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Home » Recipe Collections

You’re Going to Want These 30 Recipes Until the Next Holiday Hits

Published: Jul 8, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Holiday or not, these recipes are the kind you’ll keep reaching for because they just work—they’re easy, they taste great, and they hit the spot every time. Whether you're feeding a group or just trying to make weeknights less boring, these dishes bring that perfect mix of comfort and flavor without overcomplicating things. They’re the ones people ask you about after dinner and the ones you don’t get tired of making.

Pizza Sliders close up.
Pizza Sliders. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

A close up image of cheesy bean and rice burrito on a plate.
Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy bean and rice burritos come together quickly with basic ingredients and work well for hosting on the holiday when you need a no-stress option that reheats easily. Their simple prep also makes them a good choice for feeding a group without needing much kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl.
Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This tortellini pasta salad is done in about 20 minutes and uses fewer than 10 ingredients. It fits well into holiday gatherings where you want something cold, easy, and ready ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus on foil-lined baking sheet with lemon slice.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Grilled asparagus takes five ingredients and about 25 minutes to make. It’s a good option for holiday cookouts when you want a side that doesn’t need constant attention.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Egg Bhurji

A bowl fiiled with Egg Bhurji.
Egg Bhurji. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Egg bhurji, or Indian-style scrambled eggs, cooks in just 15 minutes with minimal prep. It's a solid option for holiday mornings or evenings when hosting calls for something quick that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bhurji

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bucatini cacio e pepe uses only a few pantry staples and is ready fast. It's a smart pick for holiday dinners when time is limited and guests appreciate a classic dish without complication.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

An image of roasted cabbage steaks on a serving plate.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted cabbage steaks need just a few ingredients and 35 minutes to make. They’re a solid option for holiday hosting when you want a vegetable dish that’s easy to serve and prep.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Pizza Sliders

An image of a hand picking up one pizza slider from the baking pan.
Pizza Sliders. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pizza sliders filled with cheese, sauce, and vegetables are quick to make and easy to serve. They work well for holiday hosting when guests prefer grab-and-go foods over plated meals.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sliders

Nigerian Fried Rice

An overhead image of Nigerian fried rice in a serving bowl.
Nigerian Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nigerian fried rice comes together in 15 minutes and adds bold flavor and color to the table. It’s useful for holiday meals where variety and speed both matter.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Mushroom Stroganoff

An image of mushroom stroganoff and white rice on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mushroom stroganoff is ready in 30 minutes and pairs well with simple sides like rice or noodles. It's a practical fit for holiday meals when you want something hearty with minimal steps.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

An overview of a plate of Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad.
Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Watermelon feta cucumber salad is crisp and colorful, perfect as a side for holiday meals outdoors. It’s quick to prepare and pairs well with grilled mains or picnic foods.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

One-pot lemon ricotta pasta takes just 15 minutes and is simple to clean up. It's a good pick for hosting on the holiday when you want something fresh without spending much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Baghali Polo

A bowl of Baghali Polo with a wooden spoon.
Baghali Polo. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Bahgali Polo, or Persian dill rice, is a one-pot recipe with herbs and beans. It’s useful for holiday meals when you need a centerpiece that’s filling and doesn’t take much oversight.
Get the Recipe: Baghali Polo

Ethiopian Cabbage

A close up image of cooked Ethiopian cabbage in a skillet pan with a wooden serving spoon mixing the dish.
Ethiopian Cabbage. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A one-pot Ethiopian cabbage stew made with pantry vegetables is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a smart pick for holiday meals when you want something hearty that doesn’t take long to make.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Creamy Beetroot Risotto

A black bowl filled with Creamy Beetroot Risotto.
Creamy Beetroot Risotto. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Beetroot risotto with goat cheese has a bold color and creamy finish. It works well for holiday dinners when you want something a bit more eye-catching that’s still simple to handle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beetroot Risotto

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of two bowls of mac and cheese with a fork beside each.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker mac and cheese is a dump-and-go recipe that needs little attention. It’s effective for holiday hosting when oven space is tight and you still want a warm dish on the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

A bowl of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken cooks in a garlic-Parmesan sauce and needs little hands-on time. Its slow cooker setup makes it convenient for holiday hosting when you’re juggling other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

An overhead image of baked cauliflower with cheese with a serving missing at the bottom.
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked cauliflower cheese has a creamy sauce and crisp top, ready in about an hour. It’s a good option for holiday dinners that need a vegetable side with a bit more presence.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Pea and Mint Soup

An overview of a bowl of Pea and Mint Soup.
Pea and Mint Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pea and mint soup made with frozen peas comes together quickly and feels light on the table. It’s a helpful addition to holiday lunches or outdoor meals where something cool and simple fits in.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole needs just three main ingredients and 30 minutes. It works well for holiday gatherings when time is short and a warm side dish is needed.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Creamy Halloumi Pasta

A plate of Creamy Halloumi Pasta with a fork.
Creamy Halloumi Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Creamy halloumi pasta comes together quickly with tomatoes and herbed sauce. It’s a reliable option for holiday weeknight hosting when you need a main dish that cooks fast and fills people up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Halloumi Pasta

Steak Pizzaiola

An overhead image of steak pizzaiola surrounded by condiments.
Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Steak pizzaiola simmers in tomato sauce and delivers bold flavor without being difficult to prepare. It's a strong pick for holiday meals when hosting calls for something hearty but straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan.
Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Homemade baked gouda mac and cheese takes about 45 minutes and comes out rich and creamy. It works well for holiday dinners that call for something comforting but not overly involved.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

An overhead image of two cabbage soups in a white serving bowl.
Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This one-pot vegan cabbage soup is easy to batch-cook and filled with vegetables. It’s helpful for holiday evenings when you’re feeding a group and want to keep cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Cabbage Soup

Vegan Pizza

A whole Vegan Pizza on a tray.
Vegan Pizza. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This vegan pizza with grilled vegetables and herb pesto is quick to assemble and full of flavor. It’s a strong pick for holiday porch dinners when you want a complete meal without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pizza

Black Bean Enchiladas

An overhead image of black bean enchiladas in a baking dish.
Black Bean Enchiladas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Black bean enchiladas with homemade red sauce are ready in under an hour. Their bold flavor and ease of prep make them a go-to for holiday dinners with guests.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Enchiladas

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad in a white bowl being drizzled with cilantro lime dressing.
Mediterranean Black Bean Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Black bean salad with cilantro lime dressing takes only 10 minutes and uses fresh ingredients. It’s a good option for holiday potlucks or quick lunches that don’t need cooking.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Salsa Verde Chicken

Top view of a plate of rice topped with Salsa Verde Chicken.
Salsa Verde Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa verde chicken uses only a few ingredients and comes together fast. It’s a helpful recipe for holiday weeknight dinners where hosting doesn’t leave time for complex meals.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde Chicken

Pasta e Piselli

An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl.
Pasta e Piselli. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta e piselli is quick to prepare and combines peas and Pecorino in a simple dish. It’s a practical fit for holiday hosting when you want something familiar and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Fennel Orange Salad

A plate filled with Fennel Orange Salad with fresh fruit slices on the background.
Fennel Orange Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This fennel orange salad includes citrus, arugula, and a vinaigrette that cuts through heavier mains. It’s especially useful during holiday meals in warmer weather when a lighter side is needed.
Get the Recipe: Fennel Orange Salad

Penne Pomodoro

An close up photo of cooked penne pomodoro in a pot.
Penne Pomodoro. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Penne Pomodoro uses basic pantry ingredients and is done in under 30 minutes. It’s a useful recipe for holiday meals where speed and familiarity are both priorities.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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