No One Wants To Be Chained To The Kitchen 29 Recipes To Prep Early

Cooking doesn’t have to mean spending all day in the kitchen. With a smart plan, whipping up a feast can be as easy as pie. Imagine having a list of 29 tricks up the sleeve, each one meant to make life a bit easier and free up some precious time. Just a bit of prep work beforehand, and voila, enjoying delicious meals without the hassle.

Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup is that bowl of comfort everyone craves on a chill day, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare ahead. Once blended, it becomes a creamy concoction that tastes like you’ve been watching over the stove all day. Serve it up when you’re ready and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Chicken Tempura

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, Chicken Tempura is a delight that doesn’t keep you tied to the deep fryer. With a prep that’s straightforward and quick, it’s an ideal choice for a busy day. Just dip, fry, and enjoy the crunch. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of gourmet flair to your dinner table without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

When you want something a bit special for your morning toast without spending all day in the kitchen, Cinnamon Swirl Bread is the answer. Prepare the dough, add your swirls, and let time do the proving. Bake until golden and enjoy slices of sweet, spiced perfection. It’s a homemade treat that makes breakfast or tea time extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Perfect for a hearty start without the morning rush, Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Line up your tater tots and pour over your egg mixture the night before. Come morning, all it needs is a bake to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a hands-off approach to a comforting breakfast that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

German Chocolate Cake

Baking a cake from scratch sounds like a day-long commitment, but German Chocolate Cake breaks that mold with make-ahead ease. It’s a decadent dessert that looks impressive without all the last-minute stress. Feast your eyes and palate on layers of rich chocolate and nutty sweetness.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots are the conversation starter your gathering needs, and they’re as simple as they are delicious. They emerge from the cooker with a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes everyone happy, especially the cook who doesn’t have to toil away all day.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Who says you need to spend hours in the kitchen for a fancy dinner? Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole makes it possible to enjoy a classic dish with less fuss. Perfect for meal prep, it’s comforting and hearty. Give your oven the heavy lifting task, and relax while it bakes to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

French Onion Soup

Longing for a gourmet touch at your dinner table without any complicated steps? French Onion Soup offers a rich and comforting flavor with a prep that’s surprisingly simple. Let the onions caramelize slowly, add broth, and top with toasted bread and cheese. It’s a no-fuss way to achieve a luxuriously comforting bowl.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Chicken Pot Pie

Imagine pulling a golden, flaky crust from the oven, filled to the brim with a creamy chicken mixture. That’s exactly what Chicken Pot Pie delivers, with minimal effort on your part. It’s a comforting classic that can easily be made ahead, ensuring a stress-free evening. A true crowd-pleaser, it turns any meal into a cozy feast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns have a special way of making any meal feel like an occasion, and they’re not as labor-intensive as you might think. Prepare the dough in advance, and let the slow rise work its magic in the fridge. On baking day, all you need is to shape, bake, and serve. These buns add a festive touch, proving simplicity can be incredibly rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Hot Cross Buns

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto Salad is a no-cook wonder that lets you mix and match your favorite Italian flavors. Assemble the veggies, meats, and cheeses ahead of time. Give them a quick toss with dressing when you’re ready to eat. It’s a fresh and easy dish that requires zero time slaving over a stove.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Sausage Balls

With Sausage Balls, you get the perfect bite-sized treat without spending hours in the kitchen. These savory tidbits come out perfectly every time, ideal for when you’re aiming to impress with minimal effort. They’re the ultimate make-ahead appetizer that packs a flavor punch.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Chocolate Pie

With a velvety smooth filling and a buttery crust, Chocolate Pie is the stuff of dessert dreams that doesn’t require a pastry chef. Mix, pour, and let the fridge do the rest. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat that awaits to end any meal on a high note. And who can resist a slice of chocolate heaven that’s easy to create?
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pie

Sourdough Bagels

Chewy, with a slight tang, Sourdough Bagels are a fantastic project for those who like to get a head start on their baking. Get the dough ready and shaped, then let it slowly ferment in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, just boil and bake for that perfect bagel experience. No need to rush in the morning; your dough is already done!
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bagels

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

If you’re craving something sweet for breakfast but don’t want to be up at dawn, Cinnamon Roll Casserole has got you covered. Just toss everything together the night before and bake in the morning. It fills your home with an irresistible aroma, ensuring a blissfully sweet start to your day. It’s like having cinnamon rolls, but with none of the work.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Shortbread Cookies

Sometimes, simplicity is key, especially with Shortbread Cookies. The dough can be made and refrigerated, ready to slice and bake on demand. They come out buttery and crisp, ready to dip in tea or stack on a plate. It proves that some of the best treats come from the simplest recipes.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

French Toast Casserole

For those mornings when you want to impress but also value your sleep, French Toast Casserole is there for you. Assemble everything the night before and let the fridge do the work. In the morning, bake until puffy and golden. This dish turns a classic breakfast into a hassle-free delight that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Transform your sourdough starter into an indulgent breakfast with Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Prepare and shape the rolls the day before, and let the cold fermentation add depth to their flavor. A quick bake in the morning yields fluffy, aromatic rolls. It’s all about planning ahead for an effortless, yet indulgent, morning treat.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Funeral Potatoes

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just love having leftovers, Funeral Potatoes are wonderfully convenient. Assemble the creamy, cheesy potato dish ahead of time and bake when you’re ready. It’s a comforting side that pairs perfectly with almost any main. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love cheesy potatoes?
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Let’s talk about a dish that turns a simple vegetable into a star: Green Bean Casserole. Whip it up the night before and just pop it in the oven when needed. It’s all about getting that creamy texture and crispy onion topping just right, without any day-of fuss. Everyone can enjoy a bit more time chatting away from the kitchen with this on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Hash Browns

Crispy on every edge, Hash Browns brings that golden bite to your plate with minimal effort. Grate your potatoes ahead of time, soak them to remove the starch, and you’re halfway there. A hot skillet and a flip, that’s all it takes to achieve breakfast glory. They’re perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a brunch where you’re not stuck cooking.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Italian Sliders

For a fun and easy take on sandwich night, Italian Sliders can be prepared well before your guests arrive or your family gathers. Layer your favorite meats, cheeses, and a sprinkle of seasoning between soft rolls. Wrap them up and let them marinate in all those flavors. It’s a hands-off approach to a meal that feels like a party on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Waking up to the aroma of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can be a reality without the early alarm. Prep the dough and have them rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, bake until they’re golden and top with creamy frosting. This approach guarantees a morning treat without the usual rush.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Waffles

If you dream of golden Waffles without the wait, having batter prepped and ready to go is a game-changer. Mix dry ingredients the night before and whisk in the wet ones in the morning. Pour into a hot waffle iron and wait for the magic to happen. Breakfast becomes a breeze, and you can still sleep in.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Hashbrown Casserole

When you crave something warm and filling without spending your entire morning in the kitchen, Hashbrown Casserole is your go-to. Combine your ingredients the night before and let the fridge meld the flavors together. A quick bake in the morning, and you’ve got a dish that’s all comfort with none of the wait. It’s a sure way to start the day on a comforting note.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Apple Crisp

When you’re in charge of dessert, let Apple Crisp be your effortless finish to any meal. Peel and chop your apples beforehand, and top with the oat mixture when you’re set to cook. The oven does the work, transforming it into a crunchy, sweet comfort dessert. It truly is a fuss-free way to round out a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

For the love of all things cheesy and slightly spicy, Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls hit the mark. Combine your ingredients in advance and chill them in the fridge. When you’re ready, shape and coat them for a quick bake. These addictive bites make snacking easy and keep you out of the kitchen when it’s crunch time.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Apple Pie

Nothing beats the classic Apple Pie, and it’s even better when it’s stress-free. Assemble your pie early, then chill it until you’re ready to bake. That way, you get a flaky crust and tender filling, fresh out the oven, any time you desire. Enjoy the extra time mingling instead of mixing and rolling dough.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Merge two favorites into one with a Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, a treat that prepares as seamlessly as it impresses. Line your pie dish with cinnamon roll slices, fill with your apple mixture, and top with more rolls. Watch as everyone marvels at your baking skills, which you cleverly spread out to avoid last-minute chaos.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie