12 Festive Holiday Meal Plans for Family Gatherings

Planning a holiday meal feels more enjoyable when you have ideas that bring everyone together at the table. These meal plans offer comforting flavors that work well for gatherings of all sizes. You can mix and match dishes to create a spread that feels warm and welcoming. With a little preparation, each option can help you serve a memorable celebration. Take a look at these suggestions and start planning your next festive feast today.

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Roast Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter

A roast chicken brings a warm and familiar touch to a family gathering and fills the home with a gentle aroma. It works well as a centerpiece when you want something classic that appeals to both kids and adults. The golden skin and tender meat create a dish that feels comforting at any holiday table. This meal also pairs nicely with simple vegetables or soft rolls.

The ingredients include a whole chicken, softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper, and optional carrots or potatoes. You can add onions if you want more sweetness around the chicken. Fresh herbs give the dish a brighter aroma and color. A little butter under the skin helps keep the meat tender.

Begin by drying the chicken and rubbing it with a mixture of butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Place carrots or potatoes around the chicken and drizzle everything with olive oil. Roast at 475°F or 245°C for about 10 minutes, then lower the heat to 375°F or 190°C until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing so the juices settle well.

Creamy Holiday Baked Pasta

A creamy baked pasta helps bring a cozy feeling to the table and works well for families who enjoy richer dishes. It is a simple option that still feels special for gatherings. You can prepare it early and warm it right before guests arrive. The soft pasta and bubbly top make it pleasing from the first bite.

Ingredients include pasta, milk, cream, butter, flour, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. You may add spinach, cooked mushrooms, or shredded chicken. A drizzle of olive oil helps coat the noodles. Fresh herbs can be sprinkled before serving.

Cook the pasta and prepare a creamy sauce from butter, flour, milk, and cream. Stir in garlic and cheese, then combine everything with the pasta. Transfer it to a baking dish and add extra cheese over the top. Bake at 375°F or 190°C until the surface turns lightly golden.

Maple Glazed Ham

A maple glazed ham gives the table a sweet and savory centerpiece that feels festive. It works well for gatherings because it slices easily and feeds many people. The aroma of the glaze brings a warm and welcoming note to the meal. Leftovers also become useful for breakfast or snacks the next day.

Ingredients include a whole ham, maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, garlic, black pepper, and cloves. Pineapple or orange slices may be added for extra brightness. Butter helps the glaze adhere nicely. A bit of citrus zest can be mixed in for added depth.

Score the ham and brush it with the glaze mixture. Bake at 325°F or 165°C and continue to baste during cooking so it develops a nice shine. Add pineapple or orange slices during the last portion of baking for added sweetness. Let it rest before cutting.

Holiday Beef Stew

A slow cooked beef stew works well when you want something hearty that brings warmth to the table. It is an ideal choice for cooler evenings when your guests want something filling. The stew becomes richer as it simmers. It is also perfect for serving with bread or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients include beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, tomato paste, broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. You may add peas or mushrooms if desired. A touch of flour helps thicken the stew. Fresh parsley brightens the appearance.

Brown the beef in a pot until the edges deepen in color. Add vegetables, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings. Simmer gently until the vegetables soften and the beef becomes tender. Serve while warm and fragrant.

Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Baked salmon brings a light and bright flavor to the holiday menu. This dish suits families who prefer something less heavy but still festive. The lemon and dill combination makes it refreshing while still fitting the season. It pairs well with rice, vegetables, or warm bread.

Ingredients include salmon fillets, lemon, dill, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. You may add butter for more richness. Extra lemon slices add a gentle aroma as it bakes. Fresh herbs improve both color and taste.

Place the salmon on a tray and drizzle it with olive oil. Add garlic, dill, and lemon slices. Bake at 400°F or 205°C until the salmon flakes easily. Serve it warm with your chosen sides.

Holiday Stuffed Peppers

Holiday stuffed peppers bring color to the table and offer a balanced mix of vegetables and protein. They make a festive choice when you want a meal that looks lively on the plate. The sweetness of the peppers blends nicely with the savory filling. They are also helpful for gatherings since they hold their shape well.

Ingredients include bell peppers, rice, ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, tomatoes, cheese, herbs, salt, and pepper. Olive oil helps soften the filling. You may add beans or corn for variety. Parsley or basil give a fresh finish.

Cut the tops from the peppers and remove the seeds. Cook the filling in a pan, mixing rice, meat, and seasonings. Spoon the mixture into the peppers and top with cheese. Bake at 375°F or 190°C until the peppers soften.

Creamy Mashed Potato and Gravy Plate

Mashed potatoes with gravy help round out a family holiday meal with comforting flavor and smooth texture. This dish supports many main courses and feels familiar to guests of all ages. The warm gravy adds richness without overwhelming the plate. It is a dependable favorite for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients include potatoes, butter, cream or milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. For the gravy, use broth, flour, butter, and optional onions. Fresh herbs add a gentle aroma. A little extra butter makes the potatoes softer.

Boil the potatoes until tender and mash them with butter and cream. Prepare the gravy by whisking flour and butter, then adding broth. Simmer until the gravy thickens and turns smooth. Serve the potatoes with a warm drizzle of gravy.

Festive Chicken Alfredo Bake

A Chicken Alfredo bake suits families who want something creamy and filling during holiday gatherings. The sauce blends with the pasta and chicken to create a comforting meal. It is also convenient to prepare ahead. The top becomes lightly golden, giving it a pleasing look.

Ingredients include pasta, cooked chicken, butter, cream, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. You may add spinach for color. Olive oil helps coat the noodles. A bit of mozzarella adds more richness.

Cook the pasta and prepare an Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and Parmesan. Mix everything together with the chicken and optional vegetables. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 375°F or 190°C until the surface turns golden.

Holiday Vegetable Stir Fry

A vegetable stir fry helps balance the holiday table with something lighter and fresh. It works well when guests want a break from heavier dishes. The colorful vegetables make it visually appealing. It also cooks very quickly.

Ingredients include broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. You may add tofu or chicken. Sesame oil adds fragrance. Scallions brighten the dish.

Heat oil in a pan and cook the vegetables until tender but still crisp. Add garlic and ginger for aroma. Stir in soy sauce thickened slightly with cornstarch. Serve warm over rice or noodles.

Holiday Shepherd’s Pie

A shepherd’s pie fits well into gatherings because it combines meat, vegetables, and potatoes in one dish. It becomes filling while still being simple to serve. The mashed potato topping makes it feel comforting on cold nights. It also holds its structure well on a buffet table.

Ingredients include ground beef or lamb, onions, carrots, peas, tomato paste, broth, mashed potatoes, butter, salt, and pepper. Cream can be added to the potatoes. A bit of paprika adds color. Fresh herbs add flavor.

Cook the meat and vegetables in a pan and mix in tomato paste and broth. Spread the mixture into a baking dish. Add mashed potatoes on top and smooth the surface. Bake at 375°F or 190°C until the top becomes lightly golden.

Sweet Holiday Bread Pudding

Bread pudding brings gentle sweetness to the table and feels right for holiday celebrations. It is soft and comforting, especially when served warm. The spices help set the mood for the season. It is also helpful for using leftover bread.

Ingredients include bread cubes, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, butter, and raisins or chocolate chips. Brown sugar can deepen the taste. A little butter keeps the top soft. Spices add fragrance.

Mix the bread with the milk and egg mixture. Stir in spices and add any mix ins you prefer. Transfer to a baking dish. Bake at 350°F or 175°C until the pudding sets.

Slow Cooked Holiday Pulled Pork

Pulled pork works wonderfully for families who want a tender and hands off dish. It gives you time to prepare other food while it slowly cooks. The meat becomes soft and easy to shred. It is useful for sandwiches or rice bowls during gatherings.

Ingredients include pork shoulder, onions, garlic, apple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bay leaves can be added for aroma. A little honey can round out the flavor. Oil helps sear the meat.

Brown the pork in a pan before placing it in a slow cooker. Add onions, garlic, liquids, and seasonings. Cook until the meat turns tender enough to shred. Serve warm with your chosen sides.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.