1,078 ahead recipes

Whipped sweet potatoes with orange juice, brown sugar, and warm spices, baked inside hollowed-out orange halves. A stunning holiday side dish you can freeze ahead of time.

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a buttery pecan praline sauce cooked to soft ball stage. A make-ahead Southern side dish that belongs on every holiday table.

Pinwheel slice-and-bake cookies with a chocolate oat layer swirled around a peanut oat layer. Make the dough ahead, chill overnight, then slice and bake in minutes.

Creamy cinnamon cheesecake on a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with a vanilla sour cream topping and toasted almonds. Best made a day ahead for the richest flavor.

Slice-and-bake chocolate icebox cookies rolled in chopped pecans and topped with melted milk chocolate. Make the dough ahead, chill overnight, and bake 8 dozen in minutes.

Browned sausage, hash brown potatoes, bell peppers, and sharp cheddar baked in a flaky pie crust with a savory egg custard. The ultimate make-ahead brunch for 6.

Crunchy low-fat coleslaw with shredded green apples, red and green cabbage, and a tangy honey-mustard yogurt dressing. No mayo needed for this crisp, make-ahead slaw.

No-cook cranberry relish with crisp celery, fresh apple, and a hit of lemon. Make it a day ahead and let the flavors meld for your Thanksgiving spread.

Freezer-friendly chicken and dumplings casserole in creamy white sauce with broccoli, peas, and melted cheese topped with homemade drop biscuit dumplings. Make ahead and bake from frozen.

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.

Barbecued beef buns simmered in a tangy homemade sauce with ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, and lemon. A great make-ahead recipe for feeding a crowd at cookouts and potlucks.

Raspberry cranberry Jello ring mold with crushed pineapple, whole cranberry sauce, fresh raspberries, and walnuts. A festive, make-ahead holiday side or dessert with a jewel-toned shimmer.

Brown rice summer salad with tarragon vinaigrette, fresh vegetables, peas, and pimentos. Low-fat, no-mayo, and served cold. A make-ahead side dish for hot weather meals.

Confetti rice salad starts with chicken-flavored rice pilaf tossed with green onions, pimentos, and a sweet vinegar dressing. A colorful, make-ahead cold side dish for cookouts.

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.

Rice pudding tart with red wine-poached pears fanned on top, finished under the broiler for a caramelized sugar crust. An elegant dessert that can be made ahead.