Holiday Meal Ideas

This is a fun, simple holiday twist on Clayton’s Margarita that is perfectly festive!

This is the perfect pick-me-up to kick off the night, to sip on post-dinner instead of (or with) your dessert. and even for a holiday brunch! 

And for a tequila-alternate to the classic, you’ve got to try this version! Great for pre-dinner drinks or with dessert.

Whether you are entertaining for NYE or a Christmas Dinner, the Rosemary Tequila Spritzer is a definite crowd pleaser!

This has been in my family for generations and generations on my Mom’s side of the family. Growing up, my mom and her family (who is of Italian descent) would make this celery salad as part of our antipasti platter for every gathering!

I just love these savory bites and they are perfect to make in advance of hosting! You can find this full recipe on page 23 of my latest book, The Comfortable Kitchen.

While a full spread of dips, boards, and cocktails sound great in theory – it can end up being just as much work as the meal. So keep things simple with this Dairy-Free French Onion Dip.

Here is a delicious, hot and bubbly Hatch Green Chile Crab Dip with the delightful flavors of Hatch chiles infused in the dish.

Delicious and flavorful chorizo, stuffed in sweet dates, and wrapped with crispy, salty bacon — these little bites will wow your guests and your taste buds!

I absolutely love this appetizer, and it’s so simple to pop into the oven while you get the rest of your dinner prepared.

Super simple — super flavorful!

You’ll watch these disappear in no time. In fact, you should just go ahead and make 2 batches of these like my mom does!

It’s almost difficult for me to put into words how much I love this salad. It’s so simple, yet so elegant, and it’s just absolutely show-stopping and delicious! 

Have you ever tried a salad with warm vinaigrette? If the answer is no, it’s time to try this Warm Bacon Vinaigrette Salad. 

I took the delicious flavors of French Onion Soup and created this French Onion Steak Salad! For your holiday dinner, you could serve exactly like this, or serve with the meat separately with an additional side.

Here is a very simple recipe for a Creamy Mushroom Risotto that I know you’ll love for the holidays or special dinner at home, just get those stirring arms ready. 

This is such a fun celebratory dinner to make over the holidays or on a chilly Sunday for supper. And, once you have the base down– you can really add whatever filling you’d prefer. 

I have a few bolognese sauce recipes out there in the world, but this is seriously The Best Bolognese Sauce and my favorite for special occasions.

This Bottle of Wine Braised Brisket is the perfect main-course when entertaining! While the cook time may be long, the preparation is simple and it turns out delicious every time! It also feeds a very large amount of people and it is a TOTAL crowdpleaser. 

This is sure to impress and so incredibly simple!

Another great option with wine as the star!

I’ve taken one of my favorite risotto recipes and turned it into an easy-to-make Israeli couscous version with a perfectly seared halibut.

This French Chicken with Creamy Mustard-White Wine Sauce is one of those recipes that will make you fall in love with chicken all over again.

Simple, yet bursting with flavor!

Here is a recipe that combines two of my favorite things: sour cream and onion flavor + mashed potatoes. 

These Caramelized Onion Scalloped Potatoes are beyond indulgent and the perfect addition to your holiday dinner or anytime you’re hosting a nice dinner!

Twice-Baked Potatoes are one of those crowd-pleasing, family-friendly side dishes that are great for all occasions.

The Brussels sprouts are simply roasted until golden-brown, then topped in a delicious creamy sauce that I quickly made on the stovetop and sprinkled with some Gruyere cheese!

Here’s a simple yet impressive dessert to elevate your holiday gathering — Grain-Free Pear Galette!

A Millionaire’s Tart is basically a fancy name for a giant Twix pie — and I’m here for it. 

I have fond memories of these chewy, chocolate-covered rice cereal bars from when I was growing up. You can find this full recipe on page 214 of my latest book, The Comfortable Kitchen.