Holiday Meal Prep: Get Ahead for the Festivities

The holidays are a whirlwind of joy, family gatherings, and a lot of cooking. If the thought of spending hours in the kitchen stresses you out, I’ve got your back. Let’s simplify your holiday cooking with some genius meal-prepping strategies. These five recipes can be prepped in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. 

1. Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast (Freezer-Friendly)

Forget wrestling with a whole turkey! This recipe focuses on a smaller, more manageable turkey breast. It’s perfect if you’re hosting a smaller gathering or simply prefer white meat. The best part? The zesty cranberry-orange glaze can be made ahead of time and even frozen.

Ingredients

• 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup orange zest
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.
3. In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, cranberries, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
4. Pour half of the glaze over the turkey breast.
5. Roast the turkey breast for 1 hour, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C).
6. Baste the turkey breast with the remaining glaze during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
7. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Meal Prep Tip

If you want to get a head start, cook the turkey breast ahead of time. Slice it, place portions in individual containers, and pour the glaze over each portion. Freeze and simply reheat on the day of your event.

2. Make-Ahead Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Crumble

Ditch the ordinary mashed potatoes and wow your guests with this flavorful twist! Mashed sweet potatoes get a delightful upgrade with a crunchy pecan crumble topping. This entire dish can be assembled and refrigerated in advance, saving you precious time on the big day.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

1. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender.
2. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, brown sugar, salt, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the pecans, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers to work the mixture into a crumble.
4. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes in a baking dish and sprinkle with the pecan crumble.
5. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

Meal Prep Tip

When you’re ready to serve, bake the dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and the crumble is golden brown.

3. Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing (Crock-Pot Friendly)

Free up your oven space and keep your stuffing warm throughout the meal with this slow cooker version. We’re also using wild rice for a heartier, more nutritious twist on the classic stuffing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice, cooked according to package directions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the garlic, mushrooms, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a slow cooker.
4. Add the cooked wild rice, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.

Meal Prep Tip

Prep all your ingredients the night before. Combine them in the crock pot, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, simply set your slow cooker to low and let it cook while you enjoy your day.

4. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots (Make-Ahead Components)

No holiday table is complete without this classic! But let’s be honest, juggling multiple dishes in the oven can be stressful. This recipe breaks down the components of green bean casserole so you can prep them ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups French’s Fried Onions (or homemade fried shallots)

Instructions

1. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper.
3. Fry the shallots (optional): If you prefer homemade fried shallots, thinly slice 2-3 shallots and fry them in oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Meal Prep Tip

Store the blanched green beans, cream sauce, and fried shallots (if using) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, combine the green beans and sauce in a baking dish. Top with the fried onions or shallots and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

5. Cranberry-Brie Bites with Phyllo Dough

Now for the star of the show! These elegant appetizers will impress your guests and are surprisingly easy to make ahead of time. The tangy cranberry sauce and creamy brie cheese are a match made in heaven, while the crispy phyllo dough adds a touch of sophistication.

Ingredients

• 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush each sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter.
3. Cut the phyllo sheets into 3-inch squares.
4. Press each square into a mini muffin tin to form cups.
5. Bake the phyllo cups for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Fill each cup with a slice of brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
7. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

Meal Prep Tip

Assemble the bites (without baking) the night before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to ensure the phyllo cups stay crisp.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – five festive holiday meal prep recipes that will save you time and energy without sacrificing flavor or elegance. With a little planning, you can have a stress-free holiday season filled with delicious food and quality time with loved ones. Happy holidays!