I know there are still two weeks until Christmas – but that time is going to fly by so I thought I’d pop on here and give you some Christmas recipe ideas! It’s kind of a random collection of ideas, but my hope is that it’s different from what you normally see to inspire a little change. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my Christmas Day classics of sliced ham, baked macaroni and cheese, and sausage sandwiches…but switching things up can be a good thing!
Breakfast – Sheet Pan Pancakes
I know breakfast isn’t typically the meal that everyone is prepping for…but maybe it should be? This easy recipe allows everyone to choose what they want to eat and doesn’t create a huge mess of dishes or require a lot of effort! Just follow the directions on a pancake mix box, spray a sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray, pour the batter onto the pan, add toppings (the picture includes, bananas, chocolate chips, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Cook at 425 for about 15 minutes (until golden brown/a toothpick comes out clean).
Appetizers – Sundried Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Dip
I love this one because it’s good hot or cold and only takes like 15 minutes. Plus it’s only one pan and can even be served in the skillet itself if you don’t want to clean another dish! Heat sundried tomato oil (just spoon it out of the jar) in a large skillet and add 1 diced shallot. Once the shallot has softened, add chopped sundried tomatoes (I bought a small jar and used about 1/3) and saute. Deglaze the skillet with about 1.5 tbsp dry white wine, let moisture evaporate, and then add 1 jar of roasted red peppers (drained and diced), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/2 brick softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup sour cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir and cook until smooth.
Small Dinner – Pot Roast
For me, pot roast isn’t a meal I’m interested in serving to a large crowd because beef is not cheap! However, for a smaller party I think it’s worth it. Plus it’s so easy to make – you’re basically just tossing it all into a crockpot and letting it do it’s thing! Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck Pot Roast, 2 carrots (peeled & chopped), 2 stalks celery (chopped), 1 onion (chopped), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 bay leaf, 1 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup dry red wine, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tbsp tomato paste, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper. Cook on low for at least 8 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes! You also have the option of thickening it with tapioca OR adding a cornstarch & water mix at the end. I like to leave it less thick and drizzle it all over the mashed potatoes, though!
These recipes were all adapted from Eating Well – I highly recommend checking them out for some more inspiration if you need it. Let me know in the comments what you’re planning on making for Christmas…hopefully we can inspire each other!