31 Simple Recipes Because the Holidays Are Difficult Enough Gallery (2024)

Oxmoor House

Oxmoor House

Ahh the holidays: a season of cheer, family and friends, good will to all men — and holiday stress. It is a time of year that is loved and celebrated by many but equally a time when stress levels can shoot through the roof. With so much pressure to be jolly and festive in everything from festive co*cktails, cookies, and canapes to ugly sweaters and gift giving, it is essential to have some easy recipes up your sleeve.

Of course, for a few particular holiday meals, stress may be unavoidable. Those meals where every pot and pan in the house is called to action, the sink is piled high with dishes to be done and sleeping in through the morning of is out of the question. But that need not be the case for every meal. If you have a house full of family and friends who need to be fed, you need only turn to the right recipes in order to achieve delicious, stress-free meals that everyone will love. You can look to your trusty sheet pan or turn on your humble slow-cooker and whip up something delicious in no time.

From tasty appetizers and one-tray recipes to simple yet stunning meals for effortless dinner parties, these recipes will aid you during this rather hectic time of year. Discover these 30 simple and tasty recipes and enjoy a low-stress (if not totally stress-free) holiday season!

Laurie Frankle

For those days when you need something sustaining and simple, turn to this delicious cross between fondue and mozzarella sticks.

For the Pizza Without Crust recipe, click here.

Time Inc. Books

Turn to your trusty slow-cooker for this easy recipe that everyone will enjoy.

For the African Sweet Potato Stew recipe, click here.

Mark Roper

This recipe is an easy showstopper. With a zing of chili and a citrusy tang coming from the lime and sumac, this dish is a lighter departure from most holiday fare.

For the Atlantic Salmon Grilled With Fennel, Lime, and Sumac recipe , click here.

Ken Carlson

If you need an easy side dish this is the recipe for you! It takes just 20 minutes to cook to perfection and is sure to be enjoyed by all.

For the Blissed-Out Crispy Cheesy Broccoli Gratin recipe, click here.

Oxmoor House

For an easy and tasty breakfast treat, these Danish pastries will certainly hit the spot. Using frozen puff pastry means these come together effortlessly.

For the Boysenberry Danishes recipe, click here.

Food & Wine

Sometimes you need a speedy sweet fix without all the hassle of a full blown baking endeavor. This recipe is not for family and friends — it's just for you!

For the Chocolate Chunk Cookie for One recipe, click here.

Ken Carlson

This recipe is a great way to use a single sheet tray to produce a comforting meal that everyone will love. Simply mix everything together and throw it in the oven — it couldn't be simpler!

For the Creamy No Boil Mac and Cheese recipe, click here.

Jeremy Pang

Low and slow cooking makes pork belly melt-in-your-mouth tender; you'll want to make this dish soon.

For the Crispy Pork Belly recipe, click here.

Kitchen Frau

These brownies take no time to make and contain a secret, healthy ingredient.

For the Flourless Blender Brownies recipe, click here.

Sitka Salmon Shares

Here is a quick and satisfying recipe for dinner. Cooking the cod in foil means the cleanup afterwards is effortless!

For the Foil-Baked Cod With Oranges, Scallions, and Ginger recipe, click here.

Ken Carlson

Spicy gochujang adds a lovely smoky heat to this delicious one-pan dish.

For the Hoisin Eggplant, Spicy Brussels Sprouts, and Tofu recipe, click here.

Oxmoor House

Make your own pita chips and you'll never buy them at the store again! If you're having a holiday get-together, this easy appetizer is a great thing to make for a crowd.

For the Homemade Pita Chips With Red Pepper Dip recipe, click here.

Oxmoor House

Here's a perfect, healthy (and effortless) dinner for any day of the week that's also pretty enough to make for a dinner party.

For the Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon With Veggies and Oranges recipe, click here.

Ken Carlson

You don't have to be chained to the stove if you decide to make a risotto!

For the I Can't Believe It's Mushroom Risotto recipe, click here.

Oxmoor House

Here's another great recipe that is perfect for easy entertaining.

For the Lemony Herbed Ricotta and Roasted Tomato Bruschetta recipe, click here.

Oxmoor House

For an easy, healthy and truly delicious breakfast, make this one-tray shakshuka — a realistic way to cook eggs for a crowd!

For the Mixed Vegetable Shakshuka recipe, click here.

Maya Visnyei

Here's a dish that no none will say no to. Make it for any number of people and sit back to enjoy a bowl of satisfying pasta that can be effortlessly prepared.

For the Orecchiette With Turkey And Broccoli recipe, click here.

Oxmoor House

A perfectly delicious and convenient dessert with flavors that are tried and true, this is certainly a dish that everyone will love!

Time Inc. Books

No one will be able to resist these delicious squares that are cooked in a slow-cooker for the easiest sweet snack you could ask for.

For the Pecan Squares recipe, click here.

Time Inc. Books

Here's another slow-cooker recipe that might surprise you. Using a slow-cooker allows you to focus on getting through without sacrificing on having a quality dessert for dinner.

For the Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée recipe, click here.

Ken Carlson

Here is and easy, no-boil recipe that is seriously the easiest way to make lasagna ever.

For the Roasted Vegetable Lasagna recipe, click here.

Time Inc. Books

This recipe is incredibly flexible — you can tailor it to a multitude of dietary needs. I also comes together in a slow-cooker — just the kind of recipe you need when you are dealing with the holidays!

For the Sausage-and-Spinach Cheese Tortellini recipe, click here.

Time Inc. Books

Here's a great and super-easy slow-cooker recipe for any get together

For the Screamin' Good Carnitas recipe, click here.

Chris Middleton

Fall in love with the underrated Brussels sprout. These days it's easy to find pre-shaved Brussels sprouts in most supermarkets, so this salad is more about assembly than cooking.

For the Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Freekeh Salad recipe, click here.

Ken Carlson

This quiche is delicious at any temperature and is great for feeding a crowd!

For the Slab Quiche recipe, click here.

Omar Allibhoy

If you have 5 hours to spare, then make this melt-in-your-mouth pork belly; it's worth the wait. You can leave it to do its thing in the oven while you get on with more important things, knowing that dinner will be divine!

For the Slow-Cooked Pork Belly With a Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe, click here.

Laurie Frankle

This simple spaghetti dish is delicious and perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Zucchini that is both crispy and soft, with sharp, salty, pecorino romano — divine!

For the Spaghetti With Zucchini and Pecorino Romano recipe, click here.

Jeremy Pang

Delicious lettuce wraps are a tasty and healthy choice for an easy weeknight meal and a nice change when you're sick of more traditional holiday foods.

For the Stir-Fried Shrimp, Edamame, and Pine Nut Lettuce Wraps recipe, click here.

Time Inc. Books

Serve this hearty slow-cooker dish with your favorite starch (or in a sandwich) for a hearty and comforting meal that will certainly chase away any winter chills.

For the Sweet-with-Heat Beef Short Ribs recipe, click here.

David Hagerman

This recipe is as simple as can be: Toss chunks of lamb with chopped onions and spices and arrange in a pot, smother the meat under a mound of diced tomatoes, and place the pot in a hot oven. Perfect for easy entertaining.

For The Bread Baker's Lamb and Tomato Curry recipe, click here.

Catherine Phipps

This easy and delicious one-pot meal is enlivened with citrus that will brighten up any grey winter day — it is one of many fantastic sheet pan dinners for busy nights.

For the Whole Baked Fish With Lemon and Ouzo recipe, click here.