49 Meal Prep for Thanksgiving Made Simple

Thanksgiving week isn’t just about food—it’s about staying sane when everyone suddenly turns into a food critic. With 49 smart prep ideas, there’s no need to juggle pans like a circus act. Each dish can sit tight until its big moment, letting you enjoy the chaos instead of fueling it. Finally, there’s time to enjoy small talk that doesn’t involve oven timers.

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

Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

A roasted turkey stuffed with vegetables is served on a platter, surrounded by various side dishes including rolls, salad, and stuffing. — Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Family feasts get easy when big trays bring together sweet filling and classic crispy bits that nobody wants to miss. Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing leads to group chats on carving tips and stuffing swaps everyone swears by. Plates pile up so fast the main course nearly vanishes.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

Cheesy Potato Casserole

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

Cheesy layers pack trays that make meal prep a breeze and every serving hits the spot in minutes. Cheesy Potato Casserole triggers stories about growing up with leftovers and big batches. Bowls clear quick as soon as dinner starts.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole

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.

Starting dessert early helps when a soft slice brings quick smiles before the pie cuts. Moist Pumpkin Cake puts the group into swaps for best icing or glaze trick. Cake plates run dry before anyone asks for seconds. It proves dessert can finish up meal prep in style.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Cake

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.

Snack trays get popular fast with warm bites that hold together and break up for quick sharing. Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread lets everyone grab a piece and swap dipping ideas. Trays empty out before the group moves on.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

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.

Bringing sweet marshmallows into meal prep keeps things fun while mixing smooth layers everyone wants to taste first. Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows starts the debate on extras or toppings. Bowls empty at a record pace before leftovers get packed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Sweet Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

A square piece of pumpkin dessert bar topped with a swirl of white frosting and pecans sits on a cooling rack. — Sweet Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Meal prep turns dessert into finger food with trays of both crunch and chewy sweetness gone before dinner finishes. Sweet Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars shifts talk toward favorite bar swaps and pie tricks. Plates wipe clean with quick grabs.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Pumpkin Pecan Pie Bars

Tender Turkey Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in gravy, topped with chopped parsley, resting on mashed potatoes. — Tender Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fast bites win for meal prep by packing protein in small servings ready for any dinner or lunch box. Tender Turkey Meatballs sparks fun chats on dipping sauces and roll pairings. Never any leftovers after serving.
Get the Recipe: Tender Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs. — Creamy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Busy cooks get a break when prepping casseroles means the fridge has something filling ready to reheat in minutes. Creamy Chicken Casserole kicks off debates on topping swaps for next round. Bowls clear faster than dessert trays.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Casserole

Dense Fruit Cake

A close-up of a fruitcake with a slice being lifted out, showing its dense texture and pieces of dried fruit inside. — Dense Fruit Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Slices of dessert make planning easier by packing trays with bites that travel well and sit ready for any meal. Dense Fruit Cake starts side-story swaps about classic bakes and family tricks. Plates vanish before second pours finish.
Get the Recipe: Dense Fruit Cake

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.

Warm rolls bring old-school comfort to meal prep by setting up trays with layers perfect for lunch or dinner leftovers. Hearty Stuffed Cabbage sparks discussions on filling choices and sauce hacks. Pans go clean quick.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish. — Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Meal prep lands strong when cheesy layers and big slices keep things packed and keep leftovers easy for the week. Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole gets talks rolling on group dinners or quick lunches. Bowls run empty before dessert hits.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

A platter of whipped cheese topped with roasted cranberries, chopped herbs, and sliced green onions. — Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick dips save snack trays for meal prep by bringing spice and sweet in one bowl gone faster than chips. Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip fires up chats about heat levels and pairings. Dips clear out before snacks are gone.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

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.

When prepping dessert calls for soft sweets chocolate gets everyone talking and plates clean up without a fuss. Spoonfuls of Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse go missing before the meal even wraps up. Bowls clean out quick with no dish left behind.
Get the Recipe: Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Mousse

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.

Filling up breakfast with quick trays helps big groups when every bite has something soft and hearty. Hearty Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole launches a conversation about swaps for protein or extra veggies. Plates are gone before coffee is poured.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish. — Savory Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fluffy bakes from meal prep line ups give every dinner that side everyone expects on the table. Savory Cornbread Stuffing draws stories about how a bake can make or break a meal. Bowls drain quick before anyone asks for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

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.

Snack bakes get meal prep rolling by packing trays with easy soft bites gone before butter even hits. Buttery Cheddar Biscuits bring on group bakery swap stories. Biscuits vanish before mains show up. It shows up in every prep list with ease.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Cheddar Biscuits

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs. — Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layered casseroles work out the hassle of dinner prep and keep trays full for lunch leftovers all week. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole sparks best add-on debates for creamy bakes. All bowls clean up quick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Classic Shepherds 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 Shepherds Pie. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Big bakes step up meal prep by stacking flavors and keeping dinners easy to serve without much work. Classic Shepherds Pie leads to table talk about topping fixes or veggie swaps. Plates gone before anyone asks for more.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shepherds Pie

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.

Cupcake trays add a kick to meal prep dessert plans by mixing thick flavors and easy eat-in-hand servings. Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes fires up chatter on decorating hacks. Pieces vanish before drinks are poured. It finds a spot for every kitchen schedule.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

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.

Big meals work best when meal prep covers trays full of comfort ready for breakfast or dinner feeds. Hearty Sausage Casserole sets the table for sausage swaps and group stories. Bowls disappear in minutes. It files under meal prep repeat.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Sausage Casserole

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

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

Prep gets easy when spreads show up ahead of time so every side dish comes together with zero rush. Homemade Cranberry Sauce starts stories about pairing ideas and leftovers. Spoons always run out before plates hit the sink.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Savory French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs. — Savory French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Onion bakes settle meal prep stress by packing trays with rich bites and setting up leftovers for busy nights. Savory French Onion Casserole brings out side dish debates. Bowls wipe out fast once dinner starts. It bakes keep the kitchen steady.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

A close-up of several oatmeal cookies stacked and scattered on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the inside texture. — Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet bites make snack prep easier when trays fill with chewy bars perfect for both desserts and any grab-and-go. Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies leads to cookie swaps for easy meal prep fixes. Cookies don’t last long on any tray.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

A close-up of a chicken and broccoli casserole featuring browned cheese, herbs, and green leafy garnish on top, displayed in a rectangular baking dish. — Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Big pans cut down meal prep drama since creamy bakes line up with veggies and keep lunch leftovers light. Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole draws comments on what swaps to make next time. Trays clear before coffee finishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Soft Marry Me Cookies

A stack of four chocolate chip cookies, with the top cookie partly broken, next to a metal container and a ceramic bowl on a light surface. — Soft Marry Me Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cookie trays top dessert meal prep by turning soft bites into fast snack options done before cleanup. Handing out Soft Marry Me Cookies kicks off the cookie vs. brownie talks. Plates empty within minutes. It repeats every group event.
Get the Recipe: Soft Marry Me Cookies

Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy casserole topped with chopped parsley and crumbly bits, featuring melted cheese and a creamy texture. — Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Meal prep pans stacked with creamy goodness let busy cooks keep lunch and dinner trays packed. Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole sparks ideas about veggie swaps. Bowls clean out fast every week. These make dinner fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole

Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A slice of pecan pie being served on a cake slice. — Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheese bakes knock out the dessert rush by mixing bold flavors in quick servings that go before seconds arrive. Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake triggers swaps for classic pie debates. Slices disappear by the end of the hour. These dish finds a spot in every easy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Fluffy Egg Casserole

A casserole dish containing egg casserole. — Fluffy Egg Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick breakfast fix shows up in trays that work for a group and don’t take much cleanup after. Fluffy Egg Casserole starts fast chats about what to stir in for next time. Slices vanish before juices pour out. These casseroles keep breakfast simple.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole

Chicken Pinwheels

Close-up of baked puff pastry pinwheels filled with cheese, herbs, and finely chopped toppings, garnished with sliced green onions. — Chicken Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Simple meal prep finds a win when trays stack grab-and-go rolls ready for busy lunch boxes. Passing out Chicken Pinwheels sparks debates about favorite fillings. Rolls wipe out in no time. Pinwheels keep prep light and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pinwheels

Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

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

Quick meals after big events get easy when prepped trays stack up every leftover in one savory bake. Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole gets guests talking about best holiday hacks. Pans finish off fast. These casseroles sort out meal prep for the week.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

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.

Slice up dessert meal prep by baking pies ready for any night that needs a sweet finish. Handing out Classic Cherry Pie sparks old-school debates about best fruit swaps. Plates vanish before coffee hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cherry Pie

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.

Quick veggie bakes work best when prepping sides that everyone actually wants to try. Sharing Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole gets people talking about new ways to use sprouts. Bowls clear out quick.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

Close-up of cupcakes topped with frosting and apple chunks, sprinkled with cinnamon. A knife is spreading the frosting. — Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bite-sized desserts handle meal prep for groups who want fast snacks that don’t need forks or plates. Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes gets quick laughs about pie swaps. Cupcakes vanish even after the main meal. It manages breakfast and treats at once.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes

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.

Crispy bites line up for meal prep wins by giving trays of snack balls perfect for group snacking or side plates. Setting out Crispy Stuffing Balls starts jokes about who took the last one at every meal. Bowls get emptied before the oven cools.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

Creamy Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it. — Creamy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick sides work with meal prep by filling trays that hold up through both reheats and big meals. Spoonfuls of Creamy Green Bean Casserole bring out talks on favorite holiday bakes. Bowls finish out before anyone thinks about seconds.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole

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.

Sweets take center stage by simplifying dessert prep with pies that cut clean and fill trays for big groups. Slicing Rich Chocolate Cream Pie gets side debates on whipped topping swaps. Plates run out before leftovers even begin.
Get the Recipe: Rich Chocolate Cream Pie

Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Savory Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Handheld bites come easy with meal prep trays stacked for snacks or quick lunch grabs. Savory Turkey Pinwheels launches talks about sauce combos. Wheels run out before anyone stands up. It works for any group.
Get the Recipe: Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Comforting Turkey Casserole

Close-up of a plate of creamy turkey casserole topped with bread crumbs and garnished with fresh basil leaves, reminiscent of a comforting turkey casserole. — Comforting Turkey Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Extra trays make leftovers easy for meal prep by stacking up creamy bakes that fix both busy and lazy nights. Turkey Casserole draws chats about fridge hacks. Bowls clean up quick. It sorts out lunch and dinner.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Casserole

Apple and Cranberry Pie

A slice of mixed berry pie with a golden crust sits on a plate next to a spoon, with fruit filling spilling out. — Apple and Cranberry Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fruit pies settle dessert drama with slices that fit every meal prep schedule needing something sweet and easy. Apple and Cranberry Pie brings up pie crust hacks at the table. Plates clear out before the rest of the meal starts.
Get the Recipe: Apple and Cranberry Pie

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.

Snack trays lean on easy meal prep when bite-sized bakes pack soft bites that last past breakfast. Moist Zucchini Muffins stirs up talk about sneaky veggie tricks. Muffins are gone before plates are even set out. It marks the start of every snack routine.
Get the Recipe: Moist Zucchini Muffins

The Best Corn Casserole

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

Crowd-pleaser sides always make meal prep easier when soft bakes fill trays for big dinners. Sharing out The Best Corn Casserole sparks quick debates on favorite add-ins. Bowls go bare before everyone sits down.
Get the Recipe: The Best Corn 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.

Meals get done quick when prep includes easy slices that stack up and handle next-day lunches with zero stress. Classic Turkey Meatloaf fires up chatter about topping hacks and sauce swaps. Plates finish off before forks are ready for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Classic Turkey Meatloaf

Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of layered tiramisu cake with cream, coffee-soaked sponge, and dusted cocoa powder on top, served on a white plate. — Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Desserts just get fancier when prepping pans means mixing bold layers that leave the group curious for more. Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake triggers chat about cheesecake tricks. Slices don’t last long. It wins most dessert plans.
Get the Recipe: Rich Tiramisu Cheesecake

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.

Veggie trays find fans through meal prep by stacking layers that boost color and flavor in every slice. Passing around Cheesy Eggplant Casserole causes chats on best veggie options. Plates wipe clean with little effort. It fills up dinner boards quick.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

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.

Sides upgrade in prep plans with trays full of bold veggies gone before anyone blinks. Forks picking up Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze spark quick jokes about veggie swaps. Bowls empty in minutes flat.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Sheet pan meal with sliced roasted chicken breast, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, garnished with herbs. — Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

No-fuss meals fit in by prepping trays that bring everything together with one quick bake. Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner triggers talk on time saving for busy hosts. Plates run out before anyone notices. It sorts out dinner for groups.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties

Four browned sausage patties garnished with chopped herbs on a plate, with a fork breaking one open to show the inside. — Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Savory bites fix meal prep for busy weeks with snack trays gone before breakfast hits. Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties gets talks rolling for sausage swaps and pairings. Plates don’t see leftovers. These sausage patties handle any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Turkey Sausage Patties

Tender Roasted Broccoli

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

Healthy sides stay easy for meal prep with trays of quick veggies that fit both dinner and lunch plans. Forks scooping up Tender Roasted Broccoli launch discussions on seasoning tricks. Broccoli disappears before salad arrives.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Rich Creamed Spinach

Spinach bakes anchor meal prep plans by filling trays that bring creamy layers ready for group sides. Rich Creamed Spinach draws out stories about classic bake fixes. Bowls finish before anyone asks for more. This spinach always fits dinner.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.