make ahead Recipes
18 delicious make ahead recipes from around the world
Bigos (Hunter's Stew)
Bigos, often called Hunter's Stew, is Poland's beloved national dish. This hearty and complex stew features a rich blend of sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and a variety of meats, slow-simmered to perfection. It's a dish that truly improves with time, making it ideal for making ahead and reheating over several days.
Crème Brûlée
French burnt cream - a luxurious and silky vanilla custard base crowned with a shatteringly crisp, caramelized sugar crust. The satisfying crack of the spoon through the sugar is the signature joy of this classic dessert.
Dolmades (Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Tender grape leaves delicately wrapped around a flavorful mixture of herbed rice, toasted pine nuts, and sweet currants, all gently simmered and served with a bright lemon finish. A classic Mediterranean appetizer.
Flan Español
A classic Spanish caramel custard, featuring a silky smooth egg custard base topped with a rich, dark caramel sauce. It's the perfect elegant dessert to conclude any meal.
Inkokt Lax (Swedish Poached Salmon)
A classic Swedish dish of salmon gently poached in a flavorful court bouillon. This method results in incredibly tender and moist fish, perfect served either warm or cold. It's an elegant yet simple dish, ideal for summer gatherings.
Italian Frittata
A rustic Italian open-faced omelet, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. This versatile dish features eggs baked with your choice of vegetables or leftover pasta, and is finished with savory Pecorino cheese and fresh herbs.
Pâté de Campagne
A rustic and flavorful French country pâté, this pork terrine is studded with liver and fragrant herbs, making it an essential addition to any charcuterie board. Its coarse texture and rich taste are best appreciated after a proper resting period.
Rillettes de Porc
Authentic French rillettes, a rustic and flavorful spread made from slow-cooked shredded pork, rich with its own rendered fat. Perfect for serving with crusty bread and cornichons.
Salat Mimosa (Layered Fish Salad)
A classic Russian layered salad, often served during celebrations, featuring flaky fish, tender vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise, all topped with a vibrant egg yolk "mimosa" garnish.
Terrine aux Herbes (Herbed Vegetable Terrine)
A vibrant and light French vegetable terrine, bound with eggs and fresh herbs. Perfect as a refreshing starter for a summer meal.
Bánh Flan (Vietnamese Caramel Custard)
A silky smooth, French-influenced crème caramel, elevated by the richness of condensed milk and a hint of vanilla. This Vietnamese dessert is a delightful sweet ending to any meal.
Escabeche de Pollo (Peruvian Pickled Chicken)
A classic Peruvian dish featuring tender, fried chicken pieces bathed in a vibrant, tangy escabeche sauce made with pickled onions, ají amarillo, and vinegar. This dish, with its colonial heritage, is delicious served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or as a refreshing main course.
Flan Mexicano
A classic Mexican caramel custard, also known as Flan Napolitano when cream cheese is added. This dessert features a silky smooth vanilla custard base topped with a rich, dark caramel sauce. It's a beloved treat often found in Mexican households.
Lengua a la Vinagreta (Argentine Beef Tongue in Vinaigrette)
A classic Argentine cold appetizer, Lengua a la Vinagreta features tender, slow-cooked beef tongue marinated in a zesty vinaigrette. It's often served as a side dish during asados (barbecues) and is even better made a day in advance.
Marquesa de Chocolate
A classic Venezuelan no-bake chocolate dessert, featuring layers of chocolate-dipped cookies and a rich chocolate cream. Perfect for making ahead.
Matambre Arrollado (Argentine Rolled Beef)
A classic Argentine dish, Matambre Arrollado is a flavorful rolled flank steak stuffed with a colorful mixture of hard-boiled eggs, vegetables, and spinach. It's typically braised or poached until tender, then chilled and sliced thin to be served cold as an elegant appetizer or cold cut.
Bonteboon Slaai (Sugar Bean Salad)
A classic South African sugar bean salad, dressed in a simple sweet and sour vinaigrette. Perfect as a side dish for a 'braai' (barbecue) or any casual meal.
Cape Pickled Fish
A traditional South African Easter dish featuring pieces of fried fish preserved in a sweet and sour curry-infused pickle. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.