The Best Recipes from Ina Garten’s Make It Ahead

Updated October 2026 Make It Ahead, released in 2014, was the last Ina book to come out before I started this project and one of my earliest purchases. Ina was inspired to write it after her longtime assistant, Barbara Libath, told her the most common question they received across all recipes was, “Can this be made ahead of time?” Naturally, Ina answered with an entire cookbook, including a make-ahead note for every single recipe. So many dishes from this book have made their way into my regular rotation, from the spicy-but-refreshing Jalapeño Margaritas and the crowd-pleasing Ham & Leek Empanadas (I always make Aji Amarillo Sauce for dipping) to the simple and delicious Breakfast Ricotta with Berries & Maple Syrup. And then there’s the Roast Chicken with Bread & Arugula Salad. If you haven’t made that one yet, stop reading and go grab the ingredients. The sourdough croutons soaked in chicken drippings are to-die-for. Just in time for Thanksgiving, Ina also has you covered with an…