Picture this: it’s Christmas Day, and instead of sweating over a hot stove, you’re enjoying a cozy morning with your loved ones. That’s the magic of a *make ahead Christmas dinner*! With a little prep, you can savor every moment of the holiday without the last-minute chaos. This recipe is special to me because it blends tradition and convenience—my family has been enjoying this hearty meal for years! The turkey, stuffing, and delightful sides come together beautifully, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: making memories. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at holiday cooking the same way again!
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12 lbs), seasoned and cleaned
- 2 cups stuffing mix, ready to be prepared
- 1 cup chicken broth, for moist stuffing
- 1 cup cranberry sauce, for a tart and sweet side
- 2 cups mashed potatoes, prepared and creamy
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and fresh
- 1 cup gravy, homemade or store-bought, for drizzling
- 1 apple pie, store-bought or homemade, for a sweet finish
How to Prepare Instructions
Now let’s dive into the delicious details of making your *make ahead Christmas dinner*! It’s all about planning and timing, so follow along and you’ll have a feast ready to go!
Preparing the Turkey
Start by seasoning your turkey generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs—don’t skimp on this part, as it really brings out the flavor! You can stuff it with your prepared stuffing mix, but I recommend doing this a day in advance to let those flavors meld beautifully. Cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight. Easy peasy!
Roasting the Turkey
On the big day, preheat your oven according to the package instructions—usually around 325°F (163°C). Roast your turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound. Trust me, it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh; you’re aiming for 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat!
Making the Stuffing
While the turkey is roasting, prepare the stuffing. Combine the stuffing mix with chicken broth, mixing it until it’s nice and moist. If you want to amp up the flavor, add sautéed onions, celery, and herbs. Once the turkey is done, you can stuff it with this mixture or serve it alongside—totally your call!
Preparing Side Dishes
For the mashed potatoes, you can whip them up a day ahead and keep them warm in a slow cooker or on the stove with a lid. Steam those green beans until they’re just tender—about 5-7 minutes will do the trick. And don’t forget your gravy! Heat it in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, so it’s ready to drizzle over everything!
Serving the Dinner
When it’s time to serve, carve the turkey and arrange it on a lovely platter. Place the stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans around it, and don’t forget the cranberry sauce—it adds such a festive touch! Finish off the meal with a slice of apple pie, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my top tips to ensure your *make ahead Christmas dinner* is a smashing success! First, prep your turkey and stuffing the night before, as it saves you a ton of stress on the big day. If you’re making mashed potatoes ahead of time, add a little extra cream or butter before reheating to keep them luscious and creamy. For the gravy, consider making it a day early, too—just warm it gently on the stove, stirring to bring it back to life.
Always taste your stuffing before it goes into the turkey; it should be flavorful and moist! Lastly, keep an eye on your cooking times and use a meat thermometer for the turkey. Trust me, it’s the best way to avoid any surprises! With a little planning, you’ll be ready to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.
Nutritional Information
This *make ahead Christmas dinner* is not just a time-saver; it’s a hearty meal packed with flavors! On average, each serving contains approximately 800 calories, with 30g of fat, 40g of protein, and 100g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 15g of sugar and 1200mg of sodium per plate. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re indulging in during the holidays!
FAQ Section
Can I make the turkey ahead of time and freeze it? Absolutely! You can roast your turkey a day or two in advance, let it cool, and then carve it. Store the slices in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat the mashed potatoes? To reheat your mashed potatoes, place them in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to bring back their creamy texture. Stir frequently until they’re heated through—this will keep them from drying out!
Can I use store-bought stuffing? Yes, definitely! Store-bought stuffing can save you time and still taste great. Just follow the package instructions, and feel free to add your own twist with some sautéed veggies or herbs.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. If you’re not planning to eat them within that time, freeze them for later enjoyment!
Can I substitute the turkey for another protein? Of course! If turkey isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with a whole chicken or even a ham. Just adjust the cooking times according to the size and type of meat you choose.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Time-saving: Prep everything in advance, so you can enjoy the holiday stress-free!
- Flavor-packed: The turkey and stuffing soak up all the delicious seasonings overnight.
- Easy preparation: Simple steps make this a breeze, even for beginner cooks.
- Festive presentation: Serve up a beautiful holiday spread that impresses everyone at the table.
- Family-friendly: A hearty meal that everyone, from kids to grandparents, will love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the festivities, you’ll want to enjoy those delicious leftovers! To store your *make ahead Christmas dinner*, let everything cool down to room temperature, then transfer the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy into separate airtight containers. Everything can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the turkey and sides for up to three months.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend thawing anything frozen overnight in the fridge first. For the turkey, slice it and reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—about 20-30 minutes should do it. The mashed potatoes can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk for creaminess, while the gravy can be warmed gently in a saucepan. Steam the green beans quickly to bring them back to life. Enjoy your delicious holiday feast all over again!
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Make Ahead Christmas Dinner: 7 Steps to a Joyful Feast
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A convenient make-ahead Christmas dinner that saves you time and effort on the big day.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12 lbs)
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup green beans
- 1 cup gravy
- 1 apple pie
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey by seasoning it and stuffing it.
- Roast the turkey according to package instructions.
- Make the stuffing using chicken broth and mix with the turkey.
- Prepare mashed potatoes and keep warm.
- Steam the green beans until tender.
- Heat the gravy in a saucepan.
- Serve the dinner with cranberry sauce on the side.
- Finish with apple pie for dessert.
Notes
- Prepare the turkey a day in advance.
- Make the stuffing the night before.
- Mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated.
- Gravy can also be made in advance.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 100g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: make ahead christmas dinner
