20 Holiday Staples You Should Make Ahead This Year

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Allison Day

Many recipes shared around the holidays benefit from being made in advance, leaving more time to socialize and less time stressing around the already busy season. Included, you’ll find make-ahead marvels such as fruitcake, cookie dough, tourtière, kugel, freezer-friendly party apps, turkey, mashed potatoes and so much more. With these recipes in your back pocket, festive entertaining just got a whole lot easier.

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1 of 20

Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Strata

Don’t forget about a special holiday brunch to celebrate the season. Strata makes early-morning entertaining attainable and delicious, and it has to be prepared the night before. An hour before you’re ready to eat, just bake in the oven. Meanwhile, put out a bowl of peel-your-own clementines, brew a pot of coffee and set the table – <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-holiday-brunch-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">brunch is sorted</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/easy-christmas-morning-strata-recipe/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Strata</a>
2 of 20

Holiday Cheese Ball Wreath

No holiday party is complete without a cheese ball! A Bundt pan is used to create a dazzling, edible wreath. Make this impressive appetizer that will feed a crowd up to two days in advance. The perfect Bundt pan: <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0000VLI4Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B0000VLI4Q&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent-20&linkId=526a51fd30ec3fe286218085b13f290c" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Cuisinart Cake Pan, $29, Amazon</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/holiday-cheese-ball-wreath/19461/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Holiday Cheese Ball Wreath</a>
3 of 20

Turkey Roulade

If cooking a whole turkey for your holiday dinner, especially if you’re hosting a smaller group, feels like a bit too much food (there’s only so many <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/leftover-thanksgiving-panini/17094/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">leftover turkey sandwiches</a> one can eat!), turn to this stuffed turkey breast roulade instead. Sausage, herbs and vegetables are rolled in a turkey breast, creating a never-dry roasted bird. Roll everything ahead, cover and refrigerate for a couple of days, and then pop in the oven when guests arrive. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-roulade/20075/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Turkey Roulade</a>
4 of 20

Mincemeat Pie

Heavily spiced and filled with dried fruit, citrus peel, and brandy, mincemeat pie is a holiday classic. The filling benefits from sitting for a few days (some old-school recipes call for more booze-forward fillings to cure for months!), as does the pie crust. Buy it: <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B019FHD09G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B019FHD09G&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent-20&linkId=2711b0fde08a1f27491be304e220c2a2" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">OXO 19-Inch Glass Pie Plate, $17, Amazon</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mincemeat-pie/12729/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Mincemeat Pie</a>
5 of 20

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

A cheesy way to get your greens this holiday season, broccoli and cheese casserole is always a crowd pleaser. Make the broccoli base a couple of days ahead and top with the cracker crumbs immediately before baking. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/broccoli-and-cheese-casserole/22923/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Broccoli and Cheese Casserole</a>
6 of 20

French Canadian Tourtiere

Tourtière is a savoury pie that appears around the holidays in Québécois households (<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/the-meaty-history-of-quebecois-tourtiere/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">more on the history of the pie here</a>). The spiced meat filling and pastry can both be made a couple of days in advance of baking, kept separately, covered in the refrigerator and then assembled and baked right before serving. You can also assemble the entire pie, wrap and freeze for up to a month, and then bake from frozen. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/french-canadian-tourtiere/17000/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s French Canadian Tourtiere</a>
7 of 20

Noodle Kugel

A classic take on an egg noodle kugel, this casserole is perked up by a hint of cinnamon and orange, and made rich and creamy with cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs and milk. Prep the casserole ahead (hold off on the cornflakes for now) and keep covered in the refrigerator for a day or two, and then top with the buttered cornflakes before baking. Buy it: <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00OPAVEAG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B00OPAVEAG&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent-20&linkId=1873b01f79b32207543574bd58ed8cec" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creo 3-Quart Baking Dish, $45.99, Amazon</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/noodle-kugel/17566/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Noodle Kugel</a>
8 of 20

Prosciutto Spinach Party Wheels

Keep <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/brilliant-ways-with-puff-pastry/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">puff pastry</a> in the freezer all season long to roll into a variety of holiday pinwheel appetizers. This savoury version has prosciutto, cheese and spinach. The pinwheels can be assembled and baked ahead of time, and then frozen and reheated in a low oven until warmed through when it’s party time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/prosciutto-spinach-party-wheels/13944/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prosciutto Spinach Party Wheels</a>
9 of 20

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet and savoury, creamy and crunchy, this decadent vegetable side can be made a few days in advance and then baked up right before serving. Add it to your buffet table or <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/photos/25-best-potluck-party-holiday-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bring along to a holiday potluck</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-potato-casserole/19092/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Casserole</a>
10 of 20

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey

The Pioneer Woman developed a whole roast turkey that can be made ahead, providing tips and tricks for keeping the bird juicy, even the white meat that’s prone to drying out. A true holiday dinner game-changer. Buy it: <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B06XPF6M8J/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B06XPF6M8J&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent-20&linkId=94370e64892d763b3cb2444baba6cabb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cuisinart Electric Knife, $49.99, Amazon.</a> Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/make-ahead-thanksgiving-turkey/22001/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey</a>
11 of 20

Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce

A turkey dinner isn’t complete without <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/photos/easy-cranberry-sauce-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cranberry sauce</a>. Skip the canned stuff – it’s so easy to make your own with just a few simple ingredients. Save stovetop space on the day of the big meal with this do-ahead recipe. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/make-ahead-cranberry-sauce/17580/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce</a>
12 of 20

Make-Ahead Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes can often become dry and crumbly, losing their comfort-food appeal just hours after they’re prepared. But this recipe is different. With the addition of cream cheese, mashed potatoes stay rich and creamy for a couple of days until you’re ready to reheat and eat. Buy it: <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B008UZ2B5O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B008UZ2B5O&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent-20&linkId=7be39215fb2eec0571ab1f62be5030c6" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KitchenAid Wire Masher, $9.99, Amazon</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/make-ahead-creamy-mashed-potatoes/22096/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Make-Ahead Creamy Mashed Potatoes</a>
13 of 20

Anne Burrell’s Beef Bourguignon

This iconic French dish is made for the holidays – and for making ahead of time. Special-occasion beef bourguignon gets better one or two days after it's cooked, leaving you ample time on the day of your dinner to fix a simple salad and slice a baguette. A reheat and eat festive French masterpiece. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/anne-burrells-beef-bourguignon/17533/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Beef Bourguignon</a>
14 of 20

Sichuan-Style Dumplings with Peanut Dipping Sauce

If your family’s holiday feasts aren’t complete without dumplings, look no further than this juicy mushroom and pork version. Get everyone involved in the production, individually freeze and then store airtight in the freezer until you’re ready to cook them off. Served as an appetizer or part of the main course, they’re impossible to resist – especially with a spicy peanut dipping sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sichuan-style-dumplings-with-peanut-dipping-sauce/14064/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sichuan-Style Dumplings with Peanut Dipping Sauce</a>
15 of 20

Chickpea Curry with Rice

<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/slow-cooker-curry-recipes-deliver-comfort/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Curries</a> provide warming, hearty comfort food on cold holiday nights, and they often benefit from being made in advance, developing in flavour for a best-ever festive meal with a kick. Here, chickpeas are spiced to perfection and stewed until plump, which you can do a few days ahead of time. Reheat the stewed chickpeas on the stovetop, cook up some rice to ladle your curry over and serve with tender naan, cooling cucumber and yogurt (or your family’s go-to curry accompaniments). Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chickpea-curry-with-rice/16616/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Chickpea Curry with Rice</a>
16 of 20

Rum Punch

Jamaican holidays and rum punch just go together. Mix up a pitcher at least one hour or up to a day ahead of your festive gathering, and garnish with juicy, bright fruit slices right before serving. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rum-punch/17539/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Flay's Rum Punch</a>
17 of 20

Stained Glass Sugar Cookies

Whip up a big batch of basic sugar cookie dough to transform into a range of colourful, buttery cookies that will put a smile on anyone’s face. This cookie tree gets its sparkle from crushed candies. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/stained-glass-sugar-cookie-recipe/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stained Glass Sugar Cookies</a>
18 of 20

Nanaimo Bars

You’re sure to see <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/history-of-nanaimo-bars/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canada’s own Nanaimo bars</a> appear more often on festive sweets trays during the holiday season, and they can be made well in advance. Freeze prepared bars tightly wrapped for 1 to 2 months, defrost, slice and devour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/anna-olsons-nanaimo-bars/16550/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson’s Nanaimo Bars</a>
19 of 20

Holiday Biscotti

Italian biscotti are purposefully dryer for dunking in espresso, or any other seasonal drink you fancy, so their texture won’t suffer by being made ahead. Store a batch on your counter for the week, or freeze for a month or so. The ultimate do-ahead addition to any cookie tin. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/holiday-biscotti/17444/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada de Laurentiis' Holiday Biscotti</a>
20 of 20

Free Range Fruitcake

Make-ahead holiday fruitcake is a stalwart addition to any festive sweets tray. This version is jam-packed with dried fruits and spices, all tied together with a finishing spritz of brandy. It’s best two weeks after it’s made, so baking ahead is a must. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/free-range-fruitcake/19380/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alton Brown's Free Range Fruitcake</a>
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