The Best Recipes to Make Ahead of Time: 22 Make Ahead Recipes for Any Occasion
We're all busy and sometimes we just don't have the time to prepare a nice, home-cooked meal every single night of the week. That's where these Recipes to Make Ahead of Time come in. Check out 22 of our favorite Make Ahead Recipes for Any Occasion and find out how you can prepare delicious meals on your own time. These easy make ahead dishes will save you time and energy and are perfect to serve up for family dinners, get togethers with friends or any other event.
The Best Recipes to Make Ahead of Time:
22 Make Ahead Recipes for Any Occasion
Table of Contents
Make Ahead Appetizer Recipes
Main Course Recipes to Make Ahead
Make Ahead Recipes for Sides
Dessert Recipes to Make Ahead
Make Ahead Appetizer Recipes
Delectable dips, fantastic finger foods and so much more! All of the easy appetizer recipes in the list below can be prepared ahead of time and then popped in the oven or put on your serving table whenever you're ready. Planning a party is tough on its own; reduce your stress by making some of your food in advance!
Bubblin' Make Ahead Cheese Dip (shown above)
Arkansas Caviar (shown at top of page)
Main Course Recipes to Make Ahead
Making a homemade meal, whether it's breakfast or dinner, takes both time and effort. With the make ahead meal ideas in the list below, you can prepare dishes on your own time and then serve them when you're busy or in a pinch. It's freezer recipes like these that are true lifesavers for those of us with jam-packed weekday schedules.
Make Ahead Pizza Meat Loaves (shown at top of page)
Slow Cooker Oriental Lemon Chicken (shown above)
Make Ahead Cheesy Ham Breakfast Bake (shown above)
Slow Cooker German Sauerbraten (shown at top of page)
Make Ahead Recipes for Sides
Side dish recipes are often overlooked, but they're no less important than your main course. Turn your side dish into the star it should be by preparing one of these easy make ahead recipes. When you fix one of these simple side dishes in advance, you'll be able to serve your family a completely from-scratch meal without breaking a sweat!
In a Hurry Buttermilk Herb Biscuits
Overnight Angel Biscuits (shown above)
Dessert Recipes to Make Ahead
After putting a ton of effort into a home-cooked meal, the last thing you want to think about is making dessert. That's why we love dessert recipes to make ahead of time, like the ones in our list below. These sweet sensations are every bit as delicious as other dessert recipes, the only difference is that these treats can be prepared in advance and then brought out when you need them (or whenever your sweet tooth strikes!). Find your favorite easy dessert recipe below and enjoy a stress-free after-dinner treat!
Peanut Butter "Cheese" Ball (shown above)
Tropical Paradise Ice Box Cake
Cranberry Apple Bread Pudding (shown at top of page)
If you're looking for make ahead meal ideas for Christmas, check out our collection of 18 Recipes for Overnight Christmas Casseroles. Plus don't miss this roundup of 18 Delicious Make Ahead Casseroles for any occasion.