Frances Kim

From decorating your Christmas tree to shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone, there are plenty of things that you can do to prepare for the holidays—and that includes making certain parts of your annual feast ahead of time. That's why we rounded up 35 festive make-ahead holiday recipes that you can start now and serve later. These recipes range from appetizers to desserts, with plenty of entrées and side dishes, too. Mains, such as lasagna or beef stew, are classics in the make-ahead genre, but you might not have considered making mashed potatoes the day before the meal—or realized that you can (and should) make crème brûlée for your family feast before the big day arrives. Even better? Follow our festive recipes, and get a head start on the fun.

Don't let your melon baller languish in the utensil drawer! While summer is the season to scoop cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon for refreshing fruit salads and sorbet floats, you can use this handy little tool for so much more.

Let summer berries, melons, peaches, cherries, and more shine with these easy dessert recipes. They all call for zero oven time, minimal prep, and just a handful of ingredients.

Craving pasta but don't feel like standing over a hot stove while your sauce slow simmers? Try making one of our no-cook pasta sauces. They're quick, easy, and delicious.

Let summer berries, melons, peaches, cherries, and more shine with these easy dessert recipes. They all call for zero oven time, minimal prep, and just a handful of ingredients.

Craving pasta but don't feel like standing over a hot stove while your sauce slow simmers? Try making one of our no-cook pasta sauces. They're quick, easy, and delicious.

Nachos are the perfect snack for sports fans—they're easy to make, utensil-free, and guaranteed to be a hit with viewers both young and old. 

Nachos are the perfect snack for sports fans—they're easy to make, utensil-free, and guaranteed to be a hit with viewers both young and old. 

From beef to turkey, vegetarian to vegan, we have a delicious chili recipe here for everyone.

From beef to turkey, vegetarian to vegan, we have a delicious chili recipe here for everyone.

Whether you're prepping brunch for a group or cooking ahead for breakfasts for the work week, it's time to make friends with these large-format starts to the day.

Come winter, oranges are the stars of the produce aisle, and they couldn't be more versatile. Whether you're using the juice, zest, or fruit itself, you'll enjoy the sweet and savory dishes

Come winter, oranges are the stars of the produce aisle, and they couldn't be more versatile. Whether you're using the juice, zest, or fruit itself, you'll enjoy the sweet and savory dishes

Bell peppers are available year-round, but they're at their best in late summer, when they're more likely to come from a farm closer to home. Try them in everything from dips and salads to soups and stews.