12 Make-Ahead Stuffing Recipes That Would Make Grandma Proud (2024)

Olive Bread Stuffing with Fennel

Salty, briny, and great for so much more than a co*cktail garnish, olives transform this make-ahead stuffing to the gourmet territory. Artisanal olive bread, buttered mushrooms, and a sprinkling of fresh herbs team up to lend deep rustic flavor to this Thanksgiving stuffing. Put the ingredients together up to 2 days before your big meal for easy prep on turkey day.

Test Kitchen Tip: Cover it in aluminum foil ($6, Target) before it goes in the oven, then uncover for the last 20 minutes of baking for an extra-crunchy top.

Caramelized Onion and Carrot Stuffing

Chances are you've got a bag of carrots in the fridge (or maybe some odds and ends leftover from a vegetable salad or side?). Wherever you source them, the sunny and sturdy root veggie is the star of this make-ahead stuffing recipe, so go ahead and break out the vegetable peeler ($6, Walmart) to help you prep Thanksgiving dinner. Dress it up with plenty of fresh sage and sourdough bread, and feel free to prep a full day ahead.

Cranberry-Apple Corn Bread Stuffing

Layer sweet and savory fall flavors for a memorable cranberry stuffing recipe that will make everyone want seconds. Use corn bread crumbles for the base, add sweet cranberries and apples for fresh flavor, then cover and chill for up to 24 hours.

Wild Rice Dressing

Wild and white rice replace traditional bread in this make-ahead Thanksgiving stuffing recipe. Alongside conventional carrots and celery, port-soaked cranberries and toasted almonds amp up the color and flavor of this unique side dish. Toss it all together in a casserole dish ($39, Walmart), chill for up to 24 hours, then bake—stirring a few times to ensure each grain cooks evenly.

Apple, Bacon, and Onion Stuffing Muffins

No more fighting over the crispy edges! These individual muffin tin stuffing cups allow everyone to savor the center and the sides of the craveable casserole. Assemble them ahead of time in a non-stick metal muffin tin and reheat them 20 minutes before Thanksgiving dinner.

Oysters Rockefeller Sourdough Stuffing

Combine co*cktail hour fare and dinner into one delicious dish. This make-ahead stuffing recipe is filled with all the classic components of oysters Rockefeller: Spinach, Parmesan, and oysters, of course! We've also tossed in a bit of bacon for even more flavor. Build it up to 24 hours before dinner, then bake and serve the finished dish with hot sauce so your guests can adjust the heat.

Paella-Style Stuffing

Add a bit of Spanish flair to your Thanksgiving menu! This savory stuffing gets bold flavor from chorizo sausage, green olive, and saffron. A mix of bread and rice gives this holiday dressing a unique texture. Assemble it all in a classic paella pan ($19, World Market) or low skillet, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Roasted Chestnut Stuffing

No need to roast chestnuts over an open fire. Get the same toasted nutty flavor in this hearty make-ahead stuffing that features several seasonal flavors in one easy, prep-a-day-ahead casserole. About an hour before dinner, pop it in the oven. How do you know exactly when it's done? Try this Test Kitchen pro tip: Use a food thermometer ($15, Target) near the center and watch for 165° F.

Savory Butternut Squash Dressing

Part rice-based and part bread-based, this make-ahead Thanksgiving stuffing will please fans of both. Rich, orange butternut squash and ripe, red cranberries shine through this fall favorite. A mixture of egg, half-and-half, and chicken broth creates an extra-moist stuffing for Thanksgiving.

Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing

Don't just take our word for it that you should try this make-ahead stuffing. BH&G home cook Jodi says it's "hard to improve upon this classic stuffing recipe!" Celery, onion, and fresh sage that lend comforting, traditional Thanksgiving flavor to toasted white bread cubes. We've updated the classic red plaid cookbook ($25, Target) instructions to add: It can be prepared up to 24 hours before baking (just chill in between, naturally).

Squash-Mushroom and Farro Dressing

Almost a meal itself, this stuffing recipe boasts hearty ingredients like farro, squash, and pancetta. Add it to your Thanksgiving spread with fresh sides like a green salad and roasted vegetables for a vibrant feast, or try it as a main for a completely vegetarian Thanksgiving menu. Either way, you'll sleep well once you have this dish chilling overnight before the big day.

Apple, Bacon, and Leek Stuffing

Sweet and savory come together in this Thanksgiving side dish. Prepare the fall apples, salty bread crumbs, and savory leeks and mushrooms and layer them in a casserole dish ($16, Target). This make-ahead turkey stuffing can be assembled up to 1 day before the holiday meal.