Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with one of these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Holidays & Occasions
  3. Christmas
  4. Christmas Recipes
  5. Holiday Recipes You Can Freeze Ahead To Save Time Later

Holiday Recipes You Can Freeze Ahead To Save Time Later

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living
By Kaitlyn Yarborough Updated August 19, 2022
Skip gallery slides
FB
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Brimming with errands, preparations, and hosting duties, the holidays can be a little overwhelming, but the good memories of time spent with loved ones make it more than worth it. Around the holiday season, our biggest fear is being ill-prepared, especially when feeding our hungry crowd of guests. This moment is when a few staple Southern holiday dishes in the freezer could be the difference between admitting holiday defeat and raking in the compliments. 

To be safe, you'll need hearty casseroles that feed the family in a pinch, classic side dishes that belong on the Christmas dinner table, breakfast bakes that satisfy every guest, and desserts you can make months ahead. (Oh, and handy appetizers for any last-minute hosting crisis.) For casseroles, stock up on disposable foil casserole dishes instead of tying up your baking dishes for months. For soups, freeze flat in gallon Ziploc bags to maximize storage space. For cookies or bite-sized appetizers, freeze on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer to Ziploc bags. Always remember to pad your prep time by a day for thawing. There's no reason to panic when you've covered every last base month before the crazy holiday season starts. Here are the best make-ahead, freeze-ahead holiday recipes you'll thank your lucky stars for later.

Start Slideshow

1 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Keep These Classic Dishes in the Freezer for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

1 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna

Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna
Credit: Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Recipe: Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna

Having a lasagna in the freezer is about as dependable as it gets. Pull this recipe together in a flash, then freeze for up to three months. This dish fits perfectly into your crazy holiday schedule.

2 of 29

3 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mac and Cheese with Ham

Baked Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Ham

As far as picking just one of your macaroni and cheese recipes to freeze for the holidays, this smoky dish makes a strong argument. It's full of a creamy smoked Gouda and Cheddar sauce, corkscrew pasta, and chopped smoked ham, making it a crowd-pleaser when whipped out for holiday company. If ham is not your favorite mac and cheese additive, there are options to swap it out for something more to your family's tastes.

3 of 29

Advertisement

4 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken enchilada casserole is an odd yet beloved Southern holiday mainstay, especially in Texas. Whether you've been wrapping gifts or attending Christmas Eve service, these creamy stacks layered with corn tortillas, cheese, and chicken are there to comfort and celebrate.

4 of 29

5 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Greek Baked Ziti

Greek Baked Ziti
Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Greek Baked Ziti

This flavor-packed baked ziti can feed a house full of hungry family members during the holidays with no sweat. Fix and freeze this cheesy pasta bake ahead of time to have on hand. It's a classic Greek comfort dish that every family will love.

5 of 29

6 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Southwestern-Style Spoonbread Dressing

Southwestern-Style Spoonbread Dressing Recipe
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Southwestern-Style Spoonbread Dressing

This side dish's moist, tender texture is like a cross between spoonbread and cornbread dressing. You won't regret having your freezer stocked with this casserole around Christmastime. It's a simple dish perfect to accompany any holiday meal.

6 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

This comforting, classic dish has fresh ingredients that will freeze well, ready to break out for any holiday meal. You can't have a Southern feast without some form of broccoli casserole. Plus, making anything cheesy is an automatic winner.

7 of 29

8 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Root Vegetable Gratin

Thanksgiving Sides: Root Vegetable Gratin
Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Root Vegetable Gratin

Make sure you have a hearty casserole side dish when you only have time to pick up a honey-baked ham. A breadcrumb-covered vegetable bake will make your entire house smell like the holidays. Refrigerate and bake right before serving.

8 of 29

9 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

New Turkey Tetrazzini

New Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: New Turkey Tetrazzini

This freshened-up version of a classic comfort dish is a casserole that doesn't need anything added to make it a new family favorite. Pop some crusty garlic bread in the oven before serving for a warm, savory dish. Around Christmas, that can be a saving grace!

9 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Old-School Green Bean Casserole
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Old-School Green Bean Casserole

There's never a wrong time to put classic green bean casserole on the table. French fried onions top off this dish perfectly but freeze without them for ultimate freshness. It's a year-round casserole dish, but somehow it might taste cheesier during the holidays.

10 of 29

11 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew

Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew
Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew

This smoky stew, made with chicken and brisket, is filling and comforting. It's a perfect make-ahead dish to warm up for your family on a chilly winter night when you don't have time to cook a big dinner.

11 of 29

12 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

White Lightning Chicken Chili

White Lightning Chicken Chili
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: White Lightning Chicken Chili

This chili lives up to its name. This dish is lightning-quick to put together, with only 30 minutes of hands-on time. Make your life even easier by stocking your freezer with it. During the holidays, satisfy your family and guests with this comforting stew with hot cornbread.

12 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hearty Italian Soup with Parmesan-Pepper Cornbread Biscotti

Hearty Italian Soup with Parmesan-Pepper Cornbread Biscotti
Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Hearty Italian Soup with Parmesan-Pepper Cornbread Biscotti

This warm brothy soup makes a great addition to your frozen dinner lineup when you desire a cozy, quick meal. Small plastic freezer jars are perfect for freezing smaller portions of your batch, which is better for thawing beforehand. Hot soup on a cold winter's day is what you and your family need this holiday season.

13 of 29

14 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls

Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls

You can make these tender, fluffy rolls, let them cool, and freeze them in Ziploc freezer bags until you need them for a holiday meal. Make several batches and seal them tightly so you can double up on delicious rolls and spare time in the future.

14 of 29

15 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

The Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy

Make-Ahead Gravy
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy

It's rare that you'll find yourself thinking you made too much gravy during the holiday season. Make this meal-topper ahead of time so you have enough for every delicious meal you plan. A one-pot recipe is as easy as it gets for this holiday staple.

15 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Party-Perfect Meatballs

Party-Perfect Meatballs Recipe
Credit: Photo: Brie Passano

Recipe: Party-Perfect Meatballs

These homemade meatballs can be made ahead and frozen until you need to whip them out. All you have to do is prepare the finishing glaze before your guests arrive. In an air-tight freezer bag, you can save these appetizers up to one month ahead of your holiday event.

16 of 29

17 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Creamy Crab Dip with Peppadews Recipe

Creamy Crab Dip with Peppadews Recipe
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Creamy Crab Dip with Peppadews Recipe

Whether you're attending a church potluck, hosting a holiday party, or just stocking your freezer to plan for your next impromptu guests, this warm and savory dip is the perfect pick. Mix and freeze so you can bake this dip at the last minute and surprise your guests with your cooking skills.

17 of 29

18 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

This perfect party appetizer gets its kick from spicy, peppery Mexican-style chorizo sausage. These sausage balls can be frozen on a baking sheet, transferred to ziplock plastic freezer bags for storage, and then baked from frozen.

18 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cheese Dreams

Cheese Dreams
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Cheese Dreams

You won't ever go wrong with these cheesy bites at any holiday party. The cheesy bread bites are a simple yet satisfying appetizer. Freeze these dreamy snacks for up to three weeks, and have a batch ready to go in the case of a drop-by guest.

19 of 29

20 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tater Tot Bake

Tater Tot Breakfast Bake
Credit: Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Tater Tot Bake

Mornings are always busy, especially during the holidays when entertaining guests. Thick-cut bacon, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and some hearty tater tots—need we say more? Just freeze the whole dish, and pop it in the oven, topped with extra shredded cheese, until warm and melty.

20 of 29

21 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Breakfast Enchiladas

Breakfast Enchiladas
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Breakfast Enchiladas

Like our enchilada dinner casserole, this enchilada breakfast bake is a crowd-pleaser. It's especially perfect during the holidays when hosting guests. Make sure to top with halved grape tomatoes, chopped fresh cilantro, and avocado for a stunning finish.

21 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cheesy Sausage-and-Croissant Casserole

Cheesy Sausage-and-Croissant Casserole
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Cheesy Sausage-and-Croissant Casserole

This ultimate breakfast casserole will impress your family and holiday guests, even though you pulled it from the freezer already set to go. Hot ground sausage, flaky croissants, and Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses—name a better trio!

22 of 29

23 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pancake Bake with Cinnamon Streusel

Pancake Bake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

Recipe: Pancake Bake with Cinnamon Streusel

We don't even want to think about spending Christmas morning flipping pancakes. Instead, this bread pudding-like casserole sounds much better. Hold off the streusel until baking after freezing.

23 of 29

24 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Marbled Pecan Pound Cake

Marbled Pecan Pound Cake Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Marbled Pecan Pound Cake

This pound cake is as close as it gets to a leisurely holiday staple. Make this cake and freeze it, but wrap it tightly (no air!) before popping it in the freezer.

24 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: Kellie Gerber Kelley

Recipe: Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls

These slightly boozy delights are a hybrid of bourbon balls and chocolate truffles. They make the easiest throw-together treat for any occasion with only four ingredients. Make a double batch, and freeze one to have on hand!

25 of 29

26 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pinwheel Cookies

Cherry Chocolates Recipe
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Pinwheel Cookies

Freeze rounds of this festive dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then store in Ziploc bags until you have a craving for Christmas cookies. These beautifully designed cookies will look like you've visited a bakery without the hassle of fighting the holiday traffic.

26 of 29

27 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake

White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake
Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake

This festive cheesecake combines a creamy white chocolate filling, delicious chocolate pie crust, and a tart cranberry topping. Freeze this cheesecake after it's been chilled, without the cranberry topping. When ready to serve, you can prepare the topping the night before and spoon it over the pie right before serving.

27 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Rum Balls

Rum Balls Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Rum Balls

These tender, pecan-filled treats are for adults only—made with dark rum and bourbon—they pack a powerful punch! While the recipe states that you can store these in the fridge for up to a month, you can extend that time by stocking them in your freezer. These sweet treats also make great gifts, so double the batch for those last-minute gifting surprises.

28 of 29

29 of 29

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate-Pecan Chess Pie

Chocolate-Pecan Chess Pie
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chocolate-Pecan Chess Pie

Chess pie and pecan pie are tasty enough on their own. Combining pecans and chocolate into one pie becomes a real Southern treat. Freeze this decadent pie ahead of the holidays, then top with homemade whipped cream when serving.

29 of 29

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 29 Keep These Classic Dishes in the Freezer for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
    2 of 29 Vanessa's Make-Ahead Beefy Lasagna
    3 of 29 Mac and Cheese with Ham
    4 of 29 Chicken Enchilada Casserole
    5 of 29 Greek Baked Ziti
    6 of 29 Southwestern-Style Spoonbread Dressing
    7 of 29 Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole
    8 of 29 Root Vegetable Gratin
    9 of 29 New Turkey Tetrazzini
    10 of 29 Old-School Green Bean Casserole
    11 of 29 Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew
    12 of 29 White Lightning Chicken Chili
    13 of 29 Hearty Italian Soup with Parmesan-Pepper Cornbread Biscotti
    14 of 29 Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls
    15 of 29 The Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy
    16 of 29 Party-Perfect Meatballs
    17 of 29 Creamy Crab Dip with Peppadews Recipe
    18 of 29 Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites
    19 of 29 Cheese Dreams
    20 of 29 Tater Tot Bake
    21 of 29 Breakfast Enchiladas
    22 of 29 Cheesy Sausage-and-Croissant Casserole
    23 of 29 Pancake Bake with Cinnamon Streusel
    24 of 29 Marbled Pecan Pound Cake
    25 of 29 Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
    26 of 29 Pinwheel Cookies
    27 of 29 White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake
    28 of 29 Rum Balls
    29 of 29 Chocolate-Pecan Chess Pie

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Holiday Recipes You Can Freeze Ahead To Save Time Later
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.