19 Holiday Comfort Classics That You Can Make Ahead and Forget About

Holiday cooking gets a lot easier when you have a few make-ahead classics you can tuck in the fridge and stop worrying about. You save time, cut down on stress, and avoid scrambling in the kitchen while everyone else relaxes. It also lets you enjoy the holiday moments you usually miss because you’re too busy trying to keep everything hot and ready.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Holiday comfort gets a whole lot easier when make-ahead mashed potatoes are already chilling in the fridge, ready to bake when the crowd rolls in. Soft, fluffy potatoes loaded with cheesy, buttery goodness bring that warm, classic feel without any last-minute scrambling. Having them prepped days ahead lets you enjoy the celebration instead of babysitting a pot on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Old Fashioned Fudge

Old-fashioned fudge made ahead offers a nostalgic treat that fits perfectly into holiday traditions. The chocolate squares stay creamy and rich for days, so they are ideal for gifting or setting out for guests. You can make one big batch and enjoy the freedom of having dessert already sorted.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Fudge

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast feels so much smoother when an overnight casserole is waiting to go straight into the oven while the house is still waking up. Fluffy eggs, sausage, mushrooms, and plenty of cheese come together in a cozy bake that makes holiday mornings feel more relaxed. Prepping it ahead frees you up to sip coffee and enjoy the slow start instead of cooking under pressure.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Homemade Non-Alcoholic Eggnog

A pitcher of homemade non-alcoholic eggnog sitting in the fridge gives holiday gatherings an instant cozy boost. The smooth, lightly spiced flavor deepens as it rests, making each sip feel extra comforting. It is an easy make-ahead drink that keeps everyone happy without extra prep.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Non-Alcoholic Eggnog

Saltine Toffee

A tray of saltine toffee made early in the season helps you stay ahead of the holiday rush. The layers of caramel, chocolate, and crunchy crackers rest well in the fridge, making them perfect for gifting or snacking as needed. You end up with a reliable treat ready whenever you want a quick bite.
Get the Recipe: Saltine Toffee

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Festive gatherings instantly feel more mellow when a slow cooker of mulled wine is quietly warming away in the background. Red wine, citrus, spices, and honey blend into a cozy drink that tastes like pure holiday comfort with almost no effort from you. Tossing everything in earlier lets you mingle, unwind, and enjoy the night while the flavors deepen on their own.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

M&M Christmas Cookies

A batch of M&M Christmas cookies feels like a holiday win when you can bake them ahead and still count on soft, chewy goodness. The simple scratch-made dough chills well, letting the flavors deepen while you handle other festive tasks. You get colorful, comforting cookies ready for sharing whenever company arrives.
Get the Recipe: M&M Christmas Cookies

Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers assembled early make hosting feel far more manageable during a packed holiday schedule. The tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil keep their freshness when stored properly, letting you bring them out right when the party starts. A little balsamic drizzle adds a bright finishing touch without last-minute scrambling.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers

Almond Crescent Cookies

A tray of almond crescent cookies tucked away early in the week makes holiday baking feel a lot more manageable. Their buttery crumb and snowy sugar coating hold up beautifully, which means they stay delicious even when prepared ahead. They also bring a classic touch to your cookie spread without needing last-minute kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies

Pineapple Cheese Ball

A pineapple cheese ball made ahead brings welcome breathing room to busy holiday hosting. The creamy mix of pineapple, peppers, and pecans gets even better as it chills, making it perfect to roll out when guests start snacking. You get a fun, slightly tropical appetizer that feels festive without demanding last-minute effort.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball

Honey Glazed Carrots

A batch of honey-glazed carrots stored ahead of time helps take pressure off your holiday cooking list. The tender slices soak up even more flavor as they rest, making the glaze shine when warmed. You get a colorful, sweet side dish ready in minutes when everything else starts competing for oven space.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

A pan of Parmesan roasted green beans prepped early brings a welcome sense of calm to dinner planning. The flavors meld as they wait in the fridge, so they roast up even more savory when mealtime comes around. You get a crisp, cheesy side dish that requires almost no attention during the holiday rush.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Hot Chocolate Cookies

A container of hot chocolate cookies sitting on standby feels like a cozy little gift to yourself during a hectic season. The soft cocoa dough and melty marshmallow topping stay wonderful even after resting, which makes them perfect for make-ahead baking. You can pull them out whenever you want a holiday treat without restarting the whole baking process.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

Soft peanut butter blossoms topped with a chocolate kiss make holiday baking feel way easier when you can prep them early and keep a batch ready for sharing. The cookies hold up beautifully, so you can set them out whenever company drops by without rushing around. Their peanut butter and chocolate combo adds a cozy touch that fits right into a relaxed holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip

A warm crock of spinach and artichoke dip feels perfect for holiday gatherings when you want something you can prep early and ignore while it bubbles away. The creamy, cheesy mix develops even more flavor as it rests, making it ideal for a stress-free appetizer. Five minutes of prep and a slow cooker do all the work so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Drop Biscuits

Drop biscuits mixed and baked ahead bring a bit of calm to chaotic mornings or holiday meals. The soft centers and lightly crisp edges hold up nicely, so you can warm them later without losing their comforting texture. They work well with soup, breakfast dishes, or simple snacks when you need something dependable on the table.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits

Tiramisu

Tiramisu becomes even more delightful when prepared ahead since the layers have time to settle and develop their flavor. The espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy filling rest beautifully, making it an ideal dessert to forget about until serving time. You get an elegant finale to any holiday meal without hovering in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut butter fudge tucked in the fridge ahead of time turns into the easiest holiday treat to share whenever the moment calls for something sweet. The creamy squares keep beautifully, giving you ready-made bites without pulling out the mixer again. It is a welcome little break from last-minute dessert stress.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge

Parmesan Potatoes

Parmesan potatoes prepared in advance help keep holiday dinners running smoothly when oven space gets tight. The tender potatoes and crisp parmesan crust reheat well, keeping their comforting flavor without extra work. You can pair them with any main dish for an easy side that feels warm and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes