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21 Stress-Free Christmas Make-Ahead Recipes for Easy Entertaining

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Christmas Make-Ahead Recipes

Introduction

Holiday hosting gets so much easier when you can prepare dishes ahead of time. These make-ahead Christmas recipes help you enjoy the celebration instead of rushing in the kitchen. From casseroles and slow-cooked mains to chilled desserts and easy sides, each dish is designed for simple prep and effortless serving on the big day.

1. Overnight Brioche French Toast Bake

Overnight Brioche French Toast Bake

This rich breakfast bake chills overnight and bakes beautifully the next morning.

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed (about 12 cups)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Spread the brioche cubes evenly in the dish.
  3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Pour over the bread, pressing lightly so all cubes absorb the custard.
  5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  6. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 45–55 minutes, until golden and set.

How to Serve It

Dust with powdered sugar and top with berries or warm maple syrup.

2. Make-Ahead Garlic Herb Roast Chicken

Make-Ahead Garlic Herb Roast Chicken

This chicken marinates overnight, creating a flavorful and tender center.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (1.5–2 kg)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Rub evenly over the chicken.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Roast at 190°C (375°F) for 1 hour 15 minutes or until juices run clear.

How to Serve It

Garnish with fresh herbs and roasted lemon wedges.

3. Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes stay smooth and reheatable without drying out.

Ingredients

  • 2 kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ¾ cup butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes 15–20 minutes until tender.
  2. Drain and mash with butter.
  3. Warm cream and mix into potatoes.
  4. Add salt and pepper.
  5. Transfer to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days.
  6. Reheat at 160°C (325°F) for 30 minutes covered.

How to Serve It

Top with butter pats and chopped chives.

4. Overnight Spinach Artichoke Dip

Overnight Spinach Artichoke Dip

Prepped the night before, this dip only needs to be heated before serving.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • 1½ cups artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Transfer to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
  3. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes until bubbly.

How to Serve It

Serve with toasted bread or crackers.

5. Make-Ahead Roasted Vegetable Medley

Make-Ahead Roasted Vegetable Medley

These veggies roast beautifully and reheat without losing texture.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups carrots, chopped
  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Toss vegetables with olive oil and seasonings.
  2. Spread on a sheet pan.
  3. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 30–35 minutes.
  4. Cool and refrigerate.
  5. Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.

How to Serve It

Scatter with fresh thyme before serving.

6. Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

A simple dump-and-chill recipe that reheats amazingly well.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)
  • 1½ cups cranberry sauce
  • ¾ cup chili sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Mix cranberry sauce, chili sauce, sugar, and lemon juice in a slow cooker.
  2. Add meatballs and stir.
  3. Cook on low 4 hours.
  4. Cool, refrigerate, and reheat on low 1 hour before serving.

How to Serve It

Top with chopped parsley.

7. Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole

Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole

This comforting favorite keeps wonderfully when chilled and baked later.

Ingredients

Filling:

  • 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Topping:

  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • ⅓ cup butter

Instructions

  1. Mix all filling ingredients and spread into a greased dish.
  2. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over filling.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm with fresh rosemary nearby.

8. Make-Ahead Green Bean Almondine

Make-Ahead Green Bean Almondine

This classic side reheats perfectly without turning mushy.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ cup toasted almonds
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Blanch beans 3 minutes, then plunge into cold water.
  2. Melt butter and lemon juice in a pan.
  3. Toss beans, salt, and pepper in the mixture.
  4. Refrigerate up to 2 days.
  5. Reheat in a skillet for 5 minutes.

How to Serve It

Scatter almonds over the top before serving.

9. Overnight Breakfast Egg Muffins

Overnight Breakfast Egg Muffins

These high-protein bites stay fluffy even after refrigeration.

Ingredients

  • 10 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 cup spinach
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Whisk eggs and milk.
  2. Add vegetables, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour into greased muffin tins.
  4. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate up to 3 days.

How to Serve It

Serve with sliced fruit or toast.

10. Make-Ahead Chicken Noodle Soup

Make-Ahead Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1.5 liters chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery 5 minutes.
  2. Add broth, chicken, salt, pepper, thyme.
  3. Simmer 20 minutes.
  4. Add noodles and cook 8 minutes.
  5. Cool and refrigerate.

How to Serve It

Add fresh parsley just before serving.

11. Make-Ahead Stuffed Bell Peppers

Make-Ahead Stuffed Bell Peppers

These peppers reheat beautifully for holiday meals.

Ingredients

  • 6 bell peppers
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup cooked ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice tops off peppers and remove seeds.
  2. Mix rice, tomatoes, meat, cheese, salt, and pepper.
  3. Fill peppers.
  4. Refrigerate up to 24 hours.
  5. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle extra cheese on top.

12. Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese

Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese

This comforting classic reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 500 g elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta and set aside.
  2. Melt butter, add flour, cook 1 minute.
  3. Stir in milk, simmer until thick.
  4. Add cheese, salt, pepper.
  5. Mix pasta with sauce.
  6. Transfer to dish, refrigerate.
  7. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add parsley for color.

13. Overnight Cranberry Orange Bread

Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese

Perfect for breakfast or gifting.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients.
  2. Mix wet ingredients separately.
  3. Combine and fold in cranberries.
  4. Pour into loaf pan.
  5. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 45–50 minutes.

How to Serve It

Spread with butter or cream cheese.

14. Make-Ahead Caesar Salad Kit

Make-Ahead Caesar Salad Kit

Prep the components early and combine just before serving.

Ingredients

  • 3 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup parmesan, shaved
  • 2 cups croutons
  • ½ cup Caesar dressing

Instructions

  1. Store lettuce, parmesan, and croutons separately.
  2. Refrigerate dressing.
  3. Combine right before serving.

How to Serve It

Add lemon wedges on the side.

15. Make-Ahead Cheesy Potato Gratin

Make-Ahead Cheesy Potato Gratin

This classic side is even better reheated.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Layer potatoes in a greased dish.
  2. Mix cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper.
  3. Pour over potatoes.
  4. Add cheese.
  5. Refrigerate up to 24 hours.
  6. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 1 hour.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle herbs on top.

16. Overnight Gingerbread Cookies

Overnight Gingerbread Cookies

Chilling the dough overnight enhances the flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup butter
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar.
  2. Add egg and molasses.
  3. Mix dry ingredients separately.
  4. Combine and chill dough overnight.
  5. Roll, cut, and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes.

How to Serve It

Dust with powdered sugar.

17. Make-Ahead Tomato Basil Pasta

Make-Ahead Tomato Basil Pasta

The sauce tastes richer the next day.

Ingredients

  • 500 g pasta
  • 2 cups tomato puree
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions

  1. Sauté garlic in olive oil.
  2. Add tomato puree, salt, pepper, basil.
  3. Simmer 15 minutes.
  4. Cool and refrigerate.
  5. Cook pasta and toss with reheated sauce.

How to Serve It

Top with fresh basil.

18. Make-Ahead Winter Fruit Salad

Make-Ahead Winter Fruit Salad

This fruit mix stays fresh thanks to citrus juice.

Ingredients

  • 2 apples, chopped
  • 2 pears, chopped
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 oranges, segmented
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Mix all fruits.
  2. Add lemon juice and toss.
  3. Refrigerate up to 24 hours.

How to Serve It

Add mint leaves on top.

19. Make-Ahead Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Make-Ahead Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Perfect for warming holiday lunches.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion in butter.
  2. Add flour and cook 1 minute.
  3. Add milk and whisk until thick.
  4. Add broccoli, salt, pepper.
  5. Simmer 10 minutes.
  6. Add cheese and stir.
  7. Cool and refrigerate.

How to Serve It

Top with extra cheese.

20. Make-Ahead Chocolate Mousse Cups

Make-Ahead Chocolate Mousse Cups

A classic chilled dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm ½ cup cream and pour over chocolate chips.
  2. Stir until melted and smooth.
  3. Whip remaining cream with cocoa and vanilla.
  4. Fold into chocolate mixture.
  5. Spoon into cups and chill 4 hours.

How to Serve It

Top with whipped cream and chocolate curls.

21. Make-Ahead Holiday Cornbread Stuffing

Make-Ahead Holiday Cornbread Stuffing

This flavorful side chills and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed cornbread
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
  2. Mix with cornbread, broth, herbs, salt, pepper.
  3. Transfer to dish and refrigerate.
  4. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add fresh herbs on top.

Conclusion

With these make-ahead Christmas recipes, hosting becomes much easier and far more enjoyable. Prepare your favorites early, store them safely, and relax knowing your holiday menu is ready when you are. Share these dishes with loved ones, save the list for later, and enjoy a smooth, stress-free celebration.

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