A Dozen December Recipes to Warm Your Home

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When the dinner table feels like a revolving door of picky eaters, long days, and zero time to plan, it’s time to bring out the big guns—or in this case, the big pots, pans, and air fryers. This slideshow has everything you need to survive (and thrive) through weeknight chaos, weekend cravings, and even the burned-out-mom nights. From hearty classics like hearty Dutch oven chicken stew to kid-approved hits like homemade chicken nuggets and cheesy pigs in a blanket, there’s something for everyone. Bonus points for comfort food lovers (cheeseburger casserole) and snack fans (air fryer French fries). Ready to reclaim dinnertime? Let’s dig in!

Hearty Dutch Oven Chicken Stew

A bowl of creamy vegetable soup featuring carrots, potatoes, corn, peas, and herbs, with a spoon resting in the bowl. The soup is garnished with herbs, and the table is set with a striped cloth.
Image Credit: The Rooted Farmhouse

Hearty Dutch Oven Chicken Stew packs tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and warming spices into one pot. It’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Dutch Oven Chicken Stew

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This is the gooiest, cheesiest baked mac and cheese with the crispiest topping. The secret ingredient will blow your mind!
Get the Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese

Cheeseburger Casserole

The image shows a baked macaroni casserole topped with melted cheese and green onions, placed in a white dish on a light surface.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This easy Cheeseburger Casserole recipe is deliciously cheesy, with a comforting combo of ground beef and macaroni.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Mouthwatering Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Chicken Nuggets are a must for any busy family, but this go-to just get BETTER. Even the kids will love this baked chicken nuggets recipe!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Air Fryer French Fries

A beautifully presented photo of Air Fryer French Fries
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Air Fryer French Fries are homemade fries made in an air fryer. This method of cooking fries uses much less oil than the deep frying method.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Fries

Fish Sticks (Baked)

Fish Sticks (Baked) at its finest
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This homemade fish sticks recipe is baked instead of fried, making them crispy, tender, & flaky. Serve with Homemade Tartar Sauce!
Get the Recipe: Fish Sticks (Baked)

Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe {From Scratch}

Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe {From Scratch} in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Homemade Sloppy Joes are the perfect thing to make for easy dinners this summer. Make the best sloppy joe sauce, add beef, and voila!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe {From Scratch}

Taco Pizza

Taco Pizza in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

If you can’t decide between taco night or pizza night, then this is the dish for you! This easy recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make!
Get the Recipe: Taco Pizza

Chicken Pastina Soup

A bowl of couscous and vegetable soup with a white spoon, surrounded by four whole wheat crackers on the side. The soup contains visible pieces of carrots and celery.
Photo credit: Little Healthy Bites

Chicken Pastina Soup brings veggies, tender chicken, and adorable pasta stars together in a meal your kids will love. This one’s a clear winner for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pastina Soup

Grilled Hot Dogs

Grilled Hot Dogs at its finest
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Find out how to cook hot dogs on the grill for the easiest and best dogs for BBQs and cookouts. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs

Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos with Chipotle Sauce

A wooden board featuring grilled quesadillas, a bowl of dipping sauce in the center, garnished with chopped herbs and surrounded by onion pieces.
Image Credit: Home Cooking Collective

Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos with Chipotle Sauce serve up homemade refried beans, gooey cheese, and a spicy kick. Perfect for an easy weeknight win!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos with Chipotle Sauce

Pigs in a Blanket (Cheesy!)

Pigs in a Blanket (Cheesy!) served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese will be all the rage at your next party. This crescent roll Recipe is easy and fun.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket (Cheesy!)

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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