Make-ahead Christmas recipes
Showing 1 to 24 of 139 results
Tuscan sausage, kale & ciabatta stuffing
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
Sunken chocolate, olive oil & hazelnut cake
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
Pheasant casserole
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
Roast garlic make-ahead gravy
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
Air-fryer soy & cranberry chicken wings
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
Croissant bread sauce
Don’t waste stale croissants from Christmas morning – use them to make a rich bread sauce. For total indulgence, finish with a knob of butter to melt over the top
App onlyQuick pickled red cabbage. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users.
Make this speedy pickled red cabbage as a side or condiment – it's the perfect foil to Christmas leftovers in our Boxing Day sandwich
Mincemeat half-baked cookies
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
Cranberry, orange & rosemary sauce
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
Air-fryer clementine & chilli halloumi skewers
Enjoy these skewers as canapés at your next party. Flavoured with festive clementines, they're ideal at Christmas served with your choice of dips
Coffee & Irish cream semifreddo wreath
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
Simple sweet & sour slow-cooker red cabbage
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
App onlyOrange & brandy mincemeat. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users.
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
Chilli & honey baked ricotta & grapes with prosciutto
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
App onlySmoky paprika & herb roast potatoes. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users.
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
Mini hot toddy pavlovas
Take inspiration from a classic winter cocktail to create these mini pavlovas flavoured with whisky, pear and spices
App onlyMincemeat flapjacks. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users.
Make some Christmassy flapjacks using mincemeat. They make the perfect travel companion, and are great if you’re craving some festive flavours
Mini gingerbread house mug toppers
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
Apple crumble trifle
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
Gingerbread tres leches cake
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
App onlyAir-fryer sesame prawn toast. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users.
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
Mini maple & mustard pigs in blankets
Make pigs in blankets even more special using maple syrup and a little mustard. If you can’t find cocktail sausages, use chipolatas, each cut into three pieces
App onlyElote muffins. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users.
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
Ham hock, cheese & potato pithivier
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