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Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while it’s one of the most cherished holidays, it can also be one of the most stressful.

If you’re juggling multiple roles—cooking, cleaning, and caring for your family—you might feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to get everything done. But it doesn’t have to be this way!

This blog post is about Thanksgiving Meal Prep Hacks.

With a few smart meal prep hacks, you can simplify your Thanksgiving preparations, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with loved ones. Let’s dive into 7 tried-and-true hacks to make your Thanksgiving a breeze!

1. Chop and Freeze Your Vegetables in Advance

Don’t wait until the day before Thanksgiving to start chopping your vegetables. Save time and reduce stress by prepping them up to two weeks ahead! Simply chop onions, celery, carrots, and other veggies you’ll need, then store them in freezer-safe bags.

Come Thanksgiving, you can pull them out and they’ll be ready to go—no need for last-minute chopping.

Prepping vegetables in advance saves precious time on Thanksgiving Day when your kitchen is already busy. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about when you’re juggling multiple dishes.

Bonus Tip: I love using my chopper for this task, not just for Thanksgiving but nearly every day! It makes chopping vegetables so quick, and the little guard is removable, so it’s super easy to clean. If you’re short on time, this is a must-have tool for your kitchen prep.

2. Make and Freeze Your Pie Crusts

Pies are a Thanksgiving staple, but making them from scratch on the big day can be time-consuming. Instead, prepare your pie crusts up to a month in advance and freeze them. Roll out the dough, place it in pie pans, and freeze them unbaked.

When you’re ready to bake, simply take them out of the freezer and add your filling—no thawing needed!

By preparing pie crusts ahead of time, you can focus on more pressing tasks closer to Thanksgiving. And homemade pie crusts taste far better than store-bought, without the added day-of effort.

This sourdough pie crust recipe is hands down my favorite and bonus its really easy! I love everything from Daily Sourdough!

3. Prep and Freeze Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a must-have for Thanksgiving, but they can take up a lot of stovetop space. To avoid the hassle, prepare and freeze your mashed potatoes in advance. Once made, allow them to cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

On Thanksgiving, simply reheat them in the oven or slow cooker, adding a little extra butter or cream to refresh the texture.

This hack not only frees up your stove, but also ensures your mashed potatoes are as creamy and delicious as if you had made them fresh. Plus, it’s one less thing to do on the day of your feast.

Thanksgiving Essential: I’ve had this potato peeler for over 11 years, and it’s still as sharp as ever! I put it in the dishwasher weekly, and it’s been a lifesaver when prepping potatoes for holiday meals. If you’re looking for a reliable tool, this is hands-down the best one I’ve used.

4. Make-Ahead Gravy That’s Ready to Pour

Gravy can be a stressful last-minute task. Instead of waiting until the turkey is done to make it, prepare your gravy ahead of time!

Use turkey or chicken broth, make a roux, and create your gravy up to three days in advance.

Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready, reheat and whisk in the drippings from the turkey for added flavor.

This hack saves you from trying to multitask at the last minute and lets you focus on carving the turkey without worrying about the gravy.

Bonus Tip: If your gravy thickens too much after reheating, simply whisk in a little warm broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

5. Create a Thanksgiving Prep Timeline

One of the best hacks isn’t a recipe but a plan. Take the guesswork out of Thanksgiving by creating a prep timeline a week in advance. Break down your tasks into manageable chunks: freeze pie crusts one day, chop veggies the next, make cranberry sauce the day before, and so on. Having a plan ensures nothing is forgotten, and you won’t feel rushed at the last minute.

A prep timeline helps balance the workload, so you’re not overwhelmed the day before or day of Thanksgiving. It also gives you the space to enjoy the process without the stress.

Download your FREE Thanksgiving Meal Prep Checklist below!

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6. Set Your Table the Night Before

Eliminate the day-of chaos by setting your table the night before Thanksgiving. Lay out your plates, utensils, napkins, and glassware. If you’re adding a centerpiece, set that up too. This way, when it’s time to serve dinner, you won’t be scrambling to get the table ready—everything will already be in place.

This simple task can save time and reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day, allowing you to focus on the meal and your guests rather than rushing to set the table.

7. Delegate the Desserts

As much as you may want to handle it all, Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to delegate. Ask guests to bring dessert! Pies, cakes, or cookies can be easily transported, and it takes a big task off your to-do list.

If you still want to control the menu, assign specific desserts to each guest. Not only will it reduce your workload, but your guests will feel included in the meal preparation.

Delegating some of the responsibility takes the pressure off you and turns Thanksgiving into a collaborative effort. Plus, it’s a great way for friends and family to contribute.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be overwhelming! By using these simple meal prep hacks, you’ll be able to enjoy a stress-free holiday and spend more time with your loved ones. Remember, preparation is key, and with a little advance planning, your Thanksgiving can be smooth, delicious, and memorable. Hugs!

This post was a roundup of Thanksgiving meal prep hacks!

What are your favorite Thanksgiving prep hacks? Share them in the comments below! and be sure to check out our guide to non-toxic cleaning for the holidays!