Rockwall,TX (November 25, 2025) – The holidays don’t have to mean overcomplicated dishes or a million grocery store trips. Sometimes, knowing you’ve got a few solid, crowd-pleasing recipes in your back pocket is all it takes to feel confident in the kitchen and actually enjoy the season.
These three recipes are so simple you could practically make them in your sleep, but they deliver every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, packing treats for a classroom, or cozying up for movie night, these are the kinds of recipes that feel like a win!
Crockpot Cocktail Meatballs
3 ingredients. 1 slow cooker. Endless holiday parties saved.
Just toss a bag of frozen meatballs into your crockpot, pour over a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce, and stir in about a cup of grape jelly. Let them warm on high heat for about 4 hours, stirring halfway through. Serve with toothpicks and watch them disappear.
Make it yours: Add a pinch of chili flakes or swap the BBQ sauce for chili sauce if you like a little heat.
Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow)
This is holiday magic in a bowl.
In the microwave, melt together 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Pour it over 9 cups of Chex Rice cereal, stirring gently to coat. Then toss everything in a big zip-top bag or large bowl with a lid and add 1 to 1½ cups of powdered sugar and shake until evenly coated. It’s crunchy, chocolatey, and a nostalgic favorite for a reason.
Pro tip: Bag these up with a ribbon for an easy homemade gift.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Better than the store-bought kind and just as easy.
Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2½ cups powdered milk. Store in a jar or airtight container. When you’re ready for a cup, just stir ⅓ cup of mix into a mug of hot water or milk. Rich, creamy, and comforting just like hot chocolate should be.
Bonus: Add crushed peppermint, mini marshmallows, or a pinch of cinnamon to the mix if you’re feeling festive.
These aren’t flashy or fussy but that’s the point. They’re dependable, delicious, and easy enough to let you actually enjoy your holidays.
Keep these three in your back pocket, and you’ll always have something to share, gift, or serve up with a smile.
Melissa Tate is a home cook and writer with a passion for hospitality, food gifts, and fine, locally-produced fare. Along with writing, cooking, and creating care packages, she helps her husband run their working horse and cattle ranch, Tate Farms here in Rockwall County. She is currently writing her first cookbook with a New York based literary agent. You can find more of her work at melissatatetx.com and on Instagram & Facebook at @melissatatetx
Cooking with Ease: Feel confident this holiday season with these three easy, go-to recipes added by Melanie M on
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