Make-ahead Christmas recipes

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

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

These deep, decadent mince pies with a layer of almond frangipane cook brilliantly from frozen

This warming ginger beer-spiced ham is great for Christmas entertaining as it's simple to prepare ahead of time

These festive vanilla cookies make a beautiful edible Christmas tree decoration. Or, you could pack them into boxes to give as end-of-term gifts for teachers and friends.

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

Try making your mincemeat well in advance of Christmas to give the flavours maximum time to mature

Pack in three times the flavour with these triple pigs in blankets. You can prepare them a day or two in advance and keep on a baking tray in the fridge

Put some welly in your Christmas dinner. Make these vegan wellingtons ahead of time for a less stressed Christmas dinner. Even the meat eaters will love them!

Make the most of seasonal cranberries with Christmas jam. You can add edible glitter to make it extra-special, if you like – it makes a great gift for friends

Learn how to make a gingerbread house with our simple biscuit recipe and design template. Kids will love getting involved with baking and decorating them.

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

Save precious time when planning a group meal by prepping and freezing your potatoes in advance.

Not just for Christmas pud, our easy brandy butter goes perfectly with mince pies or spread over toasted panettone for a luxurious seasonal treat

These tasty, deep-fried bites can be made ahead and frozen, perfect for no-fuss entertaining as part of a party buffet spread

A twist on the classic Christmas pudding, our cherry version is served with silky dark chocolate, a rich brandy sauce and a dollop of double cream

Every Christmas lunch needs a big bowl of bread sauce on the table

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

Marinate chicken wings in cranberry and soy sauce, then cook in an air-fryer to make this tasty side. They're perfect for a buffet or movie night snack

Don’t waste stale croissants from Christmas morning – use them to make a rich bread sauce. For total indulgence, finish with a knob of butter to melt over the top

This hot, gooey chocolate pud, with dark chocolate and fresh pears, can be made ahead and frozen – a perfect no-fuss dinner party dessert

Make this vegan Christmas pudding as part of a festive feast, packed with dried figs, raisins, sultanas and a tot of rum. Serve warm with vegan ice cream