Christmas without the hassle – 15 recipes you can freeze ahead before the big day
Enjoy all the flavours of a traditional Christmas feast with none of the last-minute hassle with these freezable recipes. Simply defrost, reheat and serve.
Christmas should be a time to be merry and enjoy the company of loved ones, not to be chained to the kitchen in a last-minute panic. We've got you covered. By preparing and freezing a few festive staples in advance, you can take (most of) the stress out of Christmas Day. Our easy, freezable recipes shared below span starters, mains, sides and desserts, meaning you’ll have all the Christmas favourites ready to go — leaving you with more time for presents, games and that all-important glass of fizz. Hosting for the first time? Our tried-and-tested recipes will ensure all your Christmas feasting needs are covered, from Christmas snacks, starters, centrepieces and desserts. We also have a selection of freezable Christmas baking recipes, perfect for last-minute Christmas guests needing a sweet treat. 1. Unbelievably easy mince pies No Christmas is complete without a batch of mince pies. Simply fill melt-in-the-mouth shortcrust pastry with our zesty homemade mincemeat and pop in the freezer up to a month ahead, then bake straight from frozen for a freshly baked treat whenever guests arrive. See our ultimate collection of freezable mince pie recipes for more ways to bake this festive favourite. 2. Golden roast potatoes Did you know you can par-boil and freeze your roasties ahead of time? Instead of spending time peeling potatoes on Christmas morning, simply roast from frozen for crisp, fluffy potatoes without the faff. We have plenty more crispy and fluffy Christmas roast potato recipes to try. 3. Super-simple cranberry sauce Cranberry sauce lovers, you're in luck: homemade sauce can be made well in advance and frozen in portions (plus, this recipe calls for just three ingredients). Simply defrost then serve with your turkey for a sharp, fruity contrast. Find more varieties for this festive trimming in our collection of cranberry sauce recipes. 4. Best ever Yorkshire puddings These Yorkshire puddings taste light and fluffy even after freezing. And using only four ingredients, this recipe couldn't be easier. Just bake a batch ahead and freeze for up to a month. Reheat from frozen at 200C/180C fan/gas 6 for 6-8 mins – just make sure they are hot through to serve. Discover more Yorkshire pudding recipes. 5. Vegan butternut & pecan spiral pies Use shop-bought filo pastry to make this festive meat-free centrepiece. The squash filling is packed with umami notes thanks to miso paste and soy sauce, plus a touch of maple sweetness. Assemble and freeze the pie ahead of time before baking, so all that’s left to do on the day is cook it straight from frozen for a stress-free vegetarian Christmas meal. Take a look at our vegetarian dinner recipes for more inspired veggie dishes. 6. Sausage & Bramley stuffing Combining classic sage and onion with Bramley apples, this stuffing loaf is packed with festive flavours. You can freeze this stuffing for up to two months – just make sure to defrost in the fridge overnight before cooking. See our collection of stuffing recipes and vegetarian stuffing recipes for more ideas. 7. Triple pigs in blankets Assemble your pigs in blankets, cover your tray tightly with kitchen foil or put in a freezable container and freeze for up to two weeks. When you're ready to defrost, bake from frozen in a hot oven for 20-30 minutes for a sizzling, festive favourite. See our pigs in blankets recipes for more twists on this Christmas favourite. 8. Make-ahead gravy Nothing beats a rich, homemade gravy, and the good news is you can make and freeze our recipe weeks in advance. On Christmas Day, simply reheat and add the roasting juices from your turkey for extra flavour. See our collection of gravy recipes for more inspiration, including our vegetarian alternative. 9. Red cabbage with balsamic vinegar & cranberries Red cabbage with balsamic vinegar makes a colourful, sweet side that also happens to freeze beautifully. Simply make ahead and reheat for a vibrant vegan addition to your table. This tastes really festive and includes fresh cranberries, so you won’t need to make a separate cranberry sauce. Find more ideas in our cranberry sauce collection, including this easy cranberry & orange relish. 10. Cheesy sprout gratin Convert even the most dedicated sprout sceptics with this deliciously creamy, cheesy gratin. Prepare, freeze and bake from frozen until golden and bubbling. For the best results, freeze before adding the nutty breadcrumbs and before baking (you can freeze the nutty breadcrumbs in a separate container or bag). Defrost both in the fridge overnight, sprinkle over the nutty breadcrumbs and baker as per the recipe. Try more revamped sprouts dishes, such as our brussels sprout slaw. 11. Nut roast A vegetarian classic, our nut roast can be made, sliced and frozen. Simply reheat slices in the oven for an easy vegetarian main or side. Boasting over 300 star ratings it's also one of our most popular Christmas recipes on the site. Try more of our nut roast recipes, including this easy vegan nut roast and nut roast rolls. 12. Mince pie brownies Combine whole mince pies with brownie batter and what do you get? This epic festive mash-up. These gooey morsels will keep in an airtight container for a week and in the freezer for up to a month, so you can whip out a chocolate treat at a moment's notice. Discover more squidgy bakes in our Christmas chocolate collection. 13. Bread sauce A roast dinner is not complete without the accompaniment of bread sauce. Our easy recipe is sure to be a Christmas favourite – prepare your sauce, cool and freeze in a plastic bag. You may need to add a splash of cream when you defrost. We have plenty more bread sauce recipes for you to try, such as this silky and thick brown butter bread & onion sauce. 14. Quick Christmas pudding Left it too late to make and feed a classic Christmas fruitcake? Opt for this speedy microwave Christmas pudding, which uses shop-bought mincemeat and takes just 35 minutes to make. Simply microwave the pudding, then cool and freeze. When you want to serve, defrost at room temperature then reheat in the microwave for a few minutes, until piping hot. Search our Christmas pudding and Christmas cake recipe collections for more tried-and-tested recipes. 15. Red velvet brownies Brownie lovers, rejoice! These rich, festive brownies can be baked and frozen in advance, perfect for any last-minute Christmas guests. They're beautifully swirled with a tangy cheesecake filling and festively red to brighten your Christmas gatherings – you could even crush candy canes and sprinkle over the brownie batter before baking for an extra festive twist. Discover more delicious festive bakes in our collection of Christmas baking recipes, including our next-level yule log.
15 easy December recipes to add to your weeknight dinner rotation
Embrace December’s seasonal bounty and keep weeknight dinners easy and exciting with these comforting, seasonal recipes.
It’s all too easy to fall into a dinner rut, especially as the nights draw in and the temperatures fall. However, with longer evenings and more time spent indoors, December is a great time to shake things up in the kitchen while making the most of the season’s bounty. With ingredients like leeks, sweet potato and kale at their best, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found. These easy weeknight recipes below are designed to help you try something new, comforting and delicious — each one simple enough for busy evenings, but special enough to become a firm favourite in your winter dinner rotation. Check out what's in season in December for more recipe inspiration, as well as our round-up of the best December recipes, winter dinners and British comfort food recipes. 1. Chicken, kale & mushroom pot pie This satisfying one-pot pie featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms and nutritious kale is easier to make than you think. Using ready-made puff pastry to cut corners, it's ideal for a comforting family supper, and any leftovers can be frozen for another day. We have plenty more chicken pie recipes for you to try, including this curried chicken pie. 2. Turkey pasta bake Use up any leftover turkey (or chicken) to create this super-comforting pasta bake. You can even turn it up a notch by topping with pigs in blankets (if there's any spare). Discover our freezable pasta bakes to help you get ahead with family dinners. 3. Smoky sausage & squash traybake Make the most of seasonal butternut squash in this oven-baked traybake with sausages, red onions and warming spices. An all-in-one meal that’s both simple and satisfying, it will be a hit with everyone at the table. Try more of our easy traybake recipes, such as this vibrant za’atar & lemon chicken traybake. 4. Thai curry noodle soup This speedy and spicy prawn noodle soup is great for using up whatever vegetables you have on hand. It's a warming bowl that's packed with flavour and is ready on the table in just 20 minutes – ideal for busy weeknights. Try more of our noodle soup recipes, including this Vietnamese chicken noodle soup. 5. Root veg lentil bowl with herb pistou Celebrate the season’s root vegetables with this wholesome veggie bowl, featuring roasted carrots or parsnips, hearty lentils and a herby pistou drizzle. It makes for a vibrant and vegan-friendly meal. Take a look at more vegan winter recipes, such as this coconut cashew & butternut squash curry. 6. Cod & prawn pie with saffron potatoes Elevate your fish pie with a touch of saffron. Low in fat and calories, it's also a great way to enjoy seafood during the cold winter months. Check out more of our fish pie recipes as well as our healthy Christmas recipes. 7. Caramelised onion & chicory tart with gorgonzola This tatin-style vegetarian tart combines sweet caramelised onions, chicory and blue cheese, finished with a scattering of crunchy hazelnuts. It’s simple enough to make – using ready-rolled puff pastry for ease – yet its full of moreish winter flavours. Take a look at our tarte tatin recipes for more inspiration, then check out our best blue cheese recipes. 8. Red cabbage, cauliflower & coconut dhal Transform red cabbage and cauliflower into a nourishing vegetarian dhal, flavoured with coconut and warming spices. This warming bowl of goodness is perfect for chilly winter nights. Try our best ever dhal recipes here. 9. Sweet potato & peanut curry Nothing says Friday night like a beautiful homemade curry, and this one will kick a takeaway to the curb. This budget-friendly dish is flavour-packed but mild enough for kids, plus meat-eaters won't even realise it's vegan. With spinach and sweet potato, it boasts two of your five-a-day and it’s also under 400 calories. Try more of our sweet potato curry recipes then take a look at our round-up of the most popular curry recipes. 10. Turkey ramen A creative way to use up any roast turkey leftovers, this nourishing ramen features a rich broth, shiitake mushrooms and a jammy egg. It’s a restorative bowl to curl up with on those dark nights. Find more ways to use up your turkey leftovers. 11. Cavolo nero orecchiette Enjoy winter’s finest greens with this easy pasta dish, ready in just 30 minutes. Iron-rich cavolo nero is tossed with orecchiette and a simple garlicky sauce, making for a nutritious, speedy supper. Take a browse through more cavolo nero recipes, such as this pancetta & white bean stew. 12. Creamy sprout, hazelnut & leek pasta Give your sprouts a new lease of life in this creamy low-calorie pasta, where they’re paired with sweet leeks and crunchy hazelnuts for a festive twist. See our winter pasta recipes for more inspiration, as well as our vegetarian winter recipes. 13. Chorizo & pea risotto This risotto makes brilliant use of storecupboard and freezer staples — smoky chorizo, frozen peas and arborio rice — cooked together for an easy, flavour-packed dinner that's ready in under 40 minutes. Take a look at more comforting risotto dishes or check out our chorizo recipe collection. 14. Warm winter bean salad with chicken A robust salad for cold weather, this dish features soft butter beans, bitter leaves, chicken breast and herbs, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s hearty enough to be a main meal. See more winter salad recipes to add to your repertoire. 15. Vegan ramen A bowlful of comfort, this meat-free ramen is loaded with veg, tofu, dried mushrooms and miso for umami-rich depth. Add whatever winter vegetables you have to hand for a flexible, speedy supper. See our collection of top ramen recipes for more soothing suppers.
Give your bakes a festive glow up with our simple yet stunning cookie decorating ideas
Get into the spirit of the season with our selection of decorated Christmas cookies – the perfect family activity for the holidays.
Looking for wholesome activities for the festive period? We've seen an earlier spike in interest for our easy homemade gingerbread recipe this year and have lots of ideas for how to make your biscuits look even more fabulously festive with some simple icing designs, colourful candy or even a touch of glitter. Baking is a great way to relax and wind down over the holidays, and it can be a fun kitchen project that keeps kids entertained while letting them unleash their creativity. These biscuits not only look beautiful, but taste delicious – plus, they'd make a lovely treat for when guests drop by. We’ve included a range of designs for different skill levels, from simple iced patterns to more intricate stained glass window-style biscuits. We’ve also included simple tips for decorating below. Find more more festive baking inspiration in our Christmas biscuits recipes and Christmas gingerbread recipes, as well as our Christmas baking recipes and Christmas cake recipes. We also have plenty of Christmas cupcake recipes, Christmas cheesecake recipes and Christmas brownie recipes. Tips for decorating festive cookies with a piping bag Ensure your icing is the correct consistency for piping – not too thick (which will make it hard to pipe) or too thin (which will cause it to run, and it won't hold its shape) Put your chosen piping nozzle in the piping bag before filling it with icing When filling the piping bag, stand it upright in a mug or tall glass to make the process easier and less messy Do not overfill your piping bag; this will prevent icing from oozing out of the top Squeeze the icing from the top of the bag, not the middle, to ensure even pressure and flow For outlining biscuits, use a thicker icing to pipe a border around the edge. Let this set for a few minutes before flooding the centre with runnier icing To flood the biscuit, pipe enough runnier icing inside the outline and use a toothpick to spread it evenly. Gently shake the biscuit back and forth to achieve a smooth finish For simple dot decorations, pipe dots onto the wet icing; they will sink in and smooth out When piping dots, hold the bag vertically above the cookie with the nozzle close to the surface. Squeeze out a little icing to form a dot, stop squeezing, push down, then draw up sharply to finish For lines, hold the bag at a 45-degree angle, a little away from the surface, and squeeze with steady pressure, letting the line fall naturally into place Leave decorated biscuits to set completely before handling or packaging If using several colours, divide the icing and add food colouring gels as desired, putting each colour in a separate piping bag for tidy, distinct designs Cookie cutters can be used to create lots of different shapes, though plain round are probably the simplest to decorate See our tips on how to decorate a cake and how to make a piping bag. Christmas cookie decorating ideas 1. Christmas biscuits Decorate these easy cinnamon-flavoured biscuits with classic white icing. They're great for getting the kids involved, and they can also be used as edible tree decorations. Bake more treats for the tree and the rest of your home with our decoration recipes. 2. Chocolate Christmas biscuits Decorate these easy chocolate biscuits with your choice of chocolate, icing, sugar pearls and sprinkles. Get the whole family involved with decorating these for a festive kitchen activity. Discover more sweet treats in our collection of Christmas chocolate recipes. 3. Spiced Christmas biscuits Use the flooding technique to ice these cute gingerbread treats, then use the rest of the icing to ice the trees and stars, adding sweets or sprinkling with sugar. See our easy Christmas sweets for stocking fillers or gift ideas. 4. Sugar cookies Colourful piped icing and sprinkles turn these buttery, melt-in-the-mouth sugar cookies into a thoughtful edible gift. They'll keep in an airtight container for up to a week. Bake our clove sugar cookies for biscuits that are sweet, nutty and spiced. 5. Gingerbread stained glass biscuits With a stained glass centre made from boiled sweets, these pretty gingerbread biscuits are perfect for advanced bakers looking to impress. The intricate icing patterns add to the charm, making them great presents for friends and family. If you like the look of these, try our aromatic gingerbread cookies. 6. Christmas shortbread biscuits Level up your biscuit decorating skills by dunking half in dark or white chocolate, then topping with candied orange peel, flaked almonds or freeze-dried raspberries. Star- or tree-shaped cutters also work well. Discover more shortbread treats in our collection of Christmas shortbread recipes. 7. Snowflake biscuits These snowflake biscuits use ready-to-roll fondant icing for ease, leaving you more time to spend on creating a glittery snowflake effect using silver balls and white sprinkles. They make a charming Christmas gift, and are great to make with kids. 8. Gingerbread house Our simple biscuit recipe and design template makes creating a gingerbread house easier than you might think. Decorated with icing and sweets, kids will love getting involved with baking and decorating them, too. See these cute gingerbread houses for a smaller version. 9. Christmas cookies With a simple drizzle icing pattern, these festive vanilla cookies make a beautiful edible Christmas tree decoration. Or, you could pack them into boxes to give as end-of-term gifts for teachers and friends. These Christmas crinkle cookies are also a simple but effective bake. 10. Snowman biscuits Using coloured ready-to-roll fondant, these festive snowman biscuits are great for getting little ones to help with decorating. You can bake and freeze the biscuits ahead, then bring them out for a winter’s day activity. Alternatively, bake our star-shaped fairy wand biscuits and decorate with flooded icing and colourful sprinkles. Get more festive baking inspiration: Christmas cookies for kids Our best Christmas biscuit recipes 30 Christmas baking projects for kids 30 best Christmas desserts Christmas cake decoration recipes
Move over, beef mince! These pork mince recipes are cheap, quick and full of flavour
With so many ways to use pork mince, it’s no wonder this ingredient is trending in UK kitchens. Give it a try in these easy dinners, from speedy stir-fries to comforting meatballs, and see why it’s the budget-friendly swap everyone’s talking about.
Looking for a wallet-friendly way to liven up your weeknight dinners? Pork mince might just be the answer. With the cost of beef mince continuing to rise on supermarket shelves, many home cooks are searching for delicious, affordable alternatives that don’t compromise on taste or versatility. Pork mince fits the bill perfectly: it’s typically cheaper than beef, lower in saturated fat and calories, and brings a subtle sweetness and juiciness that works brilliantly in a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re feeding the family or batch cooking for the freezer, pork mince is the budget hero ingredient you need right now. Our recipe for pork & chilli lettuce cups is the perfect place to start. A riot of fresh Asian flavours, it combines pork mince with lemongrass, garlic, chilli and lime, all piled into crisp lettuce leaves and topped with crunchy veg and herbs. The pork filling can even be frozen ahead, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Ready to branch out? Here are 15 pork mince recipes that are cheap, speedy and bursting with flavour. 1. Pork & chilli lettuce cups A fragrant stir-fry of pork mince, lemongrass, chilli, garlic and lime, served in crunchy lettuce leaves and finished with spring onions, carrots, coriander and mint. Perfect for sharing, the filling can be frozen for up to two months, making dinner party prep a breeze. Take a browse through our pork mince recipe collection for more inspired recipes. 2. Pork noodle stir-fry Whip up a filling pork noodle stir-fry in just 30 minutes. Pork mince is tossed with noodles and colourful vegetables for a speedy, satisfying midweek meal – great for busy evenings. Discover more high-protein dinners to cook for dinner this week. 3. Healthy bolognese Swap beef for lean pork mince in this lighter take on classic bolognese. Fennel and cherry tomatoes add a burst of fresh flavour and provide two of your five-a-day. The dish is also low in fat and calories. Add more of our healthy dinner recipes to your weekly rotation. 4. Healthy Swedish meatballs A lighter take on the classic, these low-calorie pork meatballs are served in a creamy sauce with classic lingonberry or cranberry sauce and spring greens – perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings while eating healthily. Take a look at our collection of Swedish meatball recipes for more ideas. 5. Cabbage rolls Minced pork is wrapped in cabbage leaves and baked in a rich tomato sauce to make this classic Polish dish, Gołąbki, which is often served around Christmas and other festive occasions. Try it for a hearty, homely dish. Take a browse through more of our Polish recipes, including classic pierogi. 6. Lemongrass & lime pork meatballs with pickled veg Serve these moreish pork meatballs with tangy pickled veg and sticky rice for an easy, gluten-free dinner. They're great piled into a crusty baguette the next day if you have any leftovers. Find more meatball inspiration in our collection of meatball recipes. 7. Pork & chive dumplings This recipe from Shu Lin sees juicy pork mince and fresh Chinese chives wrapped in delicate dumpling skins. They’re easier to make than you think and fun to assemble as a group activity. We have all manner of dumplings in our collection of dumpling recipes. 8. Pork & pepper meatballs on parsnip mash Mix red pepper into pork meatballs then serve atop creamy parsnip mash for the ultimate comfort food. The red pepper adds depth of flavour and parsnip mash is a great twist on your usual spuds. Take a look at our collection of comfort food recipes for more warming, satisfying dinners. 9. Rice paper dumplings Encase pork mince and mushrooms in rice paper then fry until golden brown to make these easy Vietnamese-inspired dumplings. Served with a soy and sesame dipping sauce, they're incredibly moreish. If you're a big dumpling fan, try your hand at making these Lithuanian cepelinai (meat & potato dumplings). 10. Swedish meatball pie This irresistible Scandi-style pie is fit for any occasion, layering traditional Swedish meatballs with creamy mash and lingonberry jam. It looks super eye-catching too, perfect for wowing your guests. Try more of our crowd-pleasing pie recipes, including our chicken, kale & mushroom pot pie. 11. Vietnamese pork & peanut burgers The Asian-style burgers combine pork mince, oyster sauce, ginger and lime. Serve in buns with crunchy lettuce leaves and chopped peanuts for a fresh twist on burgers. Try more exciting burger ideas in our pork burger recipe collection. 12. Pork & harissa meatballs Transform a base of spicy meatballs into three simple dinners for busy weekdays: crispy meatball pizza, honey-glazed meatballs with turmeric giant couscous and spring meatball soup. This recipe will make three batches of meatballs, which will keep chilled. See our dinners that make great lunch leftovers for more ways to stretch your meals. 13. Mini pork pies Perfect for picnics and lunchboxes, these mini pork pies are made with seasoned lean pork mince and have a wonderfully crisp pastry shell. Check out more comforting pork pie recipes, including this pork & ham pie by Gordon Ramsay. 14. Pork & rosemary lasagne Layer pork mince with lasagne sheets and a rich tomato sauce to make this low-fat version of an Italian classic. It's just as flavoursome and warming as the original and perfect for a winter's evening. Big lasagne lover? Find more twists on this cheesy classic in our lasagne recipe collection. 15. Pork meatball bites Serve these fresh, zingy Asian-style meatballs with a lip-smacking dipping sauce for a flavourful party food option - friends and family will be impressed! Discover more reliable party food ideas in our collection of party food recipes.
This chicken recipe might just be the tastiest dish you'll make in your slow cooker
Don't slave over a hot stove – throw a handful of ingredients in the slow cooker at the start of the day and you'll be rewarded with tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken by the time you get home
Slow cookers are having a moment. It's no surprise, really, that when the clocks go back and the temperature drops, our appetite for snuggling up with a bowl of comfort food increases. Luckily we have an arsenal of wholesome dinners – made easier in the slow cooker – perfect for the depths of cosy season. And there's one dish in particular you should consider adding to your rotation: this glistening slow cooker Spanish chicken. Bursting with rich Mediterranean flavours like olives, peppers and spicy chorizo, its tender meat is cooked to perfection. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare and makes dinner party-worthy plates of rich stew (although we'd gun for this any day of the week). Keep reading to uncover ten more chicken favourites from our slow cooker recipe archive. Fancy even more slow cooker masterpieces? Get some mouth-watering inspiration with our best ever slow cooker collection. And if you’re looking to invest in a new slow cooker for the season, check out our tried-and-tested reviews of the best on the market. For even more ideas this season, explore our autumn family dinners, brimming with hearty soups, curries and stews. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. 1. Slow cooker Spanish chicken Winner winner, chicken dinner! This slow-cooked chicken stew is brimming with delicious Mediterranean flavour from chorizo, olives, tomatoes and peppers. The meat will fall off the bone – we like to serve with chunks of fresh bread, perfect for mopping up all of that tasty tomato sauce. See our collection of favourite Mediterranean recipes for more flavour-packed dinner inspiration or try more of our top Spanish recipes to serve with your chicken. 2. Slow-cooker chicken korma This one is for all the chicken curry lovers. A great Friday night dinner which will save you paying for a takeaway, this easy chicken korma is made extra tender thanks to the slow cooker, offering rich, fragrant flavours and creamy results. Any leftovers can be frozen, too. Try it for dinner this week and watch it become a family favourite in no time. Find more chicken curry recipes in our chicken curry collection. 3. Slow cooker chicken chasseur Throw a handful of ingredients in the slow cooker at the start of the day and this classic French chicken chasseur will be ready by the time you get home. This indulgent dinner for two is low effort, but yields impressive results. It is also suitable for freezing – if you have a larger slow cooker, this can easily be doubled, then you can freeze the extra portions in an airtight container for up to three months. Check out more classic French-inspired recipes, from a French-style chicken with peas & bacon to a pork cassoulet and coq au vin. 4. Slow cooker chicken tikka masala Get this chicken tikka masala cooking in the morning and have dinner waiting for you when you get in. Rated five stars by our audience, it's the perfect dish for curling up with on a cold winter evening. Serve with your choice of rice, naan bread and lime wedges to turn into a proper Friday night curry feast. Take a browse through our most popular curry recipes as well as our most popular chicken recipes for more ideas. 5. Slow cooker chicken soup In need of a foodie pick-me-up? Turn a whole chicken into a rustic chicken soup for the perfect antidote to feeling under the weather. Simply pop the ingredients for this chicken soup into the slow cooker in the morning, and it will be ready by dinner time. You could transform this into a warming noodle soup by adding spaghetti broken into short lengths or noodles to the soup 1 hour before the end of cooking, if you like. Discover more mouth-watering inspiration for chicken soup recipes with our best ever collection. 6. Slow cooker honey mustard chicken thighs Marking the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, these slow cooker honey mustard chicken thighs make a valuable addition to your slow cooker repertoire. We love the combination of creamy sauce, fresh greens and crisp chicken. It only takes a handful of ingredients and slow cooks to perfection for a no-fuss dinner which everyone at the table will love. Don't forget the bread on the side, because you won't want to miss a single drop of sauce. Make the most of chicken thighs with our ultimate chicken thigh recipe collection, including mini schnitzels and Japanese-style chicken burgers. 7. Slow cooker pulled chicken Try this easy alternative to pulled pork for a simple yet satisfying family meal or for a relaxed gathering with family and friends. The smoky chicken is made extra tender thanks to the slow cooker, best served in a bun or with rice. However, if you're running short of time, simply put everything back in the pan with the other ingredients, cover with a lid and simmer gently for 1-1½ hrs. Don't fancy a sinkful of washing-up after your dinner? Try our one-pot recipes and our one-pan midweek meals. 8. Slow cooker chicken casserole This slow cooked chicken casserole makes a wholesome yet healthy family dinner – it's low-fat comfort food at its finest. The sauce is creamy but light, and the combination of dried porcini mushrooms and stock gives it fabulous depth of flavour. If you're looking for a winter warmer to satisfy your cravings, this is it. Serve up your plates of piping hot casserole with an optional spoonful of mustard on the side. Try more winning one-pots with our ultimate chicken casserole collection. 9. Slow cooker roast chicken Did you know it is possible to cook a whole roast chicken using your slow cooker? This method of cooking ensures the chicken is extra succulent and packed full of flavour. It takes a grand total of five ingredients to make this comforting family supper – serve it with traditional veg on the side for a Sunday roast with minimal fuss. Anyone can master the art of the roast with our marvellous three-step method. It's freezable, too. Discover more of our top Sunday roast recipes to serve to friends and family. 10. Slow cooker Thai chicken curry Our aromatic Thai chicken curry will cure what ails you. Tender chicken and a creamy coconut sauce make this warming one-pot an instant win. Serve with fresh Thai basil leaves in your rice for an extra dose of flavour. Don't slave over a hot stove – opt for our no-fuss recipe that takes just 10 minutes to prep. Take a look at more of our top chicken one-pot recipes for a filling family meal, or discover more of our family slow cooker recipes here. 11. Slow-cooker chicken curry Looking for a comforting dish that is also low-fat and low-calorie? Look no further than our slow cooker chicken curry. This easy one-pot provides three of your 5-a-day and the chicken is deliciously tender. Our recipe uses mostly storecupboard ingredients, plus it's freezable, perfect if you need a super simple midweek meal. Make a whole range of cheap dinners with our budget slow cooker recipe collection.
Save time, avoid common mistakes and and elevate your bakes with these clever baking shortcuts. Even seasoned bakers are sure to find something new to try out...
Whether you’re an experienced baker looking to finesse your technique or a novice hoping to boost your confidence, any hack that makes baking just a little easier or faster is worth giving a try. So we turned to our team of experts to get their smartest hacks – ready for you to try in your next baking session. These tips will make baking easier, more efficient and just that little bit more foolproof, helping you achieve more professional results. And with the Great British Bake Off final just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to sharpen your baking skills. Read on to discover our very best baking hacks, complete with explanations and ideas for when to use them. With these hacks up your sleeve, you can achieve greater results with less stress and more enjoyment, whether you’re baking a classic lemon drizzle, chewy cookies or showstopping celebration cake. Happy baking! 1. Crinkle your baking paper for a perfect fit Do you often find yourself struggling to get baking paper to sit neatly in a tin? Lining cake tins or trays with baking paper can be fiddly, especially when it springs back or refuses to stay put. The solution? Scrunch up your baking paper into a tight ball, then unfold it and smooth it out before lining your tin. The creases make the paper much more pliable and easier to tuck into the corners and curves without springing back, resulting in a neater lining and less risk of your bake sticking or losing its shape. Try this hack when lining cake tins for a Victoria sponge or traybake recipes for a fuss-free set-up and easier removal after baking. 2. Spoon trick for sticky ingredients Measuring out honey, golden syrup or treacle can be a sticky business, with half of it left clinging to the spoon, making it tricky to measure accurately as well as wasting precious ingredients. To stop this, dip your spoon in hot water first or measure out a little oil before the sticky ingredient. This creates a thin barrier, making the syrup slide off easily and ensuring you get the full amount into your mixture. It also means less mess to clean up. This trick is especially helpful in recipes for flapjacks, sticky toffee pudding or any recipe that calls for syrup, treacle or honey. 3. Bring eggs to room temperature quickly Many cake recipes call for eggs at room temperature as they blend better with other ingredients and help create a lighter and more even texture. If you’ve forgotten to take your eggs out of the fridge in advance, put them in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for about five to 10 minutes. This brings them up to temperature quickly, helping your ingredients combine better and allowing you to get on with your bake without delay. Use this hack for classic sponge cakes, meringues and cupcakes. 4. Make your own buttermilk in minutes Buttermilk is a key ingredient in many bakes, from scones to pancakes, adding a subtle tang and helping bakes rise. But it’s not always in the fridge. The good news is there's no need to dash to the shops; to make your own, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 250ml of milk in a jug, mix then leave it at room temperature for five to 10 minutes until the milk has thickened slightly. It won’t thicken as much as traditional buttermilk, but it’s a great substitute when making soda bread or fluffy pancakes (you can also use it as a marinade for fried chicken or for salad dressings). Don’t worry if the mixture looks curdled or has small white lumps in it, it will be fine once cooked. 5. DIY brown sugar Run out of brown sugar halfway through a recipe? No problem. For a quick substitute, mix one tablespoon of molasses into 200g of caster sugar. Stir well until the mixture takes on a sandy, caramel colour and texture. This quick fix gives you the same rich, full flavour and denser texture needed for chewy cookies, fruit cake or any recipe where brown sugar adds depth of flavour and moisture. 6. Blitz up your own icing sugar No icing sugar in the cupboard? Instead of dashing to the shops make your own at home by whizzing granulated or caster sugar in a food processor, blender or spice grinder until it turns into a fine powder. Sieve before using for the smoothest finish. How fine you can get your sugar will depend on the efficiency of your equipment. A powerful blender will give a much better outcome than an ordinary one. It will also depend on what type of sugar you start with. Granulated sugar will give you a more even grind, but it’s unlikely you’ll be able to make quite as fine a powder as commercial sugar, so don’t expect it to be as smooth if you use it in icing, for example. Use your homemade icing sugar for buttercream, dusting or royal icing, or use to make this lemon drizzle traybake or iced blueberry & lime cheesecake. 7. DIY piping with a ziplock bag If you don’t have a piping bag or nozzle to hand, simply fill a sturdy ziplock or sandwich bag with your icing then snip a small corner off. You can cut a small or large hole depending on the effect you want. This simple trick lets you pipe neat swirls, dots or lines with control and minimal fuss. This hack is perfect for decorating cupcakes, biscuits and cakes or filling éclairs. 8. Grate butter for faster softening Softened butter is crucial for creaming with sugar, but waiting for fridge-cold butter to reach the right consistency can be time-consuming. Speed things up by grating cold butter on a box grater. The thin small shreds will soften much more quickly at room temperature and will blend more easily into your mixture. This is a real timesaver for classic bakes, from cakes and scones to biscuits. 9. Dip your knife in hot water for clean slices For neat, professional-looking slices of cake, brownies or traybakes, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before each cut. The heat helps the blade glide through the icing and sponge, reducing crumbs and preventing the icing or ganache from smudging. Make sure to wipe and reheat the knife between slices for the cleanest results. This is especially effective for rich chocolate cakes, cheesecakes and sticky traybakes. 10. Use an ice cream scoop for even cookies For perfectly uniform cookies, use an ice cream scoop to portion out your dough. This ensures every cookie is the same size, helping them bake evenly as well as looking more professional. This hack is ideal for chocolate chip cookies, oat biscuits or even for portioning cupcake or muffin batters. What if you don't own a scoop? If your cookies have spread too much when they come out of the oven, use a pastry cutter or glass larger than the cookies and shuffle them inside it to make them perfectly round. Then leave to cool on the tray. 11. Slash bread with a razor for decorative crusts To achieve those beautiful, artisan-style patterns on homemade sourdough, use a sharp razor blade or baker’s lame to score the dough just before baking for clean, precise cuts. The cuts allows the loaf to expand in the oven and prevents random cracks, as well as giving your bread a professional appearance. 12. Use dental floss for cutting dough Have you ever tried cutting dough with dental floss? Next time you're thinking of baking cinnamon buns, try using unflavoured dental floss to slice through the dough like butter for clean cuts every time. This hack works for cake, too – to neatly slice a sponge into layers, wrap a piece of thread or unscented dental floss evenly around the circumference, then pull the ends tightly to cut through. Give this hack a go with our cinnamon bun recipes, from caramel apple cinnamon buns and sourdough cinnamon buns to our cinnamon pecan sticky buns. 13. Use cake strips for flat, even sponges If you’re after perfectly flat cake layers for stacking, try using cake strips. These are fabric strips soaked in cold water and wrapped around the outside of your cake tin before baking. They help the cake cook more evenly, preventing domed tops and reducing the need for trimming. This trick is especially useful for celebration cakes and layer cakes. 14. Mark out pavlova on baking parchment Achieving a perfectly round pavlova can be tricky if you’re just guessing the size. For even, consistent results, use a pencil to lightly draw a circle (or the desired shapes) on the non-stick side of your baking parchment. Flip the parchment over so the pencil marks are underneath, then pipe or spoon your mixture within the lines. This simple hack guarantees your pavlova will be perfectly round and your other bakes will be uniform in size – essential for professional-looking results and even baking. It’s especially useful for showstopper desserts, and also makes it easier to portion and present your bakes beautifully. It also works for identically sized macarons, eclairs and profiteroles. One more meringue hack: freeze for ease Older egg whites create more volume when whisked than fresh ones. To break down fresh egg whites, freeze them, then defrost. Or, use frozen egg whites you have left over from another recipe that just used the yolks. 15. Flatten domed cupcakes with a glass jar Cupcakes rising with a domed top is a common issue, especially if you’re aiming for a smooth surface to decorate with icing or fondant. Instead of trying to slice off the tops (which can get messy), grab a clean glass jar while the cupcakes are still warm from the oven. Gently press the base of the jar down onto each cupcake for a few seconds. The gentle pressure flattens the dome, giving you a perfectly even surface that’s ideal for icing and ensures every cupcake looks uniform and neat. This hack is particularly handy if you’re planning to pipe buttercream swirls or want to create a flat canvas for more intricate decorations. Try it next time you bake chocolate, red velvet or vanilla cupcakes. View oEmbed on the source website
10 twists on macaroni cheese that will level up your weeknight dinners
Feeling a bit fuzzy or need some comfort? Make our classic macaroni cheese then discover our popular twists, including mash-ups with fish pie, moussaka and lasagne.
Macaroni cheese is a staple comfort dish for autumn and for good reason. We love its crispy golden exterior, breaking away to reveal piping hot macaroni baked in a velvety and gooey cheesy sauce. This American dish has reached new heights in recent years, with twists on the classic even appearing on supermarket shelves. There's little more comforting or rewarding, however, than a bowl of homemade macaroni cheese. That's why we've listed our popular twists on the classic, meaning you can enjoy cheesy pasta perfection while experimenting with new and exciting flavour combinations. See our recipe for a classic macaroni cheese, then discover our exciting twists below. You can also check out more of our comforting macaroni cheese recipes. 1. Macaroni cheese lasagne Combining two of our favourite comfort food dishes, this macaroni cheese lasagne hybrid is an instant crowdpleaser. Serving 6-8, it's a great way to feed the whole family, with any leftovers perfect for next day's lunch. And who knows, the family may prefer it to the classic! Find more lasagne dishes with our collection of lasagne recipes, vegetarian lasagne recipes and healthy lasagne recipes. 2. Southern-style mac ‘n’ cheese Take macaroni cheese to new heights by adding roasted sweet potato and pepping it up with a pinch of cayenne. It also features American mustard and a generous grating of nutmeg. Find more American-inspired dishes here, featuring our version of American sloppy joes. 3. Butternut squash & sage macaroni cheese Combining creamy squash with earthy sage, this hearty macaroni cheese practically sings autumn. Including 1 of your 5-a-day, this version serves up to eight – it's freezable too, making it perfect for batch cooking. Try more of our freezable pasta bake recipes and freezable vegetarian recipes for quick, easy dinners. 4. Truffled macaroni & smoked haddock bake Round out this cheesy pasta classic with a moreish combination of smoked haddock and truffle. If you're hosting, you can assemble it the night before and finish in the oven the next day. See more winning fish suppers with our smoked haddock recipes and mixed fish recipes. 5. Macaroni cheese with crunch crumb We've upped the ante by topping macaroni with a golden crunch crumb – simply drape over pancetta slices and scatter with the cheddar, bread cubes and spring onions. It's macaroni cheese, made even more comforting. Achieve golden, bubbling pasta perfection with these top 20 pasta bake recipes and freezable pasta bakes. 6. Fish pie mac ’n’ cheese A cross between macaroni cheese and fish pie, this popular hybrid makes for a crowdpleasing and filling family dinner. The dish freezes well, so you can make ahead if you like for busy weeknights. Get ahead in a busy week with our freezable recipes, including pies, curries, stews and soups. 7. Microwave macaroni cheese Fancy a comforting macaroni cheese quickly, without too many pots and pans to wash up afterwards? Look to your microwave - and our three-cheese recipe. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's our speediest macaroni recipe to date, making it a real keeper of a recipe. Discover more easy microwave recipes for speedy dinners. 8. Cheeseboard macaroni cheese Throw any leftover cheese lurking in the fridge into this super creamy macaroni cheese. We used Cheshire, cheddar and camembert, plus extra hard cheese for the topping. Browse our collection of cheesy pasta recipes for more comforting weeknight dinners. 9. Green bean mac ’n’ cheese Boost your macaroni cheese while upping your veg intake by adding runner and green beans into the mix. Top with pumpkin seeds for added crunch and serve with a peppery rocket and watercress salad. Discover more veg-packed bakes in our vegetarian pasta bake collection. 10. Vegan mac and cheese Macaroni cheese gets a vegan makeover so everyone at the table can enjoy. The recipe is quick and easy to make, so it's a great midweek meal for the family. Dive into more vegan pasta recipes, including our vegan carbonara and vegan bolognese. Enjoyed this? Discover more classic recipes with a twist… 10 twists on fish pie 10 twists on classic carbonara 10 twists on chocolate chip cookies 10 twists on cinnamon buns
Eat more, cook less: batch cooking recipes for budget dinners
Get ahead with food prep for the week with our delicious and filling batch cooking recipes, so you can freeze any leftovers for a speedy midweek meal.
Looking for interesting and flavourful recipes to batch-cook? Batch cooking meals will save you time and stress, so they're perfect for when you need dinner, fast. Its also a great way to save money, because you only have to turn the oven on once. All of the dinner ideas shared below freeze well, so you can freeze portions for speedy meals as and when you want them. Pick your favourite from aubergine parmigiana, spiced meatball stew, Mexican-style pulled chicken chilli and more. Just getting started? See our batch cooking for beginners guide to learn more tips and tricks. Next, take a look at our vegan batch cooking ideas for budget meat-free dinners. Check out our batch cooking recipes for even more freezable recipes then cook from our collection of healthy batch cooking ideas. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. 1. Pulled chicken & black bean chilli Prepare for the week ahead by making a batch of Mexican-inspired pulled chicken and black bean chilli, which can be easily doubled and kept in the freezer. Serve with your choice of rice or tortilla wraps, along with coriander, feta, lime wedges and chopped red onion. See more filling and family-friendly chilli recipes. 2. Coconut cashew & butternut squash curry Batch cook this vegan squash and cashew nut curry and freeze for busy days when you need something quick and nutritious. It's perfect for a family meal and makes a solid gluten-free option, too. It can be frozen for up to one month – if you are freezing, just make sure to leave it to cool completely first. Serve with rice, naan and pickles, if you like. See more nutritious vegan curry recipes. 3. One-pot prawn & lentil curry Freeze the dhal base of this curry for busy weeknights. It's cheap, easy and really versatile – simply defrost and add prawns, veg or meat. Slice some green chillies and sprinkle over with a few coriander leaves, then scatter with pickled onions to serve. If you're freezing, make sure to leave the base sauce to cool completely, then tip into a freezerproof container, cover and freeze. The recipe makes four portions, so you can divide the sauce into four smaller containers if you like. Find out how to defrost and reheat. See more of our warming prawn curry recipes. 4. Slow cooker chicken tikka masala Dust off your slow cooker and get this chicken tikka masala cooking in the morning and you'll have dinner waiting for you when you get in. It's perfect for a cold winter evening, plus any leftovers can be frozen. If you don't own a slow cooker, you can cook this dish on the hob or in the oven instead. See more low-hassle slow cooker recipes. 5. Aubergine parmigiana lasagne Combine two Italian classics – parmigiana and lasagne – in this bubbling cheesy veggie bake. It's ideal for batch cooking as you can freeze it before or after baking, ready for when you need an indulgent veggie dinner. The cooked lasagne will keep frozen for up to three months, covered with foil. See more impressive vegetarian lasagne recipes. 6. Sausage cassoulet Use up those cans of beans knocking around in your cupboard with our hearty sausage cassoulet. This classic French sausage casserole is made in a slow cooker, so no sweating it out in the kitchen. We like to serve with chunks of fresh bread for soaking up all the sauce. See more comforting and rustic French stews with our cassoulet recipes. 7. Spiced lamb meatball stew Get your comforting batch-cooking fix with these spiced lamb meatballs, served with chickpeas and pomegranate seeds in a punchy harissa sauce. An easy midweek meal, the recipe uses shop-bought lamb meatballs, so there's less time in the kitchen. You can also freeze any leftovers for busy weekdays. See more hearty stew recipes. 8. Slow cooker ratatouille Make up a batch of this slow-cooked vegan ratatouille and freeze for easy midweek meals when you’re busy. Packed with nutrients, it also delivers four of your 5-a-day. When ready to serve, season, scatter over some extra basil, and serve with sourdough, if you like. See more healthy vegan recipes. 9. One-pan coconut dhal All you need is one pan to stir up this versatile, luxuriously creamy and fragrant vegan dhal before freezing it in portions or as one batch to reheat for another day. Combining red lentils and coconut milk, with hints of cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric and mustard seeds, this warming one-pot packs a flavour punch and is perfect for scooping with naan bread. It can also be used as a base to make other curries. See more comforting dhal recipes. 10. Easy Spanish chicken A classic, comforting stew, batch cook this Spanish-inspired dish made with chicken thighs nestled in a tomato and smoked paprika sauce with chorizo and butter beans. It's high in protein and dairy-free, too. If the chicken skin is taking a long time to crisp you can finish under a hot grill, if you like. See our cheap high-protein meals and dairy-free recipes. 11. Roasted cauliflower & chicken curry Looking for an easy dish to feed the family, with leftovers to spare? If that's a yes, this roasted cauliflower and chicken curry is a great choice. Using a whole cauliflower, it makes 6-8 servings – ideal for batch-cooking. Skip the takeaway this Friday and serve the family this curry with pilau rice, naan or poppadoms for a cosy, cost-effective meal. See more crowd-pleasing chicken curry recipes. 12. Coconut & kale fish curry Batch cook this simple kale, cod and king prawn curry and freeze in portions for busy weeknights. With a coconut milk base and spices, it's full of warming flavour. When you're ready to reheat your leftovers, make sure to defrost thoroughly then warm through in a pan for 10 mins or until piping hot. Like these batch cooking recipes? Discover our other family dinner collections and guides: Healthy family recipe collection High-protein pasta recipes The most popular vegan recipes After-school dinner ideas 10 freezer essentials and recipe ideas
This frightfully easy Halloween treat is made with just 4 ingredients, perfect for a stress-free party
Make Halloween celebrations a breeze with this simple but effective snack that's made with just four budget-friendly ingredients
Looking for fun and easy ideas for your Halloween party? Whether you're throwing a bash for little monsters or grown-up ghouls, we've got spine-tingling snacking inspiration for you. Our go-to speedy Halloween snack recipe, frozen banana ghosts, is easy to make with just four basic ingredients. You won't need to turn on the oven, it takes just 10 minutes to assemble and can be doubled to feed a crowd. If you're planning on assembling a larger spread of treats this year, we've got plenty more terrifying snacks to make your Halloween party a night to remember. We've conjured up our hair-raising selection of sweet and savoury snacks, from spider doughnuts to chocolate bark dips, to put your guests in the spooky spirit. Try our Halloween snack recipes below, then discover our Halloween party recipes and adult Halloween party ideas, plus our main collection of Halloween recipes. For more inspiration, see our easy Halloween baking ideas and top 10 Halloween mocktails. Fill up on savoury dishes with our Halloween dinner ideas. Plus, don't forget your jack o'lantern with our easy pumpkin carving ideas. 1. Frozen banana ghosts Quick and easy with just four ingredients required, these frozen banana ghosts are a no-brainer for a speedy party snack. Bananas taste similar to creamy ice cream when frozen, and white chocolate creates perfect ghostly robes. You don't need to buy lots of expensive ingredients, either: you'll just need a bar of white and dark chocolate, desiccated coconut and bananas to whip up these ghoulish treats. More easy Halloween snack ideas 2. Halloween doughnuts Decorate doughnuts with chocolate spiderwebs by melting white and dark chocolates, then using a skewer to create the pattern. These treats are best eaten on the day, but will keep for up to two days in an airtight container. 3. Halloween toffee apples Bewitch party guests with an offering of glistening toffee apples. Dipped in molten toffee, they can be cast in steely black or shiny red (or any other colour you like) using food colouring. Make sure to let them cool on baking parchment before taking a bite, though. Making these toffee apples is a job for grown-ups, as the toffee will be very hot, but kids will love eating them! Read more tips on how to make candy apples. 4. Chocolate-covered Halloween pretzels Transform pretzels into a sweet, salty and spooky Halloween treat using melted chocolate. With just five ingredients required, they're great for a last-minute snack. Take your chocolate-coated treats one step further and decorate with edible eyes or sprinkles. 5. Pumpkin hummus There are many ways to cook with pumpkin, but one of our favourites is this super-creamy vegan hummus. Full of flavour and goodness, it makes the perfect party centrepiece, especially when served inside a carved-out pumpkin with crudités such as peppers, breadsticks and pitta chips for dunking. If you can't get your hands on a standard pumpkin, a butternut squash or blue-skinned pumpkin also work. 6. Healthy Halloween nachos Looking for a healthier snack to add to your spread? Make your nibbles a bit less naughty with these light and crispy Halloween nachos, served with homemade sweetcorn salsa, fresh guacamole and purple carrot sticks. Kids and grown-ups alike will love the spooky tortilla bat shapes, which you can cut out using scissors or cookie cutters before baking until golden and crisp. To add extra crunch and reduce food waste, finely shred the tortilla offcuts and fry until golden. Drain on kitchen paper and season with salt, then sprinkle over the salsa just before serving. 7. Halloween bark Unleash your creativity by making this ghoulish chocolate bark. Feel free to use whatever sweets you have to hand – sugar-coated chocolate balls, popping candy and chocolate-coated peanuts all work well. Little ones will also love getting involved with the decorating. 8. Chocolate spider cookies Create some Halloween magic in the kitchen this year with these spooky chocolate spiders. This easy recipe uses a few shop-bought ingredients for ease, meaning you'll spend less time prepping and more time enjoying your party. Find more Halloween party inspiration: All our Halloween guides How to throw a last-minute Halloween party Top 10 Halloween drinks recipes Halloween party food ideas How to make a Halloween feast Halloween cocktails, punches and soft drinks Healthy Halloween ideas
Try our "nicely burnt" Basque cheesecake recipe that’s worthy of a Paul Hollywood handshake ahead of tonight’s Great British Bake Off episode
Bake Off enters Dessert Week with burnt cheesecakes, gluten-free sponges and a trifle showstopper. Try our ultimate basque cheesecake recipe, plus our trusty tips
It’s Dessert Week in the Bake Off tent, and presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding are on hand to guide the bakers through a trio of sweet challenges. The contestants are tasked with mastering a Basque-style cheesecake – an iconic bake with its signature burnt top – as well as a gluten-free sponge. The week culminates in the showstopper round, during which the bakers must construct an elaborate freestanding trifle under the watchful eyes (and discerning palates) of judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. With the semi-final looming, the pressure is on: who will impress enough to secure their place in next week’s competition? Some bakers find themselves baking desserts they’re not keen on (though how anyone could dislike a Basque cheesecake is baffling). Despite personal preferences, all five cheesecake attempts look sensational, even if “it’s nicely burnt” is not a compliment often heard in the tent. Alison Hammond keeps spirits high with her trademark encouragement, urging bakers to “elevate” their creations, while Noel Fielding provides light relief by playing hoopla with an orange rind. However, they don’t, ahem, trifle with anyone during the showstopper pudding challenge. Feeling inspired to create a Basque beauty of your own at home? Start with our burnt basque cheesecake recipe, shared below: creamy, light and bittersweet, it's heavenly. From there, read all the tips you need to make the perfect bake, including how to store and what to serve alongside. Burnt basque cheesecake Fancy the sound of baking a Basque cheesecake yourself? Our recipe for this Spanish-style baked cheesecake with a burnished exterior is just the ticket. With crème caramel-style bittersweet notes and a creamy yet light centre, it's also a seriously impressive bake to add to your repertoire. What is Basque cheesecake? Originating from the Spanish coastal town of San Sebastian, Basque cheesecake typically consists of a combination of cream, sugar and eggs. This classic Spanish dessert differs from other baked cheesecakes, as it doesn't have a crust. Instead, it is baked at high temperature to create its signature 'burnt' top, which also holds it together. Tips for how to make Basque cheesecake Bring the ingredients to room temperature before whisking to ensure a smooth, uniform batter that is lump-free, reducing the chance of the cheesecake cracking during baking Once the mixture has been poured into the tin, gently tap it on a work surface to bring any air bubbles to the top. This prevents air pockets from forming during baking, which could crack the surface of the cheesecake To ensure a delicate, mousse-like texture, don't overbake the cheesecake. Baked at a high temperature for a relatively short time, it should form a dark crust on top and have a uniform wobble when gently shaken. Leave to cool fully and chill for at least 2 hrs or ideally overnight for a more intense flavour and creamy texture The cheesecake will rise during baking, then sink as it cools, creating the characteristic crater-like shape For clean cuts, use a large, sharp knife and wipe the blade using kitchen paper between each slice How to know when the Basque cheesecake is cooked A Basque cheesecake should have a deeply caramelised crust and smooth, slightly gooey, mousse-like centre. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven, so check it 8 mins before the cooking time is up – the crust should be a deep caramel colour, and there should be a uniform wobble when the tin is gently shaken. How to store Basque cheesecake Once fully cooled, chill, uncovered, for up to two days. Covering the cheesecake can lead to drops of condensation tarnishing the caramelised crust. Can you freeze Basque cheesecake? Although the cheesecake is best eaten fresh, it can be frozen for up to a month To freeze a whole cheesecake, cool completely and chill for up to 2 hours, then double-wrap in cling film before freezing. Alternatively, cut the chilled cheesecake into slices and double-wrap these individually. Defrost in the fridge overnight What to serve with Basque cheesecake Roasted apricots: cut apricots in half, toss with honey and a splash of Vin Santo or Spanish sherry, and roast at 200C/180C fan/gas 6 for 15 mins Macerated berries: steep strawberries and raspberries in sugar and lemon juice – the acidity helps balance out the rich cheesecake Simple chocolate sauce: melt chocolate and mix with cream, sugar and a splash of almond liqueur to make a divinely rich, silky sauce to pour over the cheesecake Blackcurrant compote: a homemade compote makes the most of seasonal fruit – balance the tart berry flavour with sugar and a touch of lemon juice More Basque cheesecake recipes Salted caramel burnt Basque cheesecake with chocolate sauce Try this indulgent twist on a classic Basque cheesecake from Bake Off 2023 winner Matty Edgell. With a creamy, caramelised centre and burnished top, it's guaranteed to wow your dinner guests. Enjoyed this? Discover more: What equipment do they use in The Great British Bake Off tent? Janusz Domagala on Bake Off, wedding cakes and turning his home into a cake 30 classic British bakes you need to try How to bake for a cake sale Good Food Podcast – Briony May Williams on life after Bake Off, wedding food and her sobriety Rainy day baking recipes