Prepare Ahead For Christmas Dinner: Easy Make-Ahead Recipes

Christmas is just around the corner, and with it comes the excitement of planning a delicious Christmas dinner for your loved ones. While it's a joyous occasion, cooking a holiday meal can be overwhelming, especially when trying to prepare multiple dishes at once. To help alleviate some of that stress, we've put together a list of easy make-ahead recipes that will save you time and energy on the big day.

Benefits of Make-Ahead Recipes for Christmas Dinner

Make-ahead recipes are a lifesaver when it comes to planning a stress-free Christmas dinner. By preparing some dishes ahead of time, you can:

• Reduce the amount of time spent in the kitchen on Christmas Day
• Enjoy more quality time with your family and friends
• Avoid last-minute cooking chaos
• Focus on the finer details of the meal, such as presentation and garnishes
• Enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday experience

Main Course: Make-Ahead Recipes

1. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib with Horseradish Sauce

This show-stopping prime rib is sure to impress your guests, and the best part is that it can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 1 (6-8 pound) prime rib roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup horseradish sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the prime rib roast, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the prime rib on a rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan and roast for 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. Let the prime rib rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving with horseradish sauce.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the herb crust and apply it to the prime rib up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to roast.

Make-Ahead Prime Rib Tips

• To ensure even cooking, make sure the prime rib is at room temperature before roasting.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the prime rib.
• Let the prime rib rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Sides: Make-Ahead Recipes

2. Green Bean Casserole with French- Fried Onions

This classic green bean casserole is a staple at many holiday tables, and with our make-ahead recipe, you can prepare it up to a day in advance.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the green beans, onion, and mushrooms in butter until tender.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt.
4. Pour the soup mixture over the green bean mixture and stir until coated.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with French-fried onions.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the green bean mixture and soup mixture up to a day in advance. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.

Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole Tips

• Use fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture.
• Don't overmix the soup mixture, as it can become too thick.
• Add the French-fried onions just before baking to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Desserts: Make-Ahead Recipes

3. Eggnog Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce

This creamy eggnog cheesecake is a perfect dessert for the holiday season, and with our make-ahead recipe, you can prepare it up to two days in advance.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
3. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
4. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
6. Add the granulated sugar and beat until combined.
7. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the eggnog and vanilla extract.
8. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
9. Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
10. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the cheesecake up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Make-Ahead Eggnog Cheesecake Tips

• Use high-quality eggnog for the best flavor.
• Don't overmix the cheesecake batter, as it can become too dense.
• Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan to prevent cracking.

Conclusion

With these easy make-ahead recipes, you'll be able to enjoy a stress-free Christmas dinner with your loved ones. From the herb-crusted prime rib to the eggnog cheesecake, each dish is sure to impress and satisfy your guests. So go ahead, take a deep breath, and start planning your holiday menu today!

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