Sorry, Bob Cratchit and his family’s famous Christmas goose, as well as the more modern turkey or prime rib, but I am happier these days if I do not have to fuss over a large hunk of meat when hosting the holiday meal.
When I am in charge, I like to plan my menu around what I can make and bake ahead of time. It gives me more time to spend with family and friends at home and less time in the kitchen while everyone else celebrates.
Buffet-style menus provide a variety of main course options and mean fewer dishes to clean up at the end of a meal—a great holiday gift.
The three menu ideas for make-ahead holiday feasts listed below are ideal for larger groups. They are all based on the idea of casseroles and other dishes that can be easily baked or prepped ahead of time, then finished or reheated when the party starts.
Because these buffet-style menus provide a variety of main course options, it is easier to accommodate various food allergies and preferences while keeping everyone satisfied. And there will be fewer dishes to wash at the end of the meal, which appears to be a bonus in and of itself.
A breakfast casserole buffet
Whether you are throwing a big brunch or just eating breakfast for dinner, your favorite breakfast foods can serve as inspiration for a holiday gathering menu. There is no need to be a short-order cook and flip pancakes while everyone else waits; these dishes can be reheated or prepped ahead of time.
Hash brown-and-egg breakfast casserole has been a favorite for generations, and for good reason: no one can resist the combination of creamy, cheesy eggs and comforting potatoes. Add bacon or sausage, or keep it vegetarian. Make a vegan casserole option. You can even make this dish in the slow cooker overnight.
You can find inspiration for a holiday gathering menu with some of your favorite breakfast foods, such as French toast or bread pudding.
Bake-ahead sweet casseroles can be made days ahead of time and reheated in the oven without compromising their taste. Try a maple-bacon polenta casserole, blueberry bread pudding with croissants, or a cinnamon roll bread pudding.
Love your leftovers — the best way to reheat your favorite foods
Overnight French toast chills in the refrigerator while you sleep, ready to bake the next day while you greet guests. Make a toppings bar with whipped cream, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and maple syrup so that everyone can customize their portion.
As for pancakes, they’re still possible. Use a mix or your favorite from-scratch recipe to bake pancakes in a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish, then slice into squares and serve with your favorite toppings. Stir in chocolate chips or fruit, such as banana slices or frozen berries, before baking to add more flavor.
A pie potluck
Do you have guests who love to cook as much as you do? The pie potluck may be perfect for your party. This theme allows attendees to contribute both sweet and savory offerings to fill the table.
My favorite savory pie for any occasion is the classic chicken pot pie, but a shepherd’s pie or cottage pie is equally comforting. (Shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with ground lamb, while cottage pie is filled with ground beef — that’s the distinction.)
During holiday gatherings, a pie potluck allows guests to contribute both sweet and savory offerings to fill the table.
A sweet potato pie baked in puff pastry with caramelized onions is a rich vegetarian option, as is a spinach and artichoke galette. Pizza can also technically be considered a pie, at least in my book!
Dessert pies don’t always have to adhere to the fruit-filled varieties, though they’re always welcome. Make an indulgent chocolate pot de crème tart or get creative with homemade pop tarts for a hand-held alternative.
A tamale-inspired meal
Tamaladas, or tamale-making parties, are a Christmas tradition for many Latino families in the Southwest. Wrapping each masa-filled bundle can be time-consuming, so if you want to embrace the spirit of the event without the work, try a tamale casserole—a tamal de cazuela—as your main course.
Tamale-making parties can be a Christmas tradition, but preparation is time-consuming
Tamale casseroles can be made in a cast-iron skillet or a square or round baking dish, so use whatever you have on hand. Masa harina, the finely ground corn flour used to make masa dough, is an essential component of any casserole. It is made from nixtamalized corn, which has been cooked and soaked in a lime solution, and can be found in most supermarkets.
The best holiday dessert for non-bakers is simple — and it will make everyone happy
As for fillings, choose your favorite:
• A savory cake made with steamed zucchini and corn that combines crust and filling.
• Tamale pie with chicken, green chiles, and cheese
• Alternatively, a lasagna-style casserole with layers of spicy braised beef and masa.
Because these casseroles are hearty and filling on their own, serve with some light side dishes like cabbage slaw, mango jicama slaw, or a chopped salad to round out the meal.
