4. Use an Instant Pot to save some time and energy
If you have access to an Instant Pot, you already know how easy it can be to make delicious meals. Give yourself more time to spend with your loved ones by leaving the Christmas cooking to the marvel of technology. Food 52 has a mouth-watering recipe for Instant-Pot short ribs and seaweed gremolata that can be ready to eat in just under an hour! It’s always good to keep the really complicated cooking away from the holidays, it can be a stressful enough time as it is.
5. Give the gift of pasta
Give everybody what they really want for Christmas this year – a heaping bowl of pasta! This homemade lasagna recipe from Girl Heart Food has four varieties of cheese and promises to provide warmth and comfort with every bite. Or, you can use that leftover fall squash for rigatoni with veal bolognese and butternut squash from Food and Wine. Whatever you choose, pasta dishes make for fantastic non-traditional Christmas dinner ideas.
6. Gift yourself a private chef
If you’re too busy to get the cooking done this Christmas, who could blame you? Hire yourself a private chef so you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal along with your family and loved ones.
If you also need a kitchen that can support a private chef, Peerspace has you covered. This “Peace of Mind” luxurious estate in Murfreesboro has all the space you need for a chef–and gives you a break from doing the dishes!
7. Christmas taco bar
Let’s face it, there’s never a bad time for tacos. For an affordable meal with very little prep, put together a make-your-own taco bar this year. These shredded beef tacos from Good Cheap Eats give that classic cantina feeling – without emptying your wallet.
8. Provide a vegetarian or vegan option
One of those non-traditional Christmas ideas that sometimes gets overlooked is putting together a delicious vegan or vegetarian dish. Take for example this Christmas salad from Rachel Cooks that is absolutely bursting with flavor. If you’re just looking for a little salad to complement your main dish, it also works perfectly on the side.
9. Use apples to accent your dishes
Even as the snow starts to fall, grocery stores are still filled with delicious apples from the fall harvest. Compliment your meal by using apples in new and creative ways around the table. Love and Olive Oil has a small batch stovetop apple butter recipe that works as a tasty condiment for many different dishes. Or, sip your apples with Flour On My Face’s crock pot caramel hot apple cider!
Find more delectable meal inspo by checking out our Christmas brunch ideas!
