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What are you making for Thanksgiving? Need some ideas? I don't have to make the turkey this year, but I do have other ideas! These are appetizers, sides, and desserts that are easy to make or can be made ahead - things I have actually made and my family actually loves them.

Fruit with dip
Make ahead dip, wash-ahead fruits
My son Alex loves this super-sweet dip. 

Vegetable tray and onion dip
Make ahead dip, slice ahead veggies
My son Kevin loves onion dip on everything. 

Broccoli salad 
Best made one day ahead, serve cold
My sister-in-law gave me this recipe tip.

Marinated tomatoes
Make hours ahead of time: serve cold
Mom loves this - I made it at her 60th anniversary party. 

Green bean casserole 
Classic! Make sure it fits in the oven!
Everyone seems to require this on Thanksgiving, right?

Whipped Sweet potato
Make ahead, but must fit in the oven!
This is my favorite, because I love the orange flavoring. 

Crockpot mashed potatoes 
This can be made up to 5 days ahead.
Because you NEED mashed potatoes for the gravy!

Sausage Stuffing
Make in the morning - must fit in oven!
I use Trader Joe's gluten-free stuffing mix

Crustless pumpkin pie
Make ahead and freeze. Thaw to serve.
I make this with gluten-free Bisquick

Chocolate mousse pie
Make ahead and freeze. Thaw to serve.
Or, Make a gluten-free chocolate crust with brownie mix

If you don't have enough room in the oven, get a toaster oven for the side dishes - that's what I do and it works great! I have two, LOL! I used mine for our graduation party so I could feed a huge crowd. Mine look a bit like this Oster 22-Qt Slow Cooker.

What are you making for Thanksgiving dinner?

P.S. If you'd like some tips for homeschooling fun through the holidays, check out my book Homeschooling the Holidays, available on Amazon in print or Kindle version!

Learn more in my video review!