Bert Swope
If you need to make dinner ahead of time, check out these Easy Holiday Meal Prep Ideas. They can save you a lot of time. If you buy in bulk, you can get your holiday recipes made in advance. If you need to make a “neutral” dish, consider roasting a sweet potato.
Make-Ahead holiday recipes
Making make-ahead holiday recipes is a great way to save time, energy, and effort during the holiday season. You can prepare them ahead of time and serve them cold or reheat them later. You can even put some in the crockpot before you need them. These recipes are quick and easy and are great for entertaining.
Thanksgiving dinner can be a bit hectic, so if you can make part of the meal in advance, you’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday. You can make a pot of soup ahead of time or cook a full-on turkey or other Thanksgiving main course. You’ll have time to enjoy conversation with family and enjoy your holiday meal. Make-ahead recipes are also great for potlucks and first-time hosts.
Another great holiday side dish is stuffing in a muffin tin. Not only is it easy to prepare in advance, but it’s also delicious! Plus, it makes great individual portions. You can even make this dish a day ahead of time and chill it for a day before the big dinner.
Holiday parties are stressful times for many people, so making make-ahead recipes can ease the stress. You can prepare main dishes, side dishes, appetizers, desserts, and even breakfast dishes!
Buying in bulk
Buying in bulk is a great way to save money and make holiday meal preparation easier. To do this, you must first analyze your purchasing habits. Pay special attention to perishable items like fruits and vegetables. You should also know the amount of food your family eats every day.
Purchasing goods in bulk is the most economical way to save money. If you have enough space in your refrigerator and freezer, you can purchase items in large quantities. However, it is not a good idea to buy more than you can actually use. Purchasing food and household items in bulk is a great way to save money, but you must make sure you’ll actually use them.
One study found that 86 percent of Americans purchase in bulk at least once a year. The highest savings were seen for meat, personal care products, and breads/grains. These purchases were found to save an average of $4.67 per unit. Additionally, many pantry staples are also significantly cheaper when purchased in bulk.
Another benefit of buying in bulk is that you can reduce the number of trips you make to the grocery store. Buying in bulk reduces the number of impulse purchases and saves a lot of space. In addition to reducing the number of trips, you’ll be able to plan ahead and spread out your trips to the store. This will reduce your need to purchase impulse items, as well as fuel expenses.
Making “neutral” dishes
When hosting a holiday dinner, consider making a few “neutral” holiday dishes. These dishes are easy to add to rather than remove, and they’ll allow you to accommodate guests who may have allergies. For example, you can serve lasagna in a festive bowl without making the dish look too festive.
Roasting a sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are a staple of the Thanksgiving table, and there are many ways to prepare them. A simple roasted sweet potato is an easy side dish that requires only 10 minutes of preparation time. Cut the potato into 1″ cubes to make the cooking process faster. The smaller pieces will have more surface area, ensuring an even cooking process. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper for an added savory vibe.
Sweet potatoes are delicious roasted in the oven. If you’re having trouble determining whether your sweet potato is done, simply poke it with a fork. After 30 minutes, the skin will have greatly puffed up and the flesh should be soft and creamy. When the sweet potato is done, simply remove it from the oven and serve warm or room temperature.
For an extra kick, add a bit of ground cumin or chili powder. These savory spices complement the sweetness of the potato and add subtle flavor without overwhelming it. Sweet potatoes are versatile enough to take on additional flavorings, and they also work well in salads. Roasted potatoes are also great for topping grain bowls and boosting eggs with protein.
To prepare this dish, cut the sweet potato in half-inch-wide rounds. Then, rub them with oil and sprinkle with cinnamon. Place them in an oven-safe pan and bake until golden brown. You can flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
Pan-roasting chicken thighs
If you’re looking for easy holiday meal prep ideas, consider pan-roasting chicken thighs. These quick and flavorful thighs can be prepared on a single baking sheet in a fraction of the time. They are also versatile and can be used to make a variety of dishes. Cut thighs into strips or cubes and add them to a mixing bowl, along with some seasonings and spices. They’ll also work well on salads or as filling for wraps.
If you don’t have a deep pan, don’t fret. A non-stick pan will work just fine. Place a layer of aluminum foil on top of the pan to help keep the chicken moist. Add a few tablespoons of water to the pan before adding the chicken pieces. The chicken thighs should be covered by about one-inch of water.
Roasting chicken thighs on a sheet pan is another great option. It keeps the chicken moist while roasting, and the chicken juices will give the thighs a crispy crust. You can bake the chicken thighs for 30-40 minutes. Chicken thighs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. After cooking, you should baste the chicken with any drippings in the pan.
Using bone-in skin-on chicken thighs will add extra flavor to the dish. You can also use the bone-in thighs instead of the white meat for an extra flavor boost. You can serve this dish with a side salad or a salad to make a meal even better. Aside from being filling and delicious, this dish is also gluten-free and dairy-free.
Poaching pears
Poaching pears is an easy holiday meal prep idea that will keep pears supple and juicy. The trick is to choose ripe pears and prepare them ahead of time. Pears are great for snacking raw but hold up well when baked or poached. To ensure a juicy treat, pick a pear that is perfectly ripe, but not overripe or it will turn out too soft. To check ripeness, you should press gently on the pear to check whether it’s ready.
To poach pears, place them in a pot and cover with a lid. Cook for about 20 minutes, depending on the size of your pears. Once they’ve reached a soft consistency, remove them from the tea and let them cool. Meanwhile, prepare the pastry base.
After poaching pears, keep them refrigerated until needed. Make sure to use firm pears with a stem. You can also use melon ballers to core the fruit. Then, transfer them to a plate. The poaching liquid will become syrupy and can be used again for another meal.
Poached pears are delicious and easy to make. They go well with any holiday meal. A side dish of pears paired with ice cream or a dark chocolate sauce is a classic choice. These pears are also delicious served with a slice of cake, pumpkin pie, or gingerbread. They can be prepped up to two days in advance. The liquid from poaching will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. After that, reheating them will add an extra layer of flavor.
