6 Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Plant-Forward Holiday
By Chef Brooke Williamson, Modern Recipe Culinary Ambassador
I love sharing the joys of cooking with seasonal, local ingredients. There's something magical about fruits and vegetables at their peak — they're not just incredibly delicious, they're also kind to our planet. My absolute favorite part of my work with Modern Recipe is showing people how exciting plant-forward cooking can be, especially during the holidays. If you’re curious about how to add a plant-forward twist to your holiday menu, here are a few of my favorite tips for creating a stunning, budget-friendly spread that will wow both vegetable and meat lovers at your table this season!
1. Smart Prep Is Your Best Friend
Want to know the real secret to enjoying your own holiday gathering? Get organized early! I can't stress enough how crucial meal prep is, regardless of what you're cooking. The beauty of plant-forward dishes is that almost everything can be done ahead — from peeling potatoes to slicing onions and crushing garlic.
Create a clean, organized cooking space and prep ingredients so they're ready to roast or cook just before guests arrive. Trust me, there's nothing better than having guests walk into a home where everything feels freshly made, even though you've cleverly done most of the work in advance.
2. Layer Those Flavors
Let's bust a myth right now: The idea that vegetables are bland is absolutely wild to me! Vegetables can be incredibly exciting and deserve to be the focal point of your table. The key is proper seasoning and layering flavors.
Here's a pro tip: Keep versatile pantry staples on hand to enhance your plant-forward dishes. I love having cured bacon in the refrigerator — a little can go a long way. Use the rendered bacon bits to top Brussels sprouts or save the fat for roasting potatoes. Even a dash of fish sauce in a bright vinaigrette can create an amazing depth of flavor.
3. Embrace Seasonal Stars
Seasonality is everything in my kitchen, whether I’m shopping at the farmers market or plucking ingredients from my garden. When ingredients are in season, they naturally taste their best and require minimal effort to shine. During the holidays, this becomes even more special. One of my go-to dishes is an Asian-flavored sticky rice with mushrooms and chestnuts, made right in the rice cooker. It's perfectly cooked every time and stays warm until serving. It’s stress-free and seasonal — a winning combination!
4. Make Humble Ingredients Shine
You don't need expensive ingredients to create showstopping dishes. Take the humble russet potato: When prepared with attention and care, mashed potatoes often become everyone's favorite holiday dish. In my new cookbook, “Sun-Kissed Cooking: Vegetables Front and Center,” I share a mushroom Bolognese recipe where 98% of the sauce is ground button mushrooms. It's incredibly inexpensive but just as satisfying as a traditional meat sauce.
5. Create Variety That Excites Everyone
The key to pleasing both plant-based and meat-loving guests is variety — not just in the number of dishes, but within each dish itself. One of my favorite recipes is roasted acorn squash with maple syrup, butter and cinnamon, elevated with a touch of white miso for an umami kick. I top it with a pumpkin seed vinaigrette that adds acidity and crunch. Trust me, even dedicated meat-eaters are often surprised to find their favorite dish is a vegetable!
Don't forget to use fresh herbs like mint, parsley, basil, and oregano — they add both visual appeal and flavor to your dishes.
6. My Most Important Tip
Above all, cook the food that you want to eat, because that’s the food that you will cook with love and attention. Remember, the goal is to enjoy time with your loved ones, so prep ahead and give yourself the gift of a relaxed holiday gathering.
And always end on a sweet note. I love serving a seasonal fruit pie or crostata, along with everyone's favorite: chocolate chip cookies.
With these tips in hand, you're ready to create a sustainable, budget-friendly and absolutely delicious plant-forward holiday spread that will have your guests raving. Want some inspiration to get you going? Try one of our plant-forward, planet-friendly recipes today, like this orange honey glazed chicken with carrot couscous and pine nuts or this oven-baked egg baguette with prosciutto and kale pesto.
From our Modern Recipe kitchen to yours, happy cooking!