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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
6 Min
23/12/2025
Who wants a last-minute hassle of baking, roasting or fixing when the Christmas tree is up and all shimmery and twinkling and the carols are about to be sung? So, here’s your guide to make ahead of your Christmas dinner, for the holiday magic shouldn’t come with stress and a cloud of smoke from the oven! From appetisers to desserts, these recipes can be prepped in advance so you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying.
Who says Christmas cooking has to turn into a marathon with last-minute stress? With a little planning and some clever make-ahead tricks, you can have your appetisers, mains, sides, and desserts ready well before guests arrive – leaving you free to enjoy the lights, music, and company without hovering in the kitchen or splitting your time between cooking or baking and schmoozing. From crispy, savoury bites to indulgent desserts, this guide shows you how to prep ahead, stay relaxed, and still serve a table that feels festive, impressive, and full of flavour.
Quick prep and thoughtful presentation ensure your appetisers are as inviting as they are delicious. Prepare ingredients ahead of time to keep everything running smoothly. Keep dips, spreads chilled, platters ready, along with the festive garnishes for last minute touces.
Small cheese balls coated in colourful ingredients create a stunning and appetising platter. These bite-sized morsels feature a creamy base, which can be made with different cheeses like cream cheese, feta or goat's cheese, or a mix of all. These cheese balls are rolled in crushed nuts, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, crispy bacon or minced dried fruits. If you don’t want the hassle of the smaller size, try a giant cheese ball (shaped like a cone to resemble a Christmas tree).
This dish is a simple yet unique way to use the season’s freshest baby potatoes. The potatoes are thinly sliced without cutting all the way through, and they are wrapped with bacongives this dish a rich and smoky flavour, with a sprinkle of black pepper enhancing the taste. The root vegetables fan out while baking, which turns their edges crispy with a nicely cooked centre. You can add more seasonings like peri peri or Italian seasoning, anything that amplifies the taste of the bacon and potatoes.
Doing the basics with the main course looks like bringing the meat to room temperature before cooking. Seasoning generously, letting the roasts rest after cooking to retain juices. Then, also focusing on the basting or scoring to enhance flavour and texture, making them the centrepiece of your holiday table.
What is Christmas without its pork, as this dish takes slow cooking to new heights that transform pork shoulder into incredibly juicy, pull-apart perfection. Twelve hours of roasting at low heat will let the meat retain moisture. Make sure to season the meat well with a paprika mix or go for barbecue one and let time work its magic. The pork also reheats well, while maintaining its succulence. Pile high on soft rolls with coleslaw, or shred and arrange on a platter for more formal presentation.
Anything glossy will be an instant hit, and this dish switches from pork to chicken, using bone-in chicken thighs. Marinate them in a brown sugar marinade, inspired by a classic Christmas ham glaze, which will make this Christmas chicken extra moist, flavourful, and ultra‑sticky. Prepare the day before, then briefly microwave and finish in the oven to restore that gorgeous sticky coating. The golden colour and caramelised edges will make this a showstopper.
Prepare the vegetables ahead – cooking them until just tender and avoid overcrowding trays to ensure even roasting and crisp edges. Parboil root vegetables if needed, then finish in the oven for perfect texture. Add finishing touches like herbs, nuts, or cheese for a festive upgrade.
Pigs in blankets are a beloved festive side dish of small pork sausages wrapped in streaky bacon, roasted until the bacon is crisp and the sausages are juicy. Traditionally served alongside a Christmas turkey or roast dinner, their savoury flavour and easy‑to‑love simplicity make them a favourite at holiday feasts and family gatherings. Whether brushed with honey, mustard or herbs, these bite‑sized treats are irresistible, crowd‑pleasing, and essential on many Christmas tables.
A classic Christmas side dish, ordinary Brussels sprouts are elevated with crispy bacon bits, chestnuts, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. What might not be appetising for some becomes more appetising with the addition of the cheese, bacon and nuts. Quick and easy to prepare, they add a unique flavour and texture to holiday meals that balance out the heaviness of meat-based dishes. You can even make them ahead to save time on the big day, making these sprouts a standout alongside roasts.
Thoughtful plating and simple garnishes give desserts a polished, professional look that impresses every guest. Take care with the chilling, melting and setting of the chocolate, pudding and mousses, in particular.
Layers of sponge soaked in sherry, custard, cranberry jelly, and whipped cream create a festive masterpiece. All components can be prepared ahead of time, including topping with whipped cream, the day before. On Christmas Day, simply garnish with fresh berries. The ruby-red jelly layer of the trifle brings festive colour, whilst the combination of textures from soft cake, creamy custard, wobbly jelly, and light cream creates pure indulgence. This make-ahead dessert looks spectacular in a glass trifle bowl showcasing all the beautiful layers.
Chocolate mousse is a classic French dessert known for its rich chocolate flavour and light, airy texture. Made by folding melted chocolate into whipped cream or beaten egg whites, this indulgent treat achieves a silky smooth consistency with a delicate foam‑like structure that melts in your mouth. Often served chilled in elegant glasses, it’s a favourite for romantic dinners and festive occasions, balancing intense chocolate taste with a soft, luxurious feel.
This Christmas, there’s no need to get your tinsel in a tangle over last-minute cooking. With these make-ahead recipes, you can be prepared, have your sides sprout with flavour, and have desserts that knock your socks off. From appetisers to mains, every dish can be prepped in advance so you can finally relax on the main day and enjoy the festivities.
