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Making T-Day sides ahead of time?

15 years ago

I'm having Thanksgiving at my house and while it's not a huge crowd, I don't want to be cooking all day on Thursday. I'm thinking about making the dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole on Tuesday before my guests come into town. Then I'll just bake them on Thursday.

I bake the dressing in a baker - bread cubes/sausage/onion/celery/butter/stock.

Sweet potatoes - crushed pineapple/butter/brown sugar

Classic green bean casserole - put crunchies on top before putting in oven.

Do you think these three things would do ok being in the fridge for two days? On Thursday, I'll make the turkey, gravey, mixed frozen veggies and mashed potatoes.

Pies and rolls are coming from a bakery this year.

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Comments (5)

Ideefixe
15 years ago
The sausage in the dressing is already cooked, right?
CaroleOH
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes, I would make everything like I was going to bake it right then, but just put it in the fridge and bake it later.

I was just thinking the stuffing would be soggy, but then maybe it won't dry out so much in the oven anyways?
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Terri_PacNW
15 years ago
I think everything should be fine.
carla35
15 years ago
I would consider making the green bean casserole the day or night before instead. The cream soup with mushrooms may taste better a little fresher. I know you want to save on time but it really only takes about five minutes to throw it altogether.

For the stuffing, I'd do all the chopping and cubing but probably keep the onions and stuff separate from the bread and just assemble it all when you bake it. Again, it should only take a couple extra minutes to assemble it.

Here's a recipe for the mashed potatoes you may be interested in. I never tried it, but I hate having to do the potatoes last minute; it may help you out even being able to do them the day before.

Here is a link that might be useful: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Terri_PacNW
15 years ago
2 thoughts~ Use frozen beans, make the casserole (without the fried onions on top) 2 days ahead..add last of onions just before baking.
~cream of mushroom soup never tastes fresh..LOL

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