Delicious Christmas Make Ahead Recipes

Life’s a whirlwind, and we totally get that spending hours in the kitchen every day isn’t always in the cards. That’s where make-ahead recipes swoop in to save the day (and your sanity). In this article, we’ve gathered some delicious, time-saving creations that let you prep in advance and still serve up mouthwatering meals. Picture this: less stress, more flavor, and maybe even a few extra minutes to kick back with your favorite show. From breakfast to dinner, we’ve got your back with recipes that not only taste amazing but also let you reclaim some precious time in your day.

Loaded Hash Brown Casserole

Loaded Hash Brown Casserole tastes just like a loaded baked potato! This easy recipe is packed with cheesy, bacon-filled flavor that’s perfect as a side or brunch entree.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Hash Brown Casserole

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole in the air fryer is perfect for Thanksgiving, for Christmas or for making use out of leftover cheese sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

Sage & Onion Stuffing Balls In The Air Fryer

Delicious Sage & Onion Stuffing Balls in the air fryer. Make ahead your own air fryer stuffing and then cook your homemade stuffing in the air fryer when you’re ready. Loaded with your favourite stuffing ingredients including butter, sausage meat and bread. This is a true family roast dinner favourite in our house.
Get the Recipe: Sage & Onion Stuffing Balls In The Air Fryer

Cast Iron Macaroni & Cheese

Mac & cheese in a cast iron skillet. — Homemade Cast Iron Macaroni & Cheese With No Flour . Photo credit: Gimme from Scratch.

As a self-proclaimed macaroni and cheese fanatic, I am excited to share my favorite cast iron skillet macaroni and cheese recipe. Tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made from a blend of three different cheeses, perfectly seasoned with a hint of spice and topped with homemade garlic butter croutons for that irresistible crunch.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Macaroni and Cheese

Easy Creme Caramel

Two plates of creme caramel dessert for Thanksgiving. — Easy Creme Caramel . Photo credit: Art of Natural Living.

Crème Caramel is a smooth, creamy custard topped with rich molten caramel. It’s elegant enough for company and easy enough for everyday–a top contender for the perfect dessert.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creme Caramel

Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Scalloped potatoes in a white baking dish. — Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe . Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Scalloped Potatoes are an easy potato side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes and onions layered in a homemade cream sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
Get the Recipe: Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Easy Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Carrots Recipe

Carrots baked with a maple glaze and served on a white plate. — Easy Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Carrots Recipe. Photo credit: Fit Mama Real Food.

Elevate whole carrots with this easy maple glazed roasted carrots recipe! The combination of roasted carrots with a maple syrup glaze brings a whole new level of sweet caramelization to carrots. Great for weeknight dinners, and fancy enough for holiday dinners
Get the Recipe: EASY MAPLE GLAZED OVEN ROASTED CARROTS RECIPE

Sweet Cornbread Recipe Cast Iron Skillet

Spices of sweet cornbread on a white plate. — Sweet Cornbread Recipe Cast Iron Skillet . Photo credit: Fit Mama Real Food.

Chilis, soups, and barbeques need this sweet cornbread cast iron skillet recipe! Baking in a hot cast-iron skillet gives each piece of cornbread crispy edges and the perfect tender crumb. This egg-free recipe is sweetened with just the right amount of maple syrup and coconut sugar – you’ll want to keep coming back for more once you try it!
Get the Recipe: SWEET CORNBREAD RECIPE CAST IRON SKILLET

Sweet Potato Casserole

This paleo sweet potato casserole is made with zero refined sugar! Traditional sweet potato casserole adds loads of brown sugar, but not this one. Instead, we’re using the natural sweetness from sweet potato plus a little pure maple syrup (just 6 tbsp in the entire dish!).
Get the Recipe: PALEO SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe

A serving of mashed sweet potato casserole with butter on top. — Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe . Photo credit: Masala Herb.

This simple savory mashed sweet potato makes a lovely vibrant side dish.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe

Corn and Bean Salad Recipe

A close-up shot of corn and bean salad. — 5 Mins Corn And Bean Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Masala Herb.

A simple quick corn and bean salad. It’s my go-to last-minute salad for a BBQ or tailgating party.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Bean Salad Recipe

Best Creamy Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Butter

A bowl of creamy whipped sweet potatoes with butter. — Best Creamy Whipped Sweet Potatoes With Butter . Photo credit: Delectabke Food Life.

These dreamy, creamy, whipped sweet potatoes are made with real butter and sage for the perfect easy and decadent side dish that pairs with various entrees. Like mashed sweet potatoes but with a silkier taste, this is an easy, make-ahead recipe for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Best Creamy Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Butter

Make Ahead Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Creamy mashed potato in a small serving bowl. — Make Ahead Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe . Photo credit: Fluxing Well.

Learn how to make easy make-ahead mashed potatoes in the crock pot and take the stress out of holiday meal prep. It’s a snap when you know the simple steps and ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Easy Seafood Salad Recipe for a Special Side Dish

Easy Seafood Salad Recipe served over a bed of lettuce. — Easy Seafood Salad Recipe For A Special Side Dish. Photo credit: Fluxing Well.

Are you looking for a special side dish to go along with a celebratory meal? This recipe has been a tradition in our family for years. It always brings to mind memories of gatherings from the past and a few candlelit family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Seafood Salad Recipe for a Special Side Dish

Homemade Crescent Rolls

Light, soft, and fluffy homemade crescent rolls! Made with just a few simple ingredients, these dinner rolls are heavenly. Enjoy this utterly delicious dinner rolls warm out of the oven. Perfect to serve them for the holidays!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Crescent Rolls

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake is smooth, and creamy, melt-in-mouth. It’s the perfect time of year for this moist, decadent cheesecake. In just 4 easy steps, make this flawless, crack-free cheesecake for this holiday and impress your loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce is easy to make and tastes better than the store-bought! This cranberry sauce is flavorful, sweet, tart, and makes a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals. Serve it with some classic holiday foods, or use it in your baked goods, with your favorite breakfast, as a topping on a cheesecake, or parfait.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Mini Pie Crust Shells

These mini pie crust shells make the perfect bite sized mini pies. Fill them with savory fillings, and they’ll be the hit for your next cocktail party. Fill the shells with sweet fillings, and you have mini dessert cups.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pie Crust Shells

Cranberry Sauce from Dried Cranberries

Cranberry sauce on a white bowl with dried cranberries. — Cranberry Sauce From Dried Cranberries . Photo credit: Ugly Duckling Bakery.

Read on to learn all about cranberries and the key recipe tips and tricks. Or grab a small pot, hit that Jump to Recipe button, and let’s make a cranberry sauce with dried cranberries!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce from Dried Cranberries

Super Easy Sugar-free Cranberry Sauce

Easy and sugar-free cranberry sauce in a bowl. — Super Easy Sugar-free Cranberry Sauce . Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

This sugar-free cranberry sauce is the perfect addition to your low-carb Holiday dinner. Made with fresh cranberries and natural sweeteners, this healthy whole berry cranberry sauce takes only minutes to make and is so delicious!
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Sugar-free Cranberry Sauce

A Zesty Spaghetti Squash Salad Even Squash Haters Love

A Zesty Spaghetti Squash Salad with wooden spoon and fork. — A Zesty Spaghetti Squash Salad Even Squash Haters Love . Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

This Spaghetti Squash Salad is tossed in a zesty dressing for an easy healthy side dish that’s a cinch to make and guaranteed to please. It tastes great warm or cold–perfect for a dinner side, or to take along to a picnic or potluck. Really anything goes!
Get the Recipe: A Zesty Spaghetti Squash Salad Even Squash Haters Love

Moroccan Carrot Salad – Delicious Make-ahead Side Dish

Salad made with carrots and Moroccan spices. — Moroccan Carrot Salad – Delicious Make-ahead Side Dish . Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

This Moroccan Carrot Salad is the solution the same old side dishes and spending all day in the kitchen. It’s spiced just right and is the perfect easy side dish for every day, but great for special occasions too.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Carrot Salad – Delicious Make-ahead Side Dish

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes with butter served on a white, round plate. — Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes . Photo credit: Love from the Table.

Homemade sour cream mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish to serve with all kinds of beef, chicken or fish. Perfectly creamy and rich, these simple mashed potatoes are sure to be a family favorite on the weeknights, or a hit at your holiday table!
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Sweet Potato Ice Cream

Sweet potato ice cream served in an ice cream bowl. — Vegan Sweet Potato Ice Cream . Photo credit: The All Natural Vegan.

This Sweet Potato Ice Cream is the perfect easy fall dessert! This creamy ice cream is the best way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet. It has the perfect rich texture an sweet flavor and it’s made with clean and simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: VEGAN SWEET POTATO ICE CREAM

Pumpkin Spice Infused Maple Syrup

This Pumpkin Spice Maple Syrup is the perfect fall infusion. This delicious infusion incorporates a variety of delicious warming autumn spices into pure maple syrup, which makes this the perfect healthy simple syrup for your homemade pumpkin spice lattes or a fantastic gift for fall.
Get the Recipe: PUMPKIN SPICE INFUSED MAPLE SYRUP

Scalloped Potatoes

Make-ahead cheesy potato casserole in a white dish, perfect for Thanksgiving. — Scalloped Potatoes . Photo credit: Budget Bytes.

These creamy, velvety, and oh-so-buttery Scalloped Potatoes will become the little black dress of your dinner table! Fabulous enough for a holiday party and easy enough for a weeknight meal, you should definitely keep this luscious Scalloped Potato recipe front and center in your arsenal.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Chestnut Stuffing Recipe

Make ahead Thanksgiving stuffing in a white dish with a spoon. — Chestnut Stuffing. Photo credit: Foolproof Living .

Chestnut Stuffing is made with bread, onions, celery, fresh sage, parsley, and rich chestnuts for a unique flavor. It is fragrant, flavorful, and vegetarian, with the option to add fennel or salty pancetta, sausage, or bacon. While you can use it to stuff the turkey for a classic approach, it’s exceptional baked separately in a baking dish, too.
Get the Recipe: Chestnut Stuffing Recipe

Mashed Potato Casserole

A comforting Thanksgiving dish with mashed potatoes and bacon, perfect for making ahead of time. — Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Foolproof Living .

This make-ahead loaded mashed potato casserole has everything you want in a potato dish. Creamy layers covered with toppings make a delicious and irresistible side dish that will make everyone ask for seconds. Not to mention, it makes a wonderful side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any night in between.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Make-ahead bread rolls in a green baking dish. — Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls . Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

These soft and fluffy 100% Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are the perfect from-scratch baked good for your holiday table or a Sunday Supper. We love the pillowy soft texture and classic sweet buttery taste. You’d never guess that they are made without refined flour or sugar!
Get the Recipe: Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Easy Brown Rice Salad With Cranberries And Orange

A festive bowl with orange rice and cranberries, perfect for Thanksgiving make ahead recipes. — Easy Brown Rice Salad with Cranberries and Orange. Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

This Easy Brown Rice Salad has fresh oranges, dried cranberries and toasted nuts. It is the perfect make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas or any festive occasion.
Get the Recipe: Easy Brown Rice Salad With Cranberries And Orange

Wild Rice Salad

Here is my very best Wild Rice Salad recipe made with oranges, dried cranberries, apricots and avocado. It is a delicious make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah (or any celebration really!) It’s naturally vegan friendly (just see the notes below) and it goes well with pork, fish and roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Napa Cabbage Ramen Noodle Salad

A make-ahead Asian noodle salad served in a bowl with wooden spoons. — Napa Cabbage Ramen Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

This simple chilled Cabbage Ramen Noodle Salad with carrots, scallions and toasted almonds is made with crunchy uncooked ramen noodles, Napa cabbage and an easy Asian-inspired soy sesame dressing. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and is the ideal recipe to serve at potlucks, picnics and cookouts!
Get the Recipe: Napa Cabbage Ramen Noodle Salad

Jello Salad

A delicious bowl of strawberry ice cream garnished with fresh strawberries. — Jello Salad . Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

When I say Jello, you say Salad! 🙂 Friends, we’re taking you back in time today…way back! We’re making Jello Salad! A simple, sweet treat and potluck classic. This recipe has been popular for many years; maybe because it’s a simple, inexpensive dessert that can feed a large group. Or maybe it’s because it’s so good that family and friends are always asking for it. Either way we couldn’t wait to share our version with you. Keep reading for all the deets!
Get the Recipe: Jello Salad

Mulled White Wine

A Thanksgiving-ready cup of mulled cider, infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon sticks and oranges. — Mulled White Wine. Photo credit: The Endless Meal.

This warming mulled white wine incorporates everything we love about its classic red counterpart but maintains a lighter body that’s perfect for simmering away with citrus, honey, and deep, aromatic spices. It’s a crisper, lighter option that still hugs on to mulled wine’s cozy appeal.
Get the Recipe: Mulled White Wine

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Looking for make ahead recipes for Thanksgiving? Try this delicious beet salad with feta and walnuts! — Beet And Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: The Endless Meal.

The beauty of this vibrant beet and goat cheese salad is in the medley of contrasting textures and flavors. The crisp fresh greens meet the creaminess of the goat cheese, which mingles with the sweet and earthy beets, the crunch of the walnuts. And guess what? It’s not just delicious, it’s also healthy! We’ve decided: you SHOULD make friends with salad!
Get the Recipe: Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Holiday Roasted Vegetables

Make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish featuring Brussels sprouts, carrots and cranberries in a white bowl. — Holiday Roasted Vegetables. Photo credit: The Endless Meal.

These holiday roasted vegetables are an easy and festive side dish. Brussels sprouts, bacon, cranberries, and pecans are drizzled in maple syrup and then oven-roasted until golden. It couldn’t be an easier dish to make, and it’s ready in just an hour!
Get the Recipe: Holiday Roasted Vegetables

Green Beans with Bacon and Boursi

Make-ahead green beans with bacon and cheese in a skillet for Thanksgiving. — Green Beans With Bacon And Boursin. Photo credit: The Endless Meal.

These green beans with bacon are the best ever! They’re cooked until crisp-tender then tossed with crispy bacon and Boursin cheese, which melt onto the beans to make them extra delicious. It’s a quick and easy side dish everyone loves!
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Bacon and Boursi

Pretty Sweet Potato Casserole with Peppery Pecan Toppin

A thanksgiving baking dish filled with roasted pecans, perfect for make ahead recipes. — Pretty Sweet Potato Casserole W/ Pepper Pecans. Photo credit: The Endless Meal.

Pretty sweet potato casserole is an impressive, easy, and healthy side recipe that’s ideal for your Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday dinners. The sweet potatoes are shingled (sliced thin) then stacked in a casserole dish with a little maple syrup poured over the top. Once they’re soft and a little crispy at their edges, you sprinkle some peppery pecans over top and it’s ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Pretty Sweet Potato Casserole with Peppery Pecan Toppin

Hot Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe

Cheesy bread bowls topped with cheese and peppers, perfect for thanksgiving. — Hot Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Hot Crab Artichoke Dip in Mini Bread Bowls are an easy and delicious snack perfect for all your holiday or entertaining needs. Filled with artichoke, spinach, lump crab meat, and cheese, guests will love the fun and delicious cheesy flavor of this crab artichoke dip.
Get the Recipe: Hot Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe

Cranberry Rice Pilaf

A bowl of rice with cranberries and raisins, perfect for Thanksgiving. — Cranberry Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

This Cranberry Rice Pilaf is an easy side dish that’s perfect for the holiday season! The rice mixture combined with deliciously tart cranberries and fresh herbs is packed with so much flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Rice Pilaf

Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

An inviting dish of lasagna with basil leaves on a wooden table, perfect for a make-ahead Thanksgiving recipe. — Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

This easy vegetarian Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe is made with healthy veggies like zucchini and spinach, creamy roasted butternut squash, and gooey melted cheese. One of my most popular recipes, this is one lasagna recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Oven Roasted Delicata Squash Recip

Make-ahead Thanksgiving roasted butternut squash rings served in a white bowl. — Oven Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

This Oven Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe is roasted with sweet maple syrup, butter, and sprinkled with ground cinnamon for a flavorful autumn side dish everyone will love. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and completely delicious, try serving this easy maple roasted delicata squash recipe with chicken, pork, or alongside this year’s Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Delicata Squash Recip

Zucchini Casserole

A make-ahead Thanksgiving casserole dish with a wooden spoon in it. — Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

This delicious Zucchini Casserole is a cheesy, creamy, and comforting side dish made with fresh zucchini and yellow squash, mayonnaise, sour cream, panko breadcrumbs, and lots of cheese. It’s so easy to make and pairs perfectly with all your dinnertime favorites like chicken, beef, or fish.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Casserole

The Best Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

A make-ahead casserole dish filled with pasta, mushrooms and peas perfect for Thanksgiving. — The Best Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Turkey Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta casserole and a delicious way to use leftover turkey. Made with chunks of leftover turkey and spaghetti noodles in a creamy mushroom and cheese sauce, it’s an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!
Get the Recipe: The Best Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe