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This post is all about: 109+ Thanksgiving Casserole Ideas You Can Cook Days Ahead!
Thanksgiving is a time of year when families gather around the table to enjoy a delicious feast. One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the casserole. Casseroles are easy to make, can be cooked ahead of time, and are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there is a casserole recipe out there that will satisfy your taste buds.
With over 109 Thanksgiving casserole ideas to choose from, there is no shortage of inspiration for your holiday menu. These recipes range from classic dishes like green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole to more unique options like turkey and stuffing casserole or cranberry and brie casserole. The best part is that many of these recipes can be made days ahead of time, making it easier to prepare for the big day.
Thanksgiving Casserole Ideas
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. When planning a Thanksgiving menu, it’s important to have a variety of dishes to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Here are a list of Thanksgiving Casserole ideas for what should be on a Thanksgiving menu:
Green Bean Casserole
With an array of sumptuous Thanksgiving dishes at your disposal, the Days Ahead Green Beach casserole stands out as an impeccable addition to your festive spread. This casserole, a delightful blend of crisp greens and aromatic herbs, offers a refreshing seaside twist to the traditional holiday fare.
The brilliance of the Days Ahead Green Beach casserole lies not just in its delectable taste, but also in its convenience; much like the famed green bean or sweet potato casseroles, it can be prepped several days in advance. This ensures a smoother kitchen operation come Thanksgiving, giving you more moments to cherish with loved ones.
How do you make days ahead green bean casserole?
- Ingredients Gathering: Assemble all required ingredients. Typically, this includes fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup (or a homemade creamy sauce), milk or cream, fried onions or breadcrumbs for the topping, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Prep the Green Beans: Clean and trim the green beans. Blanch or steam them until they’re tender yet crisp. This pre-cooking step ensures they won’t be overly soft in the final dish. Drain well.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: If you’re not using store-bought cream of mushroom soup, prepare your creamy sauce. This might involve sautéing mushrooms and onions in butter, adding flour to form a roux, and then slowly incorporating milk or cream, stirring until thickened.
- Assemble in Casserole Dish: Combine the green beans and creamy base, ensuring the beans are well-coated. Transfer this mixture to your casserole dish. If you’re using a breadcrumb topping, you can add it now. (It’s best to wait to add fried onions until the day of baking to keep them crispy.)
- Cool & Store: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a casserole lid.
- Refrigeration: Place the prepared casserole in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 2-3 days.
- Day Of Cooking: When you’re set to bake, preheat your oven. Take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes to approach room temperature. If you’re using fried onions as a topping, sprinkle them over the casserole now. Bake according to your recipe’s guidelines until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy: After baking, let the casserole rest for a couple of minutes before serving. The hot, creamy, and crunchy textures will surely delight your guests!
Prep Time: 25 minutes Reheating Time: 40 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 2 hours Yield: serves 10–12
Savor the classic comfort of a Thanksgiving favorite, reimagined to fit the bustling schedules of the modern holiday cook. This make-ahead green bean casserole, as featured on “Plays Well With Butter”, seamlessly marries convenience with indulgent flavors. Tender green beans, bathed in a creamy mushroom sauce, are layered with the irresistible crunch of crispy fried onions.
Other Green Bean Casserole Ideas You Can Make Ahead
More Green Bean Casserole Ideas
- Classic Green Bean Casserole
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
- Bacon and Mushroom Green Bean Casserole
- Almond Green Bean Casserole
- Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole
- Caramelized Onion Green Bean Casserole
- Sesame Soy Green Bean Casserole
- Dijon Green Bean Casserole
- Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Ingredients Gathering: Begin by collecting all the ingredients you’ll need. This typically includes sweet potatoes, butter, milk, eggs, sugar or maple syrup, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. For toppings, you might use marshmallows, pecans, or a streusel mixture.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes. Boil or roast them until they’re tender. Once done, mash or puree them based on your preferred texture.
- Mix the Filling: Combine the mashed sweet potatoes with your wet ingredients (like butter, milk, and eggs) and flavorings (sugar, spices, etc.). Blend until smooth.
- Assemble in Casserole Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into your casserole dish. If you’re using a streusel topping or pecans, sprinkle them over the top now. (If using marshmallows, wait until the day of baking to add them to prevent them from becoming soggy.)
- Cool & Store: Allow the casserole to reach room temperature. Cover tightly with aluminum foil or a lid.
- Refrigeration: Place the covered casserole in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for up to 3 days.
- Day Of Cooking: On the day you plan to serve the casserole, preheat your oven. Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes. If you’re topping with marshmallows, add them now. Bake according to your recipe’s instructions, typically until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown or the marshmallows are toasted.
- Serve & Enjoy: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm as a delightful side dish.
More Sweet Potato Casserole Ideas
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Au Gratin Potatoes
- Mashed Potato Casserole
- Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
- Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
- Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
- Sweet Potato and Pecan Casserole
Make Ahead Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Ingredients Gathering: Ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. This typically includes fresh broccoli florets, cheese (like cheddar or a mix of your favorites), butter, milk or cream, a binding agent (like flour or breadcrumbs), and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Some recipes also call for sautéed onions or mushrooms.
- Prep the Broccoli: Clean the broccoli florets and either steam or blanch them until they’re just tender but still vibrant in color. This prevents overcooking them during the final bake. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté any additional ingredients like onions or mushrooms. If using flour, add it now to make a roux. Gradually pour in the milk or cream, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add in the shredded cheese, stirring until you have a smooth cheese sauce.
- Assemble in Casserole Dish: Combine the broccoli and cheese sauce, ensuring the broccoli is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to your casserole dish. Some recipes might call for a breadcrumb topping, which you can sprinkle on now.
- Cool & Store: Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover tightly with aluminum foil or a casserole lid.
- Refrigeration: Store the prepared casserole in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
- Day Of Cooking: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven. Remove the casserole from the fridge, allowing it to sit out for about 20-30 minutes to approach room temperature. This ensures even cooking. Bake as per your recipe’s instructions until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set. Then, serve warm and enjoy the comforting blend of broccoli and melted cheese.
More Broccoli and Cheese Casserole Ideas
- Classic Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Bacon and Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Vegan Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Gluten-Free Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Cheddar and Broccoli Casserole
- Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Broccoli and Quinoa Cheese Casserole
- Ham and Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Stuffing Casserole
More Sweet Potato Casserole Ideas
- Traditional Stuffing Casserole
- Sausage and Sage Stuffing Casserole
- Cornbread Stuffing Casserole
- Apple and Cranberry Stuffing Casserole
- Mushroom and Herb Stuffing Casserole
- Vegetarian Stuffing Casserole
- Wild Rice Stuffing Casserole
- Chestnut and Sausage Stuffing Casserole
- Rye Bread Stuffing Casserole
- Gluten-Free Stuffing Casserole
Sausage and Rice Casserole
More Sausage Rice Casserole Ideas
- Classic Sausage and Rice Casserole
- Sausage and Rice Breakfast Casserole
- Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole
- Sausage and Wild Rice Casserole
- Sausage and Rice Stuffed Peppers
- Italian Sausage and Rice Casserole
- Vegan Sausage and Rice Casserole
- Sausage and Rice Jambalaya Casserole
- Mexican Sausage and Rice Casserole
- Sausage and Rice Enchilada Casserole
Spinach and Artichoke Casserole
More Spinach and Artichoke Casserole Ideas
- Classic Spinach and Artichoke Casserole
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip Casserole
- Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Casserole
- Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Spinach and Artichoke Breakfast Casserole
- Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Casserole
- Spinach and Artichoke Quinoa Casserole
- Spinach and Artichoke Spaghetti Squash Casserole
- Spinach and Artichoke Enchilada Casserole
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
More Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Ideas
- Classic Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
- Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Casserole
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
- Chicken and Mushroom Wild Rice Casserole
- Chicken and Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole
- Chicken and Spinach Wild Rice Casserole
- Chicken and Vegetable Wild Rice Casserole
- Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
- Vegan Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Butternut Squash Casserole
- Classic Butternut Squash Casserole
- Butternut Squash and Sage Casserole
- Butternut Squash and Spinach Casserole
- Butternut Squash and Quinoa Casserole
- Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole
- Vegan Butternut Squash Casserole
- Butternut Squash and Cranberry Casserole
- Butternut Squash and Gruyère Casserole
- Butternut Squash and Pecan Casserole
- Butternut Squash and Brown Sugar Casserole
How do you repurpose Thanksgiving Leftovers? Try a Thanksgiving on a Roll Sandwich!
What can I do with Thanksgiving leftovers, you may ask. Here’s some more ideas:
- Turkey Cranberry Slider
- Thanksgiving Leftovers Sub
- Turkey and Brie Croissant
- Turkey, Bacon, and Avocado Wrap
- Cranberry and Turkey Panini
- Sweet Potato and Turkey Roll
- Thanksgiving Club
- Leftover Cranberry Turkey Wrap
- Turkey and Stuffing Sliders
- Vegetarian Thanksgiving Wrap
These Thanksgiving casseroles and leftover ideas are flavorful and convenient additions to your menu. Pair them with traditional sides for a well-rounded meal.
Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pecan Pie
- Apple Pie
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
- Chocolate Pecan Tart
- Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Caramel Apple Crisp
- Maple Pecan Bars
- Pumpkin Roll
Bonus Leftover Recipes
- Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich
- Turkey Pot Pie
- Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
- Turkey and Stuffing Waffles
- Cranberry Turkey Quesadillas
- Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Turkey and Vegetable Soup
- Thanksgiving Leftover Stromboli
- Sweet Potato Hash
- Turkey and Cranberry Salad
- Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms
What Can I Cook 3 Days Before Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a special occasion that brings families and friends together to enjoy scrumptious food. Although, getting all the dishes ready for the big day can be quite overwhelming. To make it easier, preparing some of the dishes in advance, including casseroles, is a great solution. With some careful planning and preparation, you can make some of the best Thanksgiving casseroles ahead of time, days before the main event.
Parents who prepare meals in advance know that cooking ahead is an effective way to save time and minimize stress on Thanksgiving Day. Casseroles are particularly useful because they can be made beforehand and kept in the fridge or freezer until required. This approach enables you to focus on spending quality time with your family and less time cooking in the kitchen.
Making casseroles ahead of time is a smart way to save time and reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day. With a little planning and preparation, you can cook some of the best Thanksgiving casseroles days before the big day and enjoy a stress-free holiday with your loved ones.
Don’t forget to include fun fall day activities with your family such as the ones here 🙂
In summary, Thanksgiving casseroles can be made a few days in advance and refrigerated until Thanksgiving. Leftovers can be used to make a variety of casseroles, pies, and lasagnas. Casseroles are a great way to use up leftovers and can be made ahead of time and frozen until you are ready to eat them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some make-ahead Thanksgiving casserole recipes?
Thanksgiving can be a busy time, so it’s always a good idea to have some make-ahead casserole recipes on hand. Some great options include green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and stuffing casserole. These can all be prepared a day or two in advance and then reheated when it’s time for the big meal.
What are some vegetable casserole recipes for Thanksgiving?
Vegetable casseroles are a great way to add some healthy options to your Thanksgiving meal. Some popular vegetable casserole recipes include broccoli casserole, cauliflower casserole, and Brussels sprouts casserole. These can all be prepared ahead of time and then baked on the day of the meal.
What are some Thanksgiving make-ahead side dishes?
In addition to casseroles, there are plenty of other side dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. Some great options include mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. These can all be made a day or two in advance and then reheated when it’s time to serve.
What is the best way to store leftover Thanksgiving casserole?
The leftover casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s important to make sure the casserole is completely cooled before storing it. The leftover casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
How far in advance can I prepare Thanksgiving casseroles?
Most casseroles can be prepared a day or two in advance. It’s important to keep the casseroles refrigerated until it’s time to bake them. Some casseroles can even be frozen for up to a month in advance.
What are some Thanksgiving potato casserole recipes?
Potato casseroles are a staple at any Thanksgiving meal. Some popular options include scalloped potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, and mashed potato casserole. These can all be prepared ahead of time and then baked on the day of the meal.
Also if you’re looking for the BEST 109+ Thanksgiving Sides, you might want to check that out here.
This post was all about: 109+ Thanksgiving Casserole Ideas You Can Cook Days Ahead!
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