Make-Ahead Dishes for the Holidays
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The holidays are a busy time for everyone, especially moms. Between cooking, cleaning, and entertaining, it can be hard to relax and enjoy the season. One way to help ease the holiday stress is to make some dishes ahead of time. With some planning, you can prepare several make-ahead words in your freezer or fridge. This way, when the holiday rush hits, you can reheat and serve without spending hours in the kitchen.
Some great make-ahead dishes for busy moms this holiday season include Southern basics such as casseroles, lasagna, soup, and chili. These dishes can all be made ahead of time and then frozen or refrigerated until you're ready to serve them. Plus, they're all hearty and filling dishes that will please even the pickiest eaters.
So if you're looking for ways to simplify your holiday cooking this year, consider making some of your dishes ahead of time. It's a great way to save time and stress during the busiest time of year.
Appetizers
The holidays can be a challenging time to balance hosting duties with enjoying the company of your guests. One way to take the stress out of entertaining is to prepare make-ahead appetizers that can be easily reheated or served at room temperature.
This way, you can spend more time enjoying the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Bite-sized foods are sure to please your guests, and they can all be made in advance so you can relax and enjoy the holiday festivities.
Goat Cheese Dip
If you're from Texas, then you know that cheese dip is a staple at any Southern gathering. A subtly spicy, extra-creamy cheese dip made with local artisan goat cheese and some peppers for zip and spice is sure to be a hit at any Texas holiday meal.
It's an appetizer you can make but will surely disappear in no time. Cheese dip is such a staple in Texas that it's hard to imagine a party without it. Whether you're having a few friends over for holiday drinks or hosting a large gathering, this cheesy dip is sure to please.
It's safe to say the Lone Star State is home to some standout cheeses. Cadence Creamery, located in Austin, makes farmstead goat cheese - and is one of the best goat cheesemakers in Texas.
Parmesan Gougeres
Coming up with a holiday menu that will please everyone can be daunting, but having a few go-to recipes that can be easily scaled up or down can help to take some of the stress out of entertaining. Parmesan gougères are the perfect example of an appetizer that can be made ahead of time and then quickly baked off when guests arrive.
These bite-sized puff pastries are made with simple ingredients and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Best of all, they can be made in advance and frozen until you're ready to bake them, making them the perfect last-minute addition to your holiday menu. So if you're looking for a stress-free way to entertain this holiday season, add Parmesan gougères to your menu.
Soup
Anyone who has hosted a holiday dinner knows it can be a lot of work. There's shopping, cooking, cleaning, and many other things to worry about. One of the best ways to reduce stress during the holidays is to make as much food as possible ahead of time. That way, on the day of the big meal, all you have to do is reheat and serve. This can be especially helpful for dishes that require much prep work, such as soup! You can enjoy the holidays by doing as much work as possible in advance without spending all day in the kitchen.
Chorizo and Chickpea Soup
One of the best things about the holidays is that you can finally take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy quality time with your family and friends. However, cooking a big meal can often be a source of stress. So if you're looking for a way to save time this holiday season, try making chorizo and chickpea soup.
This delicious soup can be made ahead of time and frozen, so you won't have to spend hours in the kitchen on the day of your party. The chorizo sausage adds spice to the broth, creating a delicious flavor without extra seasonings. And while it's cooking, the whole house will smell amazing. With this dish, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the holidays without stressing over the food!
Chorizo is a pork sausage commonly found in Mexican, Spanish, and Tex-Mex dishes. We take a deeper look into this tasty morsel of flavor.
Sides
Regarding holiday dinners, Texans know the sides are just as important as the main course. That's why we've gathered some of our favorite recipes for side dishes that can be made ahead of time. From herbed potatoes to sausage dressings, these dishes will take your holiday dinner to the next level. And best of all, they can be prepared so you can relax and enjoy the festivities with your family and friends. So go ahead and make a big batch of these delicious Texas-style side dishes. Your guests will be impressed, and you'll be able to enjoy the holidays more.
Herbed Potatoes
Nothing says "holiday feast" like a big platter of piping hot potatoes. A make-ahead recipe for herbed potatoes is the perfect way to get your dishes on the table without neglecting your guests.
Bake a large batch of herbed potatoes in disposable pans and serve them at your next holiday get-together. Your guests will love these flavorful potatoes, and you'll love being able to spend more time with your friends and family. So go ahead and give this recipe a try - your family will thank you!
Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits have been a staple of Southern cuisine for generations, bringing forth nostalgia and memories with each bite. There's something unique about them; the freshly baked aroma is unmistakable and mouthwatering. From homemade to store-bought, you can freeze them - allowing all of us to enjoy the classic dish without worrying about any preparations.
For those in Texas, buttermilk biscuits will always hold a special place in their heart thanks to their roots as heirloom food items. So if you find yourself craving these delicious treats for the holiday season, don't forget that you can easily store them away for later!
Slow-Cooked Sausage Dressing
​​Slow-cooked sausage dressing is the perfect dish for a holiday feast. It is easy to prepare ahead and can be cooked in a slow cooker, freeing up the stove and oven.
The savory dressing is made with apples and pecans (how long do pecans last?), giving it a unique flavor that will please even the pickiest eaters. And because it is cooked slowly, the flavors have time to meld together, creating a rich and delicious dish that will surely be a hit. So if you are looking for a unique and delightful addition to your holiday feast, look no further than slow-cooked sausage dressing.
Discover local Texas food shops and farmers' markets where you can buy smoked sausage. Learn more about smoked sausage cooking on the TexasRealFood Promptuary.
Holiday Casserole Staples
Casseroles are the perfect dish to prepare ahead for a holiday dinner. They can be easily made and slow-cooked to perfection, so all you have to do on the day of the dinner is reheat them. As a result, you can spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. Casseroles are also typically very hearty and filling, which is perfect for a holiday meal. And, because they can be made with various ingredients, there is sure to be a casserole that will please everyone at your dinner table. So if you're looking for an easy way to prepare a holiday meal, turn to the casserole. It's sure to make your dinner planning a breeze.
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
While many families have unique holiday traditions, one dish on Christmas tables across the south is chicken enchilada casserole. This creamy, cheesy casserole is a favorite among kids and adults, and it's easy to see why. The combination of tender chicken, savory sauce, and soft tortillas makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
It's easy to make it ahead of time to enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones more. Whether serving it up for Christmas dinner or enjoying it as a post-Christmas Day snack, chicken enchilada casserole is a Southern staple everyone can enjoy.
Texas Chili
Texas chili is remarkable, breaking traditional recipes by omitting beans or tomato sauce. Instead, a thick, flavorful chili paste made from dried peppers is combined with primarily beef to create a more closely resembling hearty and thick stew. With the intense focus on chili pepper flavor and its ability to be prepared in advance and even frozen for later use, Texas chili is the ideal choice for any holiday feast. Not only does it satisfy a crowd, but it also provides a unique and flavorful twist to the classic chili recipe.
When the cold winds begin to gust through Texas, every true Texan heart craves a bowl of simmering chili.
Lasagna
Lasagna is the perfect casserole for special occasions. Unlike a traditional casserole, it requires extra care and attention due to its fancy nature. It is also straightforward to prepare ahead of time. It freezes well, making it the ideal dish for your holiday dinner table. All you need are the following:
Some lasagna noodles.
Your favorite sauce.
Your choice of cheese.
Any ingredients you want to add between the layers.
Layer these ingredients in a baking dish with the sauce, cheese, and other components in between each layer of noodles before baking it at an appropriate temperature until it's golden brown on top to make a fantastic lasagna that will leave guests wanting more!
Desserts
Dessert is just as important as ever during special celebrations in Texas. The holiday season provides a tasty opportunity to treat your family to culinary creations. However, prepping desserts ahead of time can make for a much more enjoyable experience. Whether it's fresh pies, cobblers, or cookies of all varieties, you can prepare them days before the big event, saving time and energy that could be better spent elsewhere. In addition, throwing in your unique twist on old family recipes is an excellent way to update and reinvigorate traditional holiday favorites. Plus, many frozen desserts are ideally suited for warming up when ready to serve, giving every guest an equally delicious experience at every turn.
Pecan Pie
Pecans are a big deal in Texas, and this holiday season is the perfect time to take advantage of them. Making pecan pie from scratch can seem intimidating, but don't worry! You can make things easy using your favorite store-bought pie crust and pre-shucked pecans. Just combine melted butter, sugar, corn syrup (how long does corn syrup last?), and eggs in a bowl and pour it over the crust along with the pecans—instant deliciousness! If you want to go above and beyond, let the pie cool completely before freezing to stay extra fresh during the holidays. Then, serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat that your family won't resist!
Here's a deeper look into Texas Pecan Pie - one of America's most famous desserts.
Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
Desserts are a must for any Texan holiday feast, and Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls are perfect for the occasion. They have all the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffle goodness and a touch of bourbon that gives them a pleasant kick. Making these sweet treats is also relatively easy; only four ingredients are required to whip up a mouthwatering batch! Even better, make double and freeze one batch to enjoy on another special occasion in the future. With this dessert, you'll make your family feel like they're in holiday heaven.
Other Holiday Meal Planning Tips
The holidays can be an incredibly stressful time of year regarding meal planning. However, with all the cooking, shopping, parties, and get-togethers, it's essential to plan to save time and spend on groceries.
Here are a few practical tips that can help:
Plan Your Menu and Guest List
As any host knows, planning holiday dinners can be a stressful endeavor. It can feel overwhelming, from creating the perfect menu to organizing guest lists and deciding seating arrangements.
To lessen the burden of holiday dinners this year, it's essential to plan by creating a menu and guest list. Consider what dishes will please everyone; if possible, allow guests to contribute particular items they like.
Doing some planning ahead gives you time to set the perfect tone for your gathering and make sure every guest is taken care of and feels welcome. It also frees up your time during the event to focus on enjoying yourself and spending quality time with your family.
Prep During the Week
Preparing for holiday dinners during the week is one of the best ways to reduce stress and create more time for family. By shopping ahead of time and stocking up on items like non-perishable food, decorations, tableware, and gifts, you can avoid last-minute store trips that take away from quality time with loved ones. Additionally, prepping food ahead of time, such as peeling vegetables, mixing ingredients for sauces, or bringing meats, adds excellent convenience.
Allocating tasks between family members can also help lighten your load while creating memorable moments in the kitchen. By organizing your holiday meals (What wine goes well with holiday meals?) ahead of time, you can focus even more attention on enjoying these special occasions with your family.
Set the Table the Night Before
If you want to make sure your holiday dinners are as stress-free and family-friendly as possible, setting the table the night before is an invaluable tip. Not only does this mean that you don't have to worry about one more task during busy seasonal days, but it also creates anticipation for the food and festivities.
Setting the table early allows you to focus instead on the other components of your meal plan, leaving time for meaningful activities with family and friends without skipping a beat in your preparations. It's also a great way to get excited about the upcoming celebrations—the neat rows of festive plates and decorations can add instant cheer. So next time you plan a special holiday dinner, save yourself some last-minute stress by setting up in advance!
Use Your Slow Cookers
Planning your holiday dinner doesn't have to be something that causes stress while you're scrambling to get enough food prepared on time. An easy and efficient way to put together a delicious meal without a lot of work or mental strain is by using slow cookers.
Slow cookers allow nearly all the ingredients to be thrown into one pot, eliminating the need for individual pans and extra space in the oven. Cooking times can also be adjusted for different items on the menu, ensuring everything is ready at once and keeping all the holiday flavors intact. So when it comes time to sit down, everyone can enjoy a mouthwatering feast without stressing about having invested too much time in preparing it.
Prep as Much Food as You Can Ahead of Time
Planning for holiday dinners can be a stressful undertaking, especially when trying to coordinate the efforts of a large number of family members. One way to make the process less overwhelming is to prepare as much as possible before the day of the big meal.
This could include marinating meats overnight, pre-chopping vegetables, and making sauces and desserts ahead of time. These preparations will give you more time in the kitchen on a holiday day, freeing up time to spend with your loved ones instead!
Summary
Holiday meals tend to be a significant undertaking, and trying to plan them can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But, with a few smart moves, they don't have to be! Estimating the right amount of ingredients, making use of leftovers, and doing meal prepping ahead of time are all great ways to stay organized and save both time and money. This will create a more manageable, stress-free environment when serving the final meal. Your friends and family will enjoy the festive occasion minus any unnecessary hassle that often comes with holiday dinners!
