Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite holidays, but let’s be honest, it can also be a whirlwind of chaos in the kitchen! That’s why I love to embrace the magic of *make ahead Thanksgiving* meals. Imagine waking up on the big day knowing that most of the prep is already done, and you can just focus on spending time with family and friends. It’s all about saving time and effort so you can truly enjoy the feast without feeling like you’re juggling a million things at once. Trust me, prepping dishes in advance not only makes your life easier, but it also allows the flavors to deepen and enhance. You’ll be a Thanksgiving hero, and I’m here to show you how! Let’s dive into the delicious details.
Ingredients List
- 12 lbs turkey
- 1 box stuffing
- 4 lbs mashed potatoes
- 1 lb green beans
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 pumpkin pie
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of prepping for your *make ahead Thanksgiving*! With these steps, you’ll be ready to impress everyone without the last-minute panic. Here’s how to do it:
Preparing the Turkey
First things first, you’ll want to season and marinate that turkey a day before. I like to use a blend of herbs, garlic, and a little olive oil to really pack in the flavor. Make sure to rub it all over and even under the skin for maximum deliciousness! Then, pop it in a large roasting pan, cover it, and let it chill in the fridge overnight. This way, the flavors have time to meld beautifully.
Making Stuffing
Next up is the stuffing! Follow the package instructions for cooking, but I always like to add a few extra herbs and sautéed onions for a homemade touch. Once it’s cooked, let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it overnight. This not only keeps it fresh but allows those flavors to deepen. Yum!
Preparing Mashed Potatoes
For the mashed potatoes, peel and chop your potatoes, then boil them until fork-tender. Drain and mash them up with some butter, cream, salt, and pepper. I like mine creamy, so feel free to add more milk if you want! Once they’re fluffy and delicious, store them in the fridge in a sealed container. They’ll be ready to reheat on the big day!
Green Beans Preparation
Now, let’s tackle those green beans. Trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for about 3 minutes until bright green. Then, plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. After they’re cooled, just drain and store them in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and crunchy for Thanksgiving!
Preparing Cranberry Sauce
Whether you’re making cranberry sauce from scratch or using canned, it’s super easy to prepare ahead. If you’re going homemade, just combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and a splash of water in a saucepan and simmer until thickened. Let it cool and transfer to a container in the fridge. If you’re opting for canned, just open it and pop it in the fridge. Either way, it’ll be a refreshing complement to your meal!
Baking Pumpkin Pie
Finally, let’s bake that pumpkin pie! Do this a day ahead so it has time to cool and set properly. Make your filling with pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and spices, then pour it into a pie crust and bake until set. Once it’s cooled, cover it and store it in the fridge. There’s nothing quite like a homemade pumpkin pie!
Final Day Instructions
On Thanksgiving day, it’s all about roasting the turkey and reheating your prepared sides. Preheat your oven and roast the turkey according to the weight and time chart you’ve got. While that’s happening, reheat your stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just like that, you’re ready to feast without the fuss!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for our delicious *make ahead Thanksgiving* feast! While these values can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements, here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 700
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keep in mind, these are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of the hearty goodness you’re serving up. Perfect for fueling a day full of family, gratitude, and, of course, lots of delicious food!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, here are some of my top tips to ensure your *make ahead Thanksgiving* is a smashing success! With a little planning and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can really elevate your feast and keep stress at bay.
- Prep Ahead: Don’t forget to set aside time for prep! I usually start a few days before Thanksgiving. This way, you can take your time and enjoy the process rather than rushing around at the last minute.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a world of difference in flavor. I always opt for fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables. They’ll elevate your dishes and impress your guests!
- Label Everything: Trust me on this one! Label your containers with what’s inside and the date. It’ll save you from any holiday confusion when you’re digging through the fridge looking for your stuffing!
- Keep It Simple: Stick to recipes you know and love! It’s tempting to try new dishes, but when you’re hosting, I suggest sticking with what you already know works. It’ll help you stay calm and collected.
- Reheat Wisely: When reheating, do it gently! Low and slow is the way to go. For mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk to keep them creamy. For stuffing, sprinkle a bit of broth to bring back moisture.
- Set the Table Early: Get your table set the night before! This way, you’ll feel more relaxed on the big day, and you can focus more on the food and less on the decor.
- Don’t Forget the Gratitude: Lastly, take a moment to appreciate the effort you’ve put in. Enjoy the time with your loved ones, and remember that Thanksgiving is as much about the company as it is about the food!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to create a wonderful Thanksgiving experience that everyone will cherish. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Saves Time: By prepping everything ahead of time, you can enjoy the holiday without the last-minute rush. You’ll be able to spend more time with family and friends!
- Easy Prep: The straightforward steps make it simple for anyone to tackle Thanksgiving dinner. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you’ll feel like one!
- Delicious Flavors: Allowing dishes to sit overnight enhances their flavors, making everything taste even better on the big day. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Accommodates Gluten-Free Diets: With a few smart substitutions, this meal can easily be adapted for gluten-free guests, ensuring everyone can indulge.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve enjoyed a fabulous *make ahead Thanksgiving* feast, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers properly so nothing goes to waste! Trust me, with just a little care, you can keep your food tasting fresh and delightful for days to come.
First, make sure to let everything cool down to room temperature before you store it. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess. I like to portion out my leftovers into smaller, airtight containers—this makes it super easy to grab what you want without digging through a big bowl in the fridge.
For the turkey, slice it up and store it in a container lined with paper towels to absorb any moisture. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Your stuffing can also go into an airtight container, and it should be good for about the same time frame. Just remember to label everything with the date so you know when to enjoy it by!
Mashed potatoes can be stored in a sealed container as well, but here’s a little tip: add a splash of milk or cream before you store them. This helps keep them creamy when you reheat them!
For green beans, I recommend storing them in a separate container to maintain their crunch. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days, too. As for cranberry sauce, it can last up to a week in the fridge, so no worries there!
When it comes to reheating, I suggest using the stovetop for stuffing and mashed potatoes to keep them from drying out. Just add a little broth or milk and heat slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. For turkey, pop it in the oven at a low temperature (about 325°F) covered with foil to keep it moist.
Green beans can be quickly reheated in boiling water for just a minute or two to bring them back to life. And there’s no need to reheat cranberry sauce; it’s just as tasty cold! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers as if they were fresh from the oven. Happy feasting!
Print
Make Ahead Thanksgiving: 7 Simple Steps for Stress-Free Joy
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A guide for preparing dishes ahead of Thanksgiving to save time and effort on the day.
Ingredients
- Turkey – 12 lbs
- Stuffing – 1 box
- Mashed Potatoes – 4 lbs
- Green Beans – 1 lb
- Cranberry Sauce – 1 can
- Pumpkin Pie – 1
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey by seasoning and marinating it a day before.
- Cook the stuffing and refrigerate it overnight.
- Boil and mash the potatoes, then store them in the fridge.
- Trim and blanch the green beans, then refrigerate.
- Make the cranberry sauce and chill it.
- Bake the pumpkin pie a day before and let it cool.
- On Thanksgiving day, roast the turkey and reheat the sides.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Label containers with dates for easy organization.
- Keep leftovers in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: make ahead thanksgiving
