15 Make Ahead Christmas Recipes
Christmas can be a busy time, and I always appreciate recipes that let me get ahead of the holiday rush. Make-ahead dishes are my go-to for saving time while still serving something delicious and festive.
That’s why I’ve put together these 15 make-ahead Christmas recipes that are perfect for stress-free holiday meals. From appetizers to desserts, these dishes can be prepared in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the celebration.
Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just want to ease the holiday prep, these recipes will help make your Christmas more relaxed. I love how they combine convenience with great flavor.
If you’re looking to simplify your holiday cooking, let’s dive into these make-ahead recipes and get a head start on Christmas!
1- Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs
Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs are the perfect appetizer made with basic ingredients. These easy cocktail meatballs use cranberry sauce in the barbecue glaze. It’s the perfect meatball recipe for holiday parties!
2- Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom soup just got a makeover with this Vegan Mushroom Soup. With a creamy bisque-like texture and incredible savory flavor, this is a gourmet soup that will wow your tastebuds. Perfect for holiday dinners!
3- Lemony White Bean Dip
This Lemony White Bean Dip is creamy, garlicky, and so flavorful, you won’t be able to stop eating it! It’s gourmet but quick and easy to make with just 10 ingredients. Perfect for an appetizer or sharing plate, or even as a spread for sandwiches and pita.
4- Vegan Zucchini Fritters
These Greek Vegan Zucchini Fritters are the most scrumptious use for zucchini! Packed with herbaceous flavor, spices, and tangy vegan feta, these fritters are a flavor bomb! Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and creamy on the inside!
5- Slow Cooker Mississippi Sin Dip
Slow Cooker Mississippi Sin Dip is the perfect appetizer choice for something creamy and cheesy with a touch of meat. This recipe skips the oven and uses your crock pot for easy transporting and serving for a game day, potluck, or family gathering. It’s too good to pass up.
6- Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds
If you’re looking for a sweet and tasty treat to snack on, share, or give for gifts, then you’ll definitely want to make these Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds. The almonds are similar to the roasted almonds you can buy at the mall!
7- Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip with blue cheese is one of my favorite party dips and it’s so easy to make! I’m definitely a fan of buffalo wings, so I love packing all those flavors into one creamy appetizer dip.
Shredded chicken, cream cheese, blue cheese, and hot sauce bake up into this easy buffalo dip in about 30 minutes.
8- Chicken Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip is one of my favorite dips of all time, and this chicken spinach artichoke dip is made even better with tons of lean protein. With cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and two types of cheese, this dip is insanely creamy.
9- Whole30 Melon Basil
These Whole30 Melon Basil Prosciutto Skewers are a delicious, fresh appetizer to serve at all of your summer gatherings! Additionally, they require no cooking and they are gluten free, dairy free, and paleo.
10- Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
This recipe for Cranberry Jalapeno Dip makes the perfect holiday appetizer with its bright green and red colors. Zesty jalapeño combines with a fresh cranberry sauce, cream cheese, and green onions for an easy party appetizer.
11- Whipped Ricotta Crostini Appetizer
This simple Whipped Ricotta Crostini could be your next go-to dish for an easy yet impressive appetizer. It is easy to prepare, budget friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser! You can whip up this delicious snack with just a few ingredients in no time.
12- 4 Cheese Ball Recipes
Make Cheese Balls for holiday appetizers this year. There are four flavors of these Christmas appetizers to serve as party food all season.
13- Christmas Deviled Eggs
Serve Christmas Deviled Eggs as festive appetizers with bubbly Champagne or drinks at your holiday party. Whip these together in a matter of minutes for a perfect holiday appetizer or a first course.
14- Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Spread
If you’re in search of a sophisticated and impressive appetizer that is guaranteed to satisfy, look no further than this exquisite layered Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, and Avocado Spread. Cream cheese is elevated by the addition of tangy goat cheese, creating a perfect harmony with smoky salmon.
15- BOURBON BACON JAM CROSTINI
Lightly toasted crostini is topped with creamy brie cheese and a sweet and savory bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar bacon jam to create the perfect bite. This bourbon bacon jam can be made in advance making it the perfect appetizer for entertaining.