Give the Gift of Convenience to Your Holiday Host: Joyously Easy Sides and Appetizers

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a whirlwind of gatherings, festive feasts, and the age-old question: “What should I bring?” 

This year, why not surprise your host or hostess with something that truly makes their night a little easier and a lot more tastier? Instead of the usual bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers, consider bringing along some delightful dishes from Taylor Farms that will not only impress but also lend a helping hand in the kitchen.

And hey, if you’re the one orchestrating the holiday magic this year, consider these products your little helpers. They cut down on prep time without skimping on flavor, giving you more moments to enjoy with your guests (or spray some glass cleaner on the front door just one more time).

Veggie Trays and Dips

Snacks and appetizers are essential for keeping guests satisfied before the main event. If you’re aiming for instant gratification (and who isn’t during the holidays?), these veggie trays and snack packs are the way to go. They’re fresh, flavorful, and require zero prep — just peel and enjoy. 

This entirely classic and 100% holiday gathering-appropriate veggie tray is as eye-catching as it is tasty. Featuring sweet mini peppers, sugar snap peas, carrots, celery, and broccoli, it’s a rainbow of fresh flavors that are ready to serve. It’s all accompanied by a generous portion of our creamy ranch dip that was literally made for this moment. Voilà! Instant appetizer.

If you want to switch things up from the usual ranch dip, this exciting assortment is the perfect way to add a little more zing to the festivities. Pop off the top, and you’re all set to enjoy crisp radish chips, crunchy carrot chips, and bite-sized celery sticks, all joined in the holiday revelry by our zesty Buffalo Bleu Dip that brings a flavorful kick to the party. 

Quick, Easy Side Dishes to Bring

‘Tis the season to explore delicious new possibilities with pesto! We traded traditional pasta for a hearty mix of riced cauliflower and broccoli, all generously coated in parmesan cheese and our zesty Cheesy Lemon Pesto Sauce. And you can whip it up about 15 minutes before you head out the door. Simply sauté the veggies, add the Parmesan and sauce, stir until it’s perfectly combined, and you have a comforting, flavorful side dish brimming with beloved Italian-inspired tastes (and a lot less carbs).

How about sweetening up the festivities with some decadent glazed carrots? This kit features fresh, crinkle-cut carrot chips paired with a luscious glaze made with brown sugar, tangy Dijon mustard, salted sherry wine, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. These caramelized carrots infused with just the right balance of sweetness and savory depth won’t last long, so you better make two, just in case.

Reimagine a beloved classic just in time for the party with our Cauliflower Mac ‘n Cheese Roast Kit. Trust us; this veggie-forward dish doesn’t skimp on that classic comfort food taste. Simply roast the cauliflower, stir in the velvety cheese sauce included, and get ready to watch everyone fall in love with their new favorite side. It’s indulgent, delicious, and lighter on the carbs — though nobody has to know that.

Shake things up a bit and give the traditional Caesar salad a warm, roasted makeover with the Broccoli Caesar Roast Kit. Oven-roasted broccoli meets crunchy toasted breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing, leaving you with a surprisingly comforting side that’s both familiar and intriguingly different. Oh, and it’s ready to hit the door in the same amount of time it takes to watch a holiday episode of your favorite sitcom.

Kindly step aside, traditional green bean casserole — this gathering demands a fresher perspective. We’ve paired crisp green beans with a savory French onion sauce and topped it all off with crunchy fried onions for that satisfying bite. Just roast, toss, and serve; it’s that simple. You get all the flavor of a classic holiday dish that’s ready in a fraction of the time (and you don’t have to buy multiple items to make it).

Need a conversation starter? These foolproof Brussels sprouts hit all the right notes for those who like a little kick. Pre-cut and ready to cook, they crisp up beautifully in your air fryer (or oven) before being tossed in a sweet, spicy maple glaze with a hint of cayenne. You’ll come across looking like the culinary innovator you are now, and the host or hostess will get all the compliments. How generous of you! Now, that’s the holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays from Taylor Farms! May your season be filled with good food, great company, and plenty of moments that become cherished memories down the road. Don’t forget to save yourself some hassle by using our handy store locator to find the nearest in-stock Taylor Farms products for your next occasion.

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