These 15 make-ahead recipes are perfect for busy days when preparing meals from scratch isn’t an option. They’re designed to help save time without compromising on a warm, hearty meal. Ideal for winter, these dishes let you focus on what matters most while still serving something everyone can enjoy.
Vintage Chicken Divan
If you’re aiming for comfort food that brings warmth during chilly days, Vintage Chicken Divan is your go-to dish. It’s a classic that never fails to please, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Easy to assemble in advance, it reheats beautifully, ensuring a cozy meal is just an oven preheat away.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan
Baked Scotch Eggs
Baked Scotch Eggs offer a unique twist to your meal prep, combining convenience with a touch of elegance. They are a brilliant option for those seeking something different from their routine meals. Ideal for breakfast on the go or a protein-packed snack, they maintain their deliciousness even after a few days in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs
Pork Belly Burnt Ends
When it comes to planning ahead, Pork Belly Burnt Ends are a true game-changer. Their rich flavor and tender texture make them a hit for any occasion, ensuring your meal prep is anything but boring. Make them ahead, and you’ve got a versatile component that adds a wow factor to both casual dinners and special gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Pico de Gallo
Freshness in every spoonful is what Pico de Gallo promises, giving any meal a burst of flavor. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a range of dishes, from tacos to grilled meats, and it keeps well, making it ideal for meal prep. This dish is a simple way to add a fresh touch to your meals, ensuring you have a balance of taste throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Creamy Jalapeno Dip
Creamy Jalapeno Dip is not just any dip; it’s a crowd-pleaser that also happens to be a stress reliever for the cook. Make it ahead, and watch it become the star of any meal or gathering, with its rich and spicy flavor profile. It pairs beautifully with everything from veggies to chips, making your meal prep versatile and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
For those winter days when you crave something sweet, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies offer the perfect solution. Not only are they a treat to your senses, but they also store well, ensuring you have a delicious snack on hand. These cookies bring a festive touch to your meal prep, blending rich chocolate with a hint of peppermint.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Smoked Blackberry Margarita
Embrace a unique twist to your beverages with Smoked Blackberry Margarita, a make-ahead drink that impresses you. Its smoky, fruity flavor is a testament to your culinary adventurous spirit, perfect for winding down after a long day or hosting. Preparing this drink in advance means you have a standout item ready to serve, adding an intriguing element to your meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita
Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad combines the universally loved flavors of pizza with the ease of pasta salad. This dish is a lifesaver for feeding a crowd or having quick meals ready in the fridge. Its flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even more delicious after a day or two. It’s a versatile, all-in-one meal that ensures you have something satisfying and ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Beef Wellington Bites
Transform your meal prep into an elegant affair with Beef Wellington Bites. These miniature versions of the classic dish are not only adorable but packed with flavor, making them perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight treat. Preparing them ahead saves you time, allowing you to enjoy the sophisticated taste of Beef Wellington without the last-minute fuss.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites
Pizza Raclette
Pizza Raclette is the answer for those looking for a fun and interactive meal that can be prepared in advance. This dish brings the joy of pizza making to your table with a twist, allowing for personalized toppings and guaranteed warmth. It’s a fantastic option for gatherings, ensuring a convivial atmosphere without the stress of last-minute prep.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Raclette
Southern Ham Salad
You introduce a touch of comfort to your meal prep routine with Southern Ham Salad. This dish is excellent for sandwiches, crackers, or even on its own, providing versatile and flavorful options throughout the week. Its easy preparation and storability ensure you have a hearty option ready, turning mealtime into a stress-free experience.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites
A must-have for anyone looking to spice up their meal prep is Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites. These little morsels pack a punch of flavor and are perfect for parties or a quick snack. Preparing them in advance means you’ve got a delicious treat ready to go at a moment’s notice, making your meal prep both efficient and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites
Croissant Breakfast Casserole
A Croissant Breakfast Casserole in your meal prep arsenal means mornings are something to look forward to. It combines the buttery richness of croissants with the heartiness of a traditional breakfast casserole. Having this ready in your fridge means you can enjoy a decadent breakfast any day of the week, giving you a perfect reason to jump out of bed.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Spinach & Brie Dip
Level up your snack game with Spinach & Brie Dip, a creamy and irresistible option that’s perfect for any occasion. This dip not only brings sophistication to your table but is also a cinch to make ahead, ensuring you have a delicious go-to ready in the fridge. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers, making your meal prep both easy and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Spinach & Brie Dip
Cold Crab Dip
Cold Crab Dip is a refreshing and luxurious addition to your menu, proving that upscale treats can be part of your meal prep too. It’s easy to whip up in advance, offering a delicious blend of flavors that gets better with time. This dip is perfect for entertaining or upgrading a simple snack into a gourmet experience.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip