299 ahead recipes

Light chicken salad sandwich filling with shredded carrots, celery, grated onion, and light mayo. Make it ahead and stash it in the fridge for quick lunches all week.

Homemade chicken nuggets fried golden in a Parmesan, paprika, and oregano coating. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and miles ahead of frozen. Makes 48 nuggets in just 30 minutes.

Silky chicken and ham mousse blended with Madeira wine and whipped cream, set in a gelatin mold. An elegant make-ahead appetizer for cocktail parties and holiday entertaining.

Marinated vegetable salad with cauliflower, cucumber, and tomato in a white wine and lemon vinaigrette. A make-ahead side dish that marinates overnight and serves in lettuce cups.

Oven-baked bacon on a rack at 400°F, chilled, then reheated at 450°F for crisp make-ahead slices. Cleaner than stovetop, no spatter or flipping required.

Salmon spread cheese ball: a make-ahead party appetizer with canned salmon, reduced-fat cream cheese, lemon, and Dijon, shaped into a parsley-coated ball for melba rounds.

Rainbow meringue torte: four crisp meringue discs layered with chocolate, mint chip, and strawberry ice cream, topped with whipped cream and toasted almonds. A make-ahead frozen showpiece dessert.

Asian-style stuffed mushrooms with crispy bacon, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and garlic in a savory bread crumb filling. Blanched caps keep their shape, and they're make-ahead friendly.

Rice pilaf tossed with Italian dressing, soy sauce, fresh spinach strips, scallions, and crumbled bacon. A make-ahead potluck salad that serves 50 and gets better as it chills.

Greek souvlaki with lamb or pork marinated overnight in olive oil, lemon, white wine, garlic, and oregano then grilled on skewers. Includes a smart make-ahead method for parties.

A make-ahead egg strata layered with sausage, Swiss cheese, broccoli, and stuffing, soaked overnight in a savory custard. Assemble it the night before and bake it for brunch.

Cold chewy noodles with shredded chicken and silky egg strips in spicy Sichuan dressing. This make-ahead Chinese salad is perfect for hot summer nights, ready in an hour.

Soy-sherry marinated broiled chicken served cold, perfect for picnics and summer gatherings. Feeds a crowd of 12 with crispy, savory skin and tender meat you can make ahead.

Chile casserole layered with beef-mushroom freezer mix, enchilada sauce, green and red chiles, corn chips, and melted cheddar. A quick Tex-Mex bake using make-ahead freezer staples.

Mayo-free pasta salad with marinated artichoke hearts, alfalfa sprouts, black olives, and red wine vinegar. The artichoke marinade doubles as the dressing in this tangy, make-ahead side.

Creamy lemon sauce for grilled or baked shark with sour cream, crushed pineapple, lemon zest, green bell pepper, and a hint of ground cloves. No-cook, make-ahead condiment.