7 Thanksgiving Sides You Can Make Ahead of Time | Allrecipes

potatoes

🥗Healthier: cauliflower

💰Cheaper: sweet potatoes

Cauliflower is lower in calories and carbs, while sweet potatoes are often less expensive.

green beans

🥗Healthier: asparagus

💰Cheaper: frozen green beans

Asparagus is more nutritious, while frozen green beans are budget-friendly.

stuffing

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bread crumbs

Quinoa is higher in protein, while bread crumbs are a cost-effective option.

Freeze mashed potatoes in smaller portions in a ziploc bag for quicker thawing.

To reheat mashed potatoes, cover with plastic wrap and microwave for about three minutes, stir, then microwave for a few more minutes until hot.

Make gravy ahead of time using turkey parts to create stock and drippings.

Roast turkey parts to get drippings for gravy.

Cover casseroles with plastic wrap and freeze them up to a few weeks in advance.

Let casseroles sit on the counter while preparing for the day instead of thawing in the fridge.

Reheat frozen casseroles at 350°F covered with foil, noting they will take longer to heat through.

Prepare toppings for casseroles the day of serving to avoid sogginess.

Wash and cut vegetables ahead of time, storing them in plastic bags for easy cooking later.

Blanch vegetables by cooking them briefly in boiling water and then shocking them in cold ice water to stop the cooking process.

Drain and dry blanched vegetables, then store them in plastic bags for quick use later.

Make cranberry sauce a couple of weeks in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, letting it thaw on the counter before serving.

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