Make-ahead Christmas recipes

Prep this sausage, kale and bread stuffing up to two days in advance, then bake on the day. If your favourite part of stuffing is the crispy bits, you’ll love this recipe

Indulge in a cake with a lovely crunchy topping that gives way to a soft, gooey middle. With its flourless sponge, it's ideal for guests who can’t eat gluten

Make this festive pheasant stew in a sweet-and-sour cider and clementine sauce up to a day ahead, then simply reheat until piping hot when you want to serve

Make this domed puff-pastry pie as a Christmas centrepiece. With a crumbly pastry exterior and packed filling oozing with gooey comté, it's a wow dish

Bake this festive fruit cake in advance of Christmas and feed it regularly with rum, brandy or whisky to build the flavour and keep it moist

Make the herby mustard butter a few days ahead, then microwave your carrots on the day for a speedy vegetarian side. It's the perfect dish for Christmas dinner or a Sunday roast

Prepare this festive punch before your guests arrive for a stress-free party. It uses our mince pie rum, but can also be made with spiced rum

Apply the flavours of a chicken kiev – garlic, parsley and butter – to a succulent turkey crown, and you'll be in for a treat. It's a great Christmas main

Delight guests with a pistachio twist on tiramisu, with a pistachio cream filling and pistachio topping. It's a perfect dessert for a dinner party

Make a classic carrot cake with the help of your trusty air fryer. Top with soft cheese icing and crushed pecans, then kick back and enjoy with a cup of tea

Make our easy eggnog recipe for the perfect festive party tipple. This traditional Christmas drink uses just five ingredients, including egg yolks and brandy

Decorate these gorgeous Christmas biscuits with candied orange peel, flaked almonds or freeze-dried raspberries. Star- or tree-shaped cutters also work well

Make a festive lasagne, with cinnamon-spiced port and beef ragu, enriched with dark chocolate and layered with chestnut béchamel, it's ideal for a gathering

You can make this no-cook tiramisu ahead to save on time when hosting a party. Made with Irish cream liqueur, it's a truly grown-up dessert

Take the stress out of Christmas dinner by making this bread sauce ahead. It's topped with flaked almonds and caramelised shallots for a boost of flavour

Add sage and onion to Yorkshire pudding batter for a delicious side dish to go with a Sunday roast or your Christmas dinner

Make your own mincemeat this Christmas – and not just for mince pies. Try it in Chelsea buns or sweet samosas. You could also give jars of it away as gifts

Make these cider-braised cabbage wedges up to three days ahead for a stress-free Christmas dinner. The dish makes an ideal accompaniment to festive turkey

Save time on Christmas Day and make this apricot and pistachio stuffing on Christmas Eve. It makes an excellent accompaniment to festive turkey

Looking for a stress-free main course for Christmas? It has to be this mushroom and port turkey wellington. The assembly can be done a day or two in advance

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

Add some sparkle to this rich gravy in the form of a dash of Prosecco, to intensify the flavour. Get ahead of the game and make your gravy in advance

Try this tart as a veggie course at Christmas or other celebration. With cheesy pastry and a cheese and spinach filling, it's sure to be a crowdpleaser

Double or triple the quantities of this festive cranberry and lentil bake to serve more people, if you like. You can make it up to two days before serving