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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Published: Oct 9, 2021 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Winter Dinner Ideas

    Jump to Recipe

    These winter favorite recipes include all the best soups, salads, entrees, desserts, and more. There are so many choices that everyone will love including those with protein, fruits, nuts, grains, or squash. Some of the best comfort foods are craved and warming when the weather is cold outside.  There is something about baking or cooking in the oven when winter arrives to have a home-cooked meal.  Many seasonal produce favorites are in these winter ideas such as kale, butternut squash, beets, sweet potatoes, broccoli, apples, pears, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, nuts, and more. 

    Combine any or some of these winter ingredients for a nutritious, healthy, and delicious meal.  These winter recipes offer it all; vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, grain-free, protein-packed, or Whole30. They all showcase the best winter has to offer and homecooked cozy meals have never been easier. There are also light winter ideas, try these meals on a budget for some new recipes. 

     

    Winter Dinner Ideas PN1 4 recipeimages for chicken cacciatore cream of celery soup beef chili and chocolate chip cookies

     

     

    Winter Drinks, Appetizers & Soup Recipe Ideas

    Shared here are some tasty cocktails, snacks, appetizers, small bites, and soups.  The recipes include wonderful ideas for something comforting or seasonal in winter. 

     

    Best Pomegranate Moscow Mule
    The best pomegranate Moscow mule recipe is easy, pretty, refreshing, and tastes yummy. A perfect combo of vodka, ginger beer, and juices.
    Check out this recipe
    Best Pomegranate Moscow Mule featured close up

     

    Creamy Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
    Salted caramel espresso martinis are a perfectly rich, sweet, and creamy vodka cocktail recipe. Like a combination of a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato and a Kahlua White Russian.
    Check out this recipe
    Salted Caramel Espresso Martini featured on table

     

    Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
    Homemade deep-fried sweet potato fries are a quick and easy family favorite recipe. This fantastic method to deep fry & season them makes the best appetizer or side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries featured overhead of plate of fries and dipping sauce

     

    Holiday Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
    Holiday appetizer with bright tangy cranberry sauce and a three-cheese spread.
    Check out this recipe
    HOLIDAY CRANBERRY CHEESE SPREAD plated

     

    Keto Cream of Mushroom Soup
    This restaurant-quality low-carb keto cream of mushroom soup is easy to make and simply delicious. The creamy texture with sherry creates a rich velvety mushroom soup that is so much better than any Campbell’s condensed version you can buy. 
    Check out this recipe
    Keto Cream of Mushroom Soup featured overhead two bowls

     

    Instant Pot Cream of Celery Soup
    For the best homemade cream of celery soup, make it in the Instant Pot. It is a creamy, rich, and comforting recipe. As a bonus, this cream of celery soup is keto, gluten-free, grain-free, & low-carb.   
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Cream of Celery Soup featured overhead of bowl full of soup topped with parsley sprig and crackers to the side and a spoon on the right all on top a green cloth napkin recipe card image

     

    Easy Keto Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
    Sweet, creamy, and rich butternut squash soup is comfort in a bowl. This low-carb recipe is great for those on a keto diet.
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

     

    Pot Pie Soup
    Homemade creamy pot pie soup is an easy recipe that is tasty with any savory protein filling like chicken, turkey, beef, or a vegetarian option.
    Check out this recipe
    Pot Pie Soup featured overhead close up

     

    Easy Vegetable Rice Soup (vegetarian & gluten-free)
    An easy vegetable rice soup that is vegetarian and full of flavor. This recipe uses vegetable broth, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, rice, and seasonings for a hearty vegan soup that everyone will love.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegetarian Rice Soup featured postcard template

     

     

    Winter Side Dish & Salad Recipe Ideas

    Winter produce is the star in these sides, vegetables, and salad recipes.  There is so much to love and enjoy when you serve one of these comfort food classics or something new to discover. 

     

    Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Bacon
    Creamy macaroni & cheese with caramelized onions & bacon is a classic old-fashioned recipe. The best homemade baked mac and cheese begins with a traditional roux, 3 kinds of cheese & al dente elbow pasta. This family-favorite casserole recipe is creamy, comforting, & simple to make.
    Check out this recipe
    casserole dish with baked 3 cheese mac and cheese topped with bacon

     

    Slow Cooker Acorn Squash
    This sweet and savory acorn squash recipe is a fabulous side dish. The taste of fall is wonderful in this slow cooker brown sugar acorn squash recipe. Cook it in the CrockPot for the best that is stuffed acorn squash with apple & cinnamon you have ever had. Great for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Acorn Squash featured overhead of apple cinnamon stuffed squash on a plate

     

    Instant Pot Cubed Sweet Potatoes
    For a quick and simple way to cook sweet potatoes, this Instant Pot recipe is the best. Cubed sweet potatoes steam perfectly in the pressure cooker in no time for a wonderful healthy side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Cubed Sweet Potatoes featured overhead of a bowl filled with cubed sweet potatoes a spoon white linen cloth and fresh parsley

     

    Oven- Roasted Green Beans
    These delicious oven-roasted green beans will be a family favorite. The nutty sesame seasoning that includes garlic and onion adds so much flavor. This quick & easy recipe is the best thanks to everything but the bagel seasoning that elevates this simple vegetable side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Plated oven-roasted green beans sprinkles with everything bagel seasoning

     

    Butternut Squash, Apple, and Kale Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
    Butternut squash and kale make the perfect Fall salad. The crunchy pecans, crisp apples, sweet raisins, and roasted butternut squash make the most amazing Autumn harvest salad recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Butternut Squash, Apple, and Kale Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

     

    Broccoli Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing (no mayo)
    This healthy broccoli salad with carrots, raisins, apples, and cheese is amazing. The creamy greek yogurt dressing is low-fat and made without mayo. It is tangy, crisp, fresh, and sweet in every bite. It holds up great for potlucks and barbecues. It is even great as a leftover, unlike other salads.
     
    Check out this recipe
    Broccoli Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing (no mayo) overhead featured

     

    Pomegranate Spinach Salad with Pears & Goat Cheese
    Beautiful green spinach is dressed with tangy creamy goat cheese, tart crunchy pomegranates, and juicy pears.
    Check out this recipe
    POMEGRANATE SPINACH SALAD WITH PEARS AND GOAT CHEESE

     

    Winter Main Course Recipe Ideas

    Comfort food in winter is often what we crave for good reason. As the temperatures drop we want to find warmth through food.  This often includes baked, sauces, gravies, cheesy, and hearty dishes.  You will discover all those types of entree recipes here that are perfect to make all fall and winter long. 

     

    Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
    This slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe is easy, tasty, and simply the best. The creamy mushroom gravy is so rich and comforts the soul.  
    Check out this recipe
    plated sailsbury steak with peas and mashed potatoes and gravy

     

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
    Chicken cacciatore is an easy slow cooker recipe that is hearty, tasty, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This Crockpot cacciatore recipe is so easy and results in a rich tomato sauce packed with vegetables, chicken, and flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

     

    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili (keto)
    Velvety slow-cooked beef is simmered in spices and finished with crispy bacon for the ultimate keto comfort food. This recipe without beans is so easy and cooks in the CrockPot.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Beef & Bacon Chili featured

     

    Zucchini, Chickpea, and Potato Curry
    This vegan Indian curry recipe is full of zucchini (courgette), chickpeas (garbanzo beans), and potatoes. This coconut milk curry is medium spiced and has a rich savory flavor that is velvety and satisfying. 
    Check out this recipe
    Zucchini, Chickpea, & Potato Curry featured overhead of bowl with curry and rice plus napkin spoon and parsley sprig recipe card image

     

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers
    Instant Pot Italian sausage and peppers is a quick & easy recipe. They are great for sandwiches or as is for the best keto, low-carb, or gluten-free meal. This Instant Pot sausage and pepper recipe is done in one pot and is complete in just 20-minutes. 
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers featured overhead of plate with sausage and peppers

     

    Instant Pot Boneless Beef Short Ribs with Gravy
    Comforting short ribs braised until tender in the Instant Pot and then smothered in rich red wine gravy. This quick & easy recipe for amazing boneless beef short ribs is done in under 2 hours. An easy weeknight dinner with lots of protein, low-carb, and so delicious.
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Short Ribs with Gravy

     

    Rigatoni al Forno (Baked Pasta)
    Rigatoni al Forno is a baked pasta casserole everyone will love. This easy recipe has hearty rigatoni, a rich tomato sauce, layers of gooey cheese, and more for a great Italian dinner. This is a comforting recipe great for holidays, potlucks, & make-ahead meals.
    Check out this recipe
    Pasta al Forno (baked pasta) plated with fresh parsley on top

     

    Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
    Chicken spaghetti in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy recipe. This one-pot chicken and pasta recipe is comforting and delicious.  
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti featured portrait with napkin and forks

     

    LOW CARB KETO LASAGNA WITH CREPINI
    Lasagna that is as authentic as nonnie would make but only 4 net carbs each serving!
    Check out this recipe
    Place lasagna with layers of cheese meat sauce and Crepini egg wraps

     

    Best Keto Chicken Enchiladas
    The best chicken enchilada recipe is a low-carb and keto dream thanks to the Crepini egg thins. Stuffed with chicken, cheese, and sour cream to satisfy everyone.  
    Check out this recipe
    Beautifully baked keto chicken enchiladas with Crepini egg thins

     

    Winter Baked Goods & Dessert Recipe Ideas

    When the cool weather arrives, it is a great time of year to get that oven going. For that time of year when you want to smell fresh-baked bread or cookies, try one of these recipes.  All of them are just the thing to warm up your chilly day. 

     

    How to Make Artisan Ciabatta Bread
    Homemade rustic artisan ciabatta bread has a crispy crust and a tender chewy inside. This classic Italian recipe comes out so good & is easy to make. There is nothing like fresh-baked bread straight from the oven.
    Check out this recipe
    Ciabatta partially sliced on a cutting board.

     

    Easy Homemade Soft Dinner Rolls
    The best soft homemade dinner rolls baked using yeast are easy to make. These rolls are delicious and enjoyed best when warm straight out of the oven.
    Check out this recipe
    Freshly baked easy homemade soft dinner rolls

     

    Caramelized Apple Fried Hand Pies (McDonald's copycat)
    Delicious homemade caramelized apple hand pies are easy to make. These fried apple pies are flaky, sweet, and have the perfect hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Hot and tasty just like the original fried apple pies from McDonald's.
    Check out this recipe
    apple hand pies plated and ready to eat

     

    Brown Sugar Caramel Apple Pie
    Gooey rich caramel and sweet brown sugar crumbles elevate apple pie to a new level.
    Check out this recipe
    Brown Sugar Caramel Apple Pie

     

    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar
    Chocolate chip cookies are easy to make without brown sugar. Using white sugar only in this recipe makes a wonderful cookie that is slightly crisp but soft and chewy even without the brown sugar.
    Check out this recipe
    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar featured overhead of a plate of cookies and a glass of milk

     

    Nutter Butter Bars
    Nutter Butter bars are an amazing cookie for any peanut butter & jelly lover. This easy recipe is the ultimate PB&J cookie bar with a Nutter Butter base, a sweet strawberry preserves layer, and a crumbled topping.
    Check out this recipe
    Nutter Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars featured overhead plate and two nutter butters

     

    Cheesecake Without a Springform Pan(no crust)
    The perfect gluten-free cheesecake that is easy to bake and does not require a springform pan. The scoopable cheesecake is crustless but no one will miss it. The decadent dessert is even better when you add your favorite toppings.
    Check out this recipe
    Gluten-Free Scoopable Cheesecake (no crust)

     

     

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

     

    Winter Dinner Ideas PIN 4 recipe images for chilli pasta al forno zucchini chickpea curry and sweet potato fries

     

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

     

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

     

    Winter Dinner Ideas PN1 4 recipeimages for chicken cacciatore cream of celery soup beef chili and chocolate chip cookies

    Winter Dinner Ideas

    Angela
    These winter favorite recipes include all the best soups, salads, entrees, desserts, and more. These winter recipes offer it all; vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, grain-free, protein-packed, or Whole30. They all showcase the best winter has to offer and homecooked cozy meals have never been easier. 
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 0 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Drinks, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish, Soup
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
      

    TRY ANY OF THE RECIPES TO HAVE A GREAT WINTER SUPPER

    • Salisbury Steak
    • Chicken Cacciatore
    • Keto Lasagna
    • Apple Pie
    • Short Ribs & Gravy
    • Dinner Rolls
    • Mushroom Soup
    • Acorn Squash
    • Pomegranate Mule

    Instructions
     

    • Make one or more of these recipes.
    • Enjoy
    Keyword Autumn, baked, comfort food, cozy, dinner, entree, fall, homemade, keto, paleo, side dishes, sides, Spring, vegetarian, pasta, healthy, sunday supper, warm, winter

     

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

     

     

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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

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