Whether you’re putting the finishing touches on your holiday dinnermenu or you’ve just been assigned the task of hosting all your in-laws, relatives, friends and acquaintances, we’re sharing our tastiest make-ahead recipes to save you time in the kitchen. While your main course will probably need to be done a la minute, you can still get an edge up thanks to these tasty sides, desserts, snacks and yes, even an entrée or two that can easily be made before the big meal. Prep your favorites and then pour yourself a festive co*cktail — you deserve it!
1. Triple-Herb Overnight Dinner Rolls: Let the rolls rise overnight in your fridge, then bake the next day. Or freeze the rolls in pans and pop them in the oven on the day of your dinner. (via Recreating Happiness)
2. Sun-dried Tomato Polenta Bites: Each step of this elegant appetizer can be done ahead of time, which means all you have to do before your guests arrive is assemble and lay out on a pretty plate. (via Recipe Girl)
3. Caramelized Mushroom and Onion Tart: Serve this gorgeous tart as an appetizer or alongside your main course. Whole wheat flour makes it a little healthy too. (via Delish Knowledge)
4. Make-Ahead Mussels in White Wine: Mussels are already easy to whip up, but this recipe breaks it down so you can prep everything ahead of time, then heat again right before serving. Your guests won’t know the difference. (via The Wimpy Vegetarian)
5. Cranberry Brie Puffs: Sure, you could probably snag a pre-made version at your local grocery store, but these homemade hors d’oeuvres are way more likely to impress. (via The Law Student’s Wife)
6. Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad With Cranberries and Walnuts: Assemble each component up to a few days in advance, and make sure to keep separate in the fridge. Then just combine with your favorite dressing right before serving. (via Green Evi)
7. Cheesy Mushroom Puffs: It’ll be pretty difficult to resist eating too many of these rich appetizers. (via The Law Student’s Wife)
8. Mashed Potato and Rutabaga Gratin: The rutabaga adds a slight sweetness to classic mash. Let the cheese on top get crispy and gooey under the broiler before bringing it to the table. (via Fine Cooking)
9. Butternut Squash and Apple Soup With Maple Cream: Freeze or refrigerate this soup depending on how far in advance you make it. Then just warm it up on the stovetop when you’re ready. (via Nerds With Knives)
10. Candied Rosemary Nuts: This perfect snack is maybe one of the most addicting roasted nut recipes we’ve ever tasted. (via Amy in the Kitchen)
11. Apple, Walnut and Cranberry Salad: The sturdy spinach in this salad can stand up to the other hearty ingredients. You can assemble ahead of time, but make sure not to dress the salad until you’re ready to serve, or the greens will get soggy. (via Creme de la Crumb)
12. One-Hour Roast Chicken: Okay, this one is kind of cheating, but technically you can add the spice rub to the chicken and let it rest in the fridge up to a day in advance. The beauty of this recipe is how little prep (five minutes!) you need before letting the oven do the rest of the work. (via Little Spice Jar)
13. Slow Cooker Spiced Ham: You only need a few minutes to make the glaze, then place everything in the slow cooker and let your house fill with the most delicious smells. (via My Fussy Eater)
14. Maple Sausage, Apple and Sage Strata: Talk about a perfect Christmas morning breakfast. Assemble a few days ahead so all you need to do is throw it in the oven before rushing to the tree for presents. (via The Stay at Home Chef)
15. Clementine Marmalade: Give these gorgeous jars as gifts to guests or hosts, or serve alongside toast, pancakes, oatmeal, you name it! (via On a Sweet Sugar Rush)
16. Caramel Apple Sweet Rolls: Think cinnamon rolls on steroids, and you’ve got the most decadent and sweet Christmas breakfast we could find on the web. (via The Pioneer Woman)
17. Overnight Pull-Apart Cinnamon Brioche: A sophisticated treat perfect for eating with a late-afternoon cup of tea or coffee near the fire. (via Half Baked Harvest)
18. Vanilla Sugared Cranberries: Snatch these by the handful while you can. They’re a great little palate cleanser for adults and tots alike while they wait for dessert. (via The Suburban Spoon)
19. Peppermint Tiramisu Trifle: Wow everyone — including yourself — with this incredibly easy and impressive dessert. You can layer all the ingredients into the serving dish a few hours before serving. (via Bakers Royale)
20. Pecan Pie: Good news! This decadent pecan pie actually needs a timeout in the fridge in order to set properly. Make ahead, then don’t worry about it until it’s time to serve. (via The Pioneer Woman)
21. Homemade Egg Nog: If you’re going all out this year, make your own signature batch of brew. It will keep in the fridge for several days… if you can resist sipping on it, that is. (via Nerds With Knives)
Are you inspired by any of these recipes? Which ones are you excited to try? Got your own to share? Let us know below!
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Nora Landis-Shack
Nora is a writer, photographer, foodie and feminist. After living in New York City for 23 years, she recently moved San Francisco and can't wait to explore. When she's not pursuing her interests in health and technology, she loves hiking, yoga, playing piano and squealing over kittens as an ASPCA volunteer.
