12 Recipes to Make In December That Have Nothing To Do With Christmas

December is busy, and not every meal needs to be festive or Christmas-themed. These 12 recipes to make in December that have nothing to do with Christmas are perfect for regular weeknights, cozy weekends, and those in-between days when you just want something easy and comforting without the red-and-green overload.

From simple dinners to cozy comfort food, these recipes are practical, familiar, and exactly what real life looks like during one of the busiest months of the year.

If you do need a little holiday inspiration, check out my no bake Christmas crunch cookies, my favorite Christmas appetizer ideas or this perfect Christmas breakfast casserole.

Cozy Recipes To Make in December

These simple December recipes will warm you right up and fill you with comforting, homemade flavoes. Whether you need an easy weeknight meal or just want something comforting, these winter recipe ideas are guaranteed to deliver on that craving. Which recipe will you try first?

1. Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe

Warm up with a cozy bowl of slow cooker taco soup this December. This heart soup takes everything you love about a taco and turns it into a rich and filling bowl of soup. Top it with sour cream, guac, or a few drops of hot sauce to spice things up.

2. Spaghetti Pie Recipe

Comfort food and cold weather go hand in hand, and this spaghetti pie is nothing short of comfort. The baked pasta dish is excellent to add to your December weeknight meal rotation, as it is simple to make and a dish the whole family can agree on.

3. Butternut Squash Soup

A good bowl of soup in December always hits the spot — especially when it is butternut squash soup. With butternut squash in season, the flavors of this soup are spot on. Serve the soup on its own, or pair it with your favorite fall salad or sandwich for the perfect meal.

4. Crock Pot Chili Recipe

This crock pot chili is one of those recipes worth waiting for. While cooking takes around 4-6 hours, it couldn’t be easier to prepare. Everything goes in the crock pot, and the nifty kitchen device does the rest of the work.

5. Pan-Fried Salmon Bites

Eating healthy in December can be a bit challenging with all the holiday treats around. That’s why I like to make these pan-fried salmon bites for a light and healthy meal that breaks up all the sweets. The mini salmon bites are ready in just 15 minutes and perfect to eat on their own or put in a bowl of rice full of your favorite veggies.

Easy December Recipe Ideas

Christmas dessert recipes are great, but there are so many fantastic easy December recipes to try that are not holiday themed. I have made them all and let me tell you, they are great!

6. Brussels Sprouts Salad

This Brussels sprouts salad takes the best of December’s produce and combines it all in one bowl. Brussels sprouts, apples, and butternut squash mix with pumpkin seeds and pomegranates to make the perfect seasonal bite. Go ahead and double the recipe so that you can snack on the leftovers all week long.

7. Cauliflower Casserole

Show off cauliflower at its seasonal peak with this cauliflower casserole. The cheesy cauliflower casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can even be made ahead of time to accommodate for the busy winter schedules.

8. Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian wedding soup will hit the spot on a cold December night. Do yourself a favor and double this recipe and put half of it in the freezer. That way, you’ll be able to have a cozy bowl of soup whenever you feel like it.

9. Chocolate Pudding Cake

Give yourself a break from all the Christmas cookies this December with this chocolate pudding cake. The rich and gooey cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. It’s fudgy, moist, and super decadent.

10. Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

There is nothing wrong with a classic chocolate chip cookie, especially when it comes in skillet form. The traditional dessert gets elevated by cooking it in a skillet to create a mouthwatering texture with crisp edges and a chewy center. Top it with your favorite flavor of ice cream to take the dessert up a notch.

11. Crockpot Spaghetti

Once I made spaghetti in my slow cooker, i never went back! This is the easiest way to make a homemade, hearty pasta dish this December. Perfectly cooked spaghetti and sauce, here I come!

12. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This is a staple in my house all winter long. It is cozy, comforting and aperfect December dinner idea. Try it once, and I know you will have this chicken casserole recipe on your menu all the time, too!

December Recipes for Dessert

Cake

Apple Dump Cake

Pies

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Cake

Heath Bar Cake

Cake

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake