Make-ahead Christmas recipes (2024)

Showing 1 to 24 of 139 results

  • A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.2 ratings

    Prep this sausage, kale and bread stuffing up to two days in advance, then bake on the day. If your favourite part of stuffing is the crispy bits, you’ll love this recipe

    • 1 hr 10 mins
    • Easy
  • A star rating of 5 out of 5.3 ratings

    Indulge in a cake with a lovely crunchy topping that gives way to a soft, gooey middle. With its flourless sponge, it's ideal for guests who can’t eat gluten

    • 1 hr 30 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegetarian
    • Gluten-free
  • Pheasant casserole

    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.2 ratings

    Make this festive pheasant stew in a sweet-and-sour cider and clementine sauce up to a day ahead, then simply reheat until piping hot when you want to serve

    • 1 hr 30 mins
    • More effort
  • Roast garlic make-ahead gravy

    A star rating of 3.4 out of 5.3 ratings

    Make this subtly flavoured gravy base ahead and freeze to make life a bit easier when entertaining – just stir in the roasting juices before serving

    • 1 hr 20 mins
    • Easy
  • A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Marinate chicken wings in cranberry and soy sauce, then cook in an air-fryer to make this tasty side. They're perfect for a buffet or movie night snack

    • 45 mins
    • Easy
  • App onlyQuick pickled red cabbage. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users.

    A star rating of 3.7 out of 5.3 ratings

    Make this speedy pickled red cabbage as a side or condiment – it's the perfect foil to Christmas leftovers in our Boxing Day sandwich

    • 15 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegetarian
    • Gluten-free
  • Mincemeat half-baked cookies

    A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Indulge in these soft and squidgy Christmas cookies with moreish mincemeat flavours. Make ahead and freeze, then simply pop in the oven when guests arrive

    • 45 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Quick to make on Christmas Day, you can swap fresh cranberries here for frozen – just keep an eye on them during cooking, as they won’t take as long to break down

    • 20 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegan
    • Gluten-free
  • A star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings

    Enjoy these skewers as canapés at your next party. Flavoured with festive clementines, they're ideal at Christmas served with your choice of dips

    • 28 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegetarian
    • Gluten-free
  • A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Make this frozen dessert up to two days ahead of serving so you can spend more time with your guests. It’s sure to impress at a Christmas gathering

    • 32 mins
    • More effort
    • Vegetarian
    • Gluten-free
  • A star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings

    Save hob space by using a slow cooker to braise red cabbage – take the lid off for the last 30 mins to reduce the juices for a lovely, sticky texture

    • 4 hrs 5 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegetarian
    • Gluten-free
  • A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Make this easy twist on mincemeat – it's infused with the festive flavours of orange and brandy, and is easy to make by simply mixing everything together

    • 15 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 3.7 out of 5.3 ratings

    Create a little make-your-own crostini station where guests are invited to spread baked ricotta onto warm toast and top with grapes and prosciutto

    • 35 mins
    • Easy
  • A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Season roasties with smoked paprika and thyme for a punch of smoky heat and herby flavour. Drizzle with oil when turning for golden crunchy roasties

    • 1 hr 40 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegetarian
    • Gluten-free
  • Mini hot toddy pavlovas

    A star rating of 5 out of 5.1 rating

    Take inspiration from a classic winter co*cktail to create these mini pavlovas flavoured with whisky, pear and spices

    • 2 hrs 15 mins
    • More effort
    • Vegetarian
  • App onlyMincemeat flapjacks. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users.

    A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.5 ratings

    Make some Christmassy flapjacks using mincemeat. They make the perfect travel companion, and are great if you’re craving some festive flavours

    • 55 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegetarian
  • Mini gingerbread house mug toppers

    A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Perch these delightful little gingerbread houses on the edge of your mug for a festive treat. Try them with hot chocolate or mulled wine for adults

    • 32 mins
    • More effort
    • Vegetarian
  • Apple crumble trifle

    A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.2 ratings

    Bring the comforting flavours and textures of apple crumble to a Christmas trifle. Prep ahead so all you need to do is assemble it on the day

    • 1 hr 30 mins
    • A challenge
    • Vegetarian
  • Gingerbread tres leches cake

    A star rating of 5 out of 5.2 ratings

    Give this Mexican-inspired cake a festive twist using ginger and cinnamon. The cake is soaked in a trio of sweetened milks, then topped with whipped cream

    • 1 hr 10 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegetarian
  • App onlyAir-fryer sesame prawn toast. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users.

    A star rating of 4.7 out of 5.3 ratings

    Make these prawns toasts as canapés at your next party. Arrange on a platter and scatter over extra spring onions and chopped chives to garnish

    • 25 mins
    • Easy
  • A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Make pigs in blankets even more special using maple syrup and a little mustard. If you can’t find co*cktail sausages, use chipolatas, each cut into three pieces

    • 45 mins
    • Easy
  • App onlyElote muffins. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users.

    A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Get inspired by the Mexican street-food snack, elote. These savoury muffins make an excellent breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up when you’re on the go

    • 30 mins
    • Easy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Make this domed puff-pastry pie as a Christmas centrepiece. With a crumbly pastry exterior and packed filling oozing with gooey comté, it's a wow dish

    • 1 hr 20 mins
    • More effort
Make-ahead Christmas recipes (2024)
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