Stress-Free Christmas Eve: Prepare a Delicious Meal Days in Advance with This Make-Ahead Menu
What To Know
- This comprehensive guide will provide you with a complete make-ahead Christmas Eve menu, from appetizers to desserts, that will allow you to savor the joy of the season without sacrificing the quality of your culinary creations.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes a day ahead and reheat over low heat or in the microwave.
- Make the dinner rolls a day ahead and store them in a bread bag at room temperature.
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can make it challenging to prepare a festive Christmas Eve dinner. But with a little planning and some clever make-ahead strategies, you can create a delicious and stress-free feast that will delight your family and friends. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a complete make-ahead Christmas Eve menu, from appetizers to desserts, that will allow you to savor the joy of the season without sacrificing the quality of your culinary creations.
Appetizers
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Prepare this classic appetizer a day ahead and refrigerate. Before serving, bake until bubbly and serve with warm pita chips or crackers.
Caprese Skewers
Assemble these simple skewers with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Salads
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Roast beets a day ahead and assemble the salad just before serving. Top with crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a honey-mustard dressing.
Main Course
Prime Rib with Horseradish Sauce
Season the prime rib and refrigerate overnight. Roast on Christmas Eve and let rest before slicing and serving with homemade horseradish sauce.
Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables
Roast the chicken and root vegetables a day ahead. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Side Dishes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Roast Brussels sprouts with bacon a day ahead and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Prepare the mashed potatoes a day ahead and reheat over low heat or in the microwave.
Breads
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Make the dinner rolls a day ahead and store them in a bread bag at room temperature. Warm them up in the oven before serving.
Desserts
Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Prepare the chocolate peppermint bark a few days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
Gingerbread Cookies
Bake the gingerbread cookies a week ahead and store them in an airtight container.
Final Note: A Festive Feast with Minimal Effort
By following this make-ahead Christmas Eve menu, you can create a festive and delicious feast without the stress and chaos that often accompany holiday cooking. Take advantage of these time-saving strategies and enjoy the true spirit of the season with your loved ones.
Information You Need to Know
Can I freeze any of these dishes?
Yes, you can freeze the roasted beets, roasted Brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes for up to 3 months.
How far in advance can I prepare the appetizers?
The spinach artichoke dip can be made up to 3 days ahead, while the caprese skewers can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead.
How do I reheat the main course?
Reheat the prime rib and roasted chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.