The holidays are just around the corner which means it’s time to brainstorm holiday meal ideas. As always they are coming faster than we can plan. Since I am thinking about my menu for Christmas Day, I thought I would share some of my ideas with you. These are just a few of my favourite recipes. I’ve included G&K recipes as well as a few I rely upon regularly from some other talented food bloggers. 

If you find this list helpful don’t forget to share it with friends.

G&K Holiday Meal Ideas

Beer Can Chicken

I love any meat that I can prep and forget about for a little bit. When making a larger meal you need to be organized and there is nothing more chaotic than having to actively cook all of the components. Beer Can Chicken gives you 75 minutes of time back while it bakes. In that time you can set the table, cook your sides, and perhaps even enjoy a beer for yourself.

Beer Can Chicken Recipe

The perfect family meal every time. Always perfectly crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and full of flavour. This fool proof beer can chicken recipe will impress everyone at your dinner table.

Check out this recipe

Ingredients

 

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• 1 whole chicken (3.5lbs)
• 1 Tbsp G&K All-purpose spice
• ½ tbsp butter (softened)
• 2 garlic clove
• 1 355 ml can of beer (or ginger ale)
• ½ tsp salt

US Customary - Metric

Steamed Green Beans

The hardest part about this side is chopping the onions. If you pair this side with the Turkey Meatloaf, you can take care of the chopping during meatloaf prep. Steaming green beans is easy and fast and the timing of steaming gives you just enough time to make the topping. This side dish can be ready in 20 minutes and reheats beautifully if you want to make it slightly ahead.

Steamed Green Beans Recipe

A delicious twist on steamed beans makes this side dish extra nutritious.

Check out this recipe

Ingredients

 

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• 400 g green beans (or French green beans)
• ⅛ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup onion
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ tsp salt
• Pinch ground black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Turkey Meatloaf

Who doesn’t love a good meatloaf? I know I do. Meatloaf was something that we always had for special occasions so I think it’s a perfect fit for Christmas dinner. Once again, this main gives you an hour during baking time to prep your sides and get everything else ready.

Turkey Meatloaf

Moist, flavourful, and easy to make, this turkey meatloaf will most definitely become your family’s comfort food. Make on the weekend and serve leftovers during the week. You can also freeze to save for another time.

Check out this recipe

Ingredients

 

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• 2 lbs ground turkey
• ¼ cup onion
• 1 tsp relish
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp herbs de Provence
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup bread crumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup cheddar cheese (optional)

US Customary - Metric

Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I feel like Brussels sprouts are a pretty common holiday meal side but these are the ones you’ll actually want to eat. The delicious flavour of the slight char and saltiness of the parmesan will have you wondering why you’ve never had Brussels sprouts like this before.

Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Brussels sprouts like you’ve never had them

before. The slight char on the brussels sprouts combined with the salty parmesan make these brussels sprouts everyone’s new favourite.

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 1 lb brussels sprouts
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

US Customary - Metric

Carrot and Apple Slaw

Slaws and cold sides, in general, are very common in Polish food. This is my absolute favourite since I was a child. A little sweet and very fresh, especially right out of the fridge, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday meal. It will also be a great conversation starter since chances are that your guests will be trying it for the first time.

Since this slaw gets better with time it’s a great side to make ahead. If you like to prep a day ahead this is your new go-to.

Carrot and Apple Slaw Recipe

This Carrot and Apple Slaw makes for a great side to any meal and doubles perfectly as a quick snack. With a hint of sweetness, this fresh slaw will have everyone in your family asking for seconds.

Check out this recipe

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 2 carrots ((medium))
• 1 Gala apple ((small to medium))
• 1 squeeze lemon
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 2 tsp sugar

US Customary - Metric

Other Holiday Meal Ideas

Here are some of my favourite sides from other bloggers. I am only listing the recipes I make regularly so you know these are worth a look.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast

A pot roast definitely falls in the category of comfort food. Isn’t that what we crave this time of year? The best part about this recipe is that your potatoes and carrots cook with it. That’s two sides taken care of at the same time as your main dish. Now that’s a nice bonus!

G&K Tips:

I found the roast to be a bit dry the first time I made it. Start checking the roast with a meat thermometer a the lower time range. If you’re cooming on low start checking at the 6-hour mark and if on high then at the 4-hour mark. This will ensure you achieve the perfect doneness. For medium-rare you want the temperature to be 135°F and for medium 145°F.

You can also add other root vegetables to the veggies to create more variety. If you add softer veggies like zucchini, cut them into two inch pieces to prevent them from getting mushy.

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast - Melt in your mouth, tender Balsamic Pot Roast prepared in the slow cooker with potatoes and carrots!

Check out this recipe

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a staple at our house for any holiday meal. They are Kyle’s absolute favourite so I cannot afford to serve anything but the best. With that said the recipe below has been tested many times over here and it never fails. EVER!

G&K Tips:

I cook the potatoes all the way through when boiling instead of just parboiling. I find that the consistency at the end is just so creamy, but not mushy! I don’t know how but I am telling you it works!

I don’t just use the paprika as a garnish, I also add about half a teaspoon into the cheese sauce. It just gives it a little something extra.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Au Gratin)

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect side dish! Par-boiled instead of baked raw, these cheesy potatoes will always be cooked to creamy perfection.

Check out this recipe

Beet and Feta Salad

I adore this beet and feta salad. I eat it all the time. It’s fresh, sweet and salty and just the right amount of acidity. I often make this salad as my lunch and eat the whole thing in one sitting. My recommendation for the holidays is of course to share this one with your family and friends.

G&K Tips:

Our Lemon Garlic Dressing works perfectly in this salad.

I found packaged cooked beets at my local grocery store and they make any beet recipe ten times cleaner, and easier. I found them in the organic produce section. If you don’t find them or want a more affordable version look for whole canned beets in the canned vegetable aisle instead.

The parsley adds a great flavour balance to this salad. However, if you don’t have any, don’t fret. It’s just as delicious without it.

Healthy Beetroot and Feta Salad | Scrambled Chefs

This salad has the perfect balance of sweet and salty from the beetroot and feta cheese - SO good! Super healthy and tastes even better!

Check out this recipe