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Stress less this holiday with 10 easy make-ahead Christmas dinner ideas. Enjoy more time with family and less in the kitchen!
Holiday entertaining doesn't need to bring stress and chaos! These are some of our favorite make-ahead dinner ideas that are perfect for easy entertaining or for your Christmas dinner! They are recipes that feel elegant and special but can be prepped ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the holiday festivities.
There's everything from cozy pastas, twists on classic French dishes, stews and more. And if you're looking for Christmas breakfast and brunch recipes, we've got you covered with this post (also make-ahead recipes!). We have one more holiday roundup with our favorite festive desserts, so be on the lookout for that. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Slow-Roasted Boneless Short Ribs Bourguignon
Perfect for entertaining or for a delicious relaxed meal with family and friends, these melt-in-your-mouth Boneless Short Ribs Bourguignon can be made a day or two in advance!
Marry Me Chicken and Spinach Risotto
The ultimate marriage of elegance and comfort, this Chicken and Spinach Risotto is so delicious I'm pretty sure my husband would propose all over again if we weren't married! It's the perfect prep-ahead, let-the-oven-do-the-work meal for entertaining!
Slow-Braised Sunday Sauce
This fabulous Slow-Braised Sunday sauce requires only 30 minutes of hands-on time and will transform your kitchen into a fragrant Italian trattoria!
No-Fuss Butternut Squash Risotto with Italian Roasted Shrimp
A delicious fall comfort dish, this Butternut Squash Risotto with Italian Roasted Shrimp can be prepped ahead and uses the magic of the oven for perfectly cooked risotto and shrimp without all the fuss! A fabulous meal for entertaining or to enjoy near a cozy fire!
Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin
This Roasted Pork Tenderloin is a delicious way to make juicy, tender, golden brown pork tenderloin with NO searing and mess on the stovetop!
Easy Pan Chicken in Mushroom Wine Sauce
This fabulous Chicken in Mushroom Wine Sauce is one of those delicious dinners that comes together quickly, enough to serve on a weeknight, yet it's perfect for a fancy dinner party.
Beef Bourguinon Meatballs
Want to feel a little fancy without breaking the bank? These make-ahead Beef Bourguinon Meatballs are outrageously delicious easy to put together, work well for entertaining and will make an ordinary day quite special!
Make-Ahead Homemade Manicotti
This make-ahead, Homemade Manicotti is beyond delicious with an Italian sausage marinara and tender melt-in-your-mouth pasta.
Brown Butter Tomato Shrimp and Grits
With a creamy, brown butter-tomato-wine sauce this Shrimp and Grits recipe is easy enough for weeknights but also VERY dinner party-worthy! This fabulous meal in a bowl also features barely cooked fresh cherry tomatoes, sweet, tender shrimp and smoky Andouille sausage served over a bed of white cheddar grits.
Easy, Make-Ahead Parisian Coq au Vin
Much easier than traditional Coq au Vin but just as delicious, the magical tenderizing trick results in amazingly tender chicken. It's a fabulous, make-ahead dish that's perfect for entertaining or an easy weeknight treat.
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