One of my favorite holiday traditions is the annual group dinner that our closest friends have in the lead up to Christmas. It’s our chance to dress up, slow down, and enjoy the adults – the only evening in the middle of the Swirl of the season. In recent years, we have decided to mix things up by inviting everyone to bring their children. The result? Endless fun, endless chaos, and many mouths to feed.
As I plan my menu, I’ve been revisiting my tried-and-true holiday recipes that make feeding a crowd feel more fun than spending any evening of any college date (or losing your mind by the way). Thanks to the years I have spent in catering, I have collected a solid line of cooking corpses that check all the boxes, and they are made for high-end cooking, and they are made for high-end cooking alone, I can reach with a glass, take a breath, join the fun.
14 easy and festive holiday recipes to feed a crowd
I shared this guide on how to make holiday deductions less effective. Instead of organizing ways to count visitors, you will find them grouped by levels of performance: From pre-made dishes that prepare themselves, and, of course, functional visual options that bring a moment of truth.
So, the next time you’re hosting a holiday party and wondering what to cook, bookmark this guide. These recipes are designed to keep things simple, festive, and stress-free — and leave your guests happy, satisfied, and anticipating their next invitation.
Easy & make ahead
When the calendar is full, but you still want to host, these are the recipes that keep you spoiled. Imagine not turning, large batch dishes you can prepare hours in advance – so you are free to light a candle, pour a glass, and actually enjoy your party.
Zuppa toscana soup
Kicking things off with this guaranteed crowd-pleaser is much better than the olive garden version. This heaven toscana soup is ice cream, heart, and the kind of juwl everyone returns to “Just one.” It’s the definition of cold weather comfort and perfect for serving hungry holiday workers.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi
Proof that the simplest recipes can still get you through years of hardship, this pan-pan Gnocchi crisps perfectly while the veggies caramelize in pure magic. It’s a family-friendly, hands-off main event that frees you up to enjoy the party.
Tepleranian White Chickpea Chili
Bright, light, and secretly loaded with protein, this white chili is a fresh alternative to the Red Meat-Hard Classic. Make a big pot, put the toppings, and watch everyone customize their right bowl.
Winter vegetable lasagna
Lasagna is a crowd favorite dish for good reason. The vegetable leasagna is an easy take on a classic dish, and the from-scratch pasta is worth the effort and time. The filling can be prepared the day before, giving you more time to spend with your dinner party.
A little fancy (but still works)
For those gatherings where you want a touch of glamor without spending all night in the kitchen. These are crowd-pleasers – they look high but rely on simple techniques – and pair well with a simple stopport application and a background of effortless finishing.
Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka
Creamy, velvety, and extulent enough, pasta alla vodka always sets the festive mood. The kind of dish that brings a special presentation without spending too much time on your catch when you win over the crowd.
Orange-Chili Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Carrot PETO and Grilled Carrots
Pork monderloin is always a favorite for the holidays, and this delicious take is the only recipe you need. It’s a great opportunity to fire up your grill during the winter and a good reason to keep the oven for some tasty additions to your holiday table.
Sheet Pan Halibut with Italian Salsa Verde and Asparagus
Elegant enough for a dinner party but easy to toss-and-grind, this halibut delivers a light, veggie-filled flavor with zero disk space. It’s a simple staple that feels holiday-esque – perfect for balancing those rich festive characters.
Slow cooked salmon with fennel and herbs
The benefit of an easy holiday recipe is that it leaves room for delicious sides (and can feel completely full at the end of the night). This grilled salmon recipe is cooked to perfection and comes together all in one baking dish.
Grilled chicken
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at a whole boiled chicken, this recipe is the best place to start. With roasted therry tomatoes and fresh garlic, this can be a very healthy holiday recipe that everyone will love.
When you want to impress
These are the dishes that ensure less gas when they hit the table. Bold taste, good filling, and the right amount of “wow” – especially when exposed with stoneware to decorate or transform your dinner, turning your dinner spread into a moment.
Rosemary Bourbon Glazed Ham
A true holiday showstopper, the Bourbon-Glazed Ham comes out caramelized and crispy (no dry ham here!). Best of all, it consumes a large group without requiring much return.
Carne Asada Tacos
Festive, delicious, and basically impossible to confuse, these frames are my go-to when it comes to feeding a tasteful crowd. Set your spread layout and watch guests swirl around the taco bar all night long.
Sweet and spicy bared short ribs
These sweet and lovely clothes never get old. I would serve them every year with my family and friends, and no one was sad about it. Fall-off-the-bone meat makes it easy to split and share with a group. And the best part? This goes in the oven way before the guests arrive, and you get (basically) until it’s time to eat.
Lamb and tomato laterballs with fresh ricotta
Tender, fragrant, and swimming in a rich tomato sauce, these lamb latballs bring a Mediterranean connection to the table. Serve them on crusty bread, over pasta, or as a healthy small plate.
Short Rib Ragu
Slow-braised until tender-to-tender, this short rib ragu is a holiday staple. The kind of dish that tastes like you spent all day cooking (but no one needs to know otherwise!).
This post was last updated on December 8, 2025, to include new insights.