Hosting hacks: 20 dishes you can make ahead

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Paella

Make-ahead Paella could be your best culinary move, if you don't want to be hiding in the kitchen all evening but still want to serve something labor-intensive and spectacular. Most parts of this dish can be done ahead of time including browning the meat, cooking the vegetables and seafood, preparing the stock and seasonings, etc. Before your guests show up, all you have to do is pour the stock mixture into the rice, bring to a boil, cook for a few minutes and combine with the other precooked ingredients. Then briefly transfer to the oven to heat through.