5 Recipes for Picture-Perfect Holiday Cooking with Freeze-Dried Foods

Holiday Cooking Made Easy with Freeze-Dried Favorites

Cooking for a crowd during the holidays is no small task. From long shopping lists to coordinating multiple dishes at once, it can feel more like a marathon than a meal. But what if there was a way to cut down on prep, save time, and still impress your guests?

That’s where freeze-dried foods from Mother Earth Products come in. Packed with flavor and nutrients, and ready in just a few simple steps, they make holiday cooking easier, faster, and just as delicious as using fresh ingredients. Whether you’re hosting your first holiday dinner or looking to streamline your usual routine, these five festive recipes will help you serve up something special—without the stress.

'Tis the season for celebrating, and these dishes make it easy to savor every bite and every moment.

1. Cheddar & Chive Bread Rolls

Savory • Soft • Crowd-Pleasing
Makes: 12 rolls
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (includes rising)

These soft, golden rolls bring together sharp Cheddar, fragrant chives, and a whisper of garlic for a savory bread that’s perfect alongside soups, salads, or holiday spreads. The dough is easy to work with, and the result is tender, cheesy rolls that are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup non-fat milk

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 2 eggs

• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic

• 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup dried chives

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons dry yeast

• Salt, to taste

• Olive oil, for greasing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until melted and warm (not boiling). Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Let cool until just warm to the touch.

2. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Whisk in the eggs, yeast, granulated garlic, and a pinch of salt.

3. Add flour gradually, stirring until a dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until soft and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 30–40 minutes, or until doubled in size.

2. Assemble the Rolls:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-inch round or rectangular baking pan with olive oil.

2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ⅛-inch thick.

3. Sprinkle the dough evenly with grated Cheddar and dried chives.

4. Roll the dough up into a log, starting from the long side. Slice into 12 equal rounds.

3. Bake the Rolls:

1. Arrange the rolls in the prepared pan, spiral side up. Leave a little space between them for expansion.

2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.

3. Cool slightly before serving.

2. Roasted Grape & Goat Cheese Salad

Elegant • Tangy-Sweet • Festive
Serves: 4
Total Time: ~35 minutes (with roasting)

This sophisticated salad blends warm, roasted grapes with creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fresh greens—all brought together with a hint of balsamic. It's deceptively simple, bursting with contrast, and ideal as a light start to a festive meal.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup freeze-dried red grape halves, rehydrated

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)

• 1 cup crumbled goat cheese

• 5 tablespoons chopped walnuts

• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rehydrate the Grapes:
   Soak freeze-dried grape halves in hot water for 15 minutes. Drain and gently squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel.

2. (Optional) Roast the Grapes:
   Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss the rehydrated grapes with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until caramelized and slightly wrinkled. Let cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted grapes, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped walnuts. Toss gently to combine.

4. Serve Immediately:
   Best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.

3. One-Pan Chicken with Winter Vegetables

Comforting • Simple • Oven-Roasted
Serves: 4
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

A cozy one-pan meal perfect for winter nights. Juicy roasted chicken mingles with rehydrated freeze-dried potatoes, carrots, and broccoli—all tossed in balsamic and olive oil for deep, hearty flavor. A finishing touch of crunchy croutons brings it all together.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups freeze-dried potatoes

• 1 cup dried carrots

• ¾ cup freeze-dried broccoli

• 1½ cups chicken broth

• 1¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup croutons, for garnish

Rehydration Notes:

• Soak potatoes, carrots, and broccoli in hot water for 15 minutes. Drain and gently pat dry.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl, toss the rehydrated vegetables with the chicken pieces, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and chicken broth. Season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Transfer everything to a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish or large roasting pan. Spread out evenly.

4. Roast uncovered for 45–50 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.

5. Just before serving, sprinkle with croutons for added crunch.

4. Cranberry Brie Dip

Creamy • Tangy • Crowd-Favorite
Serves: 6–8
Total Time: ~25 minutes

A festive twist on baked brie, this gooey, rich dip is layered with sweet-tart cranberry, melted Cheddar, and a hint of rosemary. Served warm and drizzled with honey, it’s an easy yet impressive appetizer that pairs beautifully with crackers, biscuits, or warm pita chips.

Ingredients:

• 13 oz wheel of brie cheese

• ½ cup grated Cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup freeze-dried cranberries

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• ¼ cup water

• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, combine the freeze-dried cranberries, sugar, and water. Simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries are soft and the mixture becomes syrupy. Let cool slightly.

2. Bake the Brie:
   Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the wheel of brie in an oven-safe skillet or shallow baking dish. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until softened and melty in the center.

3. Add Toppings & Bake Again:
   Gently fold the cranberry sauce over the baked brie. Sprinkle with grated Cheddar and dried rosemary. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until bubbly.

4. Finish & Serve:
   Drizzle the warm dip with honey and serve immediately with your favorite biscuits, crackers, or toasted pita chips.

5. Cherry Chocolate Bark

Sweet • Crunchy • Crowd-Pleasing
Makes: ~12 pieces
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

This eye-catching bark combines rich dark chocolate with tart cherries, crunchy pretzels, and buttery cashews for the ultimate sweet-salty treat. It's a no-bake wonder that’s perfect for gifting or serving as a crowd-pleasing snack at any festive gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups dark chocolate, melted

• ⅔ cup chopped salted pretzels

• ⅓ cup freeze-dried cherries

• ⅓ cup chopped salted cashews

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Pour and spread half of the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared sheet into a thin, even layer (about ¼-inch thick).

3. Sprinkle half of the chopped pretzels, cherries, and cashews evenly over the chocolate.

4. Repeat by layering the remaining melted chocolate on top, then finish with the remaining toppings, gently pressing them into the surface.

5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until completely set.

6. Once firm, break into rustic pieces and serve—or package in bags or boxes for gifting.

Looking for more festive flavor? Explore our healthier holiday recipes or Christmas snack ideas for inspiration. Here’s to cooking smarter, not harder, this holiday season. 🎄

← Previous Post Next Post →