Need some inspiration on what to cook for dinner between Christmas and New Year's? Here are a few ideas that either use up those leftovers, are super-duper easy or are just a little bit healthy.
A 7-Day Meal Plan Between Christmas and New Year’s
Updated on Nov. 23, 2021
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Sunday: After-Christmas Empanadas
Servings
20 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn your leftovers into tasty empanadas using refrigerated pie pastry. We make these savory pastries and freeze them for a quick fix during the holidays. —Cheryl Marinaccio, Webster, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 empanada: 205 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Monday: Pizza Potato Toppers
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it’s an economical treat as well. I don’t know of a more satisfying way to stretch a half pound of meat! —Sheila Friedrich, Antelope, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 486 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 26g protein.
3/7
Tuesday: Spinach Quesadillas
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3 wedges: 281 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
4/7
Wednesday: Grilled Cheese and Pepperoni Sandwich
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese sandwich recipe? This super decadent version comes fully loaded with pepperoni and five types of cheese!—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 719 calories, 55g fat (29g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1207mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
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Thursday: Confetti Kielbasa Skillet
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s one of my husband’s favorite dishes. When it’s in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 347 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
6/7
Friday: Tater Tot-chos
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Playing with food is loads of fun when you have Tater Tots and taco toppings. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 375 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 828mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
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Saturday: Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
Total Time
15 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup spinach mixture : 317 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
