Discover 21+ make-ahead side dishes perfect for any gathering! From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted veggies, these easy, prep-friendly recipes will save you time and make entertaining a breeze.
Pin this recipe now to save it for later
Pin RecipeHosting a gathering can be overwhelming, but with these 21+ make-ahead side dishes, you can take the stress out of meal prep! These recipes are designed to be made in advance, saving you valuable time on the big day while ensuring every dish is full of flavor.
From comforting casseroles and creamy potatoes to fresh salads and roasted vegetables, you’ll find delicious options for every occasion.
Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, these side dishes will impress your guests and leave you more time to enjoy the moment!
The BEST Make Ahead Side Dish Recipes
1. Perfect Baked Potatoes
Save oven space and speed up dinner by baking potatoes in advance and storing them in the fridge. Just pop them in the microwave when you’re ready to eat, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
2. Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
These delicious cinnamon and sugar apples are a fantastic side dish to make ahead. Sauté the apples until they are nice and tender, and store them in the fridge until you are ready to eat! A quick trip back in the pan or in the microwave, and your apples will be ready to go and taste as good as new.
3. Tomato Salad
The best thing about this tomato salad is that it gets better with time. The longer the tomatoes, onions, and homemade dressing marinate, the better it tastes!
4. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
A classic recipe, this mac and cheese is rich, flavorful, and loved by kids and adults alike. Bake it a day or so in advance, and warm it in the oven so the topping stays nice and crisp!
5. Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Make this easy side dish in the crockpot, let it cool, and wrap it up right in the bowl. When you are ready to eat, simply pop the crockpot bowl back in, and set it to warm or low to heat back up. Super simple and very delicious!
6. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
We are obsessed with this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and love to make it ahead of time. The crunchy pecan topping and sweet, fluffy marshmallows are a match made in heaven, creating a dish that will disappear fast!
7. Parmesan Vegetable Tian
Not only is this parmesan vegetable tian gorgeous, but it is also a perfect side dish to make ahead. Great for any season or occasion, it’s always a welcome addition to the dinner table.
8. Cheesy Mushroom and Onion Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is the absolute best. We love it on Thanksgiving, for Christmas, and just as part of a weekday meal. Add the crunchy onions right before you eat so they stay crisp and delicious!
9. Yam Casserole
Yam casserole is a delicious addition to any meal. This easy make-ahead recipe is perfect for serving a crowd and fantastic for Thanksgiving. It will be a family favorite for sure!
10. Cauliflower Au Gratin
Make this delicious vegetable side dish in advance, and you will be very glad you did. You can reheat and serve cauliflower au gratin with just about any meat or seafood for a restaurant-worthy mela that comes together quickly.
11. Duchess Potatoes
Whip up a batch of duchess potatoes, and your family and friends will be stunned. Easy to prepare in advance, these potatoes are pillowy clouds of golden perfection that taste every bit as impressive as they look.
12. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
This sweet and savory side dish is ideal for the Thanksgiving table or as part of a Christmas dinner. It is a true cold-weather, comfort food recipe that you can make a few days ahead of time and reheat to perfection.
12. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Make these Brussels sprouts in the oven, and store them in the same baking dish in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop that pan back in the oven, and they’ll be ready in minutes!
13. Super Simple Southern Green Beans
Get these delicious green beans ready a day or two in advance, and check the veggie side dish off your to-do list! I recommend doubling the recipe so you can eat tasty green beans for days to come.
14. Amish Funeral Potatoes
You may know these Amish Funeral Potatoes by another name – funeral potatoes, hashbrown casserole, cheesy potatoes casserole, or cheesy potato bake. Whatever you know them as or choose to call them, there’s one thing we can all agree on – they are a mouth-watering creamy and cheesy potato side dish
15. Easy 5 Ingredient Corn Casserole
Corn casserole is quick to put together and perfect to reheat. I like to heat corn casserole in the oven so that the edges stay crisp while the middle is warm and soft. However, if you’re in a hurry the microwave works too.
16. Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Make a big bowl of loaded mashed potatoes. Then, wrap it up, and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. You can quickly reheat them in the microwave and have them warm and ready to accompany your meal in minutes!
17. Honey Glazed Carrots
These carrots may just be my all-time favorite vegetable side dish. They are sweet and savory and reheat beautifully. I serve these on every holiday and my family adores them. I also love that I can make them a few days in advance!
18. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
I love to make a big batch of this cheesy broccoli rice casserole to keep on hand and feed my family for several days. Comforting and hearty, it’s tasty with all your favorite main courses and can even be turned into a complete meal!
19. Squash Casserole Recipe
Here’s another incredible, crowd pleasing side dish that is great to enjoy year-round. Make this squash casserole with fresh summer squash. Or, add it to your Thanksgiving table. It reheats beautifully and has the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite.
20. Make Ahead Creamy Vegetable Casserole
This veggie-packed side dish was designed with make-ahead meals in mind. You can reheat it again and again without it ever losing flavor. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for years to come!
21. Baked Beans
These drool-worthy baked beans are great for a summer barbecue or as a side to Christmas dinner. They are loaded with flavor and will reheat perfectly time and time again.
22. Potatoes Au Gratin
This is a classic potato side dish that people have been making and reheating for decades. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so delicious, it’s a make ahead side dish your family will request by name.
With these 21+ make-ahead side dishes, hosting has never been easier! By preparing these delicious sides in advance, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying your time with family and friends instead of rushing around the kitchen.
Whether you’re planning for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, these recipes offer convenience without sacrificing flavor. Try a few of these make-ahead sides, and watch your gatherings come together more smoothly than ever. Don’t forget to share your favorite recipes with us and let us know which ones were a hit at your table!
More Side Dish Recipes
Side Dishes
Grape Salad
Side Dishes
Homemade Corn Muffins with Honey Butter
Instant Pot
Instant Pot Black Beans (No Soak!)
All Recipes
Instant Pot Corn On The Cob
Side Dishes
Corn Pudding
Side Dishes
