The holidays can be stressful with all the hustle and bustle, but there's one thing that doesn't have to be a burden: holiday dinner. With celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year's abound, don't fret about making a fancy meal. Holiday dinner can be simple and delicious — we know because we've found 10 recipes that make us want to gather around the table. No need to worry about cooking an elaborate meal with all the trimmings; these recipes are simple for even the most amateur of cooks!
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Hosting the holiday dinner this year and maybe feeling a little stressed out? Sure, Home Economics and old reruns of the Barefoot Contessa might have taught us something, but in reality many of us who are hosting for the first time have no idea how to cook an impressive meal for a crowd. And not to pile on, but the holidays are when the expert home chefs really bring it.
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So what's a novice to do? We've collected some simple recipes that will absolutely take away the pressure to perform this season. Not only can a newbie follow along with the instructions easily, but these dishes are all tasty and would be perfect for a group dinner. Take a look and take a deep breath. We'll get through the holidays together!
Image via feastingathome.com
Pork Tenderloin With Maple Balsamic Cranberry Sauce
This Pork Tenderloin With Maple Balsamic Cranberry Sauce from Jennifer of Seasons and Suppers has a good balance of flavors and makes for an especially festive meal with orange and cranberries in the sauce. Not only is the pork dish scrumptious, but it cooks up in just 30 minutes!
Foolproof Beef Wellington
Deb of Fat Deb Slim makes a heavenly Foolproof Beef Wellington. The filet steak is topped with a mushroom and shallot duxelle, wrapped in buttery puffed pastry, and then baked until the filet reaches medium-rare perfection. Sounds like the perfect dinner!
Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed With Wild Rice Salad
If you have vegan and gluten-free guests, Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed With Wild Rice Salad from Meg at Beard & Bonnet will please any crowd. The nutty flavor of the wild rice and pecans accompanied by the tartness of the cranberries and citrus complement the acorn. The dish also makes for a picture-perfect presentation at the table!
Parsnip Gratin With Gruyere & Thyme
Parsnips for the holidays? Yes! This delightful Parsnip Gratin With Gruyere and Thyme from Sylvia of Feasting at Home may change your mind about the vegetable. Sylvia says fresh thyme is essential and whole nutmeg is a nice touch, but ground nutmeg works too. And don’t substitute whipping cream with milk because the gratin won't be as yummy. After indulging in this dish, you may be dreaming about parsnips!
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Bouillabaisse
Seafood is a holiday staple in many households. If you love seafood and soup, this hearty Bouillabaisse from Rachel by Baked by Rachel fits the bill. If you don’t have access to fresh seafood, you can substitute different kinds of frozen seafood in the soup. Want a little more kick? Herbs and seasonings make it a little more fiery.
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
If juicy, moist meatballs sound like a good holiday dinner, these Cranberry Turkey Meatballs from Erin of Well Plated will make you swoon. Erin also shares her secret to the meatball moistness (apples?!). Make plenty — your guests will be asking for more!
Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti
It’s hard to resist chicken parmesan and it’s hard to resist baked ziti. When you have a combination of both, forget about self-control. This Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti from Ali of Gimme Some Oven has all the fixings of holiday comfort. And we want as much comfort as we can get during the holidays!
Slow Cooker Maple Kissed Roast Chicken
If you’re looking for a simple dinner that you can make in a Crock-Pot, this Slow Cooker Maple Kissed Roast Chicken from Judith of Bake at Midnight is the perfect holiday meal. The maple syrup and Dijon mustard give it a distinct, but delicious flavor.
Maple Balsamic Braised Cross Rib Roast
This tender Maple Balsamic Braised Cross Rib Roast from Sonia at The Healthy Foodie “takes care of itself” as it bakes at low temps for a few hours and, voila, is complete. All you have to add are loads of veggies to the Dutch oven — and you have a complete tasty holiday meal.
Chicken Bolognese
This Chicken Bolognese from Gaby at What’s Gaby Cooking has a delectable sauce made out of pancetta and ground dark chicken meat — and red pepper flakes to give it lots of flavor. Using a jar of marina sauce makes it all the more simple. Don’t forget the freshly shaved Parmesan!
