12 Days of Make Ahead Holiday Recipes

Hosting during the holidays should bring joy, but sometimes instead of having the chance to visit with your guests, you’re stuck in the kitchen making the food. Do this too many years in a row and quite honestly, it can lead to resentment.

Making as much of the food as you can ahead of time releases that resentment. You’ll be able to sit and visit with your family and friends and actually enjoy the season.

These make ahead holiday recipes will transform your experience this year.

Choose to make them all or just pick and choose the ones you want. Make them in one afternoon or assemble one each day.

How does 12 Days of Make Ahead Holiday Recipes work?

• Sign up. You’ll get a free printable sheet. We’ll also email you tips and ways to get the most out of the recipes.
• Check out the recipes and make a plan and shopping list. If you’re a member of the Freezer Meals 101 Club, you can make the recipes into a meal plan and auto-generate your shopping list, prep list, and printable labels with the cooking instructions and date. Otherwise, just reference the recipes linked in your lovely printable sheet. 
• Get ready. Grab your groceries and do any prep you need.
• Stack your freezer. Do the work now so that during the holidays, you can put your feet up!
• Enjoy the holidays! Pull out the meals you need when you need them and enjoy.

Why participate?

• Save Time: Less time in the kitchen over the holidays means more time for the people and activities you love. Visiting, reading, skating, board games, puzzles, or sleeping!
• Avoid the Crowds: No running to the grocery store right before the holidays. You’ve already got everything you need!
• Save Money: Having meals made ahead means less money spent on expensive convenience food.
• Fun & Engaging: Being part of this challenge is a great way to stay motivated, connect with others, and take some stress out of the season!

Sign up today!

We start Monday, December 9th.

Day 1: Holiday Stuffing

Day 2: Mini Holiday Cheeseballs

Day 3: Maple Dill Carrots

Day 4: French Toast Casserole

Day 5: Homemade Creamed Corn

Day 6: Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip

Day 7: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Day 8: Frozen Oreo Pie – use festive flavored ice cream such as Eggnog, Peppermint, or Gingerbread in place of the Oreo ice cream

Day 9: Glazed Ham

Day 10: Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos

Day 11: Frittata

Day 12: Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce

We have ideas for your holiday sides, main, Christmas morning breakfast, and even appetizers for events you host or attend. All can be made now and kept frozen until you need them.