Make-Ahead

Make-ahead recipes are about easing the pressure before guests arrive or the week gets busy. These are the dishes and drinks that can be prepped in advance, held well, and served when you’re ready without sacrificing flavor or texture.

You’ll find make-ahead salads like BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing and Southwest Pasta Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing, along with sauces and spreads such as Hearty Marinara Sauce that pulls double duty across multiple meals. There are also freezer-friendly and prep-ahead options like Dutch Oven Pulled Pork that make hosting or meal planning far less stressful.

Drinks and entertaining staples fit right in here too, including batched cocktails, syrups, and easy boards like Charcuterie Skewers that can be assembled ahead and served with minimal effort.

Whether you’re hosting, meal prepping, or just trying to stay one step ahead, these recipes are designed to save time when it matters most.