Presenting the Winners from Our Make-Ahead Magic Recipe Contest

Grand Prize: Sunrise Pancake Casserole

This unique sausage and pancake casserole combines the sweet and savory flavors of a traditional breakfast in a convenient, make-ahead dish. You can use homemade pancakes or thawed frozen pancakes for a quick and easy version. —Shannon Buck, Woodinville, Alabama

Check out our contest page to learn more about our contests and submit your own recipes for consideration.

1st Place: Overnight Apricot Pecan Coffee Cake

I whip up this delightful apricot and pecan coffee cake the night before and pop it in the oven when I get up. The house smells lovely and the cake rises perfectly. Use walnuts instead of pecans if you prefer. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

2nd Place: Overnight Butternut & Bacon Strata

I created this overnight strata for a bridal brunch and even the hairdressers and make-up artists were begging me for the recipe! It's the perfect blend of savory, sweet and salty. You could use another variety of winter squash like acorn or delicata. —Pamela Gelsomini, Wrentham, Massachusetts

3rd Place: Baked Chorizo Corn Dip

This spicy chorizo corn dip recipe is a family favorite! It's a fresh side for any dinner, holiday party or ball game at home! You can keep it on hand in your freezer and then heat it just before serving. —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan

Runner-Up: Cold Weather Braised Beef

This make-ahead braised beef recipe is so convenient. I prepare the ingredients, and just before baking, I pop them in the fridge overnight. The next day, I let it bake while spending time with my family. The aroma of the beef while it's cooking will make your mouth water. —Vicki Christiansen, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Runner-Up: Breakfast Empanadas

These breakfast empanadas are one of my family's favorites. I freeze them to enjoy at a later date. If you prefer a spicy filling, you can add chopped jalapeños when cooking the eggs. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Runner-Up: Merry Mint Christmas Cheesecake

Instead of baking cookies for Christmas gifts, I bake cheesecakes! I usually bake this mint cheesecake a few weeks in advance and store it in the freezer. It can also be baked a couple of days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Runner-Up: Grab-and-Go Freezer Cheesecakes

I love the elegant serving style of individual cheesecakes. I never have to worry if surprise guests stop by because these can be pulled from the freezer in a flash. They’re also a blue ribbon-winner at our local county fair! —Kristyne Mcdougle Walter, Lorain, Ohio

Runner-Up: Green Chile Butternut Squash Soup

This Mexican-inspired butternut squash soup is made in a slow cooker. I like to cook it overnight, blend it in the morning and store it in the refrigerator. All I have to do when I get home is heat it up. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Runner-Up: Minty Chocolate Cream Puffs

These festive little treats are minty, chocolatey and convenient. The night before serving, move them from the freezer to the fridge to thaw. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire

Runner-Up: Mocha Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

This easy make-ahead recipe makes a deliciously tender mocha shortbread cookie with a rich chocolate buttercream filling. They require only four ingredients and can be frozen months in advance. —Adelaide Miller, Mill Hall, Pennsylvania

Runner-Up: Strawberry Lemonade Gelatin

Strawberry lemonade always reminds me of summer. This quick dessert is easy to put together and always a crowd-pleaser. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon