1,078 ahead recipes

Raspberry trifle layers jam-spread ladyfingers, fresh raspberries and split almonds with a homemade wine-laced custard, all crowned with whipped cream. A classic English make-ahead showstopper in a glass bowl.

A chilled summer pasta salad of garden vegetable pasta, cooked shrimp, and sweet honeydew melon balls tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. A refreshing, make-ahead sweet-and-savory dish for warm days.

Raspberry-tangerine mousse folds fresh raspberries and bright tangerine into a light gelatin-set base lifted with an orange-liqueur sabayon and whipped cream. A make-ahead fruit mousse for individual glasses.

Ranch ham roll-ups spread a ranch-spiked cream cheese over tortillas, layer on ham, and roll them tight, then slice into bite-size pinwheels. A no-bake, make-ahead party appetizer.

Make-ahead breakfast casserole layering crisp bacon, cubed bread, eggs and sharp cheddar into a savory overnight strata. Assemble it the night before and bake in the morning. Feeds a holiday crowd.

Friday night pot roast marinated overnight in red wine, apple juice, and aromatics, then braised low and slow for 4 hours. A make-ahead roast with a reduced wine sauce, served chilled and reheated.

Chicken Marbella, the legendary Silver Palate dish, marinates chicken overnight with prunes, green olives, capers, garlic, and oregano, then bakes in white wine and brown sugar. The ultimate sweet-savory make-ahead dinner party centerpiece.

Crispy flour-dredged soft-shell crabs served on a pool of creamy tomato sauce with creme fraiche, cumin seeds, celery seeds, garlic, and shallots. A restaurant-worthy crab dish with a make-ahead sauce.

Retro shrimp mousse dip with cream cheese, tomato soup, mayonnaise, and chopped shrimp set with gelatin into a firm, scoopable spread. A make-ahead party appetizer that's been stealing the show at potlucks for decades.

A make-ahead layered pasta salad loaded with kidney beans, corn, bell peppers, and a creamy taco-seasoned dressing. This Southwestern pasta salad feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.

Make-ahead barley polenta cooked in milk and honey, chilled overnight, then cut into squares, coated in wheat germ, and pan-fried in butter until crispy. A wholesome, nutty breakfast or side dish.

A hilariously gross Halloween cake decorated to look like a head with frosting 'hair,' cherry eyes, and a fruit roll-up tongue. Kids go absolutely wild for this one. Easy box cake base.

Why buy salad dressing when it's easy to make your own, here's a Raspberry Walnut dressing that can be made ahead and is ready when you are. Makes about two cups of dressing.

Barely-baked chocolate truffle squares with a full pound of melted semi-sweet chocolate, whipped egg whites, and a tangy sour cream swirl on top. Chilled, sliced, and frozen for make-ahead indulgence.

Homemade Swedish Christmas sausage (julkorv) stuffed into natural hog casings with ground beef, mashed potatoes, allspice, and cloves. A treasured Scandinavian holiday tradition you can make ahead and freeze for the big day.

Big-batch slushy punch made with cherry gelatin, pineapple juice, orange juice, and ginger ale. Freezes ahead, thaws to a rosy slush, and serves 46. The go-to punch for weddings and showers.