10 Christmas Recipes To Prep In Advance
Next to Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner is the second biggest meal of the year. But it doesn’t have to be full of stress. You can prep certain dishes ahead of time so that you are nice and relaxed the day of. Make the holidays easier this year by prepping Christmas dinner head of time.
1. Holiday Turkey
While most folks make their turkey on Thanksgiving, it’s perfectly acceptable to have one for Christmas dinner as well. This turkey is a delicious way to enjoy turkey for a holiday dinner.
2. Slow Cooker Pork Roast
This Slow Cooker Pork Roast can feed an army, and it cooks while you work all day. It’s the perfect make-ahead holiday food because you can place it in the slow cooker in the morning, and it will cook all day in time for your holiday dinner.
3. Homemade Dinner Rolls
This homemade dinner rolls recipe is perfect for a family meal, during the week, or during the holidays. Few things beat a good homemade dinner roll, and nothing store-bought will ever make your kitchen smell as wonderful as homemade bread baking in the oven.
4. Giblet Gravy
Giblet gravy is one of the holiday side dishes that should not be overlooked. The best part is you can make it a day ahead and then take it out to warm up when you are ready to serve your holiday meal.
5. Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
This healthy sweet potato casserole is the perfect side dish for any holiday table. Nobody will even miss the marshmallows. It’s a great addition to your list of holiday side dishes, and it’s easy to make ahead.
6. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This homemade cranberry sauce is easy to make and perfect for your holiday table. It goes perfectly with turkey or pork roast. Make it up to three days ahead for a stress-free holiday dinner with the family.
7. Cranberry Butternut Bake
This cranberry butternut bake recipe is perfect for your holiday table. You can prepare it about 2 days in advance and just put it in the oven to reheat.
8. Homemade Crouton Stuffing
Homemade crouton stuffing is sure to become a staple on your holiday table. You can enjoy stress-free holiday dinner planning by making it 1 to 2 days in advance, and that’s not even the best part because it’s also whole-grain healthy.
9. Naturally Sweetened Pecan Pie
No holiday meal is complete without dessert to sweeten it up. This Naturally Sweetened Pecan Pie recipe is made with real-food ingredients and no processed sugars. It’s the perfect holiday dessert, and you can make it up to 3 days in advance.
10. Peanut Butter Pie
This easy peanut butter pie makes a rich, decadent pie with a consistency almost like cheesecake. It’s a delicious and healthy dessert made with Greek yogurt. Make it about 2 days ahead and keep it chilled until you are ready to serve.
11. Pfeffernusse Cookies
If you love gingerbread cookies, you will love Pfeffernusse cookies. These delicious German Christmas cookies are slightly spicy and filled with traditional German holiday flavors. Make it ahead to serve on your holiday dinner, or make a big batch to give as homemade gifts.
Planning Christmas Dinner?
It’s never too early to start planning for the big meal this year. Christmas dinner takes careful planning, especially if you are the one cooking. Here is an entire outline of dishes you can make for the big day. They work for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
20 Holiday Side Dishes
Want to keep it healthy this Thanksgiving? Tired of feeling like you have a brick in your tummy after Thanksgiving dinner? Try one of these 20 healthy side dishes. Nobody will know the difference.
Recipes For Holiday Leftovers That You Won’t Get Tired Of Eating
Do you always have leftovers that go bad after Thanksgiving dinner? Don’t let that happen this year. Use some of these recipes to make sure nothing goes to waste.
This originally appeared on The Gracious Pantry.