Avoid Making This Thanksgiving Storage Mistake—Here’s How to Keep Your Food Fresh Longer

Thanksgiving is about many things, but one of the most exciting parts is the feast we eagerly anticipate. Every family has its own take on the celebration, but some dishes are almost always on the table—like cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, other sides, pies, and of course, the Thanksgiving turkey. With so much preparation required, it's clear why getting ready ahead of time is key.

There’s plenty you can do in advance, but the real question is: How do you store everything? We’ve rounded up the best kitchen storage container options to make sure you’re ready, so you can rest easy this Thanksgiving.

The Thanksgiving Turkey

Tramontina 16-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot

When it comes to the turkey, you need to plan ahead, even if you’re just thawing it. Not only does it take up a lot of fridge space, but it can release moisture, which may cause issues when stored near other ingredients or dishes. Always store raw meat at the bottom of the fridge, but here’s a tip: use a large stockpot. This Tramontina 16-quart stockpot is one of our favorite stainless steel cookware options, and it’s a versatile tool you can use well beyond Thanksgiving. Whether you're thawing or brining your turkey, this pot will contain the bird and its juices, features a handy lid, and saves vertical fridge space. It works well for small to medium-sized turkeys, though a 20-quart pot might be better for larger ones.

Pro Tip: If you’re dry-brining your turkey, we suggest using a Nordic Ware rimmed baking sheet (my top choice) to ensure any moisture stays contained.

Cranberry Sauce

OXO 12-Piece Smart Seal Glass Storage Container Set

For cranberry sauce, you can simply leave it in the can and open it on the day of your meal, if that’s your choice. But for any opened cans or homemade batches, it’s best to store them in an airtight glass container. This is especially important for homemade cranberry sauce, as it can leave stains on plastic containers. We recommend the OXO Smart Seal containers because they are durable (they look as good as new after a year of use), come in a variety of sizes, feature strong locking tabs, and are microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe. They create an airtight seal, keeping your sauce fresh for longer, which is crucial if you’re prepping in advance. While you don't need six containers just for the sauce, these versatile containers are great for storing pre-chopped vegetables, leftovers, and much more.

Dressing

Pyrex Deep 9x13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid

I find that make-ahead stuffing is my go-to method for preparing this beloved dish. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and baking it just before serving gives it a crisp, golden-brown top without crowding the oven or taking up too much time. This deep Pyrex baking dish is perfect for preparing and storing stuffing. Its generous size allows you to pile in plenty of stuffing, and the depth of the dish lets you create different textures, from a soft center to a crunchy top. The included lid ensures your stuffing stays covered and fresh in the fridge. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven. Plus, the lid makes it easy to transport to a friend's or family member's house.

Green Bean Casserole and Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Pyrex Basics 3-Pack Glass Baking Dish Set

While you could use the deep dish mentioned earlier for these sides, I prefer the practicality of this three-piece set. It includes a 2-quart dish, perfect for vegetable sides or smaller appetizers. The 3-quart and 4-quart dishes are great for popular dishes like green bean casserole, make-ahead mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. These containers are ideal for preparing and storing your sides, with airtight lids that keep your dishes fresh in the fridge. Since they’re made of glass, just remember to let them come to room temperature before baking.

Uncooked Sweet Potatoes, Yukon Gold Potatoes, or Russet Potatoes

Aozita 2-Piece Stackable Wire Basket Set with Bamboo Lids

If you're like me and buy potatoes in bulk, you likely have bags for mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, and other side dishes. The best way to store them is in a dedicated basket, as it provides the airflow potatoes need to stay fresh. It's also important to store potatoes separately from other produce, as certain fruits and vegetables emit gases that can accelerate spoilage. These Aozita baskets are perfect for the job—just place them in your pantry (potatoes prefer a cool, dry, dark place), and they’re easy to grab. Use one for your sweet potatoes, Yukon Golds, russets, and more, while the second basket can be used for other produce. Plus, the set is stackable, making it a space-saving solution. If you only need one, you can also purchase a single basket.

Vegetables and Other Side Dishes

Belwares Mixing Bowl Set with Airtight Lids and Graters

I love getting a head start on meal prep—whether it’s chopping ingredients, prepping salads, mixing dips, shredding cheese, toasting nuts, or measuring out baking ingredients (you get the picture), I’m all for it. A good set of bowls makes all the difference, and this one is a favorite for a reason. The set includes five nesting bowls in a range of sizes from 1.5 to 5 quarts. Each stainless steel bowl comes with a practical lid, perfect for storing ingredients in the fridge or on the counter. The largest bowl features a removable center, allowing you to insert one of three included accessories: a slicing blade, a shredding blade, or a grating blade. No need to search for separate containers while you’re working—these bowls do it all, from prep to storage for all your vegetables and sides.

Room Temperature-Safe Pies

Libbey Selene Glass Cake Stand with Dome Lid

For many, Thanksgiving pies are a cherished tradition, but not all pies need the same kind of storage. Certain pies, like homemade fruit pies that don’t contain eggs or dairy, can be safely stored at room temperature, keeping them fresh for your holiday spread. While plastic wrap can keep your homemade pie covered, a cake stand like this one elevates your dessert display with its elegant domed-glass design. It’s reminiscent of a classic diner display, where pies sit proudly on the counter. If you’re looking for similar options, we also found this compact version with the same style, or this classic aluminum pan with a domed lid.

Refrigerated Pies

Zilpoo 2-Piece Round Plastic Food Storage Container Set with Lids

Pies containing eggs or dairy, like pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, or cream pies, should always be refrigerated. To keep them fresh, I prefer to use airtight containers to prevent any unwanted refrigerator odors from seeping into my dessert, especially if whipped cream is involved. This BPA-free plastic container set is an excellent choice for storage. It features a compact design, measuring 10.5 inches wide and 3 inches tall, with a flush-fitting lid. These containers are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. With two in hand, you can store multiple pies, other desserts, and more with ease.