Freeze now, party later: Recipes to make ahead of Christmas

Prepping for Christmas can get a little crazy at times, but thankfully it doesn’t have to be that way (cue a big sigh of relief!). These freezer-friendly recipes offer the perfect solution – helping you save time (and minimise stress) before the big festive rush.

Whether you’re planning a party or you simply want to get ahead for the big day itself, these freezable sides, puds, sauces and snacks will set you up for fuss-free entertaining over the Christmas hols, giving you plenty more time to party (or nap – no judgement here!).

For the best and safest results when it comes to freezing food, be sure to read our essential advice first. Now, shall we dig in?

For even more festive foodie inspiration, visit our Christmas hub.

These savoury Welsh cakes make a lovely base for loads of delicious toppings (we like them with cranberry-spiked caramelised onion and Brie, or with smoked trout and lemony crème fraîche!). Bake them ahead, then pop them in the freezer for a quick Christmas starter or snack.

Trust us when we say this is the GRAVY of all gravies. Perfect for your Big-Day turkey or for (generously) pouring over your favourite festive dinner-party dishes. After making and freezing this glorious gravy, take it out to defrost it fully in the fridge until you need it.

You just can't beat a buttery, flaky mince pie at this time of year. We love this classic recipe with a slight twist (click the link to see Jamie’s secret ingredient). The beauty of these mince pies is that you can freeze them, then bake from frozen. Ideal for those unannounced guests!

Think indulgently rich dark chocolate with crunchy nuts and sour cherries – bliss. Once you’ve baked your perfectly gooey brownies, cut them into squares and cool before freezing on a large tray, spacing them out so they don’t freeze together (you’ll need a bit of space in the freezer to do this). Then keep frozen, in bags and defrost individually whenever you fancy one!

Follow Jamie’s recipe for super-sticky pigs in blankets for your Christmas Day feast or party spread. Make them now, pop them in the freezer, then simply roast from frozen on the day – a tasty triumph every time!

A fantastic fuss-free recipe that’ll make a great addition to your festive sharing platter. Ready in just 15 mins, you can freeze these little bites of flavour either pre- or post frying. We’ve got loads of topping ideas for you, too: dollop on a bit of tahini with a drizzle of chilli sauce; top with a spoonful of pickled cabbage or opt for some coriander and lemon yoghurt – yum!

Check out our top recommendations on how to freeze more and spend less, where we’ve rounded up our ultimate freezer tips, all in one handy place!