Holiday Mealtime Hacks: Spend Less Time Cooking and More Time Enjoying
Hosting a holiday meal doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. With smart planning and ready-to-heat Bob Evans favorites, you can simplify prep and savor more moments around the table.
Hosting a holiday meal for friends and family is one of the most meaningful parts of the season—a chance to share good food and memories around the table. Yet all the cooking, serving and clean up can easily pull the host away from the holiday gathering, leaving little time to relax and connect with guests.
With a little planning, you can spend less time preparing a holiday meal and more time around the table savoring the taste of the season. These tips and recipes can help to simplify your holiday meal prep without sacrificing flavor.
Take an inventory of your pantry
Creating a spread of classic and creative holiday meals requires a full pantry of ingredients. Before you go shopping, and especially before you start cooking, take stock of what you already have on hand, what’s expired and what you’ll need to pull off a memorable holiday meal.
Ditch the porcelain for disposable cutlery and plates
Ceramic dinnerware can be beautiful and add a touch of luxury to holiday gatherings, but it often requires handwashing. To simplify cleanup without sacrificing style, consider using disposable cutlery, plates and bowls—many come in festive designs that are a perfect fit for the season. Keep a trash can nearby so guests can tidy up after themselves, and you’ll be free to enjoy the after-dinner drinks and conversation, too.
Pick easy-to-prepare holiday dishes
Cooking a tasty holiday spread doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. Bob Evans dinner sides allow you to serve everyone’s favorite comfort foods without stress. Choose ready-to-heat favorites like Macaroni & Cheese, Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Sliced Glazed Apples. They’re ready in minutes and help keep your holiday meals comforting, delicious and full of flavor. Serve them as-is or incorporate them into seasonal recipes like the three below.
Creamy Comfort with a Twist
Cranberry and Brie Macaroni & Cheese
Classic macaroni & cheese gets elevated with tart cranberries and the rich, creamy flavor of brie, creating a comforting and flavorful dish.
Warm, Wholesome and Sweet
Mashed Sweet Potato and Apple Bake
Sweet potatoes and apples combined with a crunchy pecan streusel for a dish that’s as comforting as it is festive.
Sweet and Savory Lunch
Turkey and Glazed Apple Croissant
Tangy and sweet apples paired with classic sandwich flavors on a butter croissant make for a delicious and easy bite.
Find these Bob Evans products to stock your holiday kitchen plus more recipe inspiration at BobEvansGrocery.com.