Dishes & Beverages27 Easy Casseroles to Serve at a Graduation Party Who wants to cook during a graduation party? These easy casseroles can be prepared in advance, and they all take less than 15 minutes to prep!
RecipesParty Meatballs These meatballs in a sweet, tangy sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated. We usually serve them at birthday parties. – Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
RecipesMushroom-Spinach Cream Soup Fresh mushrooms are a surprise for the palate in this creamy spinach soup. You can make it in advance and reheat it just before serving.—Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.
RecipesMiniature Meat Pies I make these handheld pies in advance, keep them in the freezer, then bake them the day of the party. They are always a hit at tailgate and potlucks. —Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California
RecipesHam and Cheese Tarts These savory tarts have been a family favorite for years. Make the ham mixture in advance to save time when guests arrive. —Delores Romyn, Stratton, Ontario
RecipesMarinated Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches When I know I’ll be short on time, I prepare the pork in advance and assemble the sandwiches right before serving. —Alice Gregory, Overland Park, Kansas
RecipesCaramel Apple Trifle Trifles are terrific desserts because they’re made in advance and feed a crowd. This caramel-apple version appeals to kids of all ages. —Joanne Wright, Niles, Michigan
Cooking Style68 Best Make-Ahead Meals for Fall Smart cooks know the best way to beat the clock on a busy night is with make-ahead meals. Here are cozy fall dinners you can prep in advance.
RecipesSunday Dinner Mashed Potatoes Sour cream and cream cheese add delicious dairy flavors to these potatoes. They can be prepared in advance and are special enough to serve guests. —Melody Mellinger, Myerstown, Pennsylvania
RecipesBroccoli Almond Salad This colorful broccoli almond salad is easy to make in advance. Add the nuts and bacon just before serving so they stay nice and crunchy. —Margaret Garbade, Tulsa, Oklahoma
RecipesQuick Tortilla Pinwheels Prepare these easy, cheesy pinwheels several days in advance if desired. Serve them with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri
RecipesCreamy Black Bean Dip This appealing Southwest-inspired dip can be made well in advance. If we don’t have tortilla chips on hand, we serve it with crackers. —Ashley Donovan, Glasgow, Kentucky
RecipesGarlic Herb Spread Garlic and a host of herbs pleasantly season this savory spread. It’s a “must” on my holiday menu because I can make it in advance. —Cheryl Fortier, Athabasca, Alberta
RecipesMexican Chicken Fajitas When we’re in the mood for Mexican food, I’ll reach for this recipe. Much of the meal can be prepared in advance, so I can avoid the last-minute rush at dinnertime.
RecipesHomemade Crisp Crackers Store-bought crackers have nothing on these cheesy crisps. Make them in advance and keep them handy in an airtight container for anytime snacking.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
RecipesMango Avocado Salsa When serving a crowd, double or quadruple this guacamole. The onion, tomato and mango can be chopped in advance. Add avocado just before serving. —Diana Nienberg, McComb, Ohio