37 Make-Ahead Recipes That Actually Taste Better Later
Tired of slaving away in the kitchen right before dinner time? We hear you! The good news is, some dishes actually *improve* with age, their flavors melding and deepening into something truly spectacular.
We’ve compiled a list of 37 make-ahead recipes that not only save you time but also tantalize your taste buds even more the next day (or even the day after that!). Get ready to plan ahead and enjoy incredible meals with minimal effort.
From hearty stews and cozy casseroles to vibrant salads and decadent desserts, we’ve got something for everyone. So, ditch the last-minute scramble and embrace the joy of make-ahead cooking. Your future self (and your stomach) will thank you!
Chili Recipe
Chili is a make-ahead superstar! The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, creating a richer, more complex taste. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long, topped with your favorite fixings.
Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna is perfect for making ahead. As it sits, the noodles soak up all that delicious sauce and cheese, resulting in a perfectly harmonious dish. It’s also great for freezing, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Pulled Pork Recipe
Pulled pork is amazing the next day. The flavors just intensify, and the meat becomes even more tender. Serve it on buns with your favorite barbecue sauce and coleslaw.
Beef Stew Recipe
Beef stew, like chili, becomes even more flavorful with time. The beef becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables soak up all the rich broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made even better when prepared in advance.
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Chicken noodle soup is a classic for a reason, and it’s even better when made ahead. The noodles absorb the broth, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. Just be sure to store the noodles separately if you’re making it more than a day in advance to prevent them from getting too soggy.
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Shepherd’s pie is another dish that benefits from a little rest. The savory meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping meld together beautifully, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
Macaroni Salad Recipe
Macaroni salad is best when the flavors have had time to meld. The mayonnaise and vinegar balance out, and the veggies soften slightly. Perfect for potlucks and picnics!
Potato Salad Recipe
Similar to macaroni salad, potato salad tastes even better after a day or two. The potatoes absorb the dressing, and the flavors become more pronounced. Just remember to keep it refrigerated!
Pasta Salad Recipe
Pasta salad is a make-ahead dream! The pasta soaks up the dressing, and the flavors of the vegetables and cheese intensify. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at a barbecue.
Cole Slaw Recipe
Coleslaw needs time for the cabbage to soften and the dressing to marry all the flavors. A few hours (or even overnight) in the fridge will transform this dish from crunchy to creamy and delicious.
Marinades Recipe
Marinades are designed to work their magic over time. The longer your meat marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. Plan ahead and let your meat soak up all that goodness!
BBQ Ribs Recipe
While you can certainly enjoy ribs fresh off the grill, letting them rest overnight allows the smoky flavors to penetrate even deeper into the meat. Reheat them gently for a truly unforgettable barbecue experience.
Pot Roast Recipe
Pot roast is incredibly tender when served the day it’s made, but it’s even better the next day. The flavors meld together, and the meat becomes fall-apart tender. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite roasted vegetables.
Curry Recipe
Curry is renowned for its enhanced flavor when made ahead. The spices have time to bloom and deepen, creating a more complex and aromatic dish. Indian food always tastes better on day 2.
Soups Recipe
Most soups benefit from sitting overnight. The flavors blend together, and the broth becomes richer. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for a chilly day.
Braised Short Ribs Recipe
Braised short ribs are delicious right away, but even better the next day after the flavors have fully melded. Perfect served over polenta or mashed potatoes.
Tiramisu Recipe
Tiramisu needs time for the ladyfingers to soak up the coffee and liqueur. Making it a day ahead allows all the flavors to come together, creating a truly decadent dessert.
Cheesecake Recipe
Cheesecake needs to chill for several hours, and it actually tastes better the next day. The flavors meld together, and the texture becomes even creamier.
Brownies Recipe
While a warm brownie right out of the oven is amazing, brownies actually benefit from resting a day. The flavors mellow, and they become even fudgier.
Cookies Recipe
Many cookie recipes are actually improved by chilling the dough overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin. Oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, snickerdoodles – they all benefit!
Baked Beans Recipe
Baked beans are another dish where time is your friend. The flavors of the beans, bacon, molasses, and other ingredients meld together beautifully over time, creating a rich and savory dish that’s perfect for barbecues and potlucks.
Meatloaf Recipe
Meatloaf develops a richer flavor after it cools completely. This is because the aromatics will blend with the meat as it rests. Reheat slices for sandwiches.
Apple Pie Recipe
Apple pie is best served cooled, and tastes even better the next day. The flavors of the apples, spices, and crust meld together, creating a truly comforting dessert.
Pesto Recipe
While you can use pesto right after making it, the flavors are often richer if it sits for a day or two. This allows the basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to really meld together.
Hummus Recipe
Hummus benefits from a little time in the refrigerator. The flavors become more cohesive, and the texture becomes even smoother. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.
Muffins Recipe
Muffin batter can often be made the night before and baked fresh in the morning. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender muffins.
Chowder Recipe
Chowder, especially clam chowder, is a great make-ahead dish. Letting it sit allows the flavors to blend and thicken, creating a richer and more satisfying soup.
Tacos Recipe
While you can’t assemble the entire taco ahead of time (the shell will get soggy!), you can prepare all the fillings: seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, pico de gallo, guacamole, etc. This makes taco night a breeze!
Deviled Eggs Recipe
Deviled eggs are classic for a reason! The flavors of the egg yolk mixture and spices blend together perfectly when made ahead. Garnish right before serving.
French Toast Casserole Recipe
French toast casserole is designed to be made ahead! Soaking the bread overnight allows it to absorb all the custard, resulting in a rich and decadent breakfast or brunch.
Tamales Recipe
Tamales are often a labor of love, so making a big batch and enjoying them over a few days is a great strategy. They’re delicious reheated and served with your favorite toppings.
Banana Bread Recipe
Banana bread actually tastes better the day after it’s baked. The flavors mellow, and the bread becomes even moister.
Salsa Recipe
Fresh salsa is good, but salsa that has sat in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight) is even better. The flavors of the tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and peppers have time to meld together, creating a more complex and flavorful dip.
Sangria Recipe
Sangria needs time for the fruit to infuse the wine. Make it a day ahead for the best flavor!
Gumbo Recipe
Like many stews and soups, gumbo benefits greatly from sitting overnight. The flavors deepen and meld together, creating a more complex and satisfying dish. Reheat gently for a true taste of Louisiana.
Puddings Recipe
Puddings, like chocolate or vanilla, thicken and their flavors deepen as they chill. They’re best made a day in advance!
Casseroles Recipe
Most casseroles are amazing when served a day later. Chicken enchilada casserole, broccoli cheese casserole, or breakfast casseroles get even better over time!