How far in advance can I make Thanksgiving sides?

Chef's answer
For just a little bit of a head-start, you can simply toast the bread up to several days in advance. Or if you prefer to tackle a little more, the whole dish can be prepped and assembled, then stashed in the fridge until you're ready to slide it into the oven.
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
Yes, when you have a lot to make, cooking bacon in advance is a good idea. I would cook the bacon just until it starts to get crisp. ... It's best to reheat the bacon in the oven or in the toaster oven if you're not reheating a lot. To cook big batches of bacon you can, of course, use several skillets.
Make ahead: The pork belly can be dried and seasoned and left uncovered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before roasting. Roasted pork belly can rest for up to an hour, covered with foil, before carving and serving.
Serve hot or cold. Ham can be made up to 2 days ahead and served cold. If you want to serve it warm, it's best to make it on the day as it needs the same amount of time to re-heat as it does to cook. The glaze can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept in a clean jar in the fridge..
You can keep our ham refrigerated and enjoy it up to 4 or 5 days later, or safely freeze your HoneyBaked ham for up to 45 days and thaw it in the refrigerator a day or two in advance..
Meatloaf is a great make-ahead recipe that you can completely prepare and assemble ahead of time. Once assembled, simply wrap the prepared loaf in foil or plastic wrap and store it overnight in the fridge to bake the next day.
For just a little bit of a head-start, you can simply toast the bread up to several days in advance. Or if you prefer to tackle a little more, the whole dish can be prepped and assembled, then stashed in the fridge until you're ready to slide it into the oven.
These creamy, glossy mashed potatoes can be made up to two days before the big night without losing their velvety texture.
A few more cooking questions 📍