Make Your Christmas Dinner Unforgettable with These Inclusive Recipes
Christmas is just days away, and if you're still finalizing your menu, I've got two crowd-pleasers that will steal the show: Garlic Parmesan Wings and Mac n Cheese! Whether your guests are dairy-free vegan or not, these recipes are sure to bring everyone together over a delicious meal
Both recipes can be made dairy-free vegan or non-vegan with simple swaps, making them perfect for every guest at your table.
Recipe #1:
Ingredients
Wings:
2 pounds of bone-in chicken wings
Olive oil
baking powder
1 tsp salt or sea salt, fine
1/2 tsp black pepper
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
Garlic Butter Sauce:
3/4 cups of unsalted butter or plant-based butter (Violife Unsalted)
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp Italian seasoning
fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan(Follow Your Heart)
Instructions
Prepare the Wings:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
Bake the Wings:
Arrange the wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in Italian seasoning and parsley, then remove from heat.
Toss the Wings:
Place the cooked wings in a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Place wings back in oven for 4 min.
Sprinkle with parmesan or vegan parmesan before serving.
Recipe #2: Vegan Mac n Cheese 🧀🌱
Ingredients
Macaroni Shells:
16oz of Barilla Shells
Cheese Sauce:
2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., Silk Unsweetened Soy Milk)
¾ cup mashed Yukon gold potato (1–2 medium potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed)
½ cup cooked carrot (1 large carrot, peeled, boiled, and softened)
1 block (12 oz) silken tofu (e.g., Mori-Nu Silken Tofu)
3 tbsp Miyoko’s Creamery Cultured Vegan Butter
4 tbsp nutritional yeast (e.g., Bragg Nutritional Yeast)
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
1 ½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp Dijon mustard (e.g., Grey Poupon)
¾ tsp smoked paprika
1 ½ tbsp tapioca starch or arrowroot powder (Bob’s Red Mill)
Salt and pepper to taste
Istructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Use a large pot and adjust the water to accommodate the larger pasta portion.Prepare Vegetables:
Boil the potatoes and carrots until tender.Blend the Sauce:
Increase all sauce ingredients proportionally to ensure a creamy, flavorful result.Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.Reheat or Serve:
If you plan to store the dish, keep a little plant-based milk on hand to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Tips for a Memorable Christmas Dinner
Pair with Holiday Classics
These Garlic Parmesan Wings and Vegan Mac n Cheese pair beautifully with other Christmas favorites, such as roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or a fresh holiday salad.
Perfect Your Presentation
Serve the wings on a festive platter with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for garnish.
Present the Vegan Mac n Cheese in a decorative casserole dish, topped with toasted breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of paprika for extra color.
Make It a Feast for the Senses
Use colorful garnishes like parsley, chives, or red pepper flakes to make the dishes visually appealing.
Arrange your table with holiday-themed decorations, such as candles, greenery, or Christmas napkins.
Prep Ahead to Save Time
Prepare the sauces or cheese mixtures ahead of time to save stress on the big day.
Chop or measure ingredients in advance and store them in labeled containers.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
Set the mood with soft holiday music and warm lighting to make your guests feel at home.
Share the story behind your recipes—it’s a great way to connect with your guests and make the meal feel special.
Encourage Guests to Join the Fun
If possible, set up a DIY station, like a toppings bar for the Vegan Mac n Cheese or dipping sauces for the wings. It’s interactive and adds a fun twist!
Embrace the Spirit of Giving
Send your guests home with leftovers or recipe cards so they can recreate the magic themselves. It’s a thoughtful and festive touch.
Remember:
Whether you're cooking for dairy-free vegans, non-vegans, or anyone in between, these recipes will make your Christmas dinner unforgettable.
Try these recipes and share your photos or feedback to my email at mya.goodeatsnutrition.org! or in the comments. Don’t forget to tag me on social media if you make these dishes. Let’s spread the holiday cheer together! 🎅🎄