As we are in the thick of the holiday season, preparing holiday meals is likely on your mind. If you’re even busier during this time of year than usual like I am, it can be stressful to plan the menu for a large holiday meal! I’ve prepared some tips that will help you to focus on the most important things during the holidays and reduce stress when it comes to holiday cooking!

Save Time With Easy-to-Prepare Options

I recommend choosing recipes that are easier to prepare, especially for holiday meals. Especially if you’ll be cooking for a large number of people, preparing each dish can be incredibly time-consuming. Recipes that are done in a slow cooker or have lower prep times will help you spend as much time with your family as possible, instead of being stuck in the kitchen all day.

Looking for recipe inspiration as you plan out your holiday meal?

Recipes for Holiday Appetizers

Crispy Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts – This recipe uses just 3 ingredients and takes 30 minutes to cook! Obsessed! Perfect as an appetizer or side dish for your holiday meal.

Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto – An easy and budget-friendly recipe that guests will love!

Garlic Roasted Potatoes & Veggies – These also make a great side dish or appetizer with a warm holiday meal! It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan so it can fit most dietary needs.

Recipes for Holiday Drinks

Mulled Wine – There are lots of ways to create this warm and bright holiday drink. It’s easy to prepare and a great way to use up cheaper bottles of wine.

Cranberry Mimosas – Want to celebrate the holidays with a bubbly drink? This recipe takes 5 minutes to prepare 8 servings and only takes 3 ingredients!

Recipes for Budget Meals

Southern Cornbread Chicken – Love this super easy chicken dish! It uses super flavorful ingredients that your guests will love and only takes 30 minutes of preparation.

Baked Ham with Spiced Cherry Glaze – Another recipe that is super easy to prepare! This one only takes 10 minutes of prep time and yields 8 servings.

Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Pork Loin – This dish is easy to prepare AND is cooked and ready to eat in about an hour. Pork loin is also a budget-friendly meat option for the holidays!

Recipes for Holiday Desserts

Brown Butter & Maple Pumpkin Cookies – If you love soft and chewy cookies and fall flavors, this recipe is for you! You can also make this recipe your own by adding extra spices and chocolate chips.

Fit Foodie Finds also has a few easy-to-make holiday desserts that I’m obsessing over:

Apple Tart – this simple apple tart recipe is made with a gingersnap crust and is a simpler recipe than your typical apple pie!

Soft Gingerbread Cookies – A holiday staple! This recipe is also simple and you can really make your cookies your own with cookie cut-outs and some decorating!

Chocolate Chai Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bars – Healthy cheesecake bars AND only 20 minutes of prep time?? Yes, please! These are perfect for a non-traditional holiday dessert option.

Use Your Leftovers!

Don’t let your holiday meal leftovers go to waste! Pack up any leftovers soon after eating your meal and refrigerate or freeze them. You can always eat leftovers as-is, or you can use them to create new dishes. If you have family staying in town past the holiday itself, this is a great way to come up with easy snacks and meals in the days to come. Here are some ways you can utilize your leftovers:

• Add broth to leftover meat and veggies to make a soup!
• Top a green salad with leftover meat and add some cranberries and dried almonds.
• Layer leftovers in a casserole dish with some broth or chopped tomatoes and bake until warm.
• Create a skillet meal with leftover meat and veggies. Add rice or pasta and serve!

Remember the Focus of Holiday Meals

Don’t forget the reason you’re celebrating! Getting together for the holidays can be a wonderful way to spend time with your family, so remember that as you plan ahead. Hopefully you can use these tips to save time and money and be able to spend as much time as possible together.