group of people sitting at dinner table with food while holding glasses up for cheers before dinner
Updated on English Recipes

Six Warm Winter Recipes

As the chillier months approach, you may be looking for some recipes that will give you that warm and cozy feeling. There are so many easy ways to pack extra nutrients into some of your favorite comfort or holiday foods! Start planning out meals and recipes you want to try now to have a budget–friendly holiday season! Look out for shelf-stable or frozen items that go on sale, and check supermarket flyers and mobile apps to find the best prices; you may even need to try checking multiple stores to get the best deals. Keeping these tips in mind will help reduce your costs and your stress this holiday season! Read on to find some warm and nutritious recipes from our website that you and your family can try this holiday season! 

Homemade breakfast casserole with egg, kale, and sweet potatoes sitting on a cutting board

This breakfast casserole makes a deliciously warm holiday breakfast! It packs in some seasonal vegetables including sweet potatoes and kale. These vegetables add a lot of vitamins and minerals to your breakfast, perfect for fueling your holiday festivities! 

Cheesy Sweet Potato and Greens Biscuits in a basket lined with a green cloth

Try out these cheesy sweet potato and greens biscuits for a nutritious twist on a southern classic. They pack in some hidden sweet potatoes which are a great source of vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber [1]! Greens are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and many others [2]! These biscuits would make a great holiday side dish! 

This recipe would be a delicious, warm entree for a holiday party! The roast packs in protein and the vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. The best thing about this recipe is that most of the work is done in the slow cooker! Take some of the stress out of hosting by prepping your meal ahead of time and letting the slow cooker do most of the work while you are getting ready for guests! 

black skillet containing cheesy macaroni and cheese with broccoli pieces
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese as a warm holiday side dish? This twist on a cheesy favorite adds broccoli, coming together in one skillet to make for an easier clean up! Give this recipe a try this holiday season.
Couple sitting under a blanket both holding mugs of hot chocolate with candy canes

Hot chocolate is sweet, comforting, and warm. Try this homemade hot chocolate as a healthy, quick and easy alternative to a sweet and cozy classic! 

heart shaped chocolate chip cookies in a basket

Sweets, especially cookies, are a big part of the holiday season for a lot of people – and there is no reason not to enjoy them this season! Try our healthier twist on classic chocolate chip cookies this year! The secret ingredient is non-fat, plain yogurt which replaces some of the butter in traditional chocolate chip cookie recipes. Butter is very high in saturated fat which can contribute to chronic disease development, so yogurt is a great substitute! 

Whether you celebrate holidays or not this season, these recipes are fun for everyone to try. They might just give you that warm and cozy feeling you are looking for while providing seasonal vegetables or some healthier and budget-friendly alternatives to traditional recipes. Happy holidays to all who celebrate!

References: 

  1. https://foodtalk.org/en/blog/sweet-potatoes  
  2. https://foodtalk.org/en/blog/how-to-make-greens-exciting  

Published December 16th, 2024

Written by Kaylee Gallatin, MS/DI Student | Edited by Jung Sun Lee, PhD, RDN; Tristen T. Webb; the nutrition education team

bowl of pasta next to utensils
Updated on English Recipes

Create-Your-Own Pasta

Craving a hearty pasta dish? Whether you’re in the mood for creamy Alfredo, zesty marinara, or fresh pesto, this customizable recipe lets you create your ideal bowl of comfort. With the added sweetness and nutrition of carrots, it’s a flavorful and wholesome meal everyone will love!

Ingredients:
Serves 4-6
Choose ingredients from each category below.
1 tablespoon cooking oil needed for cooking

  • Pasta
    1 pound, choose one
    • Whole grain large pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine)
    • Whole grain short pasta (elbows, spirals)
    • Orzo
  • Vegetables, fresh, frozen or canned
    • Carrots, sliced
    • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, cabbage)
    • Mushrooms
    • Broccoli florets
    • Onion, diced
  • Protein,
    1 pound or 2 cups
    • Lean ground beef or turkey
    • Chopped chicken
    • Cooked or canned beans (rinsed and drained)
    • Frozen peas or edamame, thawed and drained
  • Sauce, choose one
    • Marinara (30-32 ounces)
    • Canned, diced, or crushed tomatoes (15 ounces or 2 cups)
    • Jar of pesto (8 ounces)
    • Alfredo (22 ounces)

Instructions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and warm water.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan or pot over medium/high heat. Cook ground beef or chicken. If using beans or peas, add them in step 4.
  4. If using canned veggies, rinse thoroughly in a colander. If using frozen veggies, be sure to thaw before adding in step 5.
  5. Stir in vegetables and cook until tender and bright.
  6. Add the sauce and seasonings. Mix with protein and vegetables. Cook until heated through.
  7. Serve with cooked pasta. Enjoy!
small pizza on a plate next to a pizza cutter
Updated on English Recipes

Create-Your-Own Pizza

If you’re a fan of veggies, cheese, and fun in the kitchen, this customizable pizza is just what you need. It’s a tasty way to get creative with your favorite ingredients and the perfect opportunity to turn fridge leftovers into a delicious family meal!

Ingredients:
Serves 4-6

  • Crust, choose one
    • Pizza dough
    • Pre-cooked pizza crust
    • Whole wheat pizza crust
    • Pita, Naan, Flatbread
  • Toppings (fresh, frozen or canned)
    Mix and match any vegetable; up to 2 cups, diced
    • Onions
    • Spinach
    • Basil
    • Bell peppers
    • Mushrooms
  • Sauce
    Up to ½ cup, choose one
    • Tomato sauce
    • Olive oil
    • Pesto
    • Barbecue
  • Cheese
    Up to 1 cup, shredded
    • Part-skim
      mozzarella
    • Parmesan
    • Cheddar
    • Feta
    • Ricotta

Instructions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and warm water.
  2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup .
  3. Prepare your crust according to the package instructions. If using uncooked dough, use a rolling pin to roll it out into a thin circle.
  4. Place the crust on a baking sheet. Spread the sauce on the crust leaving about 1 inch around the edges.
  5. If using canned veggies, rinse thoroughly in a colander. If using frozen veggies, be sure to thaw before adding in step 6.
  6. Add the toppings and sprinkle with cheese.
  7. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
  8. Allow pizza to cool for 1 minute before serving.
pot of gumbo next to a bowl of gumbo, both sit on top of a cutting board next to a spoon and napkin
Updated on English Recipes

Vegetable Gumbo Soup with Rice

As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of Vegetable Gumbo Soup. This comforting dish features protein-packed beans and a medley of flavors that pair perfectly with rice. It’s a savory meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Ingredients:
Serves 4

  • 1 cup dry, red kidney beans
  • 1/3 cup dry rice (preferably brown rice)
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 32-ounce container low sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 15-ounce cans of mixed vegetables, strained
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and warm water.
  2. Start the beans. Spread out the beans on paper towels. Pick through the beans and throw away any shriveled beans or debris. Place the beans in a colander and rinse them under cool water.
  3. Add the sorted beans to a pot, cover them with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, remove the pot from heat and let the beans soak in the pot at room temperature for 1 hour.
  4. After the beans are done soaking, drain the water using a colander. Cover the beans again with fresh water in the same pot you used before.
  5. Bring the water to a boil again, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the beans uncovered until they are tender, or about 1 hour.
  6. While the beans are cooking, start the rice. Place the rice in a small bowl and cover the rice with water. Swirl the rice in the water using your fingers and strain the water. Repeat this step until the water runs clear.
  7. Add the washed rice to a medium pot and add 2/3 cup of water. Cover with a lid and cook on medium heat until there is no more water in the pot, or about 25 minutes.
  8. Once the rice and beans are done, start the soup. Heat oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
  9. Add onion and bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes or until softened.
  10. Add rice, beans, vegetable broth, mixed vegetables, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
  11. Serve and enjoy!