31 Simple Recipes Because The Holidays Are Difficult Enough Gallery

Ahh the holidays: a season of cheer, family and friends, good will to all men — and holiday stress. It is a time of year that is loved and celebrated by many but equally a time when stress levels can shoot through the roof. With so much pressure to be jolly and festive in everything from festive cocktails, cookies, and canapes to ugly sweaters and gift giving, it is essential to have some easy recipes up your sleeve.

Of course, for a few particular holiday meals, stress may be unavoidable. Those meals where every pot and pan in the house is called to action, the sink is piled high with dishes to be done and sleeping in through the morning of is out of the question. But that need not be the case for every meal. If you have a house full of family and friends who need to be fed, you need only turn to the right recipes in order to achieve delicious, stress-free meals that everyone will love. You can look to your trusty sheet pan or turn on your humble slow-cooker and whip up something delicious in no time.

From tasty appetizers and one-tray recipes to simple yet stunning meals for effortless dinner parties, these recipes will aid you during this rather hectic time of year. Discover these 30 simple and tasty recipes and enjoy a low-stress (if not totally stress-free) holiday season!

Turn to your trusty slow-cooker for this easy recipe that everyone will enjoy.

For the African Sweet Potato Stew recipe, click here.

If you need an easy side dish this is the recipe for you! It takes just 20 minutes to cook to perfection and is sure to be enjoyed by all.

For the Blissed-Out Crispy Cheesy Broccoli Gratin recipe, click here.

Sometimes you need a speedy sweet fix without all the hassle of a full blown baking endeavor. This recipe is not for family and friends — it's just for you!

For the Chocolate Chunk Cookie for One recipe, click here.

Low and slow cooking makes pork belly melt-in-your-mouth tender; you'll want to make this dish soon.

For the Crispy Pork Belly recipe, click here.

Here is a quick and satisfying recipe for dinner. Cooking the cod in foil means the cleanup afterwards is effortless!

For the Foil-Baked Cod With Oranges, Scallions, and Ginger recipe, click here.

Make your own pita chips and you'll never buy them at the store again! If you're having a holiday get-together, this easy appetizer is a great thing to make for a crowd.

For the Homemade Pita Chips With Red Pepper Dip recipe, click here.

You don't have to be chained to the stove if you decide to make a risotto!

For the I Can't Believe It's Mushroom Risotto recipe, click here.

For an easy, healthy and truly delicious breakfast, make this one-tray shakshuka — a realistic way to cook eggs for a crowd!

For the Mixed Vegetable Shakshuka recipe, click here.

A perfectly delicious and convenient dessert with flavors that are tried and true, this is certainly a dish that everyone will love!

For the PB & Chocolate Pan Cookie recipe, click here.

Here's another slow-cooker recipe that might surprise you. Using a slow-cooker allows you to focus on getting through without sacrificing on having a quality dessert for dinner.

For the Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée recipe, click here.

This recipe is incredibly flexible — you can tailor it to a multitude of dietary needs. I also comes together in a slow-cooker — just the kind of recipe you need when you are dealing with the holidays!

For the Sausage-and-Spinach Cheese Tortellini recipe, click here.

Fall in love with the underrated Brussels sprout. These days it's easy to find pre-shaved Brussels sprouts in most supermarkets, so this salad is more about assembly than cooking.

For the Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Freekeh Salad recipe, click here.

If you have 5 hours to spare, then make this melt-in-your-mouth pork belly; it's worth the wait. You can leave it to do its thing in the oven while you get on with more important things, knowing that dinner will be divine!

For the Slow-Cooked Pork Belly With a Sweet and Sour Sauce recipe, click here.

Delicious lettuce wraps are a tasty and healthy choice for an easy weeknight meal and a nice change when you're sick of more traditional holiday foods.

For the Stir-Fried Shrimp, Edamame, and Pine Nut Lettuce Wraps recipe, click here.

This recipe is as simple as can be: Toss chunks of lamb with chopped onions and spices and arrange in a pot, smother the meat under a mound of diced tomatoes, and place the pot in a hot oven. Perfect for easy entertaining.

For The Bread Baker's Lamb and Tomato Curry recipe, click here.