Because festive shouldn’t equal stressful.
December is magical, but it’s also busy. Between school events, holiday parties, shopping, wrapping, and trying to remember where you hid the stocking stuffers, making dinner can quickly fall to the bottom of the list. The good news? You don’t need a free evening or a full pantry to put together a cozy, seasonal meal your family will love.
Below are my favorite easy, holiday-inspired weeknight recipes—festive flavors, minimal dishes, and ingredients you probably already have on hand.
1. Sheet Pan Cranberry Chicken with Roasted Veggies
Total time: 30 minutes
This one is a lifesaver when you need something hearty but hands-off.
How to make it:
Mix chicken thighs with olive oil, a spoonful of whole-berry cranberry sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and a splash of balsamic. Add chopped sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts to the sheet pan, toss everything together, and roast at 425°F for 25–30 minutes.
Why it works: One pan, big flavor, and it makes your house smell like the holidays.
2. Creamy Pesto Tortellini Bake
Total time: 20 minutes
This is comfort food at its easiest.
How to make it:
Combine store-bought cheese tortellini, jarred pesto, a splash of cream, shredded mozzarella, and a handful of spinach. Bake at 400°F until bubbly.
Make it festive: Top with cherry tomatoes for a red-and-green holiday vibe.
3. Turkey & Stuffing Meatballs (with Cranberry Dip!)
Total time: 25 minutes
The flavors of a holiday dinner in a 20-minute recipe.
How to make it:
Mix ground turkey with boxed stuffing mix (dry), an egg, salt, pepper, and a bit of sage. Roll into meatballs and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
Serve with: A quick dipping sauce made from warmed cranberry sauce plus a squeeze of orange juice.
Perfect for: Nights when everyone is eating at different times.
4. Gingerbread Breakfast-for-Dinner Pancakes
Total time: 15 minutes
For nights when you need something fast and crowd-pleasing.
How to make it:
Add a teaspoon of ginger, cinnamon, and a little molasses to your favorite pancake mix. Serve with whipped cream, maple syrup, and fruit.
Pro tip: Make extra—these freeze beautifully for rushed mornings.
5. Holiday Veggie Minestrone (Slow Cooker or Stovetop)
Total time: 10 minutes prep, then let it cook
This soup feels cozy, healthy, and hearty without much effort.
How to make it:
Add diced tomatoes, broth, beans, pasta, carrots, celery, a handful of kale, Italian seasoning, and a parmesan rind (optional but amazing) to your pot or slow cooker.
Why it’s great for December:
You can toss everything in earlier in the day and come home to dinner that’s ready and comforting.
6. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mug Cakes (Dessert in 90 Seconds!)
Total time: 2 minutes
Because weeknight desserts should always be joyful and easy.
How to make it:
Mix ¼ cup flour, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp sugar, a splash of milk, a little oil, and a drop of peppermint extract in a mug. Microwave for 60–90 seconds.
Top with: Whipped cream and crushed candy cane.
Perfect for: A treat after homework or a cozy movie night.
December cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. With a few seasonal ingredients—cranberries, herbs, pesto, peppermint—you can turn simple weeknight meals into something warm, comforting, and festive.
