Pre-Thanksgiving Delights- 10 Must-Make Dishes for an Unbeatable Feast Day!
What can I make the day before Thanksgiving? This question often crosses the minds of many as the holiday approaches. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and sharing a feast filled with traditional dishes. However, preparing all the recipes on the day itself can be overwhelming. To ensure a stress-free Thanksgiving, planning and preparing some dishes the day before can be a game-changer. In this article, we will explore some delicious and easy-to-make recipes that you can prepare in advance, allowing you to enjoy the holiday with your family and friends without the pressure of cooking all day long.
One of the most popular dishes on the Thanksgiving table is the turkey. While roasting a turkey can take several hours, you can prepare it the day before and simply reheat it on Thanksgiving Day. To make it even easier, consider brining the turkey the day before and then letting it marinate overnight. This will add flavor and ensure that the meat is tender and juicy. Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, and then cover it with foil and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat it.
Another dish that can be prepared in advance is the stuffing. You can mix all the ingredients the day before and bake it the day of the holiday. This will save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the meal. Simply combine bread, herbs, onions, celery, and your favorite seasonings, then cover and refrigerate until the next day. When you’re ready to bake, add some chicken broth to the mixture and bake it until golden brown and crispy.
Gravy is another essential component of the Thanksgiving feast that can be made ahead of time. You can prepare a basic gravy using turkey drippings, flour, and chicken broth. Simply whisk together the flour and chicken broth in a saucepan, then add the turkey drippings and cook until the gravy thickens. Let it cool and then cover and refrigerate until the next day. Reheat the gravy over low heat before serving.
Side dishes such as mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole can also be prepared the day before. Mashed potatoes can be made by boiling potatoes, mashing them, and then adding milk, butter, and salt. Cover and refrigerate until the next day. For sweet potatoes, you can peel, cube, and cook them in a pot with a little water until tender. Then, mash them with butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Green bean casserole can be prepared by sautéing green beans with onions, then combining them with cream of mushroom soup, milk, and French fried onions. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
Lastly, don’t forget about the desserts. Pies, such as pumpkin, apple, and pecan, can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until the day of the holiday. Simply follow the pie recipe, let it cool, and then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the pie until warm and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
By preparing some of the dishes the day before Thanksgiving, you can reduce stress and enjoy more quality time with your loved ones. So, what can you make the day before Thanksgiving? The possibilities are endless, and with these recipes, you’ll be able to create a memorable and delicious feast that everyone will enjoy.
