The night before Thanksgiving can be a busy time, with preparations for the big day already underway. However, there are still plenty of delicious and easy dishes that can be prepared the night before to save time and give you a head start on Thanksgiving cooking.
From side dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing to desserts like pies and cakes, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we’ll share some simple recipes for dishes that you can easily cook the night before Thanksgiving, so you can spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen on the big day.
Smart tips for prepping Thanksgiving meal beforehand
Preparing a Thanksgiving meal can be a daunting task, but with smart tips for prepping beforehand, it can be made much easier. One of the most important things to do is to create a meal plan. This involves deciding what dishes you want to make, how many people you are serving, and what ingredients you will need. This will help you avoid any last-minute grocery trips, saving you time and stress.
Another smart tip is to start prepping ingredients the night before. This includes things like chopping vegetables, making sauces, and even setting the table. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you are able to enjoy your Thanksgiving day with your friends and family. Prepping beforehand also frees up time on Thanksgiving day, allowing you to focus on cooking the main dishes. With these smart tips, you can make a delicious Thanksgiving meal with ease.
Appetizers you can make in advance for Thanksgiving dinner
Planning ahead for Thanksgiving dinner can make all the difference in the world. Preparing appetizers the night before will not only take some of the stress out of your Thanksgiving Day prep, but it will also give you time to socialize with guests. Here are some appetizers that can be made in advance:
1. Cheese Platter: A cheese platter is an effortless yet impressive appetizer that can be assembled the night before Thanksgiving. You can put together a combination of soft and hard cheeses with nuts, crackers, and fruit. Keep it in the fridge until ready to serve.
2. Deviled eggs: Deviled eggs are a classic, creamy appetizer that can also be made ahead of time. Hard boil eggs the night before and remove the shells. Make the filling and store it in a separate container. Assemble the deviled eggs the next day, and they are ready to be served. These appetizers will keep your guests happy and their hunger satiated while the main course is being prepared.
Main dishes that can be cooked a day ahead of Thanksgiving
Preparing main dishes for Thanksgiving can be a task, especially when you are running low on time. Fortunately, there are quite a few main dishes that can be cooked a day ahead of Thanksgiving. These dishes preserve their taste, texture, and nutritional values and can be reheated perfectly right before serving.
Some main dishes that can be cooked a day ahead of Thanksgiving include roasted turkey, baked ham, meatloaf, lasagna, and casseroles. To keep them fresh, make sure to store them properly in airtight containers and refrigerate them immediately. You can either opt for full cooking or partially cook to avoid overcooking them right before serving. With these dishes, you can have your main course ready before the big day and have more time to spend with your family and friends.
How to prep sides for Thanksgiving feast ahead of time
Preparing sides for the Thanksgiving feast can be a daunting task, especially on the day of the event. However, you can ease your stress level by prepping some of the side dishes ahead of time. For instance, you can make mashed potatoes the night before and refrigerate them. Then you can reheat them in the oven on Thanksgiving Day and add some butter and milk to make them creamier. Similarly, roasted vegetables can be prepared earlier and stored in an airtight container. You can later reheat them with some olive oil and herbs to ensure crispy edges.
Another way to prep sides ahead of time is to chop the vegetables for stuffing and casseroles in advance. You can store them in the fridge in separate containers and then combine them with the other ingredients on the day of Thanksgiving. Moreover, cranberry sauce and relish can be made a day or two before and refrigerated. This way, the flavors can meld together, and the sauce can thicken. In summary, prepping sides ahead of time can save you a lot of time and effort on the day of thanksgiving and help you to enjoy the gathering with your loved ones.
Desserts that can be made night before Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is incomplete without desserts. Whether it’s a pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or pecan tart, everyone loves a sweet ending to their meal. But let’s be honest, making desserts on Thanksgiving day itself can be quite a challenge, especially when you have a lot on your plate. So, why not prepare them the night before and enjoy a stress-free holiday?
There are many delicious desserts that can be made the night before Thanksgiving. Simple cakes, cookies, and bars like cheesecake, fudgy brownies, lemon bars, or apple crumb cake can be easily baked and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Other desserts like pumpkin pie or pecan pie can also be made beforehand and kept in the fridge until ready to serve. By making these desserts the night before, you have more time to enjoy with your loved ones on the big day without worrying about dessert preparations.
Easy breakfast ideas to make on Thanksgiving morning
After all the hustle and bustle of preparing for Thanksgiving, the last thing you want to worry about on the morning of is cooking breakfast. Luckily, there are plenty of easy breakfast ideas that can be made quickly and will satisfy even the hungriest of stomachs.
One option is overnight oats, which can be prepared the night before and left in the fridge until morning. Simply mix rolled oats, milk, honey, and any toppings you desire, such as fruit or nuts, in a jar or container and refrigerate. Another great option is breakfast burritos – just cook up some scrambled eggs and fill a tortilla with eggs, cheese, and any other desired fillings, and wrap it up. You can even make a big batch of these the night before and keep them in the fridge, ready to be heated up in the morning. With these easy breakfast ideas, you can start Thanksgiving Day off right without any added stress.
Learn how to store prepared Thanksgiving food and leftovers safely
After the Thanksgiving feast, it’s not unusual to have an abundance of leftovers. While those piles of food may seem like an easy solution to your next couple of meals, it’s crucial that you take into consideration how you’re storing and consuming your leftovers. Proper storage and handling will help to ensure the safety and freshness of your food.
Before you store your leftovers, allow them to cool down completely at room temperature. You can then store the food in airtight containers and place them in the refrigerator, which will keep them fresh for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze your leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Remember to label the container with the date you stored the food. Properly storing your leftovers will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and keep you healthy and satisfied for days to come.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are plenty of dishes that you can cook the night before Thanksgiving to save time and reduce stress on the big day. These dishes include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and pies. By preparing these dishes beforehand, you can focus more on the turkey and other last-minute preparations on Thanksgiving Day.
Moreover, cooking the night before Thanksgiving can also be a fun and enjoyable experience. You can enlist the help of family and friends to prep and cook the dishes together, making it a fun bonding activity. So, go ahead and plan your menu, get your ingredients, and start prepping for the best Thanksgiving feast yet!
