After the success of last month’s Thanksgiving menu and grocery list, I’m thrilled to share my 2021 Holiday Menu with you. Whether you stick to long-standing family favorites or want to add something new this season, this curated menu offers balanced flavors and streamlined preparations to make your holiday meal memorable and manageable. Consider swapping in one new item or using these recipes to create an entirely fresh menu for your gathering.
Cocktail + Appetizer
Rosemary Tequila Spritzer
Baked Feta with Olives, Sopressata and Thyme
Main + Side Dishes
Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
Caramelized Onion Scalloped Potatoes
Warm Bacon Vinaigrette Salad
Dessert
Grain-Free Millionaire’s Tart
This menu balances a bright, herbaceous cocktail and a savory, shareable appetizer with a show-stopping main course, comforting gratin-style potatoes, a vibrant warm salad, and an indulgent grain-free dessert. Each recipe is selected for bold flavor and approachable technique so you can enjoy the day as much as your guests.
Make-Ahead Tips + Notes:
- Rosemary Tequila Spritzer: If you prepare simple syrup with regular sugar, it will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to one month—perfect for prepping ahead of the holidays. If you use a granulated sweetener like monk fruit, note that it can crystallize; use that syrup immediately after making.
- Baked Feta with Olives, Sopressata and Thyme: To save time on the day of your event, assemble everything the day before but do not bake. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready, remove the foil and bake according to the recipe directions so the flavors warm and the cheese becomes golden and melty.
- Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin: Make the horseradish sauce two to three days ahead; stored covered in the refrigerator it will stay fresh for several days. For faster prep on the day, chop the fresh herbs in advance and keep them in a sealed container or zip-top bag in the fridge—this small step dramatically reduces final assembly time.
- Caramelized Onion Scalloped Potatoes: Caramelizing the onions the day before is a major time-saver. Store the cooked onions in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the potatoes. If you are serving the potatoes with the herb-crusted beef tenderloin, follow this timing trick:
- Start the potatoes at 375°F and remove them from the oven when they are nearly finished. Keep them covered while the tenderloin cooks at 425°F. After the beef rests, return the potatoes to the oven uncovered to allow the cheese to bubble and the top to become golden—everything will be perfectly warmed and ready to serve.
- Grain-Free Millionaire’s Tart: This dessert requires significant chilling time to set properly. Plan to make it one to two days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until serving. Chilling in advance enhances texture and makes slicing easier on the day of your celebration.
These practical make-ahead strategies reduce stress and help you focus on plating and hospitality during your holiday. Small preparations like pre-making sauces, chopping herbs, and caramelizing onions can shorten active cooking time and ensure every dish is served at its best.
Download the Menu Here –> 2021 Holiday Menu
Download the Grocery List for 8 Here –> 2021 Holiday Grocery List
Need a few more ideas? Here are some holiday recipes from past seasons to help you expand this menu or build an entire feast tailored to your tastes.