Forget the Holiday Fuss. These 17 Easy Recipes Are Best for Festive Cooking
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The holidays should be about enjoying time with loved ones, not stressing over complicated recipes. These easy, festive dishes are perfect for creating delicious dishes without spending all day in the kitchen. With simple steps and big flavors, you’ll have more time to relax and soak in the holiday cheer.
Potato Skins
Forget complicated appetizers—these loaded potato skins are all you need to make your holiday spread unforgettable. Crispy, buttery potato halves topped with bacon, cheese, and green onions are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Simple to make and packed with flavor, they’ll disappear from your table faster than you can say “dig in!”
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Broccoli Rice Casserole
This broccoli rice casserole is a no-fuss side that screams holiday comfort. Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with tender broccoli and fluffy rice, it’s the perfect dish to round out your festive table. Bonus: it comes together in under an hour, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the celebration.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole
Copycat Jimmy John’s Bread
Homemade Jimmy John’s bread is your secret weapon for building next-level holiday sandwiches. Soft, fluffy, and ridiculously easy to make, this recipe brings that bakery-fresh taste straight to your table. Use it for leftover turkey sandwiches or as the perfect base for charcuterie board bites.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jimmy John’s Bread
Roasted Turkey
This roasted turkey recipe takes the stress out of cooking the holiday centerpiece. With a crispy golden skin, juicy meat, and simple flavors like garlic, herbs, and lemon, it’s foolproof and festive. Whether you’re hosting the whole family or keeping it small, this turkey guarantees you’ll impress with ease.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey
Outback Potato Soup
Craving a warm, cozy starter for your holiday meal? This Outback-inspired potato soup is creamy, rich, and loaded with bacon and cheese for the ultimate comforting dish. Quick to prep and always a hit, it’s the perfect bowl to kick off a festive feast without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Outback Potato Soup
Salsa Ranchera
Add a little spice to your holiday table with this bold and flavorful salsa ranchera. With fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a kick of jalapeño, it’s perfect for dipping or drizzling over meats. Ready in under 30 minutes, this sauce will add a festive zing to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Ranchera
Blackened Ranch Sauce
This blackened ranch sauce is a holiday game-changer. Creamy, smoky, and just a little spicy, it’s perfect as a dip for appetizers or a sauce for your main dishes. Whip it up in five minutes and watch as everyone asks for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Ranch Sauce
Bruschetta Al Pomodoro
Keep your holiday appetizers light and fresh with this easy bruschetta al pomodoro. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crispy bread come together in a simple dish that’s big on flavor. It’s refreshing, crowd-pleasing, and the perfect way to start any festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro
Pumpkin Pasta
This creamy pumpkin pasta is fall comfort food at its easiest and most delicious. With a rich pumpkin sauce, melty mozzarella, and fresh basil, it’s a dish that looks fancy but is effortless to make. Whether it’s a holiday side or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta
Tiger Sauce
Turn up the flavor with this homemade tiger sauce—it’s the ultimate holiday condiment. Tangy, sweet, and spicy, it’s perfect for drizzling over meats, mixing into dips, or adding a kick to your sides. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, this sauce is a festive must-have.
Get the Recipe: Tiger Sauce
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Say goodbye to last-minute holiday stress with these make-ahead mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and cheesy, they’re everything you love about mashed potatoes, but you can prep them up to three days in advance. Simply bake them fresh when you’re ready, and enjoy more time with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Quick Pickled Fruits and Vegetables
Add a pop of flavor to your holiday table with quick-pickled fruits and veggies. They’re tangy, vibrant, and take just minutes to make, adding a fresh touch to any meal. Use them as a side, topping, or part of your charcuterie board—they’re as versatile as they are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Fruits and Vegetables
Easy Homemade Asparagus
Make asparagus the right way this holiday season—no mushy stalks, no flavorless bites. This recipe guarantees perfectly tender asparagus with a light, buttery finish that pairs beautifully with any main dish. It’s a simple, elegant side that fits right in with your festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Asparagus
Lobster
Want to impress without the stress? This easy lobster recipe takes the guesswork out of cooking this luxurious dish. Whether it’s your holiday centerpiece or a fancy side, it’s guaranteed to wow your guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lobster
Chicken and Asparagus Bake
This creamy, cheesy chicken and asparagus bake is a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for cozy holiday dinners. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant green veggies, and loads of flavor, it’s a hit with both kids and adults. The best part? It’s simple to make, so you can spend less time cooking and more time celebrating.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Asparagus Bake
Holiday Charcuterie Board
Create a holiday centerpiece with this stunning charcuterie board. Loaded with savory meats, artisanal cheeses, and festive accompaniments, it’s perfect for sharing and mingling. Easy to assemble and endlessly customizable, it’s a show-stopping way to keep the holiday vibes flowing.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Charcuterie Board
Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops
These pineapple teriyaki pork chops are the sweet and savory twist your holiday menu needs. Marinated in pineapple juice and teriyaki sauce, then baked to perfection, they’re bursting with flavor. Fancy enough for a celebration but easy enough for any day, they’re a no-fuss winner.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops
