MomSkoop
The holidays bring joy, laughter, and a whole lot of cooking. But what if you could enjoy the celebration without being stuck in the kitchen all day? Preparing dishes ahead of time means more moments with loved ones and less stress on the big day. These make-ahead recipes will help you stay calm, organized, and ready to celebrate.
1. Herbed Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a holiday classic that everyone loves.
Making them the night before saves you precious oven space and time.
Simply prepare your potatoes as usual, adding butter, cream, and your favorite herbs.
Store them in a buttered baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.
Add a little extra butter or milk if they seem dry.
Your guests will never know these weren’t made fresh that day.
The flavors actually blend together beautifully overnight, making them even more delicious.
2. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Forget the canned stuff—homemade cranberry sauce is incredibly easy and tastes amazing.
This version includes fresh orange zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest in a pot.
Simmer until the berries burst and the mixture thickens.
Let it cool completely before transferring to a container.
Refrigerate overnight, and the sauce will set perfectly.
The flavors develop and deepen as it sits, creating a tangy-sweet balance.
Serve it cold or at room temperature alongside your main course.
This simple side dish adds color and flavor to any holiday spread.
3. Green Bean Casserole
Few dishes scream holiday comfort like green bean casserole.
Assembling it the night before means one less thing to worry about.
Blanch your green beans until tender-crisp, then mix with creamy mushroom sauce.
Pour everything into a greased casserole dish and cover.
Keep the crispy fried onions separate in an airtight container.
On the big day, just pop the casserole in the oven.
Add the onions during the last ten minutes for that perfect crunch.
Your family will love this nostalgic, creamy side that pairs wonderfully with turkey or ham.
4. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender carrots bring a pop of color to your holiday table.
Preparing them ahead keeps your schedule flexible and stress-free.
Peel and slice carrots into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Toss them with honey, butter, and a pinch of salt.
Arrange in a baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
When it’s time to cook, roast them until caramelized and tender.
The honey glaze becomes sticky and delicious, coating each piece perfectly.
Kids and adults alike enjoy this naturally sweet side dish that looks as good as it tastes.
5. Stuffing with Sausage and Herbs
Stuffing is the heart of any holiday meal, full of flavor and tradition.
Making it ahead allows the bread to soak up all the savory goodness.
Sauté onions, celery, and crumbled sausage until golden and fragrant.
Mix with toasted bread cubes, herbs, and chicken broth.
Transfer to a buttered baking dish, cover, and chill overnight.
The next day, bake until the top is crispy and golden.
The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich, satisfying dish.
Every bite is packed with herbs, savory sausage, and that perfect texture everyone craves.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole
This dish walks the line between side and dessert, and everyone loves it.
Preparing it ahead means you can focus on other tasks the next day.
Boil and mash sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, and warm spices.
Spread the mixture into a greased dish and refrigerate.
Top with marshmallows or a crunchy pecan streusel just before baking.
Pop it in the oven until bubbly and golden on top.
The creamy sweet potato base contrasts beautifully with the toasted topping.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and sweetness to your holiday spread.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts have come a long way from their boring reputation.
Roasting them with bacon transforms them into a savory, crispy delight.
Trim and halve the sprouts, then toss with olive oil and salt.
Cook bacon until crispy, crumble it, and mix everything together.
Store in the fridge overnight in a covered container.
Reheat in a hot oven to restore that crispy texture.
The bacon adds a smoky richness that even veggie skeptics will enjoy.
This dish proves that vegetables can steal the show at any holiday feast.
8. Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting—mac and cheese is always a hit.
Kids beg for it, and adults secretly love it just as much.
Cook your pasta until just al dente, then mix with a rich cheese sauce.
Pour into a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Before serving, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Bake until bubbly and golden, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
The cheese sauce thickens as it sits, making every bite extra creamy.
This dish guarantees smiles around the table and empty plates at the end.
9. Parker House Rolls
Soft, buttery rolls are essential for soaking up gravy and sauces.
Making the dough ahead means fresh-baked bread without morning chaos.
Prepare your dough, let it rise, then shape the rolls.
Arrange them on a baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
The cold slows the yeast, allowing a slow, flavorful rise overnight.
In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
They’ll emerge golden, fluffy, and irresistibly fragrant.
Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for that classic, melt-in-your-mouth experience everyone adores.
10. Pumpkin Pie
No holiday is complete without the warm spices of pumpkin pie.
Baking it the night before frees up your oven for other dishes.
Mix pumpkin puree with eggs, cream, sugar, and fragrant spices.
Pour into a prepared pie crust and bake until set.
Let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
The filling firms up beautifully, making clean slices easy to serve.
Top with whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
Each bite delivers nostalgia, comfort, and the unmistakable taste of the season.
11. Pecan Pie
Rich, sweet, and nutty, pecan pie is a Southern holiday staple.
Preparing it ahead ensures you have one less dessert to stress about.
Combine corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and butter for the filling.
Stir in toasted pecans and pour into a pie shell.
Bake until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool completely, then wrap and refrigerate overnight.
The flavors deepen as it sits, becoming even more decadent.
Serve at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure bliss.
12. Chocolate Trifle
Layers of cake, cream, and chocolate create a stunning dessert centerpiece.
Assembling it the night before lets the flavors meld into perfection.
Start with chocolate cake cubes, then layer with chocolate pudding and whipped cream.
Repeat the layers until your trifle dish is full.
Top with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for a beautiful finish.
Cover and refrigerate overnight so everything softens and blends together.
The result is a creamy, dreamy dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple.
Guests will think you spent hours making it, but only you know the easy secret.