Holidays & Events45 Make-Ahead Winter Weeknight Dinners When the weather outside is frightful, come home to a hot meal. These hearty winter dinners can be prepped in advance, then stashed in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to eat.
RecipesMini Nutella Doughnuts You can make these bites in advance and refrigerate them before frying. Just be sure to bring the dough to room temperature before frying. —Renee Greene, Smithtown, New York
RecipesApricot Kolaches Pastries as pretty as these make any gathering special. I like to bake them a day in advance because they do take some time to prepare-but guests agree they-re worth it!
RecipesHometown Pasty Pies I prepare these in advance and freeze them for a quick dinner later, or to share with a friend or neighbor. The meaty baked pies make a hot, filling meal. —Jen Hatlen, Edgerton, Wisconsin
RecipesCandied Flowers Sugarcoated edible flowers are a quick and easy way to add a little flair to many desserts and serving trays. They need to be made in advance, which is a real time-saver on party day.
RecipesColorful Caesar Salad We guarantee you’ll enjoy our take on this classic salad. The dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. &mash;Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
RecipesAir-Fryer Mini Nutella Doughnut Holes You can make these air-fryer donuts in advance and then refrigerate them. It’s important to bring the dough to room temperature before frying. —Renee Murphy, Smithtown, New York
RecipesHearty Meatball Sub Sandwiches Making the saucy meatballs in advance and reheating them saves me precious time when expecting company. These satisfying sandwiches are excellent for casual parties. —Deena Hubler, Jasper, Indiana
RecipesCucumber Dill Dip This cool and creamy dip keeps the oven free for other foods on Thanksgiving. You can make the base in advance, then stir in the cucumber just before serving. —Judith Smith, Wymore, Nebraska
RecipesMashed Potato Casserole I’ve shared this recipe many times with relatives and friends, just as my sister-in-law shared it with me. It can be prepared up to two days in advance.—Margaret Lindberg, Richland, Washington
RecipesSicilian Overstuffed Sandwich Wedges For a casual holiday lunch or supper, you’ll have a guaranteed winner with this stacked-high, Italian-style sandwich. I like the convenience of assembling it a day in advance. —Pat Powell, Wooster, Ohio
RecipesStrawberry Tartlets This elegant-looking dessert is easy to make, and the cute wonton “cups” can be made in advance. They’re a different way to present fresh strawberries when entertaining. The recipe is easy to double, too.
Holidays & Events96 Make-Ahead Super Bowl Recipes You won’t miss a second of the big game, thanks to these make-ahead Super Bowl food ideas. We’ll show you how to prep everything from sandwiches to pizza in advance.
RecipesApricot Almond Torte This pretty cake takes a bit of time, so I like to make the layers in advance and assemble it the day of serving, which make it an easier option for entertaining. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
RecipesGhosts in the Graveyard Cake This spooky cake is easy to make and fun to decorate. To save time, bake and freeze the brownies weeks in advance, then thaw at room temperature overnight before decorating.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
RecipesPressure-Cooker Winter Fruit Compote You can make this colorful and easy fruit relish up to a week in advance. It’s an outstanding accompaniment to turkey, chicken or pork throughout the holiday season. —Esther Chesney , Carthage, Missouri