7 Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas Built From Freezer Finds and Pantry Staples

When it comes to planning a Christmas dinner, I’ve often found myself in a bind with limited ingredients on hand. However, I’ve discovered how easy it can be to whip up festive meals using freezer finds and pantry staples. From comforting roast chicken to hearty vegetarian options, there are plenty of choices that won’t require an exhaustive shopping spree. Curious about how to make these dishes shine this holiday season? Let’s explore some of my go-to ideas.

Roast Chicken With Seasonal Vegetables

Roast Chicken With Seasonal Vegetables is a classic and delightful dish that embodies the spirit of a cozy Christmas dinner. This succulent roast chicken, paired with vibrant seasonal vegetables, creates a beautifully aromatic and flavorful meal that will impress your guests and warm the hearts of your family. Let’s dive into how to prepare this festive feast.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to create crispy skin on the roast chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan.
3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring you cover both the outside and the cavity. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered lemon for added flavor.
4. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, halved Brussels sprouts, and chopped onion. Drizzle with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
5. Arrange Vegetables Around Chicken: Scatter the prepared vegetables around the chicken in the roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the chicken moist while it roasts.
6. Roast the Chicken: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through the cooking time.
7. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 15-20 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
8. Serve: After resting, carve the chicken and serve it alongside the roasted seasonal vegetables. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the chicken and enjoy your delicious Christmas dinner!

This Roast Chicken With Seasonal Vegetables is sure to be the centerpiece of your holiday table, bringing smiles and warmth to your festive celebrations!

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Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a decadent and comforting dish that is perfect for a festive Christmas dinner or a cozy evening at home. This Italian classic combines creamy arborio rice with earthy mushrooms and aromatic onions, creating a rich and satisfying meal that can stand on its own or serve as a delicious side dish.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a gentle simmer over low heat. Keeping the broth warm while you cook the risotto helps the rice to absorb the flavors better.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
4. Toast the Rice: Add the arborio rice to the skillet with the mushrooms, stirring well to coat the rice in the oil and butter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly translucent around the edges.
5. Add the Broth: Pour in one ladle of the warm vegetable broth, stirring continuously until the liquid is mostly absorbed by the rice. This process releases the starch in the rice, creating a creamy texture.
6. Continue Cooking: Repeat the process of adding the broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the rice to absorb the fluid before adding more. This should take about 20-25 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
7. Finish the Risotto: Once the rice has reached the desired texture, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve: Spoon the creamy mushroom risotto into bowls, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious and comforting dish!

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Spaghetti Aglio E Olio With Frozen Shrimp

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio is a classic Italian dish recognized for its simplicity and bold flavors. This version incorporates frozen shrimp, making it a delightful and quick meal that combines garlic, olive oil, and shrimp served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a wonderful option for a festive dinner or a weeknight treat that’s sure to impress your family or guests.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add the Shrimp: Add the frozen shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the garlic oil. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine with Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic shrimp mixture. Toss gently to combine. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the spaghetti and shrimp. Add chopped parsley and toss everything together until well mixed.
6. Serve: Divide the spaghetti and shrimp among plates. Garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy your meal!

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Beef Stew With Pantry Staples

Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter nights or festive gatherings. Using pantry staples, this recipe makes it easy to prepare a filling meal that is rich in flavor and warm in texture. The combination of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth makes for a classic stew that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes, trimming any excess fat. Season the cubes generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and then add the canned diced tomatoes, bay leaves, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. Add Potatoes and Peas: After the beef has cooked, add the cubed potatoes and frozen peas to the pot. Stir gently and cover again. Continue simmering for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Final Adjustments: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. Serve: Ladle the beef stew into bowls and enjoy warm with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal.

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Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful and flavorful dish that brings together a variety of ingredients to create a satisfying meal. Perfect for a festive occasion or a cozy family dinner, these peppers are filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and spices, then baked until tender. They offer a beautiful presentation and can be customized according to personal taste preferences.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Wash the bell peppers and slice off the tops, removing the seeds and membranes inside. Set aside the tops for later use if desired.
3. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Add the Meat: To the skillet, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, and season with salt and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the filling ingredients.
6. Fill the Peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each hollowed-out bell pepper, packing the filling gently but firmly.
7. Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If desired, place the reserved pepper tops back on the bells for presentation.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes and sprinkle grated cheese on each pepper if desired. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Once the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden, take them out of the oven. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed bell peppers!

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Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice is a delightful and versatile dish that combines rice with a medley of colorful vegetables and flavorful seasonings. This one-pan meal is perfect for using up leftover rice and is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a holiday gathering or a busy weeknight dinner. With the addition of soy sauce and fresh herbs, this dish is not only satisfying but also very tasty.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn, and bell peppers) and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
4. Push Vegetables to Side: If you are using eggs, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them for about 2 minutes until cooked through.
5. Combine Rice and Vegetables: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Combine it with the vegetable mixture and scrambled eggs.
6. Add Soy Sauce: Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the rice is evenly coated.
7. Season: Taste the rice and add salt and black pepper to your preference. Stir well to combine.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve hot as a side dish or main course.

Enjoy your flavorful Vegetable Fried Rice!

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Easy Baked Ziti

Easy Baked Ziti is a comforting and satisfying pasta dish, perfect for gatherings and holiday dinners. This dish features ziti pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent option for busy holiday cooking.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Ziti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Mix the Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked ziti and marinara sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
5. Layer the Dish: In a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture on the bottom. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Then layer the remaining ziti on top.
6. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour any remaining marinara sauce over the top layer of ziti. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray first) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Baked Ziti!