Sweet Potato and Pesto Slow-Cooker Bread
I like to bake fresh bread, both as a way to offer my family a delicious accompaniment to dinner and just because I enjoy the process. Baking bread in the slow cooker allows you to achieve a tender, perfectly baked loaf without turning on the oven, especially helpful in the summer. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Baby Swiss Appetizer Cheesecake
This beautiful cheesecake appetizer can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving, so it's the perfect make-ahead recipe for holidays, game days or special occasions. —Marilyn Edelman, Sabetha, Kansas
Creamy Pumpkin Hummus
I love to serve this pumpkin hummus with sliced apples, pears and pita chips. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of pumpkin oil and even fried sage leaves. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Fig and Goat Cheese Meatballs
Around the holidays, saucy cocktail meatballs are always the first appetizer to go. In this dish, the sweet flavor of the fig glaze goes perfectly with the pork and tangy goat cheese. Serve hot from the skillet or gently reheat them for a make-ahead appetizer. —Kim Banick, Turner, Oregon
Pomegranate Ginger Spritzer
A pitcher of this non-alcoholic beverage can conveniently be made hours before holiday guests arrive. Add the club soda just before serving.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mixed Nut Clusters
Serve these with hot chocolate to keep everyone happy and warm. They also make great gifts—box them up with each cluster in a foil or paper candy cup. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
Mini Fruitcakes
Fruitcake always looked so festive to me but I did not like the hard citron fruit so I came up with my own recipe using dried fruits and nuts. I place these in Christmas themed petit fours paper cups and give them to neighbors and friends along with the many other cookies and candies I bake. These keep well in the freezer in an airtight container. Just thaw to room temperature and they taste fresh baked and moist. —Lisa McDermith, Highland, California
Spiced Cranberry Crisp Cake
This cake is a cross between a fruit crisp and a moist cake. We love the festive cranberry filling with its sweet-tangy flavor and the combination of soft cake, tender fruit and crunchy topping. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Cozy Hot Chocolate
Steaming mugs of these smooth beverages are a nice anytime treat with my husband, Ken.—Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
White Candy Bark
This speedy candy recipe can be varied depending on the type of fruit or nuts you have on hand. Since we have a walnut tree, I use walnuts, but pecans could also be substituted as well as dried cherries for the cranberries. —Marcia Snyder, Grand Junction, Colorado
Shrimp & Crab Casserole
This quick, easy recipe is truly delicious. The succulent, melt-in-your-mouth seafood flavors and textures make for elegant comfort food. To make ahead, just assemble, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. —Jan Bartley, Evergreen, North Carolina
Christmas Party Pinwheels
'Tis the season for easy make-ahead appetizers like these. They look so special and pretty that folks can't resist them! The refreshing flavor of ranch dressing and crisp colorful vegetables makes these pinwheels a pleasure to serve. —Janis Plourde, Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario
Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti
When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon
Slow-Cooker Beef Tips Burgundy
Here's a heartwarming classic that's so simple in the slow cooker. Mushrooms, red wine and tender beef make for an easy, elegant supper. —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Spiced Rum and Pear Cake
The flavors in this cake really make it stand out as a special occasion cake—with raisins, fresh sweet pear chunks, rich spices, crunchy walnuts and rum, it's a great cake to add to your holiday spread. If you don't cook with alcohol, try swapping apple juice for the rum—it'll still be delicious! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Smoked Trout Pate
This tasty spread is easy to make in a food processor, and it’s a guaranteed winner at any party. The recipe is versatile, so feel free to substitute other favorite smoked fish.—Judy Walle, Toledo, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms
Here's a healthy and delicious addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
Make-Ahead Creamy Potatoes
For the holidays, I usually serve the traditional foods with a new spin or two on family favorites. I put together these creamy potatoes the night before and simply bake the day of to save precious holiday time. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
Sweet Potato & Marshmallow Swirl Cheesecake
I make a sweet potato souffle that I’ve always thought tastes like a dessert. I finally decided to use that idea for an actual dessert, and the result was a smooth, rich cheesecake.
Ricotta Sausage Triangles
Savory pockets filled with cheese, sausage and seasonings...what's not to like? This recipe makes a lot so it's ideal for parties or potlucks. If you don't need the entire amount, they do freeze well. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
Potluck Cordon Bleu Casserole
Whenever I'm invited to attend a potluck, people usually ask me to bring this tempting casserole. The turkey, ham and cheese are delectable combined with the crunchy topping. When I bake a turkey, I prepare the leftovers for this dish, knowing I'll be making it again soon. —Joyce Paul, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Homemade Eggnog
Once, I asked my mother how to make eggnog, and she showed me this recipe. After just one taste, folks will know this homemade holiday treat came from the kitchen, not from the store. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Homemade Chocolate Shortbread
This recipe has been in my files for a long time...probably from when I first learned to bake. Any chocolate lover will like these melt-in-your-mouth cookies. I make them year-round with variations. They're even richer with a thin coat of icing or as a sandwich cookie with frosting in the middle. —Sarah Bueckert, Austin, Manitoba
Taco Tater Skins
I wanted to make a version of these with ingredients most people have on hand. We make a meal out of these skins, but they're also great for parties as appetizers. —Phyllis Douglas, Fairview, Michigan
Christmas Morning Sweet Rolls
These make-ahead rolls have been a holiday tradition for years. The eggnog in the frosting makes them extra special on Christmas morning. —Kimberly Williams, Brownsburg, Indiana
Double Chocolate Almond Cheesecake
This cheesecake is easy to make—but it's definitely not easy to wait till the next day to eat it! The recipe is from a friend I used to work with.—Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Potluck German Apple Cake
My mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for potlucks any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Spicy Mixed Nuts
Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It's a smart solution for holiday snacking and gift giving. —Delores Hill, Helena, Montana
Crinkle-Top Chocolate Cookies
When I baked these moist, fudgy cookies for the first time, my three preschool children went wild over them! But I like them because they're lower in fat and easy to mix and bake. —Maria Groff, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Homemade Hot Cocoa
This homemade hot chocolate recipe will make people think you fussed but it is so simple. —Hershey Food Corporation, Cheryl Reitz, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Christmas Meatballs
Cranberry sauce and brown sugar create a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are good as an appetizer or as a main dish over rice. We love them so much, I prepare them year-round. —Joyce Bentley, Redlands, California
Peanut Butter Graham Bars
I rely on my microwave to hurry along the assembly of these yummy peanut butter bars with graham crackers. With their pleasant flavor, they're sure to disappear quickly. —Mina Dyck, Boissevain, Manitoba
Favorite Hamburger Stew
I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota
Holiday Sugar Cookies
Katie Koziolek of Hartland, Minnesota adds a hint of lemon to these delightful sugar cookies. For make-ahead convenience, freeze the dough up to three months, then thaw in the fridge before baking and decorating them. —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota
Ham 'n' Cheese Biscuit Stacks
I make these finger sandwiches for holidays and Super Bowl parties, too. They’re pretty enough for a baby shower and hearty enough for the guys. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Gimlet Bars
I love a tangy gimlet when the weather turns steamy—but these bars are just the thing when the craving hits and summer seems too far away. Add more lime zest if you want these a bit tangier. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Mulled Wine
This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don't omit this essential step. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Holiday White Chocolate Fudge
When December arrives, friends and family eagerly await my creamy white fudge. It's a little something different from the traditional chocolate. —Gioviana Buser, Riverside, California
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
This is a great way to make America's most popular comfort food. The dish turns out cheesy, rich and creamy. —Jennifer Babcock, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Smoked Salmon & Dill Deviled Eggs
Take this perennial party food and give it an upscale twist with smoked salmon. Your guests will be delighted with the results. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Sweet Potato Crisp
My not-too-sweet potato crisp features a wonderful buttery crumb topping. This is a welcome change from candied sweet potatoes.—Kathy Hamsher, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Hot Holiday Cider
This slightly tart apple cider is perfect for a holiday open house. It fills the room with a wonderful aroma. —Cindy Tobin, West Bend, Wisconsin
Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Make-Ahead Lasagna
This is an old standby when time's limited and guests are expected for dinner. It's a combination of several easy lasagna recipes I have tried over the years. —Mary Grimm, Williamsburg, Iowa
Warm Feta Cheese Dip
We’re big on appetizers, so this dip is a mashup of our favorite tastes, like cream cheese, feta, basil and sweet peppers. Serve with bread or chips. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Potato Chip Clusters
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super-easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Easy Elephant Ears
You’ll love the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of these crispy bite-size treats. Even more, you’ll love that they call for just three ingredients and are so simple to assemble. —Bob Rose, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Parmesan Potatoes Au Gratin
This recipe represents my philosophy of cooking to its best - cooking with love. A good test to see if you have enough cream in the recipe is to gently press on the top of the layers (once finished). If there is enough cream, you should see it coming out on the sides, but not overflowing. Letting the au gratin rest is very important . . . even though it is so delicious that you would want to jump right in. If you like onions, slice thinly and add in between the layers. —Theresa Danos, Hyde Park, New York
Slow-Cooked Ham with Pineapple Sauce
We serve this dish during the holidays because everyone is crazy about it. But it makes it to the table all year long because it’s super simple to prepare. —Terry Roberts, Yorktown, Virginia
Potluck Pumpkin Torte
A local newspaper featured this potluck-friendly recipe years ago. A creamy alternative to pumpkin pie, it quickly became one of my favorites. —Peggy Shea, Lowell, Indiana
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Mini peppers are so colorful and they're the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of a pita chip, without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Spiced Pumpkin Warm-Up
Make this drink your own! You can add coffee or even alcohol if you want an extra kick. I’ve also chilled this mixture and blended it with vanilla ice cream to make it a pumpkin shake. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas
Mom's Vegetable Dip
This is one dip my mother brought along to potluck dinners and made when guests came over. Every time I make it I am reminded of her and her love of cooking. —Jill Olofson, Woodbury, Minnesota
Potluck Sausage Casserole
Whenever my husband digs in to this pasta casserole full of Italian sausage and veggies, he gets a big smile on his face. I love that! —Jane Davis, Marion, Indiana
Make-Ahead Maple & Sage Gravy
Save those turkey wings! Then use this richly flavored stock in my pour-it-on-everything herbed gravy. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Bacon-Ranch Spinach Dip
During the hectic holiday season, my slow cooker works overtime. I fill it with a savory bacon dip and watch everyone line up for a helping. Keep the recipe in mind for tailgating, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Make-Ahead Sausage Pinwheels
Filled with sausage, sweet pepper and cream cheese, these roll-ups are excellent for unexpected visitors, a cocktail party or a halftime snack. Besides being easy to make, they can be done way ahead and kept in the freezer. All you have to do is pop them into a hot oven! —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan
Toffee Turtle Squares
Here's an easy way to make turtle candy for a big group. These bars are very rich, so a little square will do ya. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
Parmesan-Pretzel Crisps
I usually have the ingredients on hand and it is so easy to make, guest's really think you have gone the extra mile. —Pauline Porterfield, Roxboro, North Carolina
Chocolate Croissant Pudding
This new twist on traditional bread pudding is a decadent and delicious family favorite! —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
The post 61 Make-Ahead Holiday Potluck Recipes appeared first on Taste of Home.
Rashanda Cobbins, Food Editor