As someone who typically hosts Thanksgiving, I have a unique perspective on what defines the perfect Thanksgiving guest (and to the members of my family reading this: Yes, you’re all PERFECT.) The most important quality is that they come with a joyful attitude ready to participate in lively conversation. Second most important? That they don’t hog all the stovetop or oven space by bringing a dish that requires a lot of last minute time in the kitchen, ’cause everyone knows that on Thanksgiving, the kitchen is a crazy place. If you’ve volunteered to bring a dish to the Thanksgiving celebration this year, amazing! Now be a good guest and show up bearing one of these totally make-ahead recipes that’ll keep you out of the kitchen and in the party.
If you offered to bring an appetizer:
It’s the perfect shade of orange and a light, healthy snack that won’t weigh everyone down before the feast.
Curry & Brown Sugar Holiday Snack Mix
Nothing gets a group in the holiday spirit quite like gorging on a spicy-sweet pretzel and nut combo. Set this one out and watch ’em go wild.
Blue Cheese & Asian Pear Crostini
Lay out a pretty spread with the toasts, blue cheese, & pears, then let guests build their own crostini.
A cheese board will never let you down – here’s how to build one for under $25.
Bring a pretty cutting board and you’re 5 minutes away from the perfect hors d’oeuvres.
If you offered to bring a salad:
The longer this one sits, the more the sourdough croutons soak up all the yummy flavors.
Chicory Salad with Hazelnuts and Lemon-Parmesan Vinaigrette
Sturdy greens won’t wilt, even if dressed an hour before the meal.
Athena Calderone’s Blood Orange & Beet Salad
Have you ever seen a prettier color combo? Bring the beets & oranges in a bowl separate from the yogurt, then arrange on a platter just before serving.
Asparagus, Quinoa & Rice Salad with Goat Cheese & Maple-Tahini Dressing
No lettuce required for this salad, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
If you offered to bring a side dish:
Ottolenghi’s Sweet Potato Gratin
A new, sophisticated twist on the classic potatoes au gratin – sage and rosemary make it classic.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Dates
Bring these in the cooled down cast-iron skillet you used to cook them, then put them on the stove and shake them around for a few minutes just before it’s time to eat.
Stuffing can be a little boring, but not when it’s kicked up with spicy Southwestern flavors.
Green Bean, Toasted Walnut, & Pecorino Salad
Green beans typically need to be cooked right at the last minute, but these are served crisp and room temperature in a salad that can sit out for awhile.
Perfectly Spicy Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
My new fave way to make sweet potatoes. Make this recipe up until the final broiling step – then pop them under the broiler right before meal time.
If you offered to bring dessert
Pecan Pie Bars – Salted Caramel AND Chocolate Bourbon
Why choose when you can enjoy both flavors baked up in the same dish?
Apple, Blackberry, & Thyme Pie
Also seen here: your step-by-step guide to the prettiest Thanksgiving pie crust.
no bake chocolate pecan pie above: a treats affair
Oh and here are 20 more no-bake pies that would be PERFECT.
I’m partial to the pumpkin mousse with gingersnap crust.
