When it comes to the holidays, One of Drummond’s favorite dishes to whip is her mashed potato casserole. She told us in a previous interview she makes it two days before Thanksgiving and Christmas so she can save time on the actual day of the gathering. The recipe features starchy russet potatoes, bacon, butter, sour cream, milk, cheddar, and green onions. Then you layer it in a baking dish and put it in the oven for 40 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
But while there are many things that can be made ahead of time, Drummond recommended leaving the freshest parts of the meal for the big day or just a day prior. For example, salads and charcuterie boards should really be made as close to the event as possible because you don’t want your greens to get soggy or have your cheese and meat go bad. The “Big Bad Budget Battle” star explained that ultimately the goal of preparing dishes in advance is to give her more quality time to talk with her guests and enjoy the moment — which is really what parties with friends and family should be about.