Make-ahead Christmas menu

Thea Everett

Deputy editor (audiences) Thea loves to be in the kitchen and has a particular interest in cooking on a budget and deep frying. She thinks Sri Lankan and Indian food is the food of the gods. She looks after the brand’s social channels and newsletter – and contributes features and recipes.

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From freezable roast potatoes and stuffing balls to our get-ahead gravy, this pick-your-own make-ahead Christmas menu allows you to spend less time cooking and more time with friends and family over the holidays.

Apart from the turkey which, let’s face it, has to be cooked on the day, every dish on this menu can be made in advance to save you any last-minute hassle.

Nibbles and starters

A choice of ideas to start off your three-course menu, beginning with a Christmas essential:

Pigs in blankets sausage rolls
Devilled eggs
Salmon terrine (we have the individual versions too)
Ham hock terrine or Potted crab (perfect if you’ve got great bread to hand)

The main event

It’s the dinner we look forward to all year… so let’s make it count. Our pick of flavourings for the bird is seasonal citrus and herb. All the sides for the main course can be made in advance, and most can be frozen too.

The pudding

If you’re not going traditional pud, then how about these fruity or chocolatey versions?

Check out the rest of our complete Christmas menus, here:

The best traditional Christmas menu
Last-minute Christmas menu
Vegan Christmas menu
Vegetarian Christmas menu
Christmas menu for two people

Whatever you’re cooking, follow our step-by-step Christmas dinner time plan and you’ll be as chilled as a snowman while cooking the most important meal of the year.