Make a Pre-Funk Thanksgiving Feast Game Plan

By Leslie Kelly

Published on November 3, 2017

Making the Thanksgiving meal is a huge project, no matter how you slice it, but don't forget about feeding friends and fam early in the day. Here's a strategy for getting folks fed without taking up too much space in the kitchen or in your guest's tummies.

Top-Rated Make-Ahead Brunch Hits

You've got a lot to do, day of, so make it easy on yourself by prepping brunch the night before. Some of these greatest hits are perfect for a serve-yourself kind of set up. They're filling but not so over-the-top that everyone lapses into a food coma. More likely they'll be fueled up enough to help out with the cooking duties.

Overnight Blueberry French Toast — Melissa Goff

Overnight Blueberry French Toast: Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Praline Pecan French Toast: Praline Pecan French Toast
Wake-Up Casserole: Wake-Up Casserole
Charleston Breakfast Casserole: Charleston Breakfast Casserole
Overnight Caramel-Pecan Rolls: Overnight Caramel-Pecan Rolls
No-Cook Overnight Oatmeal: No-Cook Overnight Oatmeal
Overnight Coffee Cake: Overnight Coffee Cake
Teena's Overnight Southern Biscuits: Teena's Overnight Southern Biscuits

More: DIY Yogurt Parfait Buffet

Superstar Snacking

That gap between brunch/breakfast and the main event can be challenging. You definitely don't want to fill up, but nobody wants to deal with a case of the hangries either. Dips and spreads are a genius way to stave off an empty stomach, especially when these savory snacks are scooped up with assorted veggies. Pro tip: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top of hummus for extra protein.