How I Host, but Barely Cook on Thanksgiving Day
Published 10 days ago • 1 min read
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Hi Reader!
I typically make all Rachel Cooks recipes on Thanksgiving, and I kind of rotate through which ones I make, but these are the four that are always on our table, every year, on Thanksgiving.
I included "pro tips" on how I make or prep these in advance in order to have a very low-stress day when we have our family over on Thanksgiving. This strategy allows me to focus on the getting the turkey cooked and putting the finishing touches on everything else, which really allows me to relax and enjoy the day with my family.
I hope this helps you too!
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Easy Crockpot Stuffing
Moist, flavorful stuffing that doesn't take up any oven space is certainly a win.
Pro tip: Cut and sauté all the vegetables the day before Thanksgiving, making it super easy to throw together and get in the crockpot Thanksgiving morning.
While you're prepping the vegetables and herbs, place extras in a bag to roast with your turkey. I also make a compound butter for my turkey while I have all the herbs out.
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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Another way to free up the oven! These turn out perfectly and don't require babysitting.
Pro tip: Peel the potatoes up to three days in advance and keep them submerged in water in the fridge. Prepare make-ahead gravy in advance as well
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Vanilla Bean Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These taste so sweet and rich thanks to concentrated vanilla flavor. My daughter LOVES them.
Pro tip: You can make these a day or even two days in advance. When your turkey rests, pop them in the oven to reheat.
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Green Bean Casserole
Mostly from scratch, this green bean casserole rises far above the kind with canned beans and canned cream of mushroom soup.
Pro Tip: This can be prepped a day in advance, except for the fried onions on top. When your turkey rests, put on the fried onions and bake the casserole.
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Cranberry Sauce
I love this Cranberry Orange sauce, but this cinnamon apple cranberry sauce is always a hit, too.
Pro Tip: This can be prepped up to a month in advance and frozen! Put it in your fridge to thaw about 3 days before your big meal.
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