11 make-ahead Christmas recipes you can start this weekend

Christmas is all about the sparkle. Think carols, presents and long, lazy meals with the people you love. But we all know there’s another side to the season, too. Once the hosting and organising kick in, even the biggest Christmas fan can feel the pressure rising. That’s where we come in. Our aim is to help every Good Food user enjoy the celebrations with confidence, and the easiest way to do that is to take the stress out of Christmas dinner before it starts.

The answer is simple: get ahead. As the old saying goes, fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Not this year. We have gathered 12 must-make recipes that will keep your kitchen calm and your festive spirit high.

First up are our easy gingerbread mince pies. Christmas is never complete without a mince pie and this twist brings cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg right to the front. Make a batch a couple of days before the big day and set them out as a warm welcome for arriving guests. One bite and everyone will know Christmas has truly begun.

1. Easy gingerbread mince pies

These gingerbread mince pies are destined to become a Christmas favourite. They bring together two much-loved festive treats in one bake, giving you all the warm spice of gingerbread with the fruitiness of a classic mince pie. It’s a brilliant way to fill the house with those unmistakable Christmas aromas while only switching the oven on once. A win all round.

It’s never too early for your first mince pie. Explore our mince pie recipes with clever twists to keep this festive favourite feeling fresh all season long.

2. Sticky sage & onion sausage roll wreath with baked camembert

Create this glorious wreath, full of Christmas colour, in under an hour. It turns a simple baked camembert into a brilliant tear-and-share centrepiece that fits perfectly into any festive spread. Ideal if you are hosting a little soirée. Once assembled, the sausage roll wreath can be chilled for a day or frozen for up to a month without the cheese. When it is time to entertain, take it out, place it around your camembert and bake until the centre is melted and oozy. It makes a standout starter or a crowd-pleasing addition to any buffet.

Check out more Christmas buffet recipes to complete your spread.

3. Sloe gin cranberry sauce

No festive meal feels complete without cranberry sauce, and let’s be honest, every roast is better for it, whatever the time of year. Make a big batch of our sloe gin cranberry sauce and freeze it so you can enjoy that sharp fruity hit whenever the craving strikes. It keeps for up to two months, giving you a ready supply for Christmas and for any roast that follows.

Top off your Christmas dinner with more festive cranberry sauce recipes.

4. Traditional mincemeat

Make your mincemeat well ahead of Christmas to give the flavours plenty of time to develop. Our traditional recipe yields up to 2kg, which works out at about four jars. They make a lovely gift to take along to any pre-Christmas gathering, and the mixture is far more versatile than you might think. Along with mince pies, try stirring it into flapjacks, banana bread or even our mince pie rum for a fun seasonal twist.

Find more delicious ways to use up your mincemeat with our collection of mincemeat recipes.

5. Freeze-ahead roasties

With just four simple ingredients, it’s hard to believe you can make these fluffy, crispy roast potatoes ahead of time. If you need convincing, take a look at the five-star ratings from fellow Good Food users. Par-boil your potatoes, give them a good shake in the colander to rough up the edges, then toss with flour and your chosen seasonings. Spoon over the fat and spread it out on a parchment-lined tray to freeze.

When you are ready to cook, roast for 25 minutes, turn up the heat and flip the potatoes. Let them crisp for a further 40 minutes until they are perfectly golden. It’s an easy way to get the roasties everyone reaches for without any last-minute stress.

Our super roast potato recipes will help you make the perfect tatties every time.

6. Gingerbread house

If you are after a holiday project that will keep little ones happily entertained, our gingerbread house is just the thing. One Good Food user put it best: “Love this recipe and now on my 4th year of making it with my grandchildren. Their decoration is not as smart as yours, but our memories are priceless.” Follow our step-by-step video, get everyone involved and let us know in the comments how your creation turns out.

Discover more gingerbread recipes, from classic gingerbread men to showstopping houses and more.

7. Triple pigs in blankets

This little piggy didn’t go to market, another didn’t stay home and a third definitely didn’t have roast beef because all three have been tucked into our triple pigs in blankets and wrapped in bacon. It’s a fun twist on a classic and guaranteed to raise a smile at the table. Make up to two days in advance and keep chilled in the fridge, ready for when you need them.

Explore more pigs in blankets recipes for Christmas dinner, a Sunday roast, or to serve as a crowd-pleasing party canapé.

8. Cheesy sprout gratin

If you have a sprout hater at the table this Christmas, we think we know how to win them over. The answer is simple: add cheese. Our cheesy sprout gratin is rich and creamy with a hint of thyme and a hazelnut topping for extra crunch. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Just remember to let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. No one wants to spoil Christmas dinner by burning the roof of their mouth.

Try more foolproof Brussels sprouts recipes that could convert even the biggest sprout hater.

9. Wild mushroom, port & thyme turkey wellington

If you are after a Christmas main that is guaranteed to impress, our wild mushroom, port & thyme turkey wellington is the one to choose. It takes a little more effort, but the results are well worth it. Even better, you can prepare it up to two days in advance, which means far less pressure on the day itself. Give yourself time to assemble it at a relaxed pace and you’ll avoid any last-minute mishaps, leaving you with a showstopping centrepiece ready for the oven.

Explore more of our Wellington recipes, from classic beef to creative twists for every occasion.

10. Festive rum & ginger punch

If you want to be the hostess with the mostess at your Christmas party without spending the whole night topping up glasses, this rum and ginger punch is your secret weapon. Mix up a batch before anyone arrives and you’ll have six servings ready to go before you even think about a refill. Six might sound generous, but things always get a little lively at Christmas, so we predict a necessary top-up. It’s the ideal festive tipple to keep the party flowing while you enjoy the fun too.

For more drinks that make hosting feel effortless, take a look at our Christmas punch recipes.

11. Herb-buttered baby carrots

These herb buttered baby carrots are a brilliant vegetarian side that frees up precious oven space. Simply mash together butter, tarragon, parsley and mustard, then chill the mix for up to three days before the big meal. On the day, toss it through your carrots and pop them in the microwave.

For more time-saving dishes that free up precious oven space, explore our microwave Christmas recipes.

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