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Ultimate Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Sides

A comprehensive guide to classic, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dishes that can all be made ahead: Southern-style stuffing, sweet potato casserole with pecan streusel, cranberry sauce extraordinaire, creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes, no-can green bean casserole, and a crunchy Brussels sprout salad with warm bacon vinaigrette. Perfect for a stress-free holiday meal.

IntermediateAmerican (Southern/Classic Thanksgiving)Serves 12

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Source Video
3h 18m
Prep
11h 44m
Cook
1h 48m
Cleanup
16h 50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$72.30
Total cost
$6.03
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Drying bread thoroughly for stuffing.
  • Sautéing aromatics until soft for stuffing.
  • Moistening stuffing mixture adequately.
  • Baking sweet potatoes whole for best flavor.
  • Adding egg to cooled sweet potatoes to avoid scrambling.
  • Adding streusel topping halfway through baking.
  • Simmering cranberry sauce until cranberries burst.
  • Cutting potatoes small for faster, even cooking in slow cooker.
  • Mashing potatoes while hot for smooth texture.
  • Cooking bacon slowly to render fat for vinaigrette.

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when handling hot pans and boiling liquids.
  • Let casseroles cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.
  • Ensure eggs are fully cooked in sweet potato casserole.
  • Be careful when chopping hard vegetables and bread.

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