Stuffed Turkey Breast or Roll
Absolutely nobody needs the stress of wrestling a whole turkey. A stuffed turkey breast or roll is easier to handle, much quicker to cook, and super simple to slice. Fill it with herbs, cranberries, or stuffing for extra flavor, and you’re good to go.
Glazed Ham
Ham is a holiday classic, right? You can bake and glaze it ahead of time, then just reheat it gently when guests arrive. That sweet glaze gets even better overnight, and the leftovers make the best sandwiches the next day.
Beef Wellington
This show-stopper is easier than it looks. Make a beef wellington, freeze it, and bake it fresh for a golden, flaky crust. This is one meal that’s perfect when you want a big “wow” moment at dinner without slaving away in the kitchen all day.
Vegetarian Nut Roast
Vegetarians deserve something delicious, too. And a vegetarian nut roast is perfect to make in advance and freeze. As an added bonus, it reheats beautifully without drying out. It’s a filling and festive meal that will have everyone asking for more.
Gravy Base
All gravies start with a good base. Roast some bones or veggies, simmer them into a stock, and freeze it ahead of time. On the big day, all you need to do is thicken it with a little flour or cornstarch, and you’ll have gravy without the last-minute stress.
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
What’s a Christmas dinner without mashed potatoes? But mashed potatoes can turn gummy when reheated. Here’s a hack for you: mix in cream cheese or sour cream. This keeps your potatoes fluffy and smooth, and you can just reheat them when you need them.
Stuffing
Baking your stuffing inside the turkey is so last season. The “new” way to do it is to make your stuffing separately. Why, you ask? Because it gets crispier this way. You can bake it, store it in the fridge, and then reheat it with a splash of broth on the day you plan to serve it.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a breeze. And you can make it weeks in advance; it only gets better as it sits. The flavors deepen, and that tart-sweet balance evens out a bit more. It's the easiest thing on your table, and by far the prettiest and tastiest too.
Roasted Root Veggies
Even root veggies can be roasted a day or two before Christmas. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes can be par-cooked, then popped back in the oven to finish cooking before your Christmas dinner. They come out caramelized, warm, and delicious.
Green Bean Casserole
Have you ever met someone who didn’t like green bean casserole? Nope, neither have we. This crunchy favorite is another side that can be assembled ahead and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat it, just bake it until bubbly. The onions stay crispy, and the beans are tender.
Dinner Rolls
Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked rolls for Christmas dinner. Prep and shape your dough ahead of time and freeze it. On the day, let it thaw and rise, then bake until golden brown. You’ll have warm, soft rolls that taste like you made them from scratch - which you did, of course.
A Cheese Ball
A good old cheese ball is a party classic that only gets better with time. Mix your favorite cheeses, roll in nuts and herbs, and chill. The flavors blend beautifully the longer it stands. All that’s left to do is add some crackers, shape it into something cute, and you’re good to go.
Savory Pinwheels
Pinwheels or Palmiers are perfect bite-sized treats for snacking on. Make them ahead of time, freeze them unbaked, and bake straight from frozen when your guests arrive. They still puff up golden and crispy, full of that cheesy goodness that makes them so delicious.
Mini Quiche
Christmas dinner taking a bit too long, and everyone is hungry? In come the mini quiches to save the day! The best part? You can bake and freeze them, then warm up a batch when needed. Add veggies, cheese, or bacon and make everyone happy with a yummy quiche.
Spiced Nuts
Spiced nuts are just as perfect for nibbling as they are for gifting. Mix your favorite nuts with spices and bake until golden. They stay fresh for weeks in a jar and make your house smell amazing. Let’s be honest - there’s nothing more divine than the smell of spicy nuts wafting around your kitchen.
Christmas Pudding
Some of us wait all year for that delicious Christmas pudding. But did you know you can bake it weeks ahead, and it will only improve over time? By Christmas, it’s rich, moist, and full of flavor - exactly how it should be. Your guests will be asking for another helping for sure.
Cookie Dough
Make your favorite cookie dough, roll it into a log, and freeze it. Or, you can roll it into balls and freeze it on a baking tray, ready to thaw and bake. It’s fresh cookies without the fuss of having to make the dough when you’re already pressed for time.
Trifle
Christmas dinner just isn’t the same without a trifle. You can easily cut down on time by prepping your trifle ahead of time. How? Make the sponge cake, custard, and fruit compote days before, then assemble right before serving. It looks great and saves you from rushing around at the last minute.
Yule Log
Bûche de Noël is a delicious festive cake that looks really tricky to make. But it’s simple if you plan ahead. Bake and roll the sponge, then freeze it; freeze the frosting separately. On Christmas morning, thaw, frost, and decorate it with nuts, berries, and yummy chocolate ganache.
Chocolate Bark
Chocolate bark is a no-bake, easy, and totally foolproof snack for the holidays. Simply melt, mix, and pour - that’s it. Make it weeks in advance and store it in a jar on your counter. You can even give some as gifts for those chocolate lovers in your circle.
