Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. But let’s be honest, it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to cooking. With so many dishes to prepare, it’s no wonder many people find themselves stressed out in the kitchen on the big day.

However, there is a solution to help alleviate some of the stress: cooking dishes in advance. By preparing certain recipes the day before Thanksgiving, you can save yourself time and energy on the actual holiday. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it will also allow you to spend more quality time with loved ones.

So, what can you cook the day before Thanksgiving? The possibilities are endless! From side dishes like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole to desserts like pies and cookies, there are plenty of options to choose from. By cooking these dishes ahead of time, you can simply reheat them on Thanksgiving day, freeing up valuable oven and stove space for other dishes.

Additionally, cooking in advance can actually enhance the flavors of certain dishes. For example, letting a soup or stew sit overnight allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and delicious dish. So not only will cooking ahead of time save you stress, but it may also improve the taste of your dishes!

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Overall, cooking the day before Thanksgiving is a smart strategy that can help you enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday. By planning ahead and preparing certain recipes in advance, you can reduce the amount of work you have to do on the big day and ensure that everything comes together seamlessly. So go ahead and start preparing your make-ahead Thanksgiving dishes – your future self will thank you!

Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, but it can also be a stressful time in the kitchen. To help make your Thanksgiving feast a little easier, here are some simple and delicious recipes that you can prepare the day before:

1. Roasted Turkey Breast: If you’re not up for roasting a whole turkey, try roasting just the breast. It’s quicker and easier, and still provides a juicy and flavorful main dish for your Thanksgiving table. Simply season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and roast it in the oven until cooked through and golden brown.

2. Mashed Potatoes: The perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated the next day. Boil some potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and seasoning. Store them in the refrigerator, and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

3. Cranberry Sauce: Skip the canned cranberry sauce and make your own homemade version. Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and orange zest until they burst and thicken. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together, and serve chilled the next day.

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4. Stuffing: Make your stuffing a day ahead to save time on Thanksgiving. Sauté onions, celery, and herbs in butter, then mix with bread cubes and broth. Store the stuffing in the refrigerator, and bake it in the oven on Thanksgiving day until golden and crispy.

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5. Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert. Prepare the pie crust and filling the day before, and refrigerate overnight before baking. Bake the pie on Thanksgiving day until the filling is set and the crust is golden. Serve with whipped cream for a delicious end to your Thanksgiving meal.

Remember, Thanksgiving is about spending time with loved ones, so don’t stress too much about the food. These easy recipes will help you save time in the kitchen, so you can enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Delicious Make-Ahead Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving Day can be a whirlwind of activity, with the kitchen bustling and the oven working overtime. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some dishes that you can prepare ahead of time and simply reheat on the big day? Let’s take a look at some delicious make-ahead options that will save you time and stress on Thanksgiving.

1. Mashed Potato Casserole

Everyone loves creamy mashed potatoes, but they can take up valuable stove space. Instead of making them on Thanksgiving Day, prepare a cheesy mashed potato casserole the day before. Simply mix cooked mashed potatoes with butter, cream, and grated cheese, then transfer to a baking dish. Refrigerate overnight, and then bake it on the day of the feast. The result is a rich and flavorful side dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

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2. Cranberry Sauce

No Thanksgiving table is complete without cranberry sauce. Rather than using the canned variety, make your own homemade cranberry sauce a few days in advance. Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, orange zest, and a splash of orange juice until they burst and form a thick, tangy sauce. The flavors will meld together during refrigeration, and the sauce will be even more delicious when served on Thanksgiving.

In addition to these main dishes, you can also prepare your stuffing, green bean casserole, and even pies in advance. Simply follow your favorite recipes, and once the dishes have cooled, cover them tightly and refrigerate. On Thanksgiving Day, all you need to do is reheat them, and you’ll have a delicious and stress-free feast.

By making these make-ahead dishes, you’ll free up valuable time and oven space on the hectic day itself. Plus, the flavors of these dishes often improve with time, so you’ll be treating your guests to even better food. So give yourself a break this Thanksgiving and plan ahead with these delicious make-ahead options. Happy feasting!

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Savory Turkey Pot Pie

If you’re looking for a delicious dish to prepare the day before Thanksgiving, a savory turkey pot pie is a perfect option. This comforting and flavorful dish will impress your guests and can be enjoyed as a hearty main course or a delightful side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
  6. Add the shredded turkey, frozen vegetables, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a deep pie dish or a baking dish.
  8. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to fit the top of the pie dish. Place the puff pastry over the filling, pressing the edges to seal.
  9. Brush the beaten egg over the puff pastry to create a golden crust.
  10. Use a sharp knife to make a few slits in the puff pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  12. Allow the pot pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

This savory turkey pot pie is a great make-ahead dish that can be refrigerated overnight and then baked on Thanksgiving day. It is a delightful way to use leftover turkey and create a comforting meal that everyone will love. Serve it with a side of cranberry sauce for a traditional Thanksgiving flavor combination.

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Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic

Looking for the perfect side dish to serve with your Thanksgiving feast? These creamy mashed potatoes with garlic are sure to be a hit with your guests. The best part is that you can make them the day before, saving you time and stress on the big day.

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Ingredients:

  • 5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • ½ cup of unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add salt to the water.
  3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
  4. While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
  6. Add the melted butter and garlic mixture to the mashed potatoes, along with the heavy cream. Stir until well combined.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Cover the pot with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  9. On Thanksgiving day, remove the potatoes from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
  10. Reheat the mashed potatoes in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.

These creamy mashed potatoes with garlic are rich, flavorful, and the perfect complement to any Thanksgiving meal. By making them the day before, you can save yourself some time and focus on other dishes on the big day. Your guests will love this comforting and delicious side dish!

FAQ

What are some dishes that can be prepared the day before Thanksgiving?

There are many dishes that can be prepared the day before Thanksgiving. Some options include mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pies. These dishes can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Can I make the turkey the day before Thanksgiving?

Making the turkey the day before Thanksgiving is not recommended. The turkey is best when it is freshly cooked and served. However, you can prepare the turkey by cleaning and seasoning it the day before and then refrigerating it overnight. This can help save time on Thanksgiving day.

Is it possible to make desserts ahead of time for Thanksgiving?

Yes, it is definitely possible to make desserts ahead of time for Thanksgiving. Many desserts, such as pies, can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until serving. This can help reduce the amount of cooking and preparation required on Thanksgiving day.

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What are some make-ahead side dishes for Thanksgiving?

There are several make-ahead side dishes that are perfect for Thanksgiving. Some examples include green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and macaroni and cheese. These dishes can be made the day before and then reheated on Thanksgiving day.