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make ahead christmas dinner

Make Ahead Christmas Dinner: 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Feast


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 6 hours
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A complete guide to preparing a make ahead Christmas dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (1214 lbs)
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 cups stuffing mix
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 pie (pumpkin or pecan)

Instructions

  1. Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator for 3 days.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  3. Prepare the stuffing by mixing stuffing mix, celery, onion, sage, and thyme.
  4. Stuff the turkey and place it in a roasting pan.
  5. Rub butter all over the turkey and pour chicken broth into the pan.
  6. Roast the turkey for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  7. While the turkey cooks, prepare the mashed potatoes and green beans.
  8. Make cranberry sauce if not using store-bought.
  9. Let the turkey rest before carving.
  10. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.
  11. Finish the meal with a slice of pie.

Notes

  • Prepare the stuffing a day in advance.
  • Mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated.
  • Cook the turkey the day before and reheat for serving.
  • Keep all dishes covered to maintain moisture.
  • Prep Time: 3 hours
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: make ahead christmas dinner