A gourmet powdered coffee creamer like this mint chocolate blend is a brilliant thing to have on hand. Not only is it great for everyday use, but it's easy to bring on the...
Time: under 30 minutes
Make Ahead Recipes
Have you ever started cooking something and wished you had prepared some of it in advance to save time? Or, have you gone to grab something out of the pantry only to realize you're out of it? Frustrating, right?
That's where these "make ahead" recipes come in handy!
Maybe you like the convenience of having baking or biscuit mix on hand so you can whip up a batch of something quick? The mixes in the store can get expensive and often contain extra ingredients you don't need or want. You can make your own at home for pennies compared to what the commercial versions cost.
Not only are homemade mixes healthier since they don't contain preservatives and the additives manufacturers put in to maintain shelf life, but they'll usually taste a heck of a lot better too.
jump to the recipes
Chocolate Mint Coffee Creamer
Homemade Cake Mix
Pre-portioned cake mix can be a lifesaver when you want to whip up an effortless dessert. Once you've got this mix ready you just need eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla.
Time: under 30 minutes
Chicken Spice Coating Mix
Spiced, breaded chicken isn't just for frying anymore. You can still get a crispy coating with oven-baked breasts or drumsticks, and the spices in this recipe gives a nice...
Time: under 30 minutes
Mom's Best Hot Cocoa Mix
Mom always comes through with the hot cocoa, and you'd better believe she has her recipe down. Just a few basic ingredients for the richest possible mug of warmth.
Time: under 30 minutes
Hot Spiced Orange Drink
This delicious and easy-to-make hot spiced orange drink is perfect for cold winter days. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this flavorful beverage in minutes.
Time: under 30 minutes
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Spiced Rum Vanilla Extract
This recipe is for a spiced rum vanilla extract that is made with just two ingredients: spiced rum and vanilla beans. The extract can be used in baking or to make cocktails.
Time: over 5 hours
Easy-Bake Oven Chocolate Frosting Mix
Skip the packaged mixes, they are overpriced! Make your frosting mix so your kids will always have it on hand when they feel like baking in their Easy-Bake Oven.
Time: under 30 minutes
Amaretto Cocoa Mix in a Jar
This make-ahead mix is sensational packed into mason jars for cute gift baskets. Next time you're sitting around a fire, it'll be the perfect treat to have on hand.
Time: under 30 minutes
Colored Sugar
This colored sugar is so easy to make, and has so much potential for amazing desserts. Just a few drops of food coloring and you can beautifully decorate cakes, cookies and other...
Time: under 30 minutes
Instant Cream Sauce Mix
Make ahead and use as needed. This cream sauce mix works great in a pinch for topping vegetables, seafood, or anywhere you need a white sauce.
Time: under 30 minutes
Freezer Frosting
Add a sweet finish to your desserts with this frosting recipe, a creamy, versatile topping that can be prepared in advance and stored for in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Time: under 30 minutes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mix In A Jar
Made with sugar, brown sugar, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, salt, raisins
Time: under 30 minutes
Evaporated Skim Milk Substitute
As long as you've got the ratio right, you'll never need to run out to the store for evaporated milk again. One less thing to clutter your pantry.
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy-Bake Oven White Frosting Mix
No need to open a can of frosting when you only need a little for a Hasbro Easy-Bake Oven baked treat. Keep this make-ahead mix on hand to use as needed.
Time: under 30 minutes
Seasoned Parmesan Croutons
Take a boring salad and dress it up with some delicious crispy croutons, flavored with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Gluten-Free Biscuit or Baking Mix
Forget the gluten but not the flavor. This biscuit mix is here to prove that you can still indulge in your favorites without a hitch.
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy-Bake Oven Chocolate Cake Mix
Keep this Easy-Bake Oven chocolate cake mix on hand so the kids can whip up their own chocolate cakes anytime they like. Just add water and bake!
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Garlic Croutons
Get your crazy crunch on with these garlic croutons. Your salad will never be the same. Save leftover bread, coat it with garlic and turn it into a delicious accessory.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Hazelnut Cream Coffee Topping
This recipe works great in a whipped cream dispenser if you have one. If not, simply mix the ingredients with a hand mixer until fluffy and then drop by spoonfuls onto the...
Time: under 30 minutes
Gotta-Have-It Cornbread Mix
Stir up this cornbread mix and keep it on hand for anytime you want to add a little southern flair to your meal. Keeps well for several months.
Time: under 30 minutes
Gourmet Reindeer Poop
Made with nuts, butter, sugar, milk, cocoa powder, peanut butter, oatmeal
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Bread Machine Mix
Made with salt, sugar, bread machine yeast, dry milk, bread flour, wheat flour, water or milk, oil, butter or shortening
Time: under 30 minutes
Cornbread Croutons
Take your dry cornbread, cut into bite size, give a coat of butter and bake until crispy. Your soups and salads just got a new side kick.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Pumpkin Pie Coffee Creamer
Make your own pumpkin pie coffee. The ground ginger in there really sends it over the edge. You can take this stuff with you wherever you need a holiday-flavored cup of joe....
Time: under 30 minutes
Lowfat Baking Mix
Made with canola oil, flour, baking powder, granular sugar substitute, salt, dry milk
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Grenadine (Pomegranate Syrup)
If you're looking to add a homemade touch to your beverages, this recipe for homemade grenadine is a fantastic choice. It offers a natural alternative to...
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Cinnamon And Spice Flavored Creamer
This powdered creamer is easy peasy. Just add sugar, spice, and everything nice. Perfect holiday-spiced java every time.
Time: under 30 minutes
Malted Hot Cocoa Mix
Make-ahead mixes like this are so convenient. Whether you're setting up camp outdoors or just settling in for a chilly night at home, a spectacular homemade "just add...
Time: under 30 minutes
Coleman's Cold and Cough Juice
'Tis the season for... getting sick. This home remedy will soothe your cough or sore throat, and warm you up.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix
Candy canes aren't just a pretty garnish for mugs of cocoa made with this instant mix, they also provide a sweet minty flavor that's perfect for holiday season.
Time: under 30 minutes
French Cognac Vanilla
Upgrade your baking with this homemade vanilla extract made from French Cognac.
Time: over 5 hours
Caribbean Tea Mix
This tea mix is the perfect way to enjoy the tropical flavors of the Caribbean. It's a delicious blend of sweet tea, pineapple, and orange with a hint of coconut extract.
Time: under 30 minutes
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
This flavorful gravy made from roasted turkey wings can be made up to a week in advance (longer if you freeze the gravy). Perfect time saver over the holidays.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Mocha Creamer
This mocha creamer recipe offers a no-fuss way to enjoy flavored coffee without the need for store-bought options.
Time: under 30 minutes
Low-Sodium Dry Onion Soup Mix
Made with paprika, black pepper, onion, beef bouillon granules, onion powder
Time: under 30 minutes
Tortilla Soup Mix In A Jar
Made with chicken bouillon granules, lemon pepper, dried cilantro, garlic powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, onion, long grain rice, tortilla chips
Time: under 30 minutes
International House Of Coffee Flavored Coffees
Made with orange flavored piece of hard candy, creamer, sugar, instant coffee, baking cocoa
Time: under 30 minutes
Orange Cappuccino Drink Mix
Made with cinnamon, dried orange peel, powdered non-dairy creamer, sugar, instant coffee
Time: under 30 minutes
Hootycreek Cookies
Made with pecans, white chocolate chips, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, sugar, dried cranberries
Time: under 30 minutes
Cafe Swiss Mocha Flavored Coffee
Made with baking cocoa, coffee creamer, sugar, instant coffee
Time: under 30 minutes
10 Minute Rice Mix
Made with salt, garlic salt, dried minced onion, dried parsley, long-grain rice, onion soup mix
Time: under 30 minutes
Barbie's Pretty Pink Easy-Bake Oven Cake
Made with baking powder, salt, red sugar crystals, vegetable oil, milk, shortening, powdered sugar, vanilla extract
Time: 30-60 minutes
Fat-free Cream Soup Mix
Made with nonfat dry powdered milk, dried onion flakes, cornstarch, chicken bouillon granules, dried basil, dried thyme, dried bell peppers
Time: under 30 minutes
Original Sand Art Bars
Made with flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, salt, sugar, coconut, nuts
Time: under 30 minutes
Cafe Vienna Beverage Mix
Made with cinnamon, nonfat dry milk, sugar, instant coffee
Time: under 30 minutes
French Market Soup Mix
Made with dried soybeans, dried navy beans, dried pinto beans, dried great northern beans, split peas, yellow split peas, dried black eyed peas, dried baby lima beans, lentils...
Time: under 30 minutes
Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix
Made with powdered milk, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, powdered vanilla, cocoa powder
Time: under 30 minutes
Spice Bags
Made with orange slice, cinnamon sticks, cinnamon, whole nutmeg, whole cloves, dried orange peel, orange peel, allspice berries
Time: under 30 minutes
Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
Beer makes batters better, meat more tender, and sauces more flavorful.
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.