Hey y’all! Today, I’m writing this quick post filled with fool proof, super simple Holiday Meal recipes just in case you are looking for an easy-peasy menu at the last minute!

I like to cook, but sometimes making a big dinner by yourself can get overly complicated and it really just isn’t always necessary.  But for some reason, we put this burden on ourselves during the holidays to make a feast fit for the entire Windsor royal line.  Maybe it’s because your mom did a massive event or your grandmother was a fantastic cook who reveled in the big deal meal.

Growing up with three sisters made it easy to put on a big feast, but it’s really just me here doing the cooking, and I just don’t have the gumption. And I’m ok with that!

I think if you have one or two of your favorite dishes and then fill in with very simple stuff the rest of the way around, you’re going to save so much time, frustration and money to boot.

The holidays are about family and spending time together so if you go simple, I don’t think anyone is going to revolt.  And if they do, then put them outside and make them chop some fire wood or rake some leaves or better yet, wash allllllllll the dishes. haha!

Gordon Ramsey’s Roast Turkey

This is my all-time favorite turkey recipe.  It’s deceptively simple, y’all.  You just need tons of butter, garlic and some herbs, but it makes the most delicious, moistest turkey I have ever, ever made.

 

2 Olive Corn Muffins and Baked Feta Dip

If you love homemade rolls, but don’t have time for them, cornbread is your friend!  These mini muffins are fabulous and add that baked feta dip?  Oh my word.  The best appetizer.  Simple and delish!

Slow Cooker Cranberry Applesauce

Nothing smells as good as cooking this slow cooker cranberry applesauce, my friends.  It’s the holidays in a tied up bow.  Make this early in the morning and your house will smell like a winter wonderland when your guests arrive!  Then just hand out some bowls and let them nosh on it until dinner is served.

Or serve it for dessert.  It you can keep grubby little hands out of it, that is!  (Pro tip: Vanilla Ice Cream. Caramel Sauce. Yum.)

Hot and Spicy Baked Sweet Potatoes

Tired of that old sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top?  Surprise everyone with this super simple, but fire-up-the-taste-buds, hot and spicy roasted sweet potato dish!  I love making these and if you have anyone with dietary restrictions that can’t eat sugar, these are a fantastic treat!

Mini Sweet Potato Pies

If you don’t want to make your own pie crust, these mini sweet potato pies are perfect.  And who doesn’t like their desserts all for themselves? These are so easy to make and give just the right amount of sweetness at the end of your meal!

Salted Caramel Butter Toffee Trifle

If you are feeding a sugar-lovin’ army and want to pull something together that is BEYOND easy but will slay your crowd, this is it!  This giant trifle is so easy to make and serves about 12-16 people.

Don’t have a giant broo-haha?  My three boys will devour this in two days.  So, crowd or no crowd, this is a total winner.

But Gwen, you ask, where’s the green stuff?  Never fear!  I love green things so here are a couple of easy solutions:

• Steam some fresh green beans, toss in butter and throw in some sliced almonds
• Make a simple, big green salad. Mixed greens, dressing, bacon and some shredded cheese
• Stir up these delicious brussel sprouts with pancetta
• Grill some asparagus.  Toss in olive oil, salt and pepper, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bacon bits

Keeping it simple is my jam.  I hope these recipes have inspired you to re-think your holiday meal and give you some ideas for your next feast!

xoxo

Gwen

P.S. How do you keep it simple during the holidays?  Let me know in the comments below!

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