bean Casserole

This Cheddar Green Bean Casserole is absolutely delicious and easy from-scratch. It’s the perfect vegetarian make ahead thanksgiving dish that will have everyone raving.

Calories per serving: 190

Here is the recipe.

19. Creamy Parmesan Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower

Creamy parmesan Instant Pot mashed cauliflower is a healthier, low carb alternative to mashed potatoes. A great idea to include in your make ahead thanksgiving recipes’ list. Prepare it ahead in the Instant Pot for an easy holiday side dish!

Calories per serving: 109

Here is the recipe.

20. Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Gravy

With this recipe for Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Gravy you can make moist and juicy turkey and gravy in less than an hour! So easy and so delicious, you will not only want to make this for Thanksgiving but all year long as well. Suitable for Gluten-Free, Low Carb and Keto diets.

Calories per serving: 267

Here is the recipe.

21. Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms and Pine Nuts

This Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms and Pine Nuts is a perfect low-effort side dish for your holiday table. Cook it ahead in the Instant Pot and re-warm when you’re ready to serve. Gluten-free and vegan!

Calories per serving: 263

Here is the recipe.

22. Pumpkin Cornbread

This Pumpkin Cornbread should be your first baking project this fall if you haven’t tried it yet. It’s the perfect side dish for soups, stews, and chilis, and it’s a must on your Thanksgiving and holiday tables.  It’s super moist, the texture is perfect and the flavor is game-changing.

Here is the recipe.

23. Maple Orange Sweet Potato Casserole with Oat-Pecan Streusel

Maple Orange Sweet Potato Casserole is fluffy and delicious, with the flavors of maple and orange, and a crunchy oat pecan streusel topping!

Calories per serving: 371

Here is the recipe.

24. 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

This simple cranberry sauce is made with just 5 ingredients. Make it in the slow cooker and save the stove-top space for all the other Thanksgiving sides.

Calories per serving: 68

Here is the recipe.

25. Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Salad

This healthy and delicious sweet potato salad has ‘fall’ written all over it! Roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, celery, onions, and wild rice are tossed in a chili-lime vinaigrette.

Calories per serving: 195

Here is the recipe.

26. Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash

Add this Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe to your Thanksgiving dinner menu to serve your vegetarian or vegan guests.

Calories per serving: 332

Here is the recipe.

27. Staple Kale Salad Make Ahead Thanksgiving

Our staple kale salad- with feta cheese, dried cranberries, sliced almonds and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, this simple massaged kale salad recipe is the one we always turn to in a pinch.

Calories per serving: 248

Here is the recipe.

28. Fennel and Pomegranate Quinoa Salad

A bright, flavorful fennel & pomegranate quinoa salad recipe that is so simple to throw together and is a perfect make ahead holiday side dish! Filled with crunchy fennel, radish, and celery, with sweet pomegranates and fresh mint.

Calories per serving: 288

Here is the recipe.

29. Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

These easy cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms are stuffed to the brim with the most amazing garlic, parmesan, and spinach cream cheese filling. They’re great as a party appetizer and can even be prepped in advance the day before! Include this in your make ahead thanksgiving recipes’ list.

Here is the recipe.

30. Healthy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

This Healthy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole is made in the crockpot, saving you valuable oven space. A secret ingredient and a little honey sweeten this side dish, making it much healthier than the traditional version!

Calories per serving: 267.16

Here is the recipe.

31. Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing Muffins

These gluten free stuffing muffins are filled with sweet Italian sausage, apples, cranberries, sage and pine nuts for a fun alternative to traditional stuffing!

Calories per serving: 172

Here is the recipe.

32. Eggless No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Free up oven space for Thanksgiving by making Eggless No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with graham cracker crust and a homemade praline sauce. Made in an 8×8 square pan without Cool Whip.

Here is the recipe.

33. Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas

If you are looking for a flavorful dish that can substitute for mashed potatoes, this creamy mashed rutabagas recipe could be just what you are looking for.

Serve it up with any meat dish, or even serve it with this Chicken Legs recipe on top.

Calories per serving: 152

Here is the recipe.

34. Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

Roasted vegetables (like these Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes) are superior in almost every way; it’s a fact. But they take up valuable oven space on holidays. This is one of the make ahead thanksgiving recipes that can save your time and reduce stress.

Here is the recipe.

35. Paleo and Vegan Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

These easy scalloped sweet potatoes are SO creamy and flavorful, you’ll have a hard time believing they’re secretly healthy and paleo and vegan friendly!

Calories per serving: 211

Here is the recipe.

36. Crispy Onion Corn Spoonbread

Crispy Onions add both flavor and crunch to balance out the sweet and creamy texture from the corn. It’s so easy to pull this together and can even be assembled the day before.

Here is the recipe.

37. Make Ahead Broccoli and Quinoa Salad

This is the dream work lunch: a salad with enough cheese to make you want to eat a salad for lunch.

Here is the recipe.

Conclusion

These make ahead Thanksgiving recipes will reduce your stress on Thanksgiving by preparing some of the dishes ahead of time!