19 Easy Mid-Week Recipes to Save You from Holiday-Stress Induced Meltdowns
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
The holidays can be chaotic, and the last thing you need are mid-week meltdowns. That’s where these easy recipes swoop in to save the day, offering simple, stress-free recipes that still taste amazing. With these on your menu, you’ll have one less thing to worry about, giving you more time to actually enjoy the season.
Sweet Potato Fries
Air fryer sweet potato fries are your holiday snack savior. Tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, dill, and paprika, these crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fries are everything you need for a guilt-free indulgence. Stress-free to make and meltdown-free for your schedule, they’re a must-have for mid-week cravings during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
This copycat Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken is holiday-worthy without the holiday stress. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, it’s as elegant as it is easy. Add this to your mid-week menu for a meltdown-free meal that feels like a special occasion, no matter the day.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Broccoli Rice Casserole
This broccoli rice casserole brings big holiday vibes to your mid-week dinners, without the fuss. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone happy. Make it stress-free and enjoy a comforting meal without the chaos.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole
Red Velvet Cake
Who needs holiday drama when you have this stress-free red velvet cake? Light, moist, and topped with cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect sweet treat to keep the holiday meltdowns at bay. Bake it mid-week to bring a touch of festive indulgence without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake
Easy Waffles
These easy no-milk waffles are your ticket to a cozy mid-week breakfast without the holiday chaos. Crispy, golden, and ready in no time, they’re a meltdown-free way to make mornings special. Whether it’s for breakfast or brinner, they’re a stress-free favorite that’ll keep everyone smiling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Waffles
Air Fryer Pork Chops
These air fryer pork chops are a holiday dinner win that won’t break a sweat. With golden, juicy perfection in just 9 minutes, they’re stress-free and packed with flavor. Perfect for mid-week meals, they help you avoid the meltdown and focus on enjoying every bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Holiday dinners need side dishes, but not the stress—and this copycat Longhorn Steakhouse rice delivers. Fluffy, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients, it’s meltdown-free and delicious. Add it to your mid-week rotation for a dish that pairs perfectly with everything on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Apple Cinnamon Cake
This apple cinnamon cake is the ultimate holiday dessert without the meltdown. Packed with warm spices, sweet apples, and a crunchy crumble, it’s a stress-free bake that’s ready to impress. Make it mid-week to bring some festive cheer without the drama.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake
Pumpkin Pasta
Creamy pumpkin pasta is what holiday dreams are made of—without the holiday stress. With its velvety sauce and comforting fall flavors, this dish is both easy to make and a delight to eat. Add it to your mid-week lineup for a meltdown-free meal that feels festive and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta
Breakfast Sausage
Start your holiday mornings without the meltdown with this easy breakfast sausage recipe. Juicy, flavorful, and simple to cook, it’s a stress-free way to serve up something hearty. Keep it in your mid-week breakfast rotation to make every morning feel like a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Sausage
Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise
This spicy mayo is proof you can enhance your holiday meals without the chaos. Tangy, creamy, and with just the right kick, it’s a stress-free way to add flavor to everything from sandwiches to fries. Meltdown-free and packed with flavor, it’s a condiment that’ll make any mid-week meal shine.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayonnaise
Herb-Crusted Chicken
This herb-crusted chicken is a stress-free mid-week option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or festivity. Crispy and loaded with fragrant herbs, it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is totally meltdown-free. Perfect for holiday-inspired dinners that are as easy as they are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Dirty Chai Earthquake Cookies
These dirty chai earthquake cookies are holiday baking made easy—and meltdown-free. Packed with bold chai spices and a kick of espresso, they bring the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Make them mid-week for a stress-free treat that feels festive and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Chai Earthquake Cookies
Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes
Recreate the holiday breakfast magic with these stress-free copycat McDonald’s pancakes. Fluffy, golden, and oh-so-comforting, they’re a meltdown-free way to start your day on the right note. Perfect for mid-week mornings when you need a little extra cheer.
Get the Recipe: Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes
Chocolate Chai Latte
Warm up your mid-week with this stress-free chocolate chai latte. The rich chocolate and aromatic spices make it feel festive without the holiday chaos. Whip it up in minutes for a meltdown-free way to enjoy some cozy indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chai Latte
Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
These Popeyes blackened chicken tenders bring holiday-worthy flavor without the stress. Spicy, juicy, and easy to make, they’re a meltdown-free way to enhance your mid-week meals. Whether for dinner or meal prep, they’re sure to become a holiday season favorite.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
Copycat McDonald’s Biscuit
These copycat McDonald’s biscuits are stress-free baking at its best. Light, fluffy, and perfect for pairing with anything sweet or savory, they’re a meltdown-free addition to your mid-week table. Serve them up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Copycat McDonald’s Biscuit
Baked Potato Soup Chilis
This baked potato soup is the holiday comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Creamy, hearty, and stress-free to make, it’s everything you want for a cozy, meltdown-free meal. Perfect for mid-week dinners, it’ll warm you up from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup Chilis
4-Ingredient Banana Bread
This 4-ingredient banana bread is proof that holiday baking can be both simple and delicious. Sweet, moist, and easy to make, it’s the perfect meltdown-free recipe for busy mid-week moments. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a slice of stress-free comfort.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Banana Bread
