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173 recipes tagged with make-ahead.
Varies Fruit leather is a sheet of pureed fruit that has been dried. Fresh fruits that make excellent leathers are apples, apricots, berries, sweet…
A guide to adding fruits, nuts, or marshmallows to a prepared gelatin dessert. Chill the gelatin until syrupy, fold in up to 1 1/2 cups of additions, then…
A classic stovetop chocolate pudding made with cocoa, chopped chocolate, and whole milk. Silky, rich, and old-fashioned comfort in every spoonful.
About sixty 1-inch balls Many of our readers don’t think it’s Christmas without this cherished classic. These get even better as they age.
About 1 quart jar These spicy pickles go especially well with Braised Pulled Pork and other rich meats. For a milder pickle, halve the amounts of Sichuan…
About 1 ¼ cups A specialty of southern Thailand traditionally used in a curry made with beef and potatoes (see Beef Massaman Curry). To store and use…
8 servings Without eggs, this and the recipe that follows are not classic but are nevertheless quite good.
A colorful mix of roasted, steamed, and raw vegetables tossed in vinaigrette and chilled. A versatile make-ahead side dish.
1 pint bouillon concentrate This homemade vegetable bouillon is a quick, easy, and long-keeping substitute for vegetable stock or broth. We gave some to a…
6 to 8 servings Please read About Aspics and Gelatin. If using store-bought stock, be mindful of its salt level when seasoning the stock mixture.
A rich chocolate mousse made with cooked eggs and a touch of liqueur or coffee. Light, fluffy, and perfect for a make-ahead dessert.
About 8 cups Please read About Meat and Poultry Stocks. For a White Beef Stock, follow the directions for White Veal Stock, substituting beef bones for…
About 1 ½ cups Wonderful with roasted meats, and a good alternative (or supplement) to Cranberry Sauce for serving with a Thanksgiving turkey.
8 to 10 servings Prepare the white sauce and meat sauce a day or so ahead, if you like.
15 servings This traditional Swedish method of curing salmon is easy to do at home. The fish must be impeccably fresh. Gravlax keeps well, covered and…
One 9-inch 4-layer cake; 16 servings This tall cake is a tour de force, based on one made by Megan’s grandmother.
6 servings This simple pudding is made by curdling cream with citrus juice. The absence of eggs or starches makes for a surprisingly light, bright-tasting…
Hard-cooked eggs pickled in a vibrant beet-infused brine with onion, garlic, and pickling spices. The beets tint the eggs a striking magenta and add a…
About ½ cup Catch-in-the-throat Chinese and German mustards are made by blending dry mustard to a paste with a cold liquid such as water, flat beer, or…
6 servings When stiffened with a small amount of gelatin, chocolate mousse can be set in a mold and unmolded or used as a filling for a chocolate…
1 pound This strongly flavored delicacy is a boon to the adventurous or to those who hanker for pungent cheeses but cannot eat them. Like Kombucha, this…
A rich, dark fruitcake packed with candied and dried fruits, walnuts, and warm spices, spiked with brandy. Makes two loaves or one tube cake, ideal for…
A rich, concentrated sauce made by slowly reducing brown stock until it becomes a light syrup (demi-glace) or honey-like glaze. This umami-packed base…
A creamy water-bath cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, enriched with heavy cream, sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest. The water bath ensures a…
A refreshing fruit punch combining black tea, citrus and noncitrus juices, crushed pineapple, and club soda. Served chilled over ice, it yields about…
About 8 cups A great stand-in for salsa or bean salad, this can be eaten immediately or refrigerated overnight. The longer it sits, the better it gets.
A quick homemade cocoa syrup made from cocoa powder, sugar, and water. It can be used to make hot or cold cocoa drinks and keeps for weeks in the…
A frozen berry mousse made from Bavarian Berry Cream with extra sugar, set in a mold or parfait glasses. Topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.
A rich, creamy cooked eggnog made with egg yolks, sugar, heavy cream, and a blend of rum, Cognac, and Grand Marnier. Served chilled with freshly grated…
Eight 3-ounce servings Kulfi is an Indian still-frozen dessert traditionally made by cooking milk down until rich and concentrated. It is common, however…
8 to 12 cups Alternatives: WHITE VEAL STOCK, PORK OR HAM STOCK, POULTRY STOCK, BROWN POULTRY STOCK Alternatives: WHITE VEAL STOCK, PORK OR HAM STOCK…
A rich brown poultry stock made by roasting poultry parts and vegetables until deeply browned, then simmering with herbs and spices. Ideal as a base for…
A rich, frozen Italian dessert made with a light egg foam, melted dark chocolate, and whipped cream. Served in slices or scoops, it's a make-ahead treat…
8 servings For more information on alternate molds and cake linings, see About Charlottes.
About 30 cookies Megan developed this recipe to re-create her favorite childhood cookie.
12 servings Pickled eggs are highly underrated and, if you are a pickle connoisseur, an excellent way to use leftover brine from store-bought or homemade…
About 3 ½ cups This relish goes particularly well with pork. If you wish, you can use 1 ½ cups thawed frozen corn, but be sure to use only good-quality…
6 servings There are hundreds of so-called original recipes for John Kiradjieff’s chili, which he served in Cincinnati’s first chili parlor, The Empress…
A creamy cheese ball made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and vegetables, coated in toasted nuts. Perfect for parties and snacking.
4 servings This salad is our bid for kale’s longevity as a salad green; smoky, toasted pumpkin seeds add richness and texture to the leaves, which soften…
2 ½ to 3 cups Here, a rich cut of pork is cooked until tender, shredded, and then whipped with some of the cooking liquid into a delicious spread. For a…
About 7 cups Save Parmesan rinds in the freezer until you have enough to make this broth. Many grocery stores grate their own Parmesan and have rinds…
1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups Cream cheese is the perfect blank slate from which to make a flavorful sandwich spread that can serve as an alternative to mayonnaise or…
4 to 6 servings Serve with Wilted Tender Greens and a Fried Egg as a vegetarian entrée. The millet mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
A versatile pasta salad tossed with vinaigrette and fresh vegetables, with optional salami or ham and cheese. Serve at room temperature.
These bran muffins are packed with dried fruits and nuts. The batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six weeks, allowing you to bake fresh…
About 4 cups Use to fill ravioli, tortellini, or cannelloni. Serve with a tomato sauce or Roasted Red Pepper Sauce.
About 2 cups This sauce can be made a week ahead. If possible, use large dried Calimyrna figs rather than the smaller, darker Mission figs. This sauce is…
These delicate choux puffs are baked until golden and crisp, then filled with a variety of savory spreads and salads, making them perfect for parties and…
A creamy barley dish cooked risotto-style with mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan. Serves 6 as a first course or 4 as a main.
A simple vegetable stock made by simmering onions, celery, carrots, and optional vegetables with herbs and peppercorns. Yields about 8 cups.
A rich, homemade beef broth made from chuck, vegetables, and aromatics. Perfect as a base for soups and stews.
6 servings Italian panna cotta is a rich but light, smooth gelatin cream. For a panna cotta with little flecks of vanilla bean dispersed throughout…
10 servings For a great first course, serve slices of this fancy meatloaf with cornichons, crusty bread, and whole-grain mustard. Our version has a…
About 1 ½ cups Think of this as a “twofer”: You get meltingly tender cloves of garlic for garnishing, adding to sauces, or spreading on toast, as well as…
12 servings These old-fashioned Italian desserts get their almond flavor from amaretti cookies, which are traditionally made from apricot kernels.
10 rolls; 5 to 10 servings The ingredients in this recipe can be used to make 5 crab, tuna, or salmon rolls and 5 vegetable rolls, or 10 vegetable rolls…
8 servings Despite admonitions to never mix seafood and cheese, we find these especially tasty when sitting atop a cracker mounded high with Treva’s…
A rich, roasted vegetable stock made from browned vegetables and aromatics, simmered with herbs and peppercorns. Perfect as a base for soups and stews.
4 servings An excellent way to prepare chicken for dishes such as Chicken or Turkey Potpie, Chicken Salad, or enchiladas. Turkey is easily substituted…
Eggs are slow-poached in their shells at a low temperature using an immersion circulator, resulting in perfectly poached eggs ideal for serving a crowd.
A savory bread pudding layered with crabmeat and Swiss cheese, baked in a custard until set. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
8 patties These patties are based on a thirties-era recipe for “cheese, nut, and bread loaf.” We find the mixture much more delicious in patty form, as it…
A versatile compound butter recipe with many optional flavor additions, from nuts and herbs to caviar and miso. Use to flavor other dishes.
4 to 6 servings A classic ingredient in Cassoulet, well-browned confit can also be used in hash, as a topping for a salad of sturdy greens, or added to a…
These stuffed grape leaves are a traditional Armenian appetizer, filled with a savory rice and herb mixture. They are served cold, making them a perfect…
36 pieces Assemble ahead of time on the day you serve them and bake just before needed. You can also make these using whole water chestnuts in place of…
About 48 rolls This sweet dough is good for rolls, buns, and coffee cakes. It is designed to be made the night before, then shaped and baked for…
4 servings This is like a Niçoise salad in sandwich form. Our take is a little unconventional with the addition of roasted eggplant, but you can leave it…
These British-inspired hand pies feature a flaky pastry crust filled with ground beef and hearty vegetables. They are durable and travel well, making them…
4 servings Sometimes cooking steel-cut oats in the morning can be a little too much to ask. With this method, you are doing your future self a favor: All…
These paleo breakfast egg muffins are packed with sausage, spinach, and bell pepper. They are easy to make ahead and perfect for a quick breakfast on the…
½ gallon We like to think the jaunty name of this boozy treat, said to be a favorite of George Washington’s, comes from its ability to put a spring in…
About ½ cup This concentrated mushroom-onion mixture is wonderful folded into scrambled eggs or omelets, stuffed under the skin of chicken, spooned onto…
A quick-cooking stovetop pulled pork that's almost as good as smoked. Simmered with a tangy sauce and served on buns with coleslaw, it's perfect for a…
8 servings These soufflés can be made up to 3 days ahead of time; they are resilient enough to be served turned out of their ramekins to show off their…
6 servings These noodles are perfect party or potluck fare: They can be made ahead, hold well, and are best served at room temperature. Chinese sesame…
4 servings Egg salad is extremely versatile. Add herbs, olives, capers, anchovies, or pickled peppers. If desired, leave out the mayonnaise and add the…
18 to 20 servings This is an excellent way of serving mashed potatoes to the masses that can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, sparing you the…
4 servings This tofu-based salad is excellent on a sandwich or served atop Broiled Tomatoes.
A classic tomato sauce made with fresh beefsteak tomatoes, simmered with herbs and a touch of sherry vinegar for depth. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a…
A classic British trifle with layers of sponge cake, fruit preserves, berries, crème anglaise, and whipped cream, topped with toasted almonds.
About 5 cups Serve these with ice cream; use any leftover syrup in cocktails.
About 45 biscuits ANZAC is an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and these biscuits were sent to soldiers abroad during World War I…
6 servings The flavor of this loaf is even better the next day. Leftovers make terrific sandwiches. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 × 5-inch loaf…
12 to 16 servings Made like a chocolate mousse, this rich loaf is firm enough to be cut into slices and served with a sauce. The terrine can be tightly…
A creamy chia pudding made with applesauce and cinnamon, sweetened with maple syrup. It's a simple make-ahead breakfast that can be customized with fresh…
This French onion dip is made from scratch with caramelized onions, crème fraîche, and Greek yogurt. It's a rich and flavorful appetizer that pairs…
Crunchy saltine crackers coated in a spicy ranch oil mixture. A quick and easy snack for parties or anytime.
Bite-size crab cakes made with fresh Dungeness crab and coated in saltine cracker crumbs, baked until golden. Served with a spicy jalapeño tartar sauce…
A baked French toast casserole with caramelized brown sugar and butter. Thick bread slices are soaked in an egg-milk mixture and baked until golden…
A savory breakfast casserole made with toasted everything bagels, eggs, cheese, bacon, and scallions. It's assembled ahead and baked until golden and set.
Salmon gravlax is a Scandinavian-style cured raw salmon with a sweet and savory rub of brown sugar, salt, and pepper, layered with fresh dill. It is…
A rich chocolate and olive oil truffle paired with a sweet-sour raspberry and red pepper jelly, topped with flor de sal and fresh raspberries.
A classic layered salad with crisp lettuce, vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese, dressed with a creamy mayonnaise-sour cream mixture…
A creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing made with sour cream, buttermilk, and blue cheese crumbles. Perfect for salads or as a dip.
A hearty granola packed with oats, nuts, coconut, and dried fruits. Perfect for breakfast or snacking, customizable with your favorite add-ins.
A creamy tomato soup with tang from cream cheese and crunchy biscuit croutons. Perfect for a comforting meal any time of year.
A fragrant and numbing Sichuan peppercorn oil, perfect for drizzling over noodles, soups, shellfish, sautéed greens, and fried rice. This versatile oil…
Homemade teriyaki beef jerky made from thinly sliced sirloin or round steak marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar…
A hearty French-style root vegetable soup with bacon and leeks, pureed until smooth and finished with cream. Perfect for cold days.
A colorful gratin made with layers of root vegetables like russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, parsnips, and yellow beets, baked in a creamy…
This seafood macaroni salad is loaded with shrimp and imitation crab, coated in a creamy Cajun-spiced dressing. It's a nostalgic twist on a classic pasta…
A savory baked egg casserole with bread and Velveeta cheese, perfect for brunch. It is prepared the night before and baked until golden and set.
A creamy panna cotta infused with Earl Grey tea and lemon, served in teacups or ramekins. This Italian gelatinized custard is a delicate dessert that…
Preserved lemons are a staple in Moroccan cuisine, made by curing lemons in salt and their own juices. They add a bright, salty flavor to tagines, salads…
Quick and easy refrigerator pickles made with cucumbers, garlic, and dill. Customize with other vegetables or spices for variety.
A refreshing frozen dessert made from lychees and ginger, perfect for dinner parties. It can be served on its own or with vanilla or coconut ice cream.
A hearty chili made with ground beef and Italian sausage, simmered with tomatoes, beer, and spices. Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite toppings.
A vibrant bowl featuring roasted turmeric cauliflower and garlicky chickpeas over spinach, topped with radishes, avocado, and a creamy cucumber-dill…
Grilled shrimp seasoned with Creole spices, served chilled with a spicy homemade cocktail sauce. A make-ahead appetizer that's perfect for entertaining.
This oven-smoked salmon is marinated in a sweet and savory spice blend with liquid smoke, then baked until flaky. Serve with lemon wedges.
Overnight caramel-pecan rolls are a make-ahead breakfast treat. The dough is prepared the night before, then baked in the morning for gooey, nutty rolls.
A magnificent Gujarati vegetable curry with chickpeas, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and green beans in a spiced cashew-tomato sauce. Served with fluffy…
A versatile chili oil infused with roasted arbol chilies, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Perfect for drizzling over noodles, dumplings, fish, and fried…
A gluten-free morning bread with raspberries and key lime zest, inspired by Latin and Caribbean cuisines. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts.
A crunchy slaw of green cabbage and kohlrabi with a tangy rice vinegar and soy dressing, accented with chili oil. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or…
Hard-boiled eggs are cracked and simmered in a savory soy sauce broth with star anise, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns, then steeped to create a…
MAKES ABOUT 1 CUP Wade, who worked as a crewman on our boat for most of our childhood, brought furikake from his home in Hawaii to the boat each summer to…
Hearty breakfast burritos with andouille sausage, hash browns, bell pepper, onion, eggs, and two kinds of cheese. A spicy Cajun twist on a classic…
A quick and easy make-ahead egg and cheese sandwich with ham and spinach, perfect for breakfast on the go.
A slow-cooker pot roast with mashed sweet potatoes, made with cola for tenderness. The roast becomes meltingly tender, and the sweet potatoes are…
A slow-cooker pot roast with mashed sweet potatoes, made with cola for tenderness. The roast becomes meltingly tender, and the sweet potatoes are…
Homemade lamb ravioli with a spinach and mint filling, served with brown butter and fresh mint. A modernized family recipe that replaces traditional beef…
A make-ahead Manhattan cocktail with bourbon, sweet vermouth, scotch, and orange bitters, garnished with a homemade cherry. Perfect for unwinding after a…
Quick and easy pickled red onions with a sweet and tangy brine. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a garnish.
A tangy, spicy Creole mustard made with black and yellow mustard seeds, perfect for po'boys, biscuits, or as a dipping sauce.
A vegan panna cotta made with creamy coconut milk, sweetened with maple syrup, and topped with passionfruit and toasted coconut. It's light, fresh, and…
A hearty Italian sausage stew with red wine, potatoes, and kale, served with grilled bread. Designed for camping with minimal cleanup and make-ahead…
A creamy cheese ball studded with dried beef and green onions, perfect for parties. Serve with crackers for a classic appetizer.
A creamy, nutrient-packed chia seed pudding made with coconut milk and cacao. Perfect for a make-ahead dessert or breakfast, it's keto-friendly and can be…
A smooth red pepper sauce made with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and aromatics. Perfect for complementing stuffed piquillo peppers, grilled fish, pasta…
A quick and spicy cocktail sauce made with ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, and hot sauce. Perfect for fried fish, oysters, or shrimp.
A light and creamy British dessert with vanilla, honey, and lemon, topped with crunchy pistachios. This modernized syllabub uses yogurt for a refreshing…
These icebox pull-apart rolls are made with a yeasted dough that rises in the refrigerator, allowing you to prepare them in advance. They bake up golden…
These chocolate-pistachio slice-and-bake cookies are easy to make and sophisticated. Rolled in pistachios, they are perfect for satisfying a cookie…
These flourless chocolate cakes are baked in small mason jars and have a spicy kick from chipotle chili powder. They are gooey in the center and can be…
A versatile sweet-and-sour vegetable salad that can be made with fresh or canned vegetables. Perfect for holidays, it marinates overnight to save…
A vibrant Argentinian-style chimichurri made with cilantro and lime, perfect for grilled meats, fish, tacos, and more. This versatile sauce comes together…
A creamy, savory crab dip made with cream cheese, crabmeat, and a hint of French mustard and white wine. Perfect for parties or as a make-ahead appetizer.
A festive salad combining sweet dried cherries, spicy candied pecans, piquant blue cheese, and a mix of spinach and kale. It holds up well dressed, making…
A creamy celery root puree that serves as an elegant alternative to mashed potatoes, pairing perfectly with rich beef dishes. The puree can be prepared in…
These chocolate chip cookies are made with plant-based ingredients and can be frozen for later baking. Simply prepare the dough, portion into mounds…
A tropical parfait with coconut custard, fresh mango, and crumbled cookies, topped with whipped cream. Perfect for a casual backyard barbecue.
A simple no-knead white bread loaf with a crisp crust and soft interior. The dough is refrigerated overnight for easy handling.
This homemade honey yogurt is simple, tangy, and slightly sweet. It takes about a full day to make but is economical and rewarding.
A vibrant bowl featuring summer vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and corn, served with creamy basil pesto. Perfect for a light lunch or…
A hearty seafood chowder with bacon, white fish, shrimp or lobster, and potatoes in a creamy broth. This recipe, passed down from the author's…
A Southern-style pimento cheese spread made with a blend of cheddars, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pimientos. Perfect for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or…
A creamy, savory salmon spread made with canned salmon, cream cheese, and bold seasonings. Perfect as an appetizer with crackers or as a bagel spread.
A savory breakfast casserole with bread, sausage, eggs, and cheese. Perfect for holiday mornings or any day that needs a comforting start.
Rich chocolate creams infused with cardamom and coffee, served with crisp orange and cinnamon tuiles. A sophisticated dessert perfect for entertaining.
A traditional Bengali dessert, baked yogurt is gently sweetened with condensed milk and rose syrup, resulting in a firm, cheesecake-like texture. It can…
A classic picnic staple made with macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, green peppers, pimientos, and onions in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Easy to customize with…
A classic coleslaw with a creamy mayonnaise dressing, shredded cabbage, and carrots. Simple and flavorful, perfect as a side for BBQ or sandwiches.
These homemade granola bars are packed with oats, wheat germ, walnuts, and dried cranberries, sweetened with honey and brown sugar. They make a perfect…
A quick and easy side dish featuring crisp-tender broccolini and creamy white beans tossed in a tangy lemon-honey mustard dressing with capers. Perfect…
A quick and easy side dish featuring crisp-tender broccolini and creamy white beans tossed in a tangy lemon-honey mustard dressing with capers. Perfect…
Creamy mashed potatoes are mixed with cheddar and Parmesan, topped with a buttery panko crust, and baked until golden. This cheesy, crispy side dish is…
A large sheet-pan tart with a cookie crust, Meyer lemon cream, and fresh berries. Perfect for parties.
A homemade granola combining oats, coconut, walnuts, almonds, and dried cherries. It's a flexible, kid-friendly snack that can be customized with…
Fresh citrus supremes over vanilla ice cream, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. A simple yet elegant winter dessert.
A simple garlic bread made with sourdough baguette, butter, olive oil, Parmesan, and herbs. It's a crowd favorite that can be prepared ahead and frozen.
A refreshing sangria combining Moscato, strawberries, peaches, and elderflower liqueur. Perfect for summer entertaining.
A healthy, not-too-sweet granola made with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Serve with yogurt and fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
A creamy, coconutty chia seed pudding sweetened with honey and topped with toasted coconut and raspberries. Perfect as a dessert or breakfast.
A hearty pasta salad with roasted chicken, marinated artichokes, and fresh herbs in a homemade herb oil. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
These beef tamales feature shredded chuck roast in a rich ancho chile sauce, wrapped in masa and corn husks, then steamed until tender. Perfect for…
A creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Roquefort or Danish blue cheese. Perfect for salads or as a dip.
A savory bread casserole layered with cheese, broccoli, and ham or turkey, soaked in an egg custard and baked until golden. Perfect for a make-ahead…
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