22 delicious make ahead recipes from around the world
Crispy, golden-fried rice balls from Sicily, traditionally made with leftover risotto, filled with a savory ragù, sweet peas, and melting mozzarella. A perfect appetizer or street food delight.
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.
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.
A hearty and rustic Tuscan bread soup, traditionally made by reboiling leftover minestrone with stale bread. This version is rich with vegetables and beans, creating a satisfying and flavorful peasant dish that has been elevated to an art form.
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.
A vibrant and light French vegetable terrine, bound with eggs and fresh herbs. Perfect as a refreshing starter for a summer meal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A classic Venezuelan no-bake chocolate dessert, featuring layers of chocolate-dipped cookies and a rich chocolate cream. Perfect for making ahead.
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.
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.
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.
Pollo en Escabeche is a classic Uruguayan dish of chicken thighs marinated and slow-cooked in a tangy, aromatic blend of vinegar, white wine, and warm spices. Carrots and onions add sweetness and texture, creating a flavorful dish perfect for make-ahead meals.
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.
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.
A flavorful Puerto Rican dish of chicken stewed in a tangy, vinegary marinade with onions, garlic, peppers, and cilantro. It's often served cold or at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead dish.
