RecipesSourdough Bread This no-knead sourdough bread is delicious. It has a crisp crust and distinctive sourdough flavor from the “starter” yeast mixture you stir up in advance. I was surprised at how easy it is! —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
RecipesCreamy Peanut Butter Pie Quartered peanut butter cups top this rich smooth pie that’s always a hit at gatherings. It saves time, too, because it can be made in advance and frozen until needed. —Rhonda McDaniel, Rossville, Georgia
RecipesChocolate Cherry Crepes One of the reasons that we love this impressive-looking recipe is that it’s easy to make. We prepare the crepes and filling in advance, and assemble them and add the topping just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
RecipesYummy Cookie Bars I received this recipe from a special co-worker at school, and it is always a huge success when I make them. It works great to make them a day in advance. It will allow the bars to set and be cut easier.
RecipesIcebox Potato Rolls These tender rolls are a family favorite, and we sometimes have more than 20 people around the table. Make the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready. —Barb Linnerud, Boiling Springs, South Carolina
RecipesEasy Fried Chicken This oven-fried chicken is the perfect dish to prepare in advance and take on a picnic because it tastes just as good cold as it does warm. It’s been a family favorite for years. -Sharon Crider, Junction City, Kansas
RecipesSantorini Lamb Sliders I love lamb burgers, so I created a crowd-friendly slider version. The tzatziki sauce is best made a day or two in advance to allow the flavors to mingle. —Cristina Certano, Colorado Springs, Colorado
RecipesCream-Filled Cinnamon Coffee Cake Repeat guests often phone ahead to request my cinnamony coffee cake for breakfast. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate, or welcome company with its fresh-baked aroma. —Arlene Wengerd, Millersburg, Ohio
RecipesMexican Layered Salad Here’s another popular dish I like to prepare in advance, adding the cheese and chips just before serving. It’s a slightly different version of the traditional layered salad.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
RecipesBaked Nectarine Chicken Salad Folks love the crunchy chow mein noodles on top. I love that I can make it a day in advance and refrigerate until it’s time to serve. Serve with hot bread or rolls. —Faye Robinson, Pensacola, Florida
RecipesBaked Vegetable Medley If you get all the chopping done the night before, it’s smooth sailing when company arrives the next day. “Just prepare this casserole in advance, and bake at serving time,” suggests Linda Vail of Ballwin, Missouri.
RecipesSpicy Chili Seasoning Mix “Having the seasonings mixed up in advance makes stirring up a batch of chili a breeze,” suggests Mary Henderson of Opelika, Alabama. “It’s a bold but pleasant blend. I like the round steak and ground beef combination.”
RecipesSaucy Garlic Chicken Roasted garlic lends a rich flavor to this appetizing chicken entree, and it complements the spinach nicely. Ideal for entertaining, the recipe can be assembled in advance and popped in the oven when guests arrive. —Joanna Johnson, Flower Mound, Texas
RecipesCaramel Toffee Ice Cream Pie This caramel toffee ice cream pie is easy to make and is so pretty. It comes together in under 30 minutes—and since you can make it in advance, it’s ideal for entertaining. —Diane Lombardo, New Castle, Pennsylvania
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RecipesButtery Parmesan Chicken A rich, cheesy breading locks in this chicken’s natural juices, making it moist and tempting every time. Because it can be made in advance, I rely on it often during the week and when entertaining. —Kathie Landmann, Lexington Park, Maryland