I always enjoy hosting a get-together at some point during the winter holidays. I want to make it as low-stress as possible, especially for family members who have to go to more than one celebration. So, I try to be flexible with the time of day and menu. Some favorite menus from over the years have been brunch, taco bar, soups, and pizza. Below are some of my favorite Spend Smart. Eat Smart. recipes that I have included in my holiday menus over the years.
Brunch was probably the most popular of any holiday meal I have ever hosted. For the main dish, I made two large pans of Easy Quiche. Since I had to scale up this recipe to feed a large number of people, I switched out the milk and biscuit mix for frozen hashbrowns.
A taco bar is always a safe bet for a holiday meal because almost everyone can find something they like. Our Cowboy Caviar is perfect for snacking or for topping a taco.
I love having slow cookers bubbling with soups during the winter holidays. It makes a gathering feel cozy and warm. I have perfected our Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. My secret is sautéing the vegetables and seasonings in about a tablespoon of oil before adding them to the broth. It really brings out the flavors.
When I have a traditional holiday menu, I cannot leave off our Easy Roasted Veggies. I have made this recipe with all kinds of veggies, but the most popular are broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, sweet potatoes, and white potatoes. Another win for this recipe is that I can make it in my air fryer if I do not have room in the oven.
Let us know if you will be having a traditional holiday meal this year, or something unique.
Happy Holidays!
