Make Ahead Menu Ideas for a Stress-Free (Almost) Thanksgiving
How do you create a Thanksgiving spread with the freshest foods and dishes? It is almost impossible to feed a 
crowd
when all the goodies must be prepared on the same day. That's where
seasoned cooks have crafted the true meaning of "make ahead." So many
recipes will fare just fine in the freezer for a few days or weeks.
Others do well in the fridge for a day or so, just waiting for your
masterful touch in the oven or the microwave.
No
need to stress out – there will be plenty of that at a large family
gathering, anyway! Advance preparation will only help you prolong the
fun of planning a successful holiday celebration. While Thanksgiving
may never be leisurely for the head cook and his or her assistants,
we're here to help downgrade the day from pure panic to controlled
frenzy.
Makeaheads
will eliminate some of the worry of having all your dishes ready at the
same time. In a hectic kitchen, some recipes are great candidates for
"heating, reheating, and eating."
The turkey
Presentation is all-important, but if you're more concerned about catering to your crowd – or are transporting the turkey
to another location - this is one item that could be prepared the day
before. Once it has cooled, carve it and store in the fridge. Wrap the
slices and legs separately in foil and give them a slow oven warm-up.
Spiced nuts
are wonderful at this time of year and are attractive when placed in
several bowls and spread throughout the dining, kitchen, and living
areas. Make them during the week.
Simmer gravy starter – butter, flour, broth – in a saucepan, then refrigerate for up to four days. Add drippings while the turkey is resting and bring to a full simmer until thickened.
Amy Nelsons Giblet Gravy
Surprisingly, mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time, typically the day before Thanksgiving. The trick is to use cream cheese and sour cream instead of milk to prevent separation and discoloring. When using milk, mash in the morning and keep warmed in a crockpot. Potatoes also reheat well in the microwave after refrigeration. Give them a "refreshed " look by adding dabs of butter.
Make Ahead Mash Potatoes
Casseroles are another great time-saver. Ingredients can be dished up in advance – all that is left is a stint in the oven.
Worlds' Best Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
If using fresh green beans, blanch them a few days in advance.
Make
dressing or stuffing three days in advance and refrigerate un-cooked.
Toss in pre-simmered giblets just before going into the oven.
Turkey Dressing
Sweet
potatoes are another favorite that can "stand the test of time." Make a
day or two ahead and they will reheat and serve beautifully.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Most
yeast roll recipes will freeze up to one month. Allow for the first
rise, punch the dough down, then make the desired shapes. Thaw on
Thanksgiving Day, let rise until doubled in size and bake.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Make and bake these – then freeze for up to four weeks.
Cheese Crescents
Desserts are a cook's delight to prepare well in advance of the big day. Apple pies,
for instance, will freeze well for at least three weeks. Thaw
thoroughly and then bake on Thanksgiving. For the best in fresh taste,
however, prepare these desserts the day before.
Do-Ahead Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
Frosty Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)