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Christmas can truly be one of the most magical times of the year. I know I love being in the kitchen cooking and baking. I love having anyone in my family in the kitchen with me, however I also love to be alone in the kitchen. I also know the kitchen can cause a lot of stress for most moms. We think we need to do it all and everything has to be perfect. We also don’t need to spend hours and hours in the kitchen, especially on Christmas Day.
One year our oven broke on Christmas Day, we ordered the part and fixed it within a few days. The following Christmas it broke on December 23. I had to order a stove and Jimmy and I had to install it on Christmas Eve. So I learned after that to plan and prepare better.
So with a little planning and preparation, you can create delicious meals that keep everyone happy while allowing you to enjoy the Christmas Season too. Here are some of my practical holiday meal prep tips and make-ahead recipes to help you save time and reduce stress this season.
1. Plan Your Menu Early
If you haven’t planned your Christmas menu yet, now is the time to do so. Start by planning your holiday menu at least two weeks in advance. Choose some recipes that can be prepped ahead or cooked in batches. Include a mix of appetizers, mains, sides, snacks and desserts that complement each other and don’t require last-minute fuss. Also make food you love, it doesn’t have to be turkey or whatever other people are doing. We gave up turkey years ago, we now do steak and shrimp. If we’re in the mood for ham we will do instead of steak. Make it easy, you’re gonna remember the memories more than the food.
Quick Tip: Create a shopping list organized by category to streamline your grocery trips. This to me is a must all year round.
2. Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time
Spend a few hours a day or two before the big event washing, chopping and measuring ingredients. Store them in labeled containers or zip-top bags in the fridge. Having everything ready to go saves time and makes cooking less stressful. One thing I will do is make a casserole like my Cheesy Potatoes on December 23 and place it in the fridge. That way on Christmas Day, I just have to bake it. It really makes cooking that day so much easier.
Examples:
- Chop vegetables for stuffing, casseroles, or salads.
- Pre-measure spices and dry ingredients for baking.
3. Make and Freeze Dishes in Advance
Many Christmas dishes can be made ahead and frozen, freeing up time on busy days. Prepare dishes up to a week in advance and store them in freezer-safe containers. Simply cook or reheat them when needed. Christmas cookies are a great thing to make ahead of time and freeze. You can freeze the cookie dough and bake the cookies when you’re ready. Or you can bake the cookies now and freeze for later. I will make mac and cheese or lasagna and freeze them ahead.
Freezer-Friendly Recipes:
- Lasagna or Stuffed Shells
- Holiday Cookies
- Muffins and Scones
- Pancakes
At the bottom of this blog, I’ve listed some of our favorite recipes.
4. Choose One-Pan or Crockpot Recipes
Simplify cooking by using one-pan or slow cooker recipes that minimize cleanup and effort. These dishes are perfect for keeping warm while you focus on spending time with your family.
Ideas:
- Sheet pan roasted turkey breast with vegetables
- Crockpot honey-glazed ham
- One-pan garlic green beans and potatoes
Pro Tip: Use your crockpot weekly to save you time and money. Here’s a link to the one we use on repeat.
5. Assemble a Grazing Board
A grazing board filled with cheeses, cured meats and fruits is an easy, no-cook option for appetizers. Assemble it the night before, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve it, just add the crackers and nuts to it. Maybe you want to do a breakfast grazing board with muffins, danish, donuts and scones. Right before you’re ready to serve it just add the fruit to it. Maybe you’re doing a Christmas tree fruit platter, assemble it ahead of time and the add last minute fruits like bananas to it when you’re ready to serve it.
6. Set Up a Self-Serve Drink Station
Create a festive drink station with pre-made holiday beverages like hot cocoa, apple cider or punch. Add garnishes like cinnamon sticks, candy canes, or sliced fruit for a festive touch. This is a great thing to have one of your kids help with. My daughter who’s 12 loves to do this for me.
Pro Tip: Make a large batch of punch or sangria the day before and refrigerate.
7. Use Store-Bought Shortcuts
Don’t be afraid to use store-bought items to save time. Pre-made pie crusts (my favorite), canned cranberry sauce, or frozen rolls can be life-savers while still tasting delicious. You can also grab a veggie tray to save time.
Pro Tip: If using a store bought crust, add a little flavor to it like cinnamon or brown sugar.
8. Delegate Tasks
Enlist help from family members or guests to share the workload. Assign simple tasks like setting the table, pouring drinks or plating appetizers. This not only lightens your load but also makes everyone feel involved. Don’t be afraid to get your kids involved in helping. I’m telling you we are having some of our best memories in the kitchen baking and cooking. The more time I’m spending with them, they more they’re learning and able to do things on their own.
Sample Make-Ahead Recipes to Try
- Casseroles
- Sweet Potato Casserole-Prepare and assemble the casserole up to 3 days in advance. Store in the fridge and bake before serving.
- Cheesy Potatoes-Make ahead, do not cook. Place in the fridge up to 2 days before Christmas or place in the freezer. No need to cook ahead of time.
- Pastry Items
- Breakfast Recipes
- Cookies
- Here are some of our favorite Christmas Cookie recipes.
These tips and recipes will give you more time to relax and soak in the joy of the season. Holiday meal prep doesn’t have to be overwhelming; a little preparation goes a long way in creating a memorable, stress-free celebration. Remember it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Merry Christmas,
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