Discover easy, family-friendly recipes from Add a Pinch perfect for the relaxed week between Christmas and New Year’s. Enjoy cozy appetizers, leftover makeovers, comforting dinners, and traditional Southern New Year’s dishes like black-eyed peas and collard greens for good luck!

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is perfect for relaxed, cozy meals—think easy appetizers for casual gatherings, comforting dishes using holiday leftovers, and traditional Southern recipes to ring in good luck on New Year’s Day. Add a Pinch has a treasure trove of simple, family-friendly recipes that fit this limbo week beautifully. Here’s a curated roundup of standout ideas from the site, grouped by occasion.

Festive Appetizers for Low-Key Celebrations or New Year’s Eve

These quick, crowd-pleasing bites from the 25+ Quick and Easy Holiday Appetizers collection are ideal for snacking while binge-watching or hosting friends. Many are make-ahead and perfect for Christmas through New Year’s gatherings.

Highlights include:

• Warm Brie with Honeyed Cranberry Walnut Compote – Elegant and festive baked brie topped with a sweet-tart compote.
• Cranberry Meatballs or Grape Jelly Meatballs – Easy slow-cooker favorites with just a few ingredients.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip – Cheesy, hot, and make-ahead friendly.
• Deviled Eggs – Classic and always a hit.
• Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches (Sliders) – Savory, buttery, and great for parties.
• Pigs in a Blanket, Sausage Balls, and Cheese Straws – Southern staples for effortless nibbling.

Full list and recipes: 25+ Quick and Easy Holiday Appetizers

Cozy Comfort Foods for Relaxed Weeknights

Lean on hearty, one-pan or slow-cooker meals during this low-energy week. Recent weekly meal plans feature comforting options like:

• Classic Pot Roast
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Sheet Pan Nachos
• Zuppa Toscana (a creamy sausage and potato soup)

These are simple to prep and perfect for chilly evenings.

Using Up Christmas Leftovers (Especially Ham or Turkey)

Transform holiday extras into fresh meals:

• Turkey Wraps, Turkey Pot Pie, or Turkey Salad – With cranberries for a festive twist.
• Ham-based dishes like Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole or sliders.
• Beef Tenderloin Sliders with horseradish sauce are a great way to use beef tenderloin or even prime rib.

Traditional Southern New Year’s Day Recipes for Good Luck

Kick off the new year with classics symbolizing prosperity (pork), wealth (greens), and luck (black-eyed peas) or try a bowl of pot likker soup!

From the Southern New Year’s Menu:

• Pork Roast or Best Ham
• Black-Eyed Peas
• Slow Cooker Turnip Greens (or Collard Greens)
• Southern Buttermilk Cornbread
• Easy Mashed Potatoes
• Desserts: Lemon Pound Cake, Banana Pudding, or Cinnamon Roll Biscuit Wreath

More ideas in the New Year category, including Prime Rib, Swedish Meatballs, and sweet treats like Pecan Pie Muffins.

These recipes are all easy, tested, and full of Southern charm—perfect for a stress-free holiday week! Visit addapinch.com for full instructions and more inspiration.

Enjoy!
Robyn xo