Make the big day easier with our guide on how to prepare Christmas dinner in advance. Take the stress out of Christmas morning and spread the work and some of the food costs by preparing your festive favourites well in advance. Our classic, make-ahead Christmas recipes are all freezable and can be simply reheated on the day.
Find all the essentials, from roast potatoes, Yorkies and stuffing, to mince pies and Christmas cake. These 10 easy recipes can be made fully or partly in advance, then frozen or stored in the fridge.
We’ve also created a Christmas cooking timeline that tells you what to make when in the lead-up to the big day.
If you’re looking for more practical advice and recipe ideas to help you get organised this Christmas, see our freezable Christmas recipe collection, plus read our guides on make-ahead Christmas desserts and make-ahead Christmas starters.
We also have our traditional Christmas dinner menu for classic recipe inspiration.
Make-ahead Christmas cooking timeline
Up to three months ahead (September-October):
• Make, keep, and feed the Christmas cake
• Make, keep, and feed a classic Christmas pudding
• Make and freeze gravy
Up to one month before (November-December):
• Prepare and freeze mince pies
• Prepare and freeze roast potatoes
• Prepare and freeze stuffing
• Prepare and freeze pigs in blankets
• Cook and freeze Yorkshire puddings
• Make and freeze bread sauce
Up to a week before:
• Make and keep the cranberry sauce
• Make and keep the red cabbage
13 classic make-ahead Christmas recipes
1. Make & mature Christmas cake
This traditional festive fruitcake is best made well in advance, and can be fed regularly with brandy, sherry, whisky or rum. Traditionally baked on Stir-up Sunday (the last Sunday before Advent), this cake just gets better the longer it has to soak up the flavours and develop a moist, rich texture.
Try more Christmas cake recipes.
2. Easy mince pies
Nothing says Christmas like a freshly-baked mince pie, and these pretty pastries are sure to impress. Fill melt-in-the-mouth shortcrust pastry with our zesty homemade mincemeat and pop in the freezer up to a month ahead, ready to be baked from frozen at a moment’s notice.
Unbelievably easy mince pies recipe
Discover more mince pies.
3. Golden roast potatoes
Don’t spend time peeling potatoes on Christmas morning – this hearty side can be made up to a month in advance, so you can relax and enjoy the festive fun. Par-boil then freeze for crispy spuds nobody will guess weren’t made on the day.
4. Super-simple cranberry sauce
Tasty trimmings make all the difference with your roast. This classic cranberry sauce requires just three ingredients, and can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
Try more cranberry sauce recipes.
5. Best ever Yorkshire puddings
Don’t disappoint with droopy Yorkies – get a perfect rise with our light and fluffy make-ahead puds. Using only four ingredients, this recipe couldn’t be easier and can be frozen for up to a month.
Check out more Yorkshire puddings.
6. Triple pigs in blankets
Turkey beware – this meaty side-dish might just steal the show! Pack in three times the flavour with these triple pigs in blankets. You can prepare them a day or two in advance and keep on a baking tray in the fridge. On the day, roast in the oven for 30-35 mins until the chipolatas are golden and the bacon is crisp, then sit back and watch them disappear as soon as they hit the table.
Find more pigs in blankets recipes.
7. Make-ahead gravy
Homemade gravy beats shop-bought sauce no matter the time of year – and on Christmas Day, this recipe will take your roast to the next level. Keep for up to three days in the fridge or freeze for up to three months. When you heat to serve, add the roasting juices from your turkey for a luxurious finishing touch.
For a veggie alternative, try our make-ahead madeira gravy.
8. Sautéed salted red cabbage with cranberries
Inject some vibrant colour and fruity flavour into your Christmas Day dinner with this tasty veggie side. Pop in the fridge for up to two days.
See more red cabbage recipes.
9. Sausage & Bramley stuffing
This sausage stuffing is packed with festive flavours, combining classic sage and onion with Bramley apples. Prepare two-three days ahead if you have room in the fridge, or up to two months ahead if you’re planning to freeze.
Check out more Christmas stuffing recipes.
10. Christmas pudding
Finish your feast the traditional way with this classic light, spiced Christmas pudding. Love it or hate it, a fruity basin pudding embodies the spirit of Christmas. Serve with rich and luxurious brandy butter. The pudding can be made 2-3 weeks in advance and frozen in the bowl, and it can also be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. The sauce can also be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge. Read our recipe tips on the recipe page for full instructions.
Discover more of our Christmas pudding recipes.
11. Nut roast
Bake a satisfying vegetarian loaf with lentils, chestnut mushrooms and cheese to go with all the classic roast dinner trimmings. It can be cooked in advance and then chilled, sliced and reheated to make it easier to serve. It’s one of our most popular Christmas recipes on the site, with over 300 star ratings.
See more nut roast recipes.
12. Cheesy sprout gratin
Wondering how to make winning sprouts for your Christmas menu? Try our cheesy sprout gratin and you’ll convert anyone who previously snubbed this festive veg. You can keep this dish for up to two days in the fridge. On the day, bake in the centre of the oven for 20-25 mins or until golden brown and bubbling.
Try out more Brussels sprout recipes.
13. Mulled cranberry chutney
Get set for Christmas with this fruity, spiced Christmas chutney, which has all the flavours of cranberries and mulled wine. Serve as part of a festive cheeseboard, or make as a thoughtful gift.
Check out more Christmas chutney recipes.
Want more tips to get ahead?
Top tips for freezing food
Make-ahead Christmas desserts
Freezing food at Christmas
Top 10 Christmas canapés you can make ahead
Christmas menu ideas
Christmas dinner ideas
When do you start preparing for Christmas? Share your top tips for getting ahead in the comments below…
