Thanksgiving Meal Prep Hacks

The Week Before

Prepare your pie crusts ahead of time by rolling them into flat disks, wrapping them securely in parchment paper and plastic wrap, and freezing them. On baking day, simply let them defrost at room temperature for a few hours before rolling them out.

Two Days Before

• Soups: Fully cook your soups and store them in the fridge. Reheat them gently on Thanksgiving Day, either on the stovetop or in a slow cooker to free up burner space.
• Gravy: Instead of relying on turkey drippings, make your gravy ahead by using giblets, turkey necks, or wings from the butcher. Alternatively, opt for a recipe that doesn’t require meat or try a flavorful mushroom gravy, a favorite even among meat lovers.
• Casseroles: Assemble dishes like sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, or green bean casserole and refrigerate them. Bake them in the oven after the turkey is done.
• Cranberry Sauce: This dish actually improves in flavor when made two days ahead. Store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.

One Day Before

• Pies: Take your frozen pie crusts out to thaw, then fill and bake them. Allow the pies to cool or refrigerate them overnight, depending on the recipe.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roast vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes and refrigerate them overnight. Avoid roasting Brussels sprouts in advance, as they can develop an unpleasant smell when reheated.
• Mashed Potatoes: Peel and store your potatoes in cold water in the refrigerator to save time. On Thanksgiving, boil and mash them a couple of hours before dinner. Keep them warm by either using the “keep warm” setting on a slow cooker or leaving them on the stove’s lowest heat with occasional additions of warm cream and butter.
• Stuffing: Stale your bread by leaving it out for a day or two. Assemble stuffing in a casserole dish and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Salads: Prep vegetables in advance, but wait to dress and combine them until just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Thanksgiving Day

On the big day, while completing the final touches on pre-prepared dishes (like assembling salads, baking casseroles, and mashing potatoes), the spotlight will be on your turkey. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Defrosting: If your turkey is frozen, ensure it’s fully defrosted in time—it can take several days. Refer to a defrosting guide to plan accordingly.
• Brining: If you’re brining your turkey, account for the extra time needed for this step.
• Cooking Time: Know how long to roast your turkey based on its weight. Use a cooking time guide to avoid guesswork.
• Resting: Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bird.

Source: Huffpost, November 2, 2024.