Streamline Your Holiday Celebrations with Prepared Feasts
I personally prefer crafting my menus by selecting dishes that can be prepared and baked ahead of time. This allows me to spend more quality time with loved ones without spending countless hours in the kitchen as others partake in festivities.
The following three festive feast ideas are particularly suited for serving larger groups and are all centered around the concept of casseroles and other dishes that are simple to bake or prepare in advance, then finished or reheated as the festivities commence.
Since these menus provide an extensive selection of appetizers, it becomes simpler to accommodate various dietary allergies and preferences, ensuring everyone is satisfied. Additionally, fewer dishes need to be cooked, which is already a wonderful present in itself.
Breakfast Buffet for the Holidays
Whether you're planning a hearty brunch or simply prefer breakfast to precede an evening event, you'll find inspiration in your range of favorite breakfast dishes. There's no need for last-minute cooking or frantic pancake preparation while everyone waits - these dishes can be baked or kept warm until the festivities commence.
The family classic of hash browns and scrambled eggs, known as Frühstücksauflauf, has remained popular for generations. There's a reason for its enduring popularity: I've yet to meet someone who can't resist the creamy, cheesy scrambled eggs paired with garlic-laden hashed potatoes. Sauté a few pieces of bacon or sausage, or keep it vegan. Offer a vegan Scramble option. You can even prepare it in your slow cooker overnight.
A sweetened layered casserole can be baked in advance and warmed in the oven without losing its flavor. Try out Maple Bacon Polenta Casserole, Blueberry Bread Pudding with Croissants, or Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding.
Prepare Overnight French Toast by storing it in the refrigerator overnight and baking when guests arrive. Prepare a topping bar with whipped cream, chopped nuts, chocolate chunks, and maple syrup, allowing each guest to customize their portion.
The pancakes are still perfectly fine.Bake the pancakes using the mixture or your favorite recipe, cut them into cubes, and serve with your preferred toppings, such as chocolate chips or sliced fruit. For an added touch, add chocolate pieces or fruit (like sliced bananas or frozen berries) before baking.
Evening Dessert Buffet
If you are hosting guests who enjoy cooking as much as you do, hosting a sweet potluck could be the perfect choice for your party. This concept enables participants to contribute both sweet and savory offerings to fill the table.
My all-time favorite dessert for every occasion is the classic chocolate cream pie, but shepherd's pie or cottage pie also have a charming appeal. Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with minced lamb, while Country Pie uses minced beef - the distinction lies in the type of meat used.
A rich and vegetarian sweet potato pie is a substantial option, as is spinach-artichoke quiche. Technically, a pizza can also be considered a sweet dish, if that's your inclination.
Dessert tarts don't have to stick solely to fruit pies - try a decadent chocolate-cream tart or get creative with homemade pop-tarts as portable alternatives.
Tamale-Tasting Extravaganza
For many Latino families and residents of the Southwest, tamales are a cherished holiday tradition. The labor required to wrap each tamale packet can be time-consuming. If you want to enjoy the spirit of the celebration while minimizing the effort upcoming. Consider Tamale de Cazuela as the main dish.
Tamale casserole can be prepared in a cast-iron skillet or a rectangular or round baking dish, utilizing any ingredients you currently have on hand. The cornerstone ingredient in every casserole is Masa Harina, finely ground cornmeal used to create the masa dough. It is derived from nixtamalized corn (seasoned and soaked corn). Masa dough can be found in most supermarkets.
When it comes to fillings, select your favorites:
- Grilled Pork with Chili in a Dutch oven
- Sautéed Zucchini-Masa Casserole, which blends the crispy crust and filling into a delicious casserole
- Chicken Tamale Casserole with Green Chili and Cheese
- OR Layer Tamale Pie with braised Beef, combined with Masa in a lasagna-style casserole
Accompany these hearty casseroles with refreshing salads, such as coleslaw, Mango-Jicama Salad, or Broccoli Slaw.
Kathy Barber is a Food Author, Artist, and Editor of the website Good Food Stories.
Additional Reading:
- 80 percent of young Germans eat sustainably
- Syphilis cases in babies are increasing dramatically
- Syphilis cases in babies are increasing dramatically
- Corona or flu epidemic? These pathogens are making us cough and sniffle right now
Enrichment Suggestions: Incorporating prepared dishes into buffet-style holiday spreads involves several steps to ensure the food is appealing, simple to serve, and enjoyed by everyone at the gathering. Here's a comprehensive guide:
1. Variety in Pre-Made Dishes:
Cold Buffet: - Charcuterie Board: Offer an assortment of deli meats and cheeses, mixed olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and assorted nuts on a large board or platter. Serve dipping sauces like honey, grainy mustard, or dijon for variety[1][2]. - Sandwiches and Wraps: Serve pre-made sandwiches with crusts removed, toasted or grilled options, and wraps filled with seasoned chicken, avocado, or hummus[1][3].
Hot Buffet: - Slow-Cooked Meats: Prepare dishes like beef stew or chicken poultry, which can be made in advance and then reheated. Soup mixes, vegetable stew, and seasoned meatballs can also fall into this category[1][3]. - Greek Cuisine: Offer gyros, hummus, and feta-loaded salads. Prepare the meat by mixing ground lamb or beef with spices, then cook and assemble the gyros with tzatziki sauce and toppings[1][2]. - Soul Food: Provide traditional southern classics like mac and cheese, fried chicken, and collard greens[1].
2. Properly Setting Up the Buffet:
- Layout: Arrange dishes in a visually appealing manner. Use different colors and textures to make the spread attractive[1].
- Labeling: Implement clear signage for each dish to help guests conceive what they're consuming[1].
3. Complementing Dishes with Extras:
- Dips and Sauces: Offer a selection of cold and hot dips, such as spinach artichoke, guacamole, or queso dip[1][3].
- Fruits and Vegetables: Provide fresh fruits and vegetables for guests to enjoy as a refreshing interlude[1][3].
- Breads and Crackers: Include breads, crackers, breadsticks, or alternative chips to aid in dip consumption[1][3].
4. Considering Comfort and Seating:
- Seating: Ensure there is adequate seating for guests to sit, if desired[1].
- Temperature: Keep the temperature comfortable. Large groups can generate heat, so consider opening windows if needed[1].
5. Decorating Thoughtfully:
- Centerpieces: Utilize inexpensive decoratives, such as candles, holiday-themed place settings, or mason jars, to showcase the spread elegantly[1].
- Partyware: Choose partyware that is visually appealing, such as placemats, plates, and cutlery that complement the menu[1].
By implementing these steps, you can create a visually stunning buffet-style holiday spread that is functional, delightful, and suited for a large crowd. To ensure guests have both a tasteful and memorable experience, provide good variety in pre-prepared dishes and a thoughtful layout.
