Simple Bites Holiday Menu Ideas

Dec 08, 2022

by Aimee

Menu suggestions and recipe links for all of your holiday meals from brunch to cocktails to dinner.

The countdown to Christmas and the end of the year is truly on. I’m jotting down menu ideas and making grocery lists.

Careful planning is how I stay organized for the next few weeks. That planning, combined with meal prep and some batch cooking is also how I ensure that I am relaxed with my feet up on Christmas day. Truly!

I thought I’d share a few menu suggestions in case you needed inspiration. Even if you find one dish that will round out your menu, then I have been successful.

Simple Bites Holiday Menu Ideas

Here are some of my favourite eats and drinks to bring back every year around the holidays. Many of these foods, like the Classic Gruyère Gougères or Braised Lamb Shanks with Winter Fruits are recipes I only make in December, which makes them all the more special.

I hope you will revisit an old favourite in the Simple Bites archives, or discover a new recipe to love!

A Holiday Cocktail Party:

Chill the bubbles and bust out your charcuterie boards – this is an opportunity to make memories with friends. Keep it simple or go all out; delegate a few appetizers or DIY. Below are some of my favourite finger foods for a holiday cocktail party.

Jarcuterie, but only if you’re feeling up to fussing with it!
Greek Inspired Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki
Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie

Homemade Crackers
Fruit & Nut Crisps – everyone’s favourite cheese plate accessory
Classic Gruyère Gougères – serve them as is, or stuff them with smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese.

Cocktail Party Desserts

No one would complain if you simply set out a tin of the best holiday cookies, and indeed you should. But if you want to prep a pretty dessert in advance, here are some of my suggestions.

Cranberry Orange Eton Mess – in jars or coupe glasses
Mini Berries & Cream Trifle – in small jars
Blood Orange Panna Cotta – in jars or coupe glasses

DRINK: Sparkling Vanilla Scented Apple Cider Party Punch

Holiday Brunch Menu

I adore throwing a big brunch, and below are some of my favourite recipes!

May I suggest you review Holiday Brunch Tips and Recipes first? You’ll find a simple breakdown of my holiday brunch strategy, with favourite recipes linked and totally acceptable shortcuts listed for when you need them.

Apple-Pear Salad with Pomegranate, Pine Nuts & Yogurt

Leek and Ham Frittata with Goat Cheese (I make with lobster instead of ham)
OR
Classic Bacon & Onion Quiche – in winter I swap out the asparagus for spinach or leeks.

Citrus Salad with Honey-Cinnamon Syrup
Maple-Glazed Bacon – I bake my bacon so it stays flat. Then simply brush the bacon with pure maple syrup halfway through the baking point. Can be made ahead and frozen.

Spiced Stolled Swirl Buns – a holiday essential!
Crispy Rosemary Hash Browns

Holiday Brunch Desserts

The need for dessert at brunch is debatable, but here are a few that would pair very well should you decide to go all out.

DRINKS:

Christmas Eve Menu

Christmas Eve is so personal, I hesitate to suggest what to eat.

When we lived in Quebec, Christmas Eve was always Classic Pork Tourtière, with accompanying sides of roast mushrooms, whipped sweet potatoes and a huge kale salad. A casserole of butternut squash mac & cheese for the kiddos, too!

And here in the Maritimes, they serve seafood in its many wonderful forms. This fragrant Simple Cioppino would be delicious.

This year for Christmas Eve, my sister and I will collaborate with our families on a grazing board of appetizers. There will be freshly shucked Nova Scotia oysters with bold cranberry mignonette to start and our favourite cookies to finish. We’ll save the big feast for the next day…

Christmas Dinner Menu:

Here’s a menu that’s loved by all, with something for everyone. The star of the show is the glazed, fall-off-the-bone lamb shank. It’s prepared the day before (it’s tastier that way!) which makes for a very easy reheat on Christmas Day.