15 Freezer-Friendly Meals for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

Jan 24, 2016

You just walked in the door after a long day of work and finally get to kick off your killer heels and plop down on the couch. But then your tummy starts rumbling and you remember you still have to cook something for dinner. Don't settle for a bowl of cereal or the same old take-out again! You can easily take a healthy, satisfying meal out of your freezer and let it warm in the oven while you sip on a glass (or two) of wine. All it takes is a little meal prep to stock your freezer full of make-ahead weeknight meals for when you just can't even. Scroll on for 15 delicious, freezer-friendly meals that will be your new BFF on busy weeknights.

Pork Ginger Potstickers

These delicious Asian-inspired pot stickers make a great lunch, dinner or appetizer. Make a double batch and freeze half of the unbaked ones on a cookie sheet for 24 hours before transferring to a freezer bag and you’ll have a quick meal waiting for you on those neverending work days. (via Damn Delicious)

Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Shells

Doing a little extra cooking on a Sunday afternoon will be your saving grace on a day when making dinner is the last thing you want to do. Fill and bake the pasta shells, then let the entire pan cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Just reheat when it’s time to eat and pat yourself on the back for being so prepared. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Shredded Beef Burritos

Stuffed with beef, cheese, rice and beans, these burritos will totally satisfy your Taco Tuesday cravings, especially when all you have to do is grab one out of the freezer and reheat. Cook the beef in your slow cooker to make this recipe even easier. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

Cheesy Broccoli and Pepper Baked Orzo

Get in your daily serving of veggies and clean out the crisper drawers in your fridge at the same time. This cheesy baked pasta is filled with good-for-you ingredients and is one healthy meal you’ll actually look forward to eating. And since you can freeze it in individual portions, you can have it anytime you want. (via Oh My Veggies)

Spicy Honey BBQ Meatballs

This recipe makes a ton, so you’ll be able to freeze half (with the sauce) and pull them out on game day. Made with ground beef and quinoa, these meatballs pack a huge punch of protein that will keep you full all afternoon. (via Milo and Oats)

Mini Pot Pie Biscuits

Kiss your usual pot pie goodbye. These handheld ones have a whole wheat biscuit bottom and are filled with onions, carrots, celery and shredded chicken. Feel free to use whatever produce you have on hand. (via Live Simply)

Beef Chili With Cornbread Dumplings

This hearty beef chili is packed with spices and veggies and topped with cheesy buttermilk dumplings. Eating it is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket. Freeze any leftover chili in a muffin pan and transfer to a sandwich bag for individual portions that’ll instantly warm you up without taking hours to prepare. (via Supergolden Bakes)

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders

Crispy, baked chicken tenders will be your new quick and healthy go-to weeknight dinner. Add the fact that you can freeze them after baking and reheat on a moment’s notice and you’ll start thinking it’s too good to be true. Trust that you’ll be a believer after one bite. (via Kristine’s Kitchen)

Calzones

Once you learn how to put these together, the possibilities for fillings are endless, from the classic spinach and ricotta to leftover shredded chicken, chickpeas and even steak. Let the calzones cool and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for a rainy (or lazy!) day. (via The Kitchn)

Mozzarella Meatball Casserole

Combine whole wheat pasta, spinach and turkey meatballs to make this healthy one-pot casserole that tastes like anything but health food. You can freeze this meal for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and add a touch of extra tomato sauce to keep this dish from drying out in the microwave. (via Well Plated)

Black Bean Burgers

Ditch those greasy fast-food burgers and whip up a batch of these black bean patties instead. Make a few extra and wrap each one in cling wrap before putting them in a freezer bag. Reheat on the grill at your next BBQ and even your carnivorous friends will be asking for one. (via She Likes Food)

Chicken Enchiladas

These tasty enchiladas are stuffed with tons of veggies and chopped chicken and are completely covered in a delicious homemade sauce before being baked to crispy perfection. Wrap each enchilada in tin foil and freeze for later, or freeze the entire pan and deliver to your favorite new parents for a meal they’ll thank you endlessly for. (via An Edible Mosaic)

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna

Assemble this creamy Alfredo lasagna, cover with foil and stick the entire pan right in your freezer. The next time your to-do list is a mile long and you just have no time to make dinner, put down the take-out menu and grab this instead. (via Shweta in the Kitchen)

Hot Pockets

Heating a store-bought hot pocket for dinner might be a quick option for long days, until you taste how good these homemade ones are in comparison. Get creative with your fillings, like broccoli and cheddar or pepperoni pizza and you’ll never buy the boxed version again. (via Just Putzing Around in the Kitchen)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Throw all the ingredients in your trusty slow cooker and you’ll walk in the door from work to a hearty soup that’ll make all your daily stresses fade away. Top with crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime and dig in. (via Cupcake Diaries)

18 Easy Breakfast Meal Prep Recipes That Save Busy Weekdays

Kickstart your mornings with minimal effort and maximum flavor by making these easy breakfast meal prep recipes! Imagine waking up to a fridge stocked with grab-and-go options like overnight oats layered with fresh fruit, or perfectly-portioned egg cups. These breakfast meal prep recipes not only save you precious time during the morning rush, but also ensure that you never have to sacrifice a nutritious, delicious breakfast to work toward your health goals. Say 'goodbye' to skipping the most important meal of the day and 'hello' to a week of stress-free, tasty mornings with these 18 ideas!

Brit + Co

Parfait Breakfast Popsicles

This breakfast-dessert hybrid is nutritious as can be. It's made with a protein-rich Greek yogurt base, and from there, you can customize the flavor with any medley of diced fruits. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cinnamon Pear Baked Oatmeal

This big dish of baked oatmeal will last you the whole week. It's filled with delicious notes of pear and cinnamon to usher in the fall season seamlessly. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Easy Sheet Pan Pancakes

Shoutout to the genius that came up with sheet pan pancakes! Prepping your pancakes on a sheet pan and baking them in the oven not only saves you time in the long run, but saves you from doing an endless pile of dishes. Top these with your favorite inclusions then dig in. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vikalinka

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

For a savory breakfast meal prep option, make sure to bookmark this hearty casserole. It'll fill you up well, too, since it's packed with protein from eggs and meat. (via Vikalinka)

The Girl on Bloor

High Protein Oatmeal

Your typical bowl o' oatmeal gets a nice boost from protein powder to keep you fuller for longer, and supply you with enough energy to make it to lunchtime. The best part about this recipe is you can section it out into individual meal prep containers to keep in the fridge until you're ready to chow down. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Completely Delicious

Whole Wheat Cheddar Biscuits

Nothing is better than a warm biscuit in the morning. With this dish, you can bake them, then store them in either the fridge or freezer for safe keeping. When breakfast rolls around, simply heat one or two up in the toaster oven. (via Completely Delicious)

Hello Little Home

Vegetarian Breakfast Enchiladas

Breakfast enchiladas sound so good right about now. As opposed to your traditional enchilada build, these are stuffed with eggs and black beans for a vegetarian protein fix. (via Hello Little Home)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Brownie Baked Oatmeal

Mmm, chocolate. Start your day off with this equally nutritious and delicious baked oatmeal! After you make it, you'll be left with plenty of leftovers to devour all week long. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Vanilla and Bean

Vegan Breakfast Banana Nut Muffins

Banana nut muffins make the perfect pairing with your morning coffee. Bake 'em once, then you'll have an entire dozen to stow away in the fridge. (via Vanilla and Bean)

The First Mess

Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Cups with Chocolate

These chocolatey oatmeal cups have some hidden nutrients in them, thanks to the addition of zucchini. You'd never guess it, though – each component blends together super seamlessly. (via The First Mess)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos

Meal prep these veggie-filled breakfast burritos, wrap them in foil, then keep them in the freezer so they'll last. You can easily heat them up before you leave the house in the microwave or air fryer for just a few minutes! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Feel Good Foodie

Broccoli and Cheese Quiche

Quiches rock. This one is prepped with pieces of broccoli and cheese, and will always taste fresh the entire week long. For a longer-lasting dish, store the leftovers in your freezer. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Pumpkin season is upon us! Usher in fall time with these pumpkin-y overnight oats for a nice breakfast meal prep sesh. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

The Fast Recipe

Spinach & Feta Muffins

These egg muffins taste similar to Starbucks' famous Spinach Feta Wrap, but you won't have to hit the drive-thru to indulge. (via The Fast Recipe)

Bowl of Delicious

Make-Ahead Breakfast Tacos

Like breakfast burritos, breakfast tacos are equally easy to meal prep. Pack some tortillas full of your favorite toppings like eggs, cheese, bacon, or sausage, and boom, breakfast for a week is ready! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Half Baked Harvest

Blueberry Yogurt Granola Bars

If you've never made your own granola bars, now's the time. These delicious grab-and-go bites are ideal for busy school mornings as well as afternoon snacking! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Earthly Provisions

Banana Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

Banana and chocolate make the most heavenly flavor combo. Mix the two into a cup of overnight oats, and it'll feel like you're literally eating dessert for breakfast. (via Earthly Provisions)

Cozy Cravings

Green Goddess Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich

This is one stacked breakfast sandwich. Egg, bacon, and cheese are layered in between a tasty bun with some green goddess spread. Prep a dozen sammies to keep in the freezer to feed you and your fam all week. (via Cozy Cravings)

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55 Easy Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers That Satisfy The Whole Table

Whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving with your family or having a cozy dinner for two, you want some time to sit back and relax on Turkey Day – even to enjoy some fun holiday games and activities while you wait for the turkey to brown. Make the day way easier by whipping up any of these easy make-aheadThanksgivingappetizer recipes and give yourself an actual Thanksgiving break.

Brit + Co

Bread Cornucopia and Cheese

Nothing says Thanksgiving like a cornucopia, so a bread cornucopia is the perfect appetizer centerpiece for your pre-feast party. (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer. With this recipe, you can prep a creamy, buttery batch ahead of the big day and have it ready to go when your guests gather together. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mac + Cheese Donuts

Not every appetizer has to be high rent. Whether you're prepping for Friendsgiving or an Turkey Day with your closest family, these delicious edibles will be a crowd pleaser. (via Brit + Co)

The Cafe Sucre Farine

Rosemary Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles

These babies are actually pretty darn classy, and they showcase all the flavors of the spectrum. There's rosemary for herb lovers, pecan to add some nuttiness, and even Sriracha for a bit of heat. Pro tip: Serve with a basic crispy wafer so as not to detract from the spread. (via The Cafe Sucre Farine)

Nerds With Knives

Crostini With Bleu Cheese and Roasted Grapes

This recipe takes almost no time to make. Slice up some blue cheese and add grapes to your favorite baguette. (via Nerds With Knives)

Little Spice Jar

Gruyere, Mushroom, and Caramelized Onion Bites

Add Gruyere, mushrooms, and caramelized onions to puffed pastry for a simple and delicious appetizer. And the best part is, you can make this up to 48 hours ahead of time, giving you plenty of wiggle room for your Turkey Day prep. (via Little Spice Jar)

Better Homes & Gardens

Cran-Sage Rolls

Not only is there nothing wrong with using frozen dough once in a while, but it's actually kind of a perfect Thanksgiving treat. These rolls are flavored with cranberries and sage for an elegant holiday version of trust crescent rolls. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

Hello Little Home

Ranch Pumpkin Seeds

These pumpkin seeds are both salty and tangy, plus you get a nice crunch from baking them for a bit. (via Hello Little Home)

I Will Not Eat Oysters

Kabocha and Havarti Pockets

Prepare these hearty pockets a few days before Thanksgiving, stick them in the fridge, and bake on the day of. (via I Will Not Eat Oysters)

Real Housemoms

Onion, Cranberry, and Pecan Cheese Ball

Cheese balls are a classic appetizer. Add onion, cranberries, and pecans to make yours next-level. (via Real Housemoms)

Well Plated

Cranberry Baked Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Brie can get super messy. Make bites instead and pop some cranberry in them to Thanksgiving-ify. Serve with fresh cranberries or — our personal favorite — sweet cranberry sauce. (via Well Plated)

How Sweet Eats

Pomegranate Jeweled White Cheddar, Toasted Almond, and Crispy Sage Cheeseball

This big bundle of flavor is so cheesy. It's coated in pomegranate seeds, which makes it super festive and sweet. (via How Sweet Eats)

The Suburban Soapbox

Tomato Jam and Cheddar Palmiers

TBH the thought of tomato jam is a little scary. But, once you try this recipe, you and your fam will be totally hooked. Add a little cheddar to make these extra flavorful. (via The Suburban Soapbox)

Recipe Rebel

Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini

These tiny crostinis take the idea of bruschetta and turn it on its head. Instead of light, summery toppings, you'll be treated to festive cranberries, savory bacon, and gooey cheese. (via Recipe Rebel)

Home Is Where the Boat Is

Cha-Cha Chicken Salad

There's an unexpected sweetness to this chicken salad, and it comes from pineapples and cranberries. Top with a fresh sprig of rosemary. (via Home Is Where the Boat Is)

Chew Out Loud

Pumpkin Bacon Dip

Nothing says Thanksgiving more than pumpkin-flavored everything, and that doesn't stop at chips and dip. Top this dip with bacon and green onions for extra flavor. (via Chew Out Loud)

Gimme Some Oven

5-Ingredient Caprese Phyllo Cups

Caprese is one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that you really can't go wrong with. Drizzle these with pesto or balsamic vinaigrette for extra flavor, but wait to do that part until you're ready to serve — otherwise they may get soggy. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Deliciously Sprinkled

Pumpkin Dip

When it comes to dips, what could be more Thanksgiving-y than a concoction made with pumpkin? Serve with crackers, apples, or lightly sweetened cookies to tide your guests over until the big meal. (via Deliciously Sprinkled)

Food & Wine

Prosciutto-Fontina Pinwheels

Thinly sliced prosciutto, Fontina cheese, and puff pastry are just about all you need to make these pinwheels. The best part is that they totally make you into the best ever Turkey Day hostess. (via Food & Wine)

The Suburban Soapbox

Sweet and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Go for a not-so-traditional Thanksgiving food and cook up a batch of stuffed mushrooms. The sweet and spicy flavors of this app will make it go fast. (via The Suburban Soapbox)

Pip and Ebby

Antipasto Skewers

Assemble these skewers a day ahead of schedule. Put them on a tray and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to serve. (via Pip and Ebby)

Amy in the Kitchen

Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp Dip

Dip toast points, pita chips, and breadsticks into this indulgent dip, which you can make a day before Thanksgiving and pop in the oven to warm up when you're ready to eat. We won't judge if you decide to toss the leftovers with some warm pasta and call it a meal. (via Amy in the Kitchen)

My Gorgeous Recipes

Quick Chicken Liver Pâté

Go old school this Thanksgiving, serving chicken liver pâté and toast points as an appetizer. The pâté will keep for a few days in the fridge; just let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature before you dig in. (via My Gorgeous Recipes)

Tara's Multicultural Table

Bavarian Cheese and Beer Spread

A robust cheese spread, made with beer, is an appropriately hearty start to your Thanksgiving feast. (via Tara's Multicultural Table)

Savory Tooth

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

We all have that family member who claims they don't like Brussels sprouts. Change their mind with these bacon-wrapped versions, which you can make ahead and heat in the oven just before serving (though they're delish at room temperature too). (via Savory Tooth)

The Home Cook's Kitchen

Mushroom Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Earthy mushrooms and tangy goat cheese create a balanced bite with this bruschetta recipe. Make sure your bread is extra toasty, so you can prep it without worrying about it getting soggy. (via The Home Cook's Kitchen)

No Spoon Necessary

Roasted Sweet Potato Harissa Hummus

Ditch the candied sweet potatoes and serve up this creamy hummus instead. It'll keep for at least a couple of days in the fridge, freeing up time for you to work on the rest of your seasonal cooking. (via No Spoon Necessary)

Sweet Peas and Saffron

Lasagna Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Make these stuffed mushrooms, freeze them, then pop 'em into the oven on Thanksgiving. Just try to resist eating so many you lose your appetite before the big meal. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Spicy Marinated Cheese

The cheese is marinated in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and spices, and gets better if you make it a day or two in advance. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Lisa's Dinnertime Dish

Italian Sausage and Bean Bruschetta

Loaded with Italian sausage and white beans, this take on bruschetta is hearty enough for colder weather. Warm it up slightly before serving with toasted baguette slices. (via Lisa's Dinnertime Dish)

Cathy's Gluten Free

Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon

A little sweet, a little salty, this paleo salad is a satisfying but healthy starter. Top it with toasted pecans to add some crunch to each bite. (via Cathy's Gluten Free)

Garlic & Zest

Prosciutto and Date Palmiers

Flaky, cheesy, and sweet, palmiers will definitely stimulate your tastebuds. (via Garlic & Zest)

Food Meanderings

Caesar Twice-Baked Potatoes

Mini potatoes seasoned with Caesar dressing are twice-baked for this recipe. You can assemble them ahead of time, then bake them for the second time right before they're served! (via Food Meanderings)

Half Baked Harvest

Baked French Onion Meatballs

Talk about yum. Beef up your classic French onion soup recipe with a few meatballs to add a hearty touch, and top them off with a bit of gruyere. Trust us: your guests are going to thank you. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Barley & Sage

Goat Cheese Risotto with Cherry Tomato Confit

This easy-peasy recipe is actually pretty darn classy and showcases all the flavors on the spectrum. There's basil for herb lovers, plump cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor, and a mix-in of goat cheese for an elevated flavor. (via Barley & Sage)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Caprese Bruschetta with Basil Pesto

This recipe takes almost no time to make. Slice up some mozzarellaslices, tomatoes, and drizzle some vinaigrette and pesto to your favorite baguette. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Where is My Spoon?

Puff Pastry Nibbles

Add sliced tomatoes, pesto (store-bought or homemade!), and sprinkle on some hard cheese to puff pastry pieces for a simple and delicious Thanksgiving appetizer. And the best part is, you can make this up to 48 hours ahead of time, giving you plenty of wiggle room for your Turkey Day prep. (via Where is My Spoon?)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Stuffed Mushrooms

We get it: either you love mushrooms or you hate them with a passion, but this recipe is bound to convert any hater. These mushrooms are jam-packed with parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs for a delectable Thanksgiving finger food. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Culinary Hill

2-Ingredient Italian Sausage Rolls

These 2-ingredient rolls are sure to please both the kids and adults tables this year. Make them ahead of time, then easily heat them back up once Thanksgiving Day rolls around. (via Culinary Hill)

A Spicy Perspective

Bacon Kalamata Cheese Puffs

For those who don't already know, kalamata is a type of olive… which makes these appetizers perfect for your vegetarian guests. Prepare these pockets a few days before Thanksgiving, stick them in the fridge, and bake the day of. (via A Spicy Perspective)

The Fast Recipe

Spicy Cajun Deviled Eggs

What *doesn't* sound good about these deviled eggs? Cajun seasoning and hot sauce give these otherwise totally traditionalfinger foods a savory, rich layer of flavor. (via The Fast Recipe)

The Bossy Kitchen

Cheese Straws with Feta and Poppy Seeds

To make these cheese straws, twist together some feta and a homemade dough, then bake. These taste ahh-mazing all on their own, but you can get creative with the toppings if you're feeling frisky. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Takes Two Eggs

Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread

Cheese bread is a classic appetizer. The cream cheese and honey butter in this recipe takes this to the next level. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Half Baked Harvest

Mini Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie Bites

Brie can get super messy. Make some tiny bites instead, and pop some cranberry in them to Thanksgiving-ify. Serve with fresh cranberries or — our personal favorite — sweet cranberry sauce. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Averie Cooks

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

While the term “cheese ball" might not sound particularly refined, this big bundle of flavor actually kinda is. It's coated in cheddar cheese, for one thing, which makes it a total crowd-pleaser. We recommend adding pickle slices to this bad boy for extra oomph. (via Averie Cooks)

The Endless Meal

Crispy Boursin Arancini

Crispy Boursin arancinis the perfect make-ahead appetizer that you can reheat in the oven. Once you try this recipe, you and your fam will be totally hooked. The Boursin center make these extra flavorful! (via The Endless Meal)

Cozy Cravings

Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Pinwheels

These spinach and ricotta pinwheels take pre-dinner bread to a whole other level. Enjoy a swirl of buttery puff pastry, salty parmesan, and gooey ricotta for the ultimate savory treat. (via Cozy Cravings)

The Bossy Kitchen

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Nothing says Thanksgiving more than cranberry-infused everything, and that doesn't stop at chips and dip! Top this dip with slivered almonds and green onions for extra flavor. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Hello Little Home

Baked Brie with Cranberries & Pecans

There's an unexpected sweetness to this baked brie, and it comes from the cranberries. Prep ahead then bake to experience the ooey-gooey center. (via Hello Little Home)

The First Mess

Roasted Carrot & Harissa Chickpea Dip

When it comes to prepping ahead, dips of any kind are a crowd-pleasing dish that you really can't go wrong with. Top this spread with pine nuts and pomegranate pearls for extra flavor, but wait to do that part until you're ready to serve it — otherwise, it may all get mixed in. (via The First Mess)

Live Eat Learn

Leek Quiche Recipe with Goat Cheese

One of the best things about a quiche is that you can eat it at any time of year. Full of leeks and cheesy goodness, this recipe is a great way to sneak in some vegetables ahead of the big feast. (via Live Eat Learn)

The Endless Meal

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

This Thanksgiving, indulge in the traditional decadence that is a spinach and artichoke dip. The best part about a tried and true favorite like this is that it'll totally make you the best-ever Turkey Day hostess! (via The Endless Meal)

Rachel Mansfield

Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups

Speaking of spinach artichoke dip, opt for these lil' cups to avoid the mess. You definitely won't have to worry about forgetting the chips! (via Rachel Mansfield)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Cherry Arugula Farro Salad

Go for a not-so-traditional Thanksgiving food and whip up a light, yet filling salad. The sweet and crunchy texture of this appetizer will make it go fast. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Salt & Lavender

Easy Antipasto Skewers

Assemble these skewers a day ahead of schedule. Put them on a tray and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate until you're ready to serve them. (via Salt & Lavender)

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This article has been updated with additional reporting by Maggie McCracken, Justina Huddleston, and Meredith Holser.

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Love & Lemons

Grab that can of garbanzo beans hiding in the back of your cabinet and make them the star of the show. These are so good, that you might just want to save them all for yourself. (via Love & Lemons)

These Make-Ahead BBQ Recipes Are Too Good To Pass Up

Mushroom Puff Pastry Bites

Well Plated

Store-bought puff pastry sheets make this appetizer a cinch to put together. Their grab-and-go size also ensures that your guests will be able to socialize instead of waiting forever in line. (via Well Plated)

Coleslaw Pasta Salad

This Wife Cooks

This colorful pasta pick will stay good in the fridge for a few days, so you can totally make it ahead of time! Crunchy veg meets a creamy coleslaw flavor that'll help you beat the summer heat. (via This Wife Cooks)

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

No. 2 Pencil

Make these mashed potatoes up to two days in advance and pop them in the oven the day of the BBQ. Your guests will think you spent all morning slaving over the hot stove. Don't worry, though — your culinary secret is safe with us. (via No. 2 Pencil)

Pesto Turkey Meatball Sliders

The Yummy Life

Make some meatball patties in advance and store them in your fridge for three days – or the freezer for up to two weeks. Then, you can just top them with cheese and heat everything up 30 minutes before serving. (via The Yummy Life)

Easy Grilled Chicken for a Crowd

Cook The Story

Standing over a hot grill all summer afternoon is no way to enjoy your day. Pre-cook your chicken in the oven the night before, and it'll only need a quick reheat on the grill the day of. (via Cook The Story)

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Pink Owl Kitchen

It's really not a real barbecue feast if you don't have a cheesy mac to go on the side. This one takes notes from traditional soul food methods, adding in three, yes three different types of cheeses for texture and taste. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Make-Ahead Frozen Fruit Daiquiris

The Yummy Life

Whip up a big batch of frozen daiquiris the day before, and you'll get to enjoy them instead of being tied to the blender all barbecue long. (via The Yummy Life)

Mini Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Home Made Interest

Mini sandwiches FTW! These buffalo beauties are made with pre-cooked deli wings, so they'll be ready before you even know it. (via Home Made Interest)

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

The Fast Recipe

This cheese ball is a big dill to us. Generously coated in pickle pieces, sesame seeds, and cheese, each scoop you take will fulfill the salty cravings. (via The Fast Recipe)

Saucy Sesame Noodles

Tadka Pasta

Another take on traditional pasta salad, this one is covered in a delicious sesame-peanut sauce and topped with peanuts and fresh cucumber right before serving for a fresh crunch. (via Tadka Pasta)

Muffaletta Dip

Southern Spicy Kitchen

This dip might have a lot of ingredients, but it comes together in an instant with just a little choppin' and droppin'. (via Southern Spicy Kitchen)

Make-Ahead BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Sliders

Cozy Cravings

Eliminate the need for a long prep time with this easy BBQ-friendly recipe! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is the star of the show here, covering tender slider buns in juicy texture. Take the rest of the toppings as a choose-your-own-adventure job! (via Cozy Cravings)

Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes

Family Fresh Meals

Trying to cook enough potatoes for everyone in the oven would take all day, not to mention your house would turn into a sauna. Cool off and let your crock pot do the work. Did we convince you to buy one yet? (via Family Fresh Meals)

Green Bean Casserole Cups

Let's Dish

In less than 30 minutes you can have the perfect easy-to-eat appetizer thanks to a package of frozen phyllo shells. You can thank us later. (via Let's Dish)

Summer Panzanella Salad

Chef Bai

Panzanella provides the perfect balance between carbs and veggies. This well-seasoned one is constructed from only *the best* produce. (via Chef Bai)

Mini Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pies

Barley & Sage

Why make a big, heaping batch of chicken pot pie, when you could playfully serve it up personal-sized? These pockets get prepped ahead of time, enveloping a veggie medley in tender puff pastry. After that, just bake them golden brown, according to the recipe! (via Barley & Sage)

Spicy Watermelon Salad

Amanda Wilens

BBQ goes super well with fresh watermelon. This recipe pick makes a spicy twist on your regular fruit salad, adding some zing to your outdoor dining game. (via Amanda Wilens)

What tips do you have for planning a backyard BBQ? Will any of these recipes make the cut? Let us know @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

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Bye, PSL! The Starbucks Holiday Menu For 2024 Is Back

So long, pumpkin spice season: Starbucks’ holiday menu has officially returned, and it brings back a ton of seasonal favorites!

In addition to the classic Peppermint Mocha to the beloved Caramel Brûlée Latte, a new Refresher flavor, 6 unique cold foams, and 4 new bakery items are now available at Starbucks locations as the holidays draw near – including many items we predicted! The lineup is honestly wild. The Starbucks holiday menu hit stores on November 7.

If you just can’t wait to order off the Starbucks holiday menu, here’s every offering available at your closest cafe!

When will the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024 come out?

Starbucks

The new holiday drinks and snacks from Starbucks came out on November 7, 2024.

Will there be holiday cups?

Starbucks

Yes, the Starbucks holiday menu includes some new holiday cup designs! You can peek at all the new designs for 2024 here.

What's missing from this year's rumored Starbucks holiday menu?

Starbucks

The Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread Loaf won't be returning to cafes for 2024. We're especially sad to see the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha not included, though the official menu lineup has yet to be released!

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Though there's no official word out about Red Cup Day for 2024, our best guess – based on the Red Cup Days of years past – is it'll return mid-November. In 2023, Red Cup Day fell on November 16. In 2022, the coffee chain held the event on November 17. Both dates landed on the third Thursday of November, so we predict it to hit on November 21 for 2024. Red Cup Day is when Starbucks customers can get a free reusable red cup when they order a seasonal drink off the holiday menu!

Initially introduced for fall 2024, it appears as though the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew will stay on the Starbucks menu well into winter. The salted, pecan-flavored cold foam offers that classic sweet n' salty twist you'd enjoy on fall snacks like trail mix or dipped pretzels. The best part is you can now also order the cold foam in non-dairy form!

Starbucks

Holiday Cold Foams

Starbs will also be bringing back four beloved holiday-flavored cold foamsand two new options for 2024. They're the perfect drink customization to add to your iced coffees and cold brews if you don't want to order an all-out holiday drink. See all the flavors below:

NEW! Gingerbread
NEW! Salted Pecan
Peppermint Chocolate
Sugar Cookie
Chestnut Praline
Caramel Brûlée

The Cranberry Bliss Bar has become an absolute staple on the Starbucks holiday menu, and for good reason! This blondie treat is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with orange zest and dried cranberries for added seasonal enjoyment.

What People Are Saying About The Leaked Starbucks Holiday Menu

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Famed foodie account @markie_devo was the first to leak the Starbucks holiday menu earlier this year. Though most commenters on @markie_devo's Starbucks holiday menu leak post seemed to be excited for the upcoming rumored menu items, some Starbs fans noticed a few things missing from the leaked lineup.

"Still missing eggnog 😢," someone noted.

"Where is the toasted white chocolate mocha 😢😢😢😢," another questioned.

"ALLLLLL these cold foams, and not the one people want: Irish Cream," one more commenter said.

"Ugh still no gingerbread loaf 😭," a disappointed user wrote. "Everything else looks bomb though!"

Despite the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread loaf not being part of this year's menu predictions, the holiday season is our favorite time of year at Starbucks. Many more users shared the same sentiment:

"So excited for all chestnut praline shaken espressos & cranberry bliss bars 🎄🎄🎄🎄," someone wrote.

"Oh hell yess all the chestnut praline offerings," another rejoiced.

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This post has been updated.

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