Time-Saving Holiday Cooking Hacks

December 5, 2023
, 10:49 am

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, preparing festive meals can often feel daunting. However, with a few clever time-saving tricks up your sleeve, you can make holiday cooking a joyous part of the celebrations rather than a stressful chore. This guide will provide you with some hacks to help you save time in the kitchen, allowing you to delight in the warmth of the season and enjoy precious moments with your loved ones. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your holiday cooking more efficient and enjoyable!

Hack 1: Buy Pre-Prepped Ingredients

Convenience doesn’t have to equate to unhealthy choices. Many supermarkets and local stores offer pre-chopped vegetables, peeled and cut fruits, and even marinated proteins. This not only saves you time but also reduces the mess in your kitchen. Remember, it’s a holiday for you too!

Here are some options to consider:

Pre-cut butternut squash
Pre-cut sweet potatoes
Pre-washed salad greens
Sliced fruits for desserts and snacks.
Riced cauliflower
Rotisserie chicken
Deboned and skinned fish fillets
Spiralized zucchini (also known as zoodles)
Pre-cut mixed vegetables
Hard-boiled eggs
Pre-sliced mushrooms
Peeled and deveined shrimp
Pre-made bone broth
Paleo salad dressings

Hack 2: Plan Ahead and Make Double Batches

Preparing meals in advance is a fantastic way to save time during the holidays. Consider making double batches of dishes that can be easily frozen or reheated, such as soups, stews, and casseroles. This will save you from having to prepare meals every day, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.

Hack 3: Use Your Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

Your trusty slow cooker and Instant Pot are lifesavers when it comes to holiday cooking. Not only do they save you time, but they also allow for easy clean-up. Simply set the timer, and let them do their magic while you take care of other tasks or spend quality time with your family. You can find countless delicious slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes online that will make your holiday meals a breeze to prepare. Plus, they free up stove and oven space for other dishes you may want to cook.

Hack 4: Simplify Your Menu

One of the best ways to reduce holiday stress is to simplify your menu. Instead of preparing a multitude of complex dishes, choose a few that you can prepare in advance. Make-ahead salads, casseroles, sheet pan dinners, and pies make for delicious and stress-free holiday meals. You’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends.

Hack 4: Utilize Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

Another time-saving hack is to use frozen fruits and vegetables in your holiday meals. These are often flash-frozen at peak freshness, making them a nutritious and convenient option. They also eliminate the need for washing, peeling, and chopping, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.

Holiday Inspired Recipes from Our Kitchen

Breakfast

Salads

Meats

Sides/ Breads

Snacks/ Desserts

The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, and not stress. By incorporating these time-saving holiday cooking hacks into your routine, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time creating cherished memories with your loved ones. Remember to plan ahead, simplify your menu, and make use of pre-prepped ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free holiday cooking experience. Happy holidays!