15 Makeahead Holiday Side Dishes

Recipe Introduction: Stress Free Holiday Feasting

Ever find yourself flapping about like a headless chicken on Christmas Day? Honestly, me too! That's why I'm sharing my secret weapon: 15 make-ahead Holiday Side Dishes .

Get ahead of the game and actually enjoy the festivities this year. This collection focuses on veggie sides for Christmas dinner and beyond!

Why make-ahead?

Let's be real. Holiday cooking can be pure chaos. These recipes will seriously save your bacon. Plus, many of these make-ahead Christmas vegetables actually taste BETTER the next day! Flavour develops, textures meld it's a win-win.

Introducing the Star: Cranberry & Pistachio Wild Rice Pilaf

Our first offering is something special. Think earthy wild rice dancing with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios. It’s not just delicious, it’s stunning on the table.

This pilaf is perfect for adding a pop of color and flavor to your holiday spread. It's a breeze to make, completely vegetarian, and can be prepped days in advance.

We think this is the best Christmas vegetable side dish by far.

Origin and Overview

Wild rice pilaf is a modern twist on a classic holiday side. This dish balances savoury, sweet, and nutty flavors in a way that complements traditional roasts.

It's an easy recipe, requiring about an hour of prep and cook time. This recipe yields around 8 servings.

Health Boost and Festive Flair

This pilaf is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. It is the perfect addition to lighten up those heavy holiday meals.

Serve it at your next Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving feast, or even a make-ahead vegetarian potluck dish gathering. This dish is extra special, because it ticks all the boxes: flavour, convenience, and visual appeal.

Right, let's get cracking on one of our 15 make-ahead Holiday Side Dishes ! We're diving deep into the Cranberry & Pistachio Wild Rice Pilaf.

Honestly, it's a game changer. The nutty rice, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios? Oh my gosh! It's like Christmas threw a party in your mouth! This pilaf is perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving.

make-ahead vegetarian potluck dishes!

Getting Ready: Ingredients & Kit for the Pilaf

So, you're thinking of making this awesome pilaf? Awesome! Here's what you'll need.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Alright, here's the shopping list, measured out perfectly. This makes about 8 servings, enough for a decent sized gathering. You know, the kind where Aunt Mildred brings her questionable fruitcake!

• For the Wild Rice Pilaf:

  • 1 cup (200g) wild rice, rinsed. Pro tip: Get good quality wild rice. It really makes a difference!
  • 3 cups (710ml) vegetable broth. Chicken broth works too, if you're not veggie.
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil.
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup, 150g ).
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
  • 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries.
  • ½ cup (50g) shelled pistachios, toasted and chopped.
  • Zest of 1 orange.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.

• For the Orange Vinaigrette (Optional):

  • 2 tablespoons orange juice.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  • 1 teaspoon honey.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs!

Thyme is your best friend here. It just screams "autumn"! The orange zest is a must for that zing. If you don't have fresh orange, a tiny splash of orange extract works in a pinch.

The sweetness of honey plays so nicely with orange! This veggie sides for Christmas dinner are also great to use for Thanksgiving too!.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

No fancy gadgets needed here.

• Large saucepan with lid
• Small skillet for toasting pistachios
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Honestly, that's it! I mean a colander for the rice. make-ahead Christmas Vegetables will be a winner, I'm sure!

I hope you enjoy these holiday side dish recipes make-ahead !

Cranberry & Pistachio Wild Rice Pilaf - The Ultimate make-ahead Holiday Side Dish

Oh my gosh, Christmas is just around the corner. Honestly, the thought of all that cooking can be a bit much.

That is why I created a list of 15 make-ahead Holiday Side Dishes . It's all about being organized. And enjoying the celebrations, you know?

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place is the name of the game. Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. You will thank yourself later.

For time saving , chop those onions and garlic the day before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Easy peasy.

step-by-step to Pilaf Perfection

1. Cook the rice: Combine 1 cup wild rice and 3 cups vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40- 45 minutes , or until the rice is tender.
2. Sauté: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Add 1 cup diced onion and cook for 5 minutes . Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute .
3. Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, onion mixture, 1 cup dried cranberries, ½ cup toasted pistachios, and zest of 1 orange. Season.
4. Vinaigrette: (Optional). Whisk 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Cool: Toss with vinaigrette (if using). Let it cool completely. Then, put it in an airtight container.
6. Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes until warm.
7. Garnish add fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for a Showstopper

Want to take this pilaf to the next level? Toast those pistachios . It makes a huge difference. Don't overcook the rice soggy rice is a no-no.

This Veggie Sides For Christmas Dinner can be made 3 days ahead. Also, a make-ahead Christmas Vegetables like these are a Christmas dinner game changer.

Holiday side dish recipes make-ahead make your life easier.

Okay, so you've found your perfect make-ahead side dishes for Christmas . Fab! But before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about some crucial stuff.

I’m not just throwing recipes at you, I want your dinner to be stress free, delicious and totally brag worthy. We’re talking about things to make your cooking life easier, right? Especially when it comes to the holidays.

Everyone wants to know how to plan out perfect Christmas dinner vegetarian sides make-ahead . Let’s have a look!

Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapon

Honestly, these notes are like having your best mate in the kitchen, whispering tips in your ear. These aren't just boring instructions, they're the secrets to taking your cooking from "meh" to "OMG!".

Honestly , this section is worth its weight in gold, so let's get started!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!

How you present your veggie sides for Christmas dinner is just as important as how it tastes. Think of your plate as a canvas! A sprinkle of fresh herbs does wonders.

Serving that wild rice pilaf? Mound it nicely and nestle it next to a perfectly roasted turkey. A swirl of that cranberry sauce will pop against the earthy tones, you know? As for drinks, a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, is a winner.

Or try some sparkling apple cider for the non-drinkers.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

make-ahead salads for Christmas are fantastic, but you gotta store them right. Most of these sides, especially the pilaf and the mashed potatoes, will happily keep in the fridge for 3 days .

Just make sure they're in airtight containers. Freezing? The mashed potatoes freeze brilliantly. For the casseroles, freezing is do-able, but the texture might change a bit.

When reheating, add a splash of stock or milk to keep things moist. Reheat to a minimum internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) to ensure everything is safe to eat.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Not a fan of pistachios? Walnuts or pecans work a treat. Got someone who's vegan coming? Easy peasy! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth in that pilaf, and bam!, you've got a delicious Thanksgiving side dishes make-ahead vegetarian option.

For a festive twist, add a pinch of cinnamon to the roasted root vegetables. It's your kitchen, your rules.

Nutrition Basics: Good Food, Good Mood

Alright, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist: This Cranberry & Pistachio Wild Rice Pilaf recipe is packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.

It's a Best Christmas vegetable side dish , and it's good for you. Win-win! Wild rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy, and cranberries are packed with vitamin C.

The pecans also contribute in a healthy way, adding healthy fats and vitamin E!

Right, you’re now armed with all the insider knowledge to make these 15 make-ahead Holiday Side Dishes a total success.

Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and remember that cooking is all about the love. Now go get 'em, tiger! And think of these also as Easy make-ahead Holiday Appetizers .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really make all 15 make-ahead Holiday Side Dishes in advance? Sounds like a right faff!

Absolutely! The beauty of these recipes is that they are designed to be prepped ahead of time. Think of it like prepping for a Bake Off challenge most can be fully made 1-3 days in advance, stored properly, and then reheated just before serving, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the festivities like a proper host.

How long can I store these make-ahead side dishes, and what's the best way to do it to keep them fresh as a daisy?

Most of these dishes will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The key is to store them in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any rogue fridge odors.

For dishes like the Cranberry Sauce or the Sweet Potato Casserole, make sure they are completely cooled before refrigerating to maintain the right consistency.

Help! I'm vegetarian. Which of the 15 make-ahead Holiday Side Dishes are suitable, and can any be easily adapted?

Good shout! Several dishes are already vegetarian, such as the Cranberry & Pistachio Wild Rice Pilaf, Roasted Root Vegetables, Roasted Asparagus, Balsamic Glazed Carrots, Pearl Onion Cream Sauce and Quinoa Salad. The Green Bean Casserole can be adapted by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Always check the ingredient list for any hidden nasties!

My family are proper fussy eaters any suggestions for easy swaps or variations in these recipes to keep them happy?

Fear not, even the fussiest eaters can be catered for! For the Wild Rice Pilaf, you could swap the cranberries for raisins if they prefer a milder sweetness. If someone dislikes Brussels sprouts, roast some broccoli instead for the gratin.

Ultimately, use the base recipe as the "technical challenge" and adapt to individual tastes, it's what Mary Berry would want!

Any tips for reheating the 15 make-ahead Holiday Side Dishes so they don't end up dry or gloopy like something from a school canteen?

Reheating is key to a good side! For casseroles and gratins, reheating in the oven with a little extra cheese on top works wonders. Mashed potatoes benefit from a dollop of butter and a splash of milk when reheating. For salads and rice dishes, fluffing with a fork while reheating ensures even heat distribution.

If microwaving, do it in short bursts and stir frequently.