200+ Make Ahead Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Foxes Love Lemons https://foxeslovelemons.com/method/make-ahead/ simple, yet special, recipes for the home chef. Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:25:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://foxeslovelemons.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/favicon-200x200.ico 200+ Make Ahead Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Foxes Love Lemons https://foxeslovelemons.com/method/make-ahead/ 32 32 Homemade Tartar Sauce (Easy!) https://foxeslovelemons.com/tartar-sauce-recipe/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/tartar-sauce-recipe/#comments Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=26233 This Homemade Tartar Sauce is adapted from a culinary school recipe. Big restaurant flavors, in a smaller, super easy-to-make recipe. Skip the store-bought sauce and instantly upgrade any seafood dish. This Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe Is Great On . . . Everything! Since I was a little kid, I’ve LOVED tartar sauce. Obviously, the mayonnaise […]

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This Homemade Tartar Sauce is adapted from a culinary school recipe. Big restaurant flavors, in a smaller, super easy-to-make recipe. Skip the store-bought sauce and instantly upgrade any seafood dish.

A spoon lifting a serving of a tartar sauce recipe from a white bowl, surrounded by fried fish and potatoes.

This Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe Is Great On . . . Everything!

Since I was a little kid, I’ve LOVED tartar sauce.

Obviously, the mayonnaise part is built into my Midwestern DNA. But add the pickles and the herbs and it just becomes such an A++ condiment. Of course, it’s perfect with fried fish, and 99% of my unabashed love for the Filet-O-Fish (guilty pleasure, please don’t judge) is simply the tartar sauce.

I also love tartar sauce as a dip for French fries, roasted potatoes, and heck, pretty much every other kind of roasted vegetable, too. It’s obviously amazing with all kinds of seafood dishes. Give it to me with grilled chicken, honestly. Tartar sauce all day, every day.

However, I find most jarred and bottled tartar sauces to be very underwhelming. They often have an “off” flavor to me that I can’t quite place. It’s probably just the fact that they’re made with all sorts of fillers and additives and frankly, just not good.

So, fellow tartar sauce lovers: let’s explore making some homemade tartar sauce, using the same recipe I was taught in culinary school (just scaled down for the home kitchen).

Why You Will Love This Tartar Sauce Recipe

  • The tangy flavor complements the richness of fried fish so well!
  • It’s adapted from a culinary school recipe, which means it has all the big flavors of a restaurant condiment.
  • It keeps up to a week in the fridge.
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Easy Cannoli Dip https://foxeslovelemons.com/cannoli-dip/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/cannoli-dip/#comments Wed, 05 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=26876 Cannoli Dip comes together in 5 minutes with just 5 ingredients. It’s super easy to halve the recipe for a small group, or double it for a large party. This Recipe For Cannoli Dip Is Perfect For Your Sweet Tooth! A perfect cannoli is one of my favorite desserts, and also one of the most […]

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Cannoli Dip comes together in 5 minutes with just 5 ingredients. It’s super easy to halve the recipe for a small group, or double it for a large party.

A bowl of cannoli dip on a platter with waffle pieces, graham crackers and strawberries.

This Recipe For Cannoli Dip Is Perfect For Your Sweet Tooth!

A perfect cannoli is one of my favorite desserts, and also one of the most hard-to-find. It’s not exactly easy finding a great cannoli in the Detroit area. So unless I’m boarding a flight to Boston, it’s a dessert that lives largely in my dreams.

Sure, I could make them at home. But, making them from scratch is pretty labor intensive and not something I usually have time for.

So, I created this Cannoli Dip recipe as a simple way to enjoy some of the *flavors* of cannoli with minimal effort.

The mascarpone, ricotta and lightly sweet vanilla flavor are all there. The crunchy mini chocolate chips are bountiful (and, you can add chopped pistachios if you want). Truly, it’s like 98% as satisfying as a cannoli, and well, that’s good enough for me!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Cannoli Dip

  • A chance to have fun with all kinds of cookies, crackers and fruits for dipping. Go to the store and let your imagination run wild.
  • Enjoy some of the classic flavors and creamy texture of cannoli without the hassle of making and filling the shells.
  • Very easy to adapt to whatever size you need. Halve the recipe to feed a small group of 2 or 3, or double or triple it for a big party.
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Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable Soup https://foxeslovelemons.com/slow-cooker-vegetable-beef-soup/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/slow-cooker-vegetable-beef-soup/#comments Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=22918 This Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup is a simple, comforting and delicious Midwestern classic. A hearty meat and potatoes dinner in a bowl, this soup simmers to perfection while you’re at work! Juicy And Tender Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup This Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup recipe has been in my Midwest family for generations. It’s the most comforting […]

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This Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup is a simple, comforting and delicious Midwestern classic. A hearty meat and potatoes dinner in a bowl, this soup simmers to perfection while you’re at work!

White bowls of crockpot vegetable beef soup in front of a slow cooker.

Juicy And Tender Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup

This Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup recipe has been in my Midwest family for generations. It’s the most comforting soup for anybody who is sick, just had a baby, or is just looking for a warm soothing meal to come home to on a cold day.

While for some reason my family refers to this as just “vegetable soup,” the star of this dish is actually beef short ribs. They add meaty flavor and make a luscious broth.

As my mom says about this recipe: “years of perfection!“. I hope your loved ones will love it as much as we do.

Why You Will Love This Vegetable Soup Crock Pot Recipe

  • It’s Midwest comfort in a bowl, because it’s really hard not to love “meat and potatoes” made into a soup.
  • Bone-in beef short ribs make this soup punch above it’s weight class in terms of flavor.
  • Cooks on low all day while you’re at work!
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Miso Sesame Dressing https://foxeslovelemons.com/great-green-salad-miso-dressing/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/great-green-salad-miso-dressing/#comments Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=21428 With over 100K page views, this 6 ingredient Miso Dressing recipe has livened up countless salads, veggies and bowls with sweet and tangy umami-packed flavor. “I made this tonight and my daughters were amazed by the flavor of this dressing. So flavorful with a few simple ingredients.” This Miso Sesame Dressing Is Irresistible With over 100,000 […]

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With over 100K page views, this 6 ingredient Miso Dressing recipe has livened up countless salads, veggies and bowls with sweet and tangy umami-packed flavor.

A white bowl filled with miso dressing on a wooden tray.

“I made this tonight and my daughters were amazed by the flavor of this dressing. So flavorful with a few simple ingredients.”

—Jill

This Miso Sesame Dressing Is Irresistible

With over 100,000 page views and counting, this six ingredient miso dressing has earned its place as a must-try Foxes Love Lemons recipe. The best part? It’s a cinch to make and uses ingredients you might already have in your pantry.

Use this umami-packed flavor booster of a condiment to elevate a simple bowl of mixed greens, or spoon it over roasted vegetables, a grain bowl, or a piece of fish or chicken.

Honestly, it’s just never a bad idea to have a jar of this in your fridge. I make a triple or quadruple batch whenever I make it, because I know every drop of it will go to good use, and quickly.

Be prepared for this miso salad dressing to steal the show when you make it.

Heads up! The dressing recipe below does NOT include ginger, but if you’re a ginger lover, you might like the ginger-added version even more:

Why You Will Love This Miso Dressing Recipe

  • No blender, food processor, or any other fancy equipment needed. Just a bowl and a whisk!
  • You don’t really even need to get out your measuring spoons, honestly – just eyeball everything and it will turn out great.
  • Lasts up to a week (and probably even longer) in the fridge.
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How to Make Chocolate Mousse https://foxeslovelemons.com/chocolate-mousse/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/chocolate-mousse/#comments Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=64182 Easy Chocolate Mousse is so simple to make at home that you may never order it at a restaurant again. Make with pantry staples; no eggs required! Easy Chocolate Mousse For Any Skill Level Chocolate mousse is the poster child for “feels fancy, couldn’t be easier to make.” It’s funny that restaurants get away with […]

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Easy Chocolate Mousse is so simple to make at home that you may never order it at a restaurant again. Make with pantry staples; no eggs required!

Two small glass dishes filled with easy chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Easy Chocolate Mousse For Any Skill Level

Chocolate mousse is the poster child for “feels fancy, couldn’t be easier to make.” It’s funny that restaurants get away with charging $15 (or more!) for this dessert. Once I show you how easy it is to make at home, you may never order it at a restaurant again.

I did a ton of research and tested multiple different ways to make chocolate mousse (eggs? no eggs? whip the cream and fold it in?) before settling on this one as the winner in the easiest + most delicious equation.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just beginning to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for all skill levels. It’s great for Valentine’s Day or just any day where you want a chocolate treat.

Why You Will Love This Best Chocolate Mousse Recipe

  • It uses pantry staples you likely already have. You might only need to buy the cream, if you don’t keep it on hand.
  • No eggs required! Unlike many traditional recipes, this one skips the eggs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
  • A versatile recipe to keep in your back pocket. Serve it in elegant cups, layer it into trifles or use it as a filling for a cake.
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Football Cookies https://foxeslovelemons.com/football-cookies/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/football-cookies/#respond Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=63775 These Football Cookies look like they’re from a fancy bakery, but they’re easily made with sugar cookie mix and store-bought icing. Customize with team colors if you want! These Decorated Football Cookies Are Perfect For Any Big Game! Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or cheering your favorite college team on from the couch […]

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These Football Cookies look like they’re from a fancy bakery, but they’re easily made with sugar cookie mix and store-bought icing. Customize with team colors if you want!

A decorated football cookie leaning up against a football.

These Decorated Football Cookies Are Perfect For Any Big Game!

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or cheering your favorite college team on from the couch on game day, this fun little treat will be a festive addition to your spread.

And although they look like something from a fancy bakery, you can easily make these at home using store-bought cookie dough, icing and sprinkles. No mixing or food coloring needed!

Below, I’m sharing all the details, including links to exactly what you need to buy to make these adorable football cookies.

Why You Will Love These Football Sugar Cookies

  • You can customize these for a certain team if you want! Instead of using rainbow nonpareil sprinkles, use nonpareils only in your team colors to fill the stands.
  • The decorating is easier than it looks, so this recipe is great for bakers of all skill levels.
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Beef and Barley Soup https://foxeslovelemons.com/beef-barley-soup/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/beef-barley-soup/#comments Mon, 06 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=63723 This Beef Barley Soup recipe builds the deepest, richest flavor by browning the beef, deglazing with wine, and cooking everything in the same pot. Make a double batch and freeze for later! “I just made this soup. It is delicious!  Has a lot of deep flavor.” This Beef And Barley Soup Recipe Has Deep, Rich […]

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This Beef Barley Soup recipe builds the deepest, richest flavor by browning the beef, deglazing with wine, and cooking everything in the same pot. Make a double batch and freeze for later!

A bowl of a beef barley soup recipe with a spoon in it.

“I just made this soup. It is delicious!  Has a lot of deep flavor.”

—Anna

This Beef And Barley Soup Recipe Has Deep, Rich Flavor

I hate to say it, but I’m disappointed with the top recipes on Google for beef barley soup. One of the most popular recipes calls for already-cooked beef. Like, chunks of leftover steak or pot roast. While this is a good way to use up leftover beef, it’s NOT a good way to make a flavorful soup.

The deep, rich flavor of the best beef barley soup recipes come from cooking the beef in the same pot you’ll be making the soup in, then deglazing the pan with wine and scraping off all of the crusty bits (which is actually called fond).

My favorite instructor in culinary school would see fond in our pans and say “that’s free flavor, chef!,” and get VERY upset if we even thought about wasting it.

The beef barley soup recipe I’m sharing below doesn’t waste any of the free flavor. It has big chunks of meat, umami from a dash of soy sauce, and deep, rich flavor from cooking each ingredient for the right amount of time, in the right order.

Why You Will Love This Beef Barley Soup Recipe

  • It has the biggest, richest flavor from a relatively short list of ingredients.
  • It keeps in the fridge and freezes well, so it’s a great idea to make a double batch and store some for a later meal.
  • It’s packed with protein and fiber, so it’s one of the more satisfying soups.
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Hot Crab Rangoon Dip https://foxeslovelemons.com/crab-rangoon-dip/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/crab-rangoon-dip/#comments Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=63684 This Crab Rangoon Dip is everything you love about your favorite takeout treat, but in a creamy, shareable dip that is MUCH easier to make than individual rangoons. “Dip goes fast and can be used for any celebration!” This Crab Rangoon Dip With Wonton Chips Is A Party Favorite! If you love ordering crab rangoon […]

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This Crab Rangoon Dip is everything you love about your favorite takeout treat, but in a creamy, shareable dip that is MUCH easier to make than individual rangoons.

A dish of crab rangoon dip on a tray with wonton chips.

“Dip goes fast and can be used for any celebration!”

—Jill

This Crab Rangoon Dip With Wonton Chips Is A Party Favorite!

If you love ordering crab rangoon as a takeout treat, you’ll be obsessed with this hot, creamy crab dip version.

It’s everything you love about the appetizer – creamy crab filling, sweet chili sauce and crispy wontons, but it’s a shareable dish that is MUCH easier to make for a gathering than individual rangoons.

I tested this recipe a bunch of times to get it just right for you. I wanted the right combination of meaty crab to creamy elements, and a layer of sweet chili sauce that added lots of flavor without being too spicy.

The recipe below is ready to be the ultimate party snack that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You Will Love This Rangoon Dip Recipe

  • Creamy, cheesy and full of flavor, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
  • Wonton chips are ideal, but it pairs wonderfully with other things like veggies, crackers, or bread.
  • You can mix everything together ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve – making hosting stress-free.
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Scalloped Cheesy Potatoes https://foxeslovelemons.com/scalloped-cheesy-potatoes/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/scalloped-cheesy-potatoes/#comments Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=62896 No more bland bites – these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bring the FLAVOR with two kinds of cheese, ample seasoning and a hint of garlic. “Amazingly good combination. My husband and I both said these were the best scalloped potatoes we have ever eaten.” These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes have FLAVOR! If you’ve ever thought you don’t […]

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No more bland bites – these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bring the FLAVOR with two kinds of cheese, ample seasoning and a hint of garlic.

A spoon lifting a scoop of cheesy scalloped potatoes from a white baking dish.

“Amazingly good combination. My husband and I both said these were the best scalloped potatoes we have ever eaten.”

—Diana

These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes have FLAVOR!

If you’ve ever thought you don’t like scalloped potatoes, or simply been disappointed by how bland this classic side dish can be, you’ll want to keep reading.

First of all, believe it or not, not all scalloped potato recipes include cheese. Some are simply sliced potatoes in a boring cream sauce.

I know, I know. WHY. So of course, cheese makes everything taste better, and we’re gong to add it. Both sharp Cheddar AND Parmesan, for good measure.

But the biggest issue I’ve found with other recipes is that the cream sauce itself is simply under seasoned. There’s not enough salt and pepper, and often, there’s no other flavoring at all. Let me tell you, friends – a little spoonful of garlic powder goes a long way here.

So, the recipe below has been tested and re-tested until perfect – it has tender potatoes, the right amount of seasoning, lots of cheese, and a hint of garlic that makes it utterly irresistible.

Why You Will Love This Recipe for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

  • Creamy, cheesy, golden brown: this dish hits all the marks for cozy, feel-good food.
  • Lots of flavor out of a pretty basic list of ingredients. Nothing fancy needed!
  • Can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking.
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Charcuterie Cup Ideas https://foxeslovelemons.com/charcuterie-party-cups/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/charcuterie-party-cups/#comments Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=4774 The options are limitless with these Individual Charcuterie Cups. Grab some plastic cups and load them up with meat, cheese, fruit and all sorts of garnishes. Perfect for holidays and game day! “I made these for a potluck and they were a huge success. I brushed the bottom of the cups with a little fig […]

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The options are limitless with these Individual Charcuterie Cups. Grab some plastic cups and load them up with meat, cheese, fruit and all sorts of garnishes. Perfect for holidays and game day!

Charcuterie cups built in small clear plastic cups, made with salami, ham, cheeses, fresh and dried fruit, breadsticks and herbs.

“I made these for a potluck and they were a huge success. I brushed the bottom of the cups with a little fig jam and added touch of high quality mustard on them after they were constructed. Delicious!”

—Diane

DIY Charcuterie Cups: A Single Serve Charcuterie Board

All the way from a Thanksgiving board to a charcuterie chalet and many stops in between, there’s no denying that this time of year is perfect for as many unique charcuterie board ideas as you can dream up.

Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just having some snacks at home, this type of food is probably at its most popular during the holidays, but is a great idea for a gathering any time of year (bridal and baby showers, in particular).

I’ve made charcuterie cups for a ton of get-togethers, and below I’m sharing all of the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way, as well as recommendations for the best things to include in your cups.

Why You’ll Love These Individual Charcuterie Cups

  • Super customizable, so it’s easy to tailor each cup to suit dietary preferences. If you have one guest with an allergy, you can set aside a safe cup just for them.
  • No need for plates or utensils, making cleanup after your party a breeze.
  • You can build the cups with most of the elements up to a day in advance, allowing you more time to focus on other preparations for your party.
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