Your Stress-Free, Show-Stopping Holiday Dinner Plan
December 9, 2025
By Gretchen Westdal Centers
In an age where our schedules are jam-packed with weeknight activities, weekend chores and events, it can be an absolute necessity to rely on quick meals or recipes that promise dinner will be on the table in 30 minutes. But when the occasion calls for something extra special — maybe it’s hosting family for the holidays or celebrating a milestone — having an elaborate dinner menu can mark the moment with extra fanfare. This menu features Iowa’s best products and showcases them in mouthwatering ways. We’ve even included details on when to prepare everything so your dinner can hopefully go off without a hitch!
Appetizer: Holiday Pork Crostini | Iowa Pork
To begin, this Holiday Pork Crostini will delight your guests and have them trying not to fill up on the first dish. Savory yet lean pork tenderloin sits atop a perfectly chewy bite of baguette spread with creamy goat cheese. That delectable morsel is then garnished with cranberry sauce and pomegranate seeds to add a tangy and bright element.
Cooking & Timing Tips
• Prep ahead: Slice the baguette and prep the goat cheese spread up to 8 hours ahead. Store bread in an airtight container and goat cheese in the fridge.
• Cook early: Sear and roast the pork tenderloin up to 1 hour before guests arrive. Slice it just before assembling so it stays juicy.
• Assemble last-minute: Once guests start arriving, assemble crostini on trays so they stay crisp.
• Serving tip: Set them out on a large platter near your beverage station for an easy, welcoming start to the evening.
Get the recipe here: Holiday Pork Crostini
Appetizer: Pesto Turkey Stuffed Mushrooms | National Turkey Federation
To ensure your guests enjoy the variety of all that Iowa has to offer, these Pesto Turkey Stuffed Mushrooms highlight another deliciously lean protein packed into a tasty nibble. This easy recipe features umami-rich cremini mushrooms, ground turkey and salty Parmesan, all mixed with fresh, vibrant pesto. The mixture is tucked into the mushroom, which makes it perfect for guests to snack on while chatting.
Cooking & Timing Tips
• Make the filling earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Pre-stuff the mushrooms and keep them covered on a sheet pan in the fridge for up to 6 hours.
• Pop them into the oven 15–20 minutes before serving, which aligns well with your guests settling in after the first appetizer.
• Serving tip: Present them warm in a shallow dish or cast-iron skillet to help retain heat.
Get the recipe here: Pesto Turkey Stuffed Mushrooms
Salad: Creamy Apple Vinaigrette Spinach Salad | The Soyfoods Council
Once everyone is seated, starting the formal meal with a vibrant and fresh salad can help set the tone for the rest of the meal. With this Creamy Apple Vinaigrette Spinach Salad, diners will be delighted by the crisp apple and sweet candied walnuts, which pair with hearty spinach and a homemade vinaigrette. Think of this as a primer for the heartier dishes that follow. It’s just enough to tease the taste buds and leave people wanting just a bit more.
Cooking & Timing Tips
• Make the vinaigrette 1–2 days in advance and store it chilled.
• Pre-wash and dry the spinach and apples earlier in the day.
• Do not dress the salad until the moment you serve it — this keeps the spinach crisp.
• Serving tip: Serve family-style in a wide bowl so guests can help themselves.
Get the recipe here: Creamy Apple Vinaigrette Spinach Salad
Main: Beef Pot Roast with Cider Gravy | Beef It’s What’s For Dinner
For the main course, a hearty and delectable Beef Pot Roast with Cider Gravy will have guests feeling satiated. It’s an ideal dish to serve at a multi-course dinner because it can be made ahead and features an impressive array of flavors — with minimal effort. The pot roast is cooked until perfectly tender, and it’s accompanied by the brightness of the cider gravy for a complementary tang. The dish also features hearty sweet potatoes, which perfectly round out the rich, wintery tastes.
Cooking & Timing Tips
• Cook the pot roast earlier in the afternoon — this dish is even better after resting.
• Keep the roast warm in a low oven or reheat gently in its cooking liquid before serving.
• Prepare the cider gravy in advance using pan drippings, then warm it just before plating.
• Serving tip: Serve the roast pre-sliced on a platter surrounded by sweet potatoes for a dramatic visual moment
Get the recipe here: Beef Pot Roast with Cider Gravy
Side: Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey | U.S. Dairy
If you need an additional side dish, these Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey will not only wow your guests but also elevate the humble carrot into a star. Roasting the carrots brings out their sweet, almost caramel-like flavor. Then, when topped with sumptuous, whipped ricotta and drizzled with subtly spicy hot honey, this dish is anything but a side. It’s a full-blown culinary adventure that will have guests reaching for seconds.
Cooking & Timing Tips
• Roast the carrots up to 90 minutes before serving; they reheat well in a warm oven.
• Whip the ricotta earlier in the afternoon and refrigerate.
• Assemble just before serving to preserve the carrots’ texture.
• Serving tip: Spread the ricotta onto a platter, top with carrots, then drizzle with hot honey at the table for added drama.
Get the recipe here: Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey
Dessert: Pear Feather Pillows | Iowa Egg Council
Despite the five previous dishes, there’s always room for dessert. Given the number of courses, these Pear Feather Pillows are the perfect sweet treat to end the meal. Light, refreshing, and still seasonally alluring, the pears are baked surrounded by fluffy challah bread and sprinkled with cinnamon and almonds, then bathed in an egg mixture that turns this dessert into a heavenly array of flavors.
Cooking & Timing Tips
• Assemble the dish earlier in the day and refrigerate until baking.
• Bake the Pear Feather Pillows during dinner, filling your home with warm, inviting aromas.
• Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Serving tip: Cut into squares or spoon into bowls — either works beautifully.
Get the recipe here: Pear Feather Pillows