Simple and Delicious Christmas Menu for the Non-Cook

I am not a cook, I cook for my family but let me tell you it is not something that I LOVE to do, rather its about survival. I know, I know, that sounds bad but I would much rather whip up some fresh baked cookies or bread rather than cook a meal…its just who I am! That being said, Christmas is a time that I do enjoy preparing a meal for my family. Christmas allows us to slow down and really enjoy things, including preparing dinner.

My mother-in-law suggested when we had Reid, that we stay at home each Christmas to make it special for him. I grew up traveling many Christmases so this was a foreign concept to me, but we took her advice and absolutely LOVE being home at Christmas. It means that we are the ones to choose the menu and host our family (or just us!).

This year, my dad and Mimi will be coming into town to celebrate Christmas. I prepared an easy menu for the few days they will be in town to keep things simple (and delicious) so that we can enjoy time with family rather than being in the kitchen the whole time.

Christmas Eve, Eve Dinner: Black Bean Soup; Salad; Mixed Salad Bag; Dinner Rolls

Black Bean Soup Recipe is from my MIL and is absolutely delicious! I purchased a mixed Harvest Apple Salad Bag from Trader Joes and will pair it with Sister Shubert Dinner Rolls (D’s favorite).

Christmas Eve Dinner Menu: Grilled Tenderloin; Roasted Butternut Squash Kale salad with Bacon Vinaigrette; Mushroom Risotto; and Dinner Rolls

Tip: Beef Tenderloin is always on sale the week before Christmas at Kroger. I ask the butcher to “trim” it for us which makes it even easier to cook. This is the Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad recipe I use and this is the Bacon Vinaigrette recipe I pair it with. Damn Delicious’ Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto is my go to for a side dish that will impress any guest!

Christmas Day Breakfast: Ham, Bacon, Mushroom and Cheese Quiche; Cinnamon Rolls

Y’all a quiche is where it is at, we used to do breakfast casseroles but quiches are even more simple (if that is even possible) and are more impressive. I purchased frozen crusts, sometimes I make my own crust and freeze it but this year I’m keeping it simple! We will use leftover ham and bacon from the black bean soup and mushrooms from the risotto in the quiche. And it wouldn’t be Christmas morning without some Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (maybe someday ill make them from scratch!).

Christmas Day Dinner: Homemade Pizzas on the grill: Cheese for the boys; Pesto Shrimp Pizza; BBQ Chicken Pizza with a Cobb Salad

We are obsessed with homemade pizza on the Green Egg. See this post for our Pesto Shrimp recipe. We buy crust from Trader Joe’s and their blended hard cheese for an inexpensive, yet delicious topping. Since it is avocado season, we will have a cobb salad to go with the pizza.