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Home » Recipe Collections

23 Easy Make-Ahead Recipes for a Hassle-Free Fall Gathering

Published: Sep 16, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Easy make-ahead recipes are a game-changer when you're planning a fall gathering and want everything to run smoothly. Whether you're hosting family or friends, the last thing you need is to be stuck in the kitchen all day. These dishes can be prepped in advance, so when the day rolls around, you can relax and enjoy the season without worrying about last-minute cooking. From cozy dinners to shareable sides, each one fits perfectly into the fall vibe—simple, hearty, and just right for the cooler weather.

Overhead image of best tuna casserole in a dish.
Best Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Vegetable Casserole

Overhead image of vegetable casserole in a dish.
Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegetable Casserole brings together fresh veggies, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping in an effortless dish. It's an easy make-ahead recipe that’s perfect for fall weeknight dinners, helping you save time while still serving something nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Authentic Mulligatawny Soup

An overhead image of mulligatawny soup being scooped out in a large pot.
Authentic Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This hearty Mulligatawny Soup features vegetables and lentils in a creamy coconut broth, making it perfect for fall. As one of the easiest make-ahead recipes, you can prep it in advance for a simple, hassle-free weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Mulligatawny Soup

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu and turns them into a one-pan dish. It’s an easy make-ahead recipe for fall dinners, giving you all the taste with less effort and minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Croissant French Toast Bake

A close up image of croissant French toast topped with blueberries and raspberries.
Croissant French Toast Bake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Croissant French Toast Bake is an easy, make-ahead breakfast dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With its ability to be prepped the night before, it's a great choice for fall gatherings and holiday brunches like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Croissant French Toast Bake

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines crispy bacon, potatoes, and cheddar cheese for a comforting dish. This easy make-ahead recipe is perfect for fall dinners, letting you prepare it ahead of time and have a hearty meal ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Four tacos with carne molida on a wooden surface.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Carne Molida is an effortless dish packed with slow-cooked flavor, making it a versatile choice for tacos or burritos. As an easy make-ahead recipe, you can prepare it in advance and enjoy stress-free fall meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Best Tuna Casserole

Overhead image of best tuna casserole in a dish.
Best Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tuna Casserole is a timeless comfort dish with creamy sauce and tender noodles, making it a favorite for fall meals. This easy make-ahead recipe can be prepared in advance, making weeknight dinners smooth and hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Close-up image of sweet potato kale salad in a bowl.
Sweet Potato Kale Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This sweet potato and kale salad combines roasted sweet potatoes and fresh kale with a tangy dressing, creating a balanced dish. It’s one of those easy make-ahead recipes that simplifies lunches or dinners, perfect for busy fall days.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Moroccan Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Moroccan ground turkey stuffed pepper with a fork in a  saucer.
Moroccan Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Moroccan ground turkey stuffed peppers with rice and baharat offer a hearty, satisfying meal that's great for fall. This easy make-ahead recipe can be prepared in advance, ensuring a stress-free dinner when you're short on time.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

A bowl of easy vegan mushroom stroganoff placed on a wooden board.
Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy mushroom stroganoff is packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. As one of the best easy make-ahead recipes for fall, it allows you to prepare in advance and enjoy a hassle-free, plant-based dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

Banana Chia Pudding

Banana chia pudding in a mason jar with a spoon in it and sliced bananas, and cinnamon on top and the jar on a wooden board.
Banana Chia Pudding. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Banana chia pudding is a creamy snack that’s quick to make and easy to store for later. This easy make-ahead recipe is perfect for busy fall mornings when you need something ready to grab and go.
Get the Recipe: Banana Chia Pudding

Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad

A slice of toast with cranberry chicken salad on top.
Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This chicken salad features Greek yogurt, crunchy walnuts, and dried cranberries, making it a light yet satisfying option. With its easy make-ahead recipe, it’s a practical choice for quick lunches during fall when you need something on hand.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Cranberry Chicken Salad

Sheet-Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Close-up image of sheet pan paprika and chicken and veggies.
Sheet-Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Roasted paprika chicken with root vegetables is a flavorful, no-fuss dish that comes together easily. Prep it in advance, and this easy make-ahead recipe becomes a go-to for stress-free dinners on cool fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sheet-Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Egg Sausage Breakfast Casserole

A hashbrown casserole in a white baking dish.
Egg Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Breakfast sausage hashbrown casserole combines savory sausage and crispy hashbrowns, making it a hearty morning meal. This easy make-ahead recipe lets you prep it the night before for a hassle-free breakfast the whole family will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Egg Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Easy Pot Roast Crock Pot

Overhead image of easy pot roast crock pot on a plate.
Easy Pot Roast Crock Pot. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Pot roast made in a Crock Pot is a fall classic that requires minimal effort and ingredients. With this easy make-ahead recipe, you can prepare it in the morning and come home to a hearty, flavorful meal by dinnertime.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pot Roast Crock Pot

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage stuffed mushrooms are a flavorful appetizer that's simple to prepare ahead of time. This easy make-ahead recipe is perfect for fall gatherings, allowing you to focus on hosting without last-minute cooking stress.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Pistachio Fluff Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Pistachio Fluff Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pistachio fluff salad, or Watergate salad, is a 5-ingredient dish that’s easy to throw together for any occasion. As one of the simplest easy make-ahead recipes for holiday meals, it’s a quick option that saves you time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad

Breakfast Casserole

A picture of a portion of keto breakfast casserole on light blue plate.
Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This breakfast casserole, made with eggs, sausage, and cheese, is a hearty meal that’s simple to prepare. It’s an easy make-ahead recipe for fall mornings when you want something warm and filling without the rush.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs on a plate.
Swedish Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Swedish Meatballs, seasoned with nutmeg and allspice, make for a cozy fall meal. This easy make-ahead recipe allows you to prep ahead, making dinnertime simple when you need a quick yet satisfying option.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs

Cheesy Hash Browns

Cheesy hash browns.
Cheesy Hash Browns. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Cheesy Hash Browns are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, loaded with melted cheese. This easy make-ahead recipe is great for breakfast, allowing you to prep in advance and reheat for a convenient meal on busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hash Browns

Italian Low-Carb Pasta Marinara

Pasta Marinara inside a grey plate with extra sauce and basil leaves on the side.
Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Pasta marinara is a quick, simple dinner option that’s easy to prep ahead. This easy make-ahead recipe is a great choice for fall weeknights when you want something ready with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

A white bowl with slow cooker Italian pork roast, potatoes and carrots.
Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow cooker Italian pork roast is seasoned with herbs and spices for a tender, flavorful meal. This easy make-ahead recipe is perfect for fall, whether you’re prepping for special occasions or casual weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Creamy cheesy broccoli soup with a spoon in a bowl.
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy broccoli soup, made with roasted broccoli and garlic, is a comforting option for fall. With this easy make-ahead recipe, you can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy a cozy weeknight dinner or holiday starter without the last-minute stress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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