The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and spending quality moments with loved ones. However, the stress of preparing a big Christmas lunch or dinner can sometimes overshadow the fun. But fear not, Thermomix® has got you covered with a list of make-ahead Christmas recipes that’ll help you get ahead of the game and enjoy a stress-free holiday. Join us as we unlock the secrets of creating a Christmas feast with little to zero effort required on the day.
Tips for Getting Ahead
Before we dive into the delicious recipes, let's start with some practical tips for getting ahead with your Christmas day menu:
Parboil Potatoes: A day or two before Christmas, parboil or steam your potatoes. Lay them out on a baking tray lined with paper towels to drain and dry out. Then place into an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to roast them.
Sauces and Chutneys: Many sauces and chutneys can be made ahead and stored in sealed jars or airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week. This will save you time on the big day.
Stuffing: Make the stuffing for your turkey, chicken, or pork the day before and keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to stuff your main dish.
Salads: Many ingredients such as cabbage, cucumbers, carrots and capsicum can be cut up 1-2 days in advance and stored in our Vac U Seal containers.
Festive Frozen Desserts
One of the best options for make-ahead Christmas recipes is frozen desserts, which are also perfect for those celebrating in warmer weather. These desserts can be prepared 2-3 weeks in advance and defrosted slightly before serving. You can even top them with fresh fruit for an extra touch of festivity. Here are a few frozen dessert ideas:
Cold Meats and Platters
If you're looking to free up oven space on Christmas Day or cater to guests in hot weather, consider serving a variety of cold meats and platters. Here are some delicious options:
Smart Starters
Kick off your Christmas feast with some homemade dips. Thanks to convenient tools like our Vac U Seal range, you can ensure that your homemade dips and cut vegetables stay fresh and full of flavour.
Make-Ahead Bakes
No Christmas celebration is complete without sweet treats. Prepare these make-ahead bakes and store them in an airtight container (or even better, our Vac U Seal containers) to keep them fresh for days.
Tip: Ensure your baked goods have cooled all the way to room temp before placing them into your containers.
Sides and Salads
Salads featuring robust components such as root vegetables, cruciferous veggies, or grains can hold up well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To ensure they stay as fresh as possible, consider adding dressings or moist ingredients right before serving.
Whether you're a kitchen superstar or someone who avoids the oven at all costs, these make-ahead recipes and tips will be your new best friends. So, get ahead of the game, prepare in advance, and savour the magic of Christmas without the worry of last-minute cooking. Here's to a joyous and relaxing holiday season with your loved ones!
Head to our Christmas recipes and menu for more recipe inspiration and tips and tricks.