Make-Ahead Mother’s Day Recipes

I’m not a fan of tackling the restaurant crowd for Mother’s Day. I prefer a home-based celebration. But I do like to keep it low key, low fuss. The goal is to spend some quality time with my mother, not the kitchen. So we are sharing a few easy make-ahead ideas for Mother’s Day recipes that would work for a brunch, lunch or tea. Don’t forget the flowers!

For 25 years, my mother and I lived in different cities. We are now reunited in Toronto and I am so grateful she’s still around to celebrate at 91. This year, I am also remembering another incredible mom and very dear friend, Janis, who passed away last year. We shared countless wonderful meals (and laughs) together and I think she would approve of all the recipes I’m sharing.

All the Mother’s Day Recipes can be made ahead in whole or in part. For other ideas, check out our More Quick and Easy Appetizers, and 6 Yummy Sweet Treats for Little  Effort, Little Time.

Appetizers

We love to serve this Squash, Sweet Potato & Mandarin Soup in mini espresso cups or shot glasses. Keep it hot in a coffee thermos and let everyone help themselves. Vegetarian.

Squash, Sweet Potato & Mandarin Soup Recipe

Squash, Sweet Potato & Mandarin Soup blends healthy vegetables, orange-y citrus notes and creamy, dairy-free coconut milk. Eye popping and luxurious.

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Even though Mother’s Day is too early for tomato season, don’t let that stop you from making this delicious bursting-with-flavor Puff Pastry Tomato Tart. Vegetarian.

Puff Pastry Tomato Tart Recipe

This casual, rustic herbed tomato puff pastry cheese tart is a simple, tasty appetizer for a casual dinner party or a light lunch served with a salad and a glass of wine.

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Impress your mom with this tasty Goat Cheese Salad. It’s quick and easy to make ahead. Just assemble before serving. Vegetarian. Under 30 minutes

Crusted Goat Cheese Salad

Pay attention goat cheese lovers. This is a simple salad starring rounds of goat cheese, breaded in panko crumbs, fried to a golden brown. Creamy, tangy, crunchy. 

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Light Mains

This Parmesan Polenta with Herbed Tomatoes can literally be made in 10 minutes if you use a shortcut with one-minute Polenta and high quality tomatoes like San Marzano. Creamy, fresh and delicious. Vegetarian. Under 30 minutes

Parmesan Polenta with Herbed Tomatoes

Creamy smooth polenta gets a kick with cheese and ripe tomatoes bursting with flavour. Parmesan Polenta with Herbed Tomatoes is a great summer meal or side.

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I love this make-ahead Brunch Strata because you can choose whatever filling you like – caramelized onions, mushrooms, spinach, sausage, etc. Make it the night before and pop it in the oven the next day. Vegetarian.  

Make-Ahead Brunch Strata Recipe

The essence of a Make-Ahead Brunch Strata is eggs, milk, cheese and bread. The personality comes from the fillings you add - choose the ones you like. Assemble the night before. Pop it in the oven the next day. Perfect for entertaining.

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Actually, this savory vegetable strudel is on my menu this year. We add a little goat cheese for some tang and apple for some sweetness. Easy to make ahead and warm up for 10 minutes. Vegetarian.  

Savory Vegetable Strudel With Goat Cheese Recipe

Savory Vegetable Strudel is a delicious medley of sweet potatoes, onion, peppers, apple, spinach & goat cheese wrapped in a flaky buttery puff pastry. Great main or side dish. 

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If you want to get fancier – without much more effort – try this Herb Smothered Shrimp Over Creamy Polenta. Again, that instant Polenta is a dream if you’re short on time. Packed with lots of Parmesan and a bit of butter…well, it’s a great foundation for plump herby shrimp. Under 30 minutes  

Herb Smothered Shrimp Over Creamy Polenta Recipe

Herb Smothered Shrimp Over Creamy Polenta features soft cheesy Polenta topped with plump shrimp in a fresh herb-lemon-garlic-oil dressing. So quick and easy.

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Treats

If you’re looking for a decadent and easy treat – one of my faves – no-bake Key Lime Ice Box Cups are perfect. Vegetarian.

Key Lime Icebox Cups (no bake) Recipe

This simple dessert is a twist on the old chocolate wafer icebox/zebra cake and key lime pie. Silky, rich, creamy. Key lime lovers will rave.

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Easy cinnamon buns (yes, with another shortcut) are also sinfully decadent with their buttery, sugary, pecan topping. If you can find a bakery to give you fresh dough, these are a snap to make. Vegetarian. Under 30 minutes hands on time

Easy Cinnamon Buns

Sinfully delicious and only 10 minutes of hands-on time (with a shortcut), these easy cinnamon buns are a huge treat for any occasion. Make them the night before and pop them in the oven for a decadent breakfast the next day.

(add 90 minutes or overnight rise time for dough)

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Crispy. light and airy, Mom (and everyone else) will love these delicate little Lace Cookies. Send her home with a bag. Vegetarian. Under 30 minutes. 

Crispy Buttery Lace Cookies Recipe

These delicate, crispy, buttery Lace Cookies have been in our family for years. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a tea, brunch, shower or dessert.

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Instead of or in addition to a homemade meal for your mother, here are some creative ways to treat your mom right on Mother’s Day (by The Spruce).