11 Festive Dishes To Make NOW And Freeze For The Holidays

Rose Water & Orange Blossoms

The holidays are quickly approaching, which can only mean one thing: Time to eat!

However, between shopping, decorating and merry-making, it can be hard to find time to prepare delicious food for you and your guests. So why not get a jump start on holiday cooking and baking? These dishes are all freezer-friendly: Simply make them now and pop them in the freezer so that they’re ready to go when it’s party time!

1. Rolls and Biscuits

What holiday meal would be complete without a crusty, warm roll to accompany it? Rolls and biscuits freeze beautifully, so you can make a tray or two right now and have them on hand all season long. And the best part: The only discernible difference between biscuits that are fresh from the oven or fresh from the freezer to the oven is your eyes won’t have dark bags from being up all night baking before the big day. Get the recipe: Foodie with Family.

biscuits-cooked
Foodie with Family

2. Nothing Beats A Homemade Pie Crust

Many of us end up reaching for store-bought dough out of desperation when we run out of time and energy during the holidays. Instead, make a few crusts on a leisurely Friday night while watching a holiday movie. You will never need store-bought crusts again. Get the recipe: Rose Water & Orange Blossoms.

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Rose Water & Orange Blossoms

3. Cookies And Christmas Go Together Like Partridges and Pear Trees

But who has time to be elbows-deep in cookie dough when there are so many fun holiday activities to enjoy and shopping to do? Well, cookie dough freezes wonderfully, so you can easily make your cookies ahead of time… then just pop them in the oven for fresh, tasty treats whenever you desire. Learn how: NellieBellie.

NellieBellie

4. Spread The Love With Casseroles

Holidays can be difficult for elderly people and those without family and friends nearby. If you have neighbors who might need some holiday cheer, why not bring them a casserole to show that you care? You can also make a few and drop them off at a local homeless shelter or nursing home. Check out this Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe from A Healthy Slice of Life.

spinach-stuffed-shells-bulk-freezer-recipe-ahealthyslice_thumb
A Healthy Slice of Life

5. Host A Holiday Brunch And Still Take The Morning Off

Make-ahead Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast from Thriving Home is the answer to hosting, yet still enjoying, a large holiday brunch. This would also be ideal to make ahead and bring to a holiday breakfast at work or for a church brunch.

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Thriving Home

6. It’s Not A Holiday Without Gravy

Gravy is an essential part of every holiday dinner, yet making it can cause quite a headache, especially when you have several other dishes to tend to on the big day. Luckily, gravy is easy to make ahead of time and freeze! Check out this decadent gravy recipe from The Food Charlatan.

gravy
The Food Charlatan

7. Christmas Morning Calls For A Hearty Breakfast

Who wants to be cooking when there are presents from Santa to open? With this Overnight Sage & Sausage Breakfast Supper Bake from Lavender and Lovage on hand, you can have a delicious, impressive breakfast waiting for you in your freezer.

Lavendar and Lovage

8. Be Ready For Unexpected Guests

Don’t stress about not having enough food should visitors drop by. With a flavorful and festive tray of these Herbed Turkey Meatballs and Cranberry BBQ Sauce in your freezer, you will always be ready for those “Oh, I didn’t know you were bringing your girlfriend too” moments. Get the recipe: Spoon Fork Bacon.

Spoon Fork Bacon

9. Healthy Dishes Freeze Well Too

Don’t worry, make-ahead recipes aren’t all carbs and sweets. You can make and freeze healthy items like veggies as well. Check out this recipe for Make-Ahead Green Beans with Lemon Herb Panko Crumbs from The Cafe Sucre Farine.

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The Cafe Sucre Farine

10. Don’t Forget The Apps!

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers from The Domestic Dreamboat are excellent hors d’oeuvres to have in your freezer. They cook up beautifully in no time, and they are perfect for any holiday party. You will never buy frozen store-bought poppers again!

jalapeno-poppers
Domestic Dreamboat

11. Make-Ahead Stuffing Is A Winner

Did you know you could make stuffing ahead of time and freeze it? Yep! Just one less thing to stress about on the big day. Check out this Celery, Apricot and Walnut Stuffing recipe from Marmalade & Me.

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Marmalade & Me

[h/t: The Kitchn]

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About the Author
Bridget Sharkey
Bridget Sharkey is a freelance writer covering pop culture, beauty, food, health and nature.

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