The holidays are right around the corner and it’s time for some meal planning! Getting through the holidays can be tricky, especially when hosting or contributing to multiple family gatherings.

Meal planning is simply looking ahead and deciding what recipes to prepare for when, and what you need to make them. Doing this is particularly helpful when you have special occasions coming up or you’re expecting company. Proper meal planning will help you:

  • Buy groceries more effectively: no more last-minute runs to the store!
  • Prepare balanced meals: the holidays are a great time to splurge, but it’s always helpful to have some healthy options at the table too.
  • Prep meals ahead of time: see what can be done the night before or ahead of time and frozen. No one said you have to do it all at once.
  • Make sure you have enough: plan portions ahead of time and make a little extra, just in case someone unexpected drops by.
  • Cater to dietary restrictions: make sure nobody gets left behind.
  • Plan activities with the kids: cooking is a great family holiday activity, being organized helps you make time for it.
  • Lower your stress levels: being prepared and organized will make for a smoother and less stressful holiday season.

To help you prepare for your holiday meal planning we’ve rounded up our best apple and pear holiday recipes. Our picks include a wide selection or recipes, from sweet to savory, and from family-style to elegant cocktail party. All are simple and feature fresh apples and pears.

Many delicious varieties of apples and pears are in season during Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, so they’ll be fresh and bountiful. Enjoy!

Apple holiday recipes

Lucy Rose and Lucy Glo apple galette

The sumptuous red of the new Lucy Glo™ apple variety makes this simple galette a festive addition to your holiday table.

Source: Chelan Fresh

Roasted Brussel sprouts and apple side dish

SugarBee® apples are wonderful roasted and make a succulent addition to our roasted Brussel sprout dish. Pomegranate adds a pop of color.

Source: Chelan Fresh

Mini apple dumplings

Rockit Dumplings

Mini apple dumplings made with tiny Rockit® apples are guaranteed to steal the show! Also a fun activity to do with kids over the holidays.

Source: Chelan Fresh

Apple donut muffins

Apple Donut Muffins

These wholesome apple muffins will easily find their place on the holiday breakfast table. A real crowd pleasing recipe.

Source: Chelan Fresh

Roasted winter salad

This protein-packed roasted winter salad with Rockit® apples makes a wonderful side dish for any holiday meal.

Source: Chelan Fresh

The best holiday stuffing with apples

SugarBee Stuffing

Give our apple-studded holiday dressing a try. You’ll never want to make stuffing without apples again!

Source: Chelan Fresh

Apple cranberry strudel

Apple Strudel

Cranberries and SugarBee® apples are wrapped in crisp phyllo pastry to make picture-perfect little strudel bundles.

Source: Chelan Fresh

Pear holiday recipes

Pear gingerbread in mason jars

Pear Gingerbread

These beautiful pear and gingerbread mason jars can be served at the table for a stunning finale, or gifted as thoughtful holiday treats.

Source: Chelan Fresh

Holiday crimson pear salad

Crimson Pear Salad

The cranberry dressing takes this colorful and festive salad to a whole new level. The salty goat cheese and sweet pear combo is fantastic!

Source: Chelan Fresh

Baked pumpkin spice pears

Baked Pumpkin Spice Pears

Looking for a healthy holiday dessert? Look no further than these elegant baked pumpkin spice pears with no gluten, refined sugar, or added oil.

Source: Chelan Fresh

Sparkling pear cocktail

Sparkling Pear Rosemary Cocktail

Savor this original sparkling pear cocktail infused with ginger, fresh rosemary and honey. Cheers!

Source: Chelan Fresh

Honey and thyme roasted pear crostini

Roasted Honey Thyme Pear Crostinis

This sweet and savory crostini is mind-bendingly good and just the right size for a cocktail party. Don’t skimp on the honey!

Source: Chelan Fresh

Bosc blue cheese radicchio cups

Bosc Blue Cheese Cups

Blue cheese and pears are a classic combo! Make these bite sized hors oeuvres for your next holiday party.

Source: Chelan Fresh

Print Friendly, PDF & Email