Twelve Tips to Make Your Holiday Meal Easier to Prepare

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and feasting. However, preparing a large holiday meal can be overwhelming without a plan. To reduce stress and make your holiday cooking experience more enjoyable, try these 12 tips for efficient meal preparation. With a little foresight and organization, you’ll be able to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

1. Prep Your Turkey for Baking the Day Before

A holiday turkey often takes center stage, so it’s important to get it right. To save time on the big day, prepare your turkey the night before. Clean, season, and stuff your bird (if desired), then store it in the refrigerator. Cover it well with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. This allows you to simply pop it into the oven when you’re ready to start cooking.

2. Put the Turkey in the Oven Early Enough

Cooking a turkey takes several hours, so plan accordingly. Ensure the turkey is done in time to allow at least two hours for baking casseroles, pies, and bread. By starting early, you’ll free up your oven later in the day for these side dishes and desserts.

3. Prepare Mashed Potatoes the Day Before

Mashed potatoes are a holiday staple, but they can be time-consuming to prepare. To save time, cook, mash, and season your potatoes the day before. Store them in a microwavable container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or butter to maintain their creamy texture.

4. Bake Cakes a Day or Two in Advance

Holiday cakes, such as fruitcakes or bundt cakes, are perfect candidates for early preparation. Bake these desserts one or two days ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Many cakes actually taste better after resting, as the flavors have time to meld.

5. Make Candies and Cookies a Few Days Ahead

Homemade candies and cookies are delightful holiday treats that can be made well in advance. Prepare them three to five days before your meal, and store them in tins or airtight containers. This not only saves time but also ensures you’ll have snacks on hand for guests who arrive early.

6. Prepare and Freeze Pie Fillings

If you’re making potato or pumpkin pies, consider preparing the fillings ahead of time and freezing them. Portion the filling into freezer-safe containers or directly into your pie crusts (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil). When ready to bake, simply thaw the filling, pour it into the crust, and bake as usual.

7. Prepare Beverages in Advance

Holiday beverages, such as tea, lemonade, punch, eggnog, or mulled wine, can be prepared the day before. Store them in the refrigerator in pitchers or large containers. For hot beverages, such as cider or hot chocolate, pre-mix the ingredients so all you need to do is heat them up before serving.

8. Cook Chicken and Make Dumplings a Week Ahead

For those planning to serve chicken and dumplings, consider cooking the chicken and making the dumplings a week in advance. Once cooked, freeze them in airtight containers. On the day of your meal, simply boil the broth, drop in dumplings and chicken, and serve. This method lets you focus on other dishes and ensures this comforting dish is ready.

9. Make Casseroles a Day or Two Early

Casseroles are versatile and forgiving dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble your casseroles one or two days before your holiday meal and partially bake them. Store them in the refrigerator, then finish baking on the day of your event. This technique saves time and ensures your casseroles are hot and fresh for serving.

10. Prepare Dressing in Advance

Stuffing or dressing can also be made ahead. Mix your ingredients a day or two before and store them in a baking dish in the refrigerator. On the holiday, reheat the dish in the microwave or oven. This ensures the dressing is flavorful and ready to complement your turkey.

11. Boil Eggs For Deviled Eggs Two to Three Days Early

By boiling the eggs for deviled eggs early, all you have to do on the evening before or the morning of the meal is finish the deviled eggs, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

12. Boil Potatoes and Eggs For Potato Salad The Day Before

By boiling the potatoes and eggs for potato salad a day early, they can be stored in a covered dish with all the ingredients you normally use. On the morning of the meal while the turkey is baking, simply stir all the ingredients together, taste, and add any additions necessary.

Additional Tips:

• If your oven space is limited, utilize a slow cooker for side dishes such as green beans, sweet potatoes, or even a hot dip. Slow cookers are ideal for keeping dishes warm and freeing up your oven for other items.
• A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth cooking experience. Write out a schedule that includes when to start each dish, accounting for cooking and reheating times. Include buffer time for unexpected delays. Having a clear plan helps you stay on track and reduces last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts

Preparing a holiday meal doesn’t have to be daunting. By planning ahead and using these 12 tips, you can streamline your cooking process and focus on enjoying the holiday season. With most of the work done in advance, you’ll have more time to relax, connect with loved ones, and savor the delicious fruits of your labor.