If you’re looking for easy recipes you can mix-and-match into your perfect cozy holiday menu, you’re in the right place! We all know what it’s like to have to cook for a crowd, but many of us are seeking a more simplified menu this season. If you’re planning for more intimate holiday gatherings, this list has everything you need to make those meals feel just as special.

I look forward to family time so much, especially this time of year. That togetherness is what makes the holidays feel so special.

I don’t know about you but this year our table looks a little different.

While it may not be quite as filled with all the familiar faces, we’re making the most of the season by making our favorite seasonal recipes.

Recipes that still have all the traditional flavors and seasonal ingredients. With a little less prep and the perfect amount of servings to go around.

If you’re also looking for a cozy holiday menu that works for smaller gatherings, I’ve got you covered.

I gathered some of my most-loved fall & winter recipes for you here, so you can easily mix-and-match dishes into your own ideal menu with as many courses as you want. Including choices for soups, salads, sides, main dishes, and (of course) something sweet to finish out the meal.

All simple enough to prepare, yet delicious and special enough to grace your holiday table.

I hope this gives you some holiday dinner inspiration and that you’ll try these recipes soon. If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see. Now let’s start cooking up some recipes from our Perfect Cozy Holiday Menu!

soups

  1. slow cooker tuscan pumpkin soup (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, paleo)
    Rich, warming and creamy (without a drop of cream) Slow Cooker Tuscan Pumpkin Soup is an easy crockpot recipe that’s bound to become a holiday favorite.
  2. slow cooker sweet potato, apple & turmeric soup (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, paleo)
    Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Apple & Turmeric Soup is a simple chop and drop recipe that yields creamy, nourishing results. It’s a hit with the entire family

salads

  1. roasted butternut squash harvest salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo)
    Roasted Butternut Squash Harvest Salad is bursting with fresh fall flavors and perfect for your autumn or holiday table.
  2. chopped kale salad with tahini citrus dressing (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, paleo)
    Easy to make ahead and packed with flavor, Chopped Kale Salad with Tahini Citrus Dressing is just the thing to serve alongside a delicious dinner.

side dishes

Image of Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Paleo Hash

  1. sheet pan sweet potato paleo hash (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, paleo)
    Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Paleo Hash is simple to prepare and is perfect for a hearty, grain-free side to serve with dinner.
  2. one pan autumn quinoa (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian)
    Full of earthy, autumn flavors, One-Pan Autumn Quinoa tastes like Thanksgiving, without all the work. It’s simple to make in just one pan, so you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime.

main dishes

  1. 20-minute stovetop chicken pot pie (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo)
    20-Minute Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie is a super-fast dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious.
  2. autumn meal prep lentil salad (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian)
    Autumn Meal Prep Lentil Salad is packed with nutrition and full of beautiful fall flavors. Perfect to prep ahead!
  3. 5-ingredient garlic rosemary roasted chicken breasts (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo)
    5-Ingredient Garlic Rosemary Roasted Chicken Breasts is incredibly simple and yields flavorful, juicy results every time.

sweets

  1. one-bowl cranberry orange muffins (gluten-free, dairy-free)
    One-Bowl Cranberry Orange Muffins are just what you’re looking for in a muffin. Perfectly tender, slightly sweet, vanilla-scented, and bursting with sweet & tangy orange and cranberry.
  2. one-bowl flourless sweet potato pie muffins (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo)
    One-Bowl Flourless Sweet Potato Pie Muffins are nourishing, packed with flavor, and the perfect naturally-sweetened treat anytime.
  3. healthier old-fashioned apple crisp (gluten-free, dairy-free)
    The perfect dessert to serve at the holidays, Healthier Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is brimming with lightly sweet cinnamon-spiked apples and topped with a crunchy, satisfying oat topping.

kitchen tools recommended for your perfect cozy holiday menu

Programmable 6-Quart Crockpot
6-Quart Instant Pot
Immersion Blender
8-inch Chef’s Knife
My Favorite Cutting Board

you’ll also love these cozy holiday menu friendly recipes + posts

easy healthy thanksgiving recipes

simple healthy holiday recipes

easy healthy apple recipes

easy healthy pumpkin recipes

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