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Nov 19, 2025

Chef Naj’s Top Holiday Menu Picks

If you’re planning a holiday event, Chef Naj makes it easy by sharing his top dishes from our catering menu for every type of gathering – breakfast, lunch, dinner, or casual nibbles. Let his expert picks guide your menu.

Lemon thyme chicken
If holiday menu planning feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. We asked Chef Naj to share his festive recommendations from CKC Good Food Event Catering menus if he were hosting a breakfast, lunch, or dinner to celebrate the holidays or winter break. His top picks will make your choices easier – and a sure hit.

Holiday Breakfast: Savory with a Side of Sweet

“I would go for some classic savory items and complement them with something sweet,” Chef Naj said.

Menu Picks:

  • Cheese & scallion scrambled eggs
  • Hashbrowns
  • Bacon
  • French toast bake (for that must-have sweet finish!)

Holiday Lunch: Comfort Food

“For holiday-themed lunches, comfort foods work great because they provide a balm during the cold weather,” Chef Naj added.

Menu Picks:

  • House-Made Meatloaf Buffet
    • Scratch-made sour cream & onion mashed potatoes
    • Garlic butter green beans with crispy fried onions
    • Garden salad with choice of dressing
    • Artisan rolls and butter

OR

  • Lemon & thyme marinated chicken thighs with garlic-pan sauce, which includes creamed kale with garlic breadcrumbs and scratch-made stuffing

Side Note: If you’re looking for something a little lighter yet comforting, our team really enjoys the grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup buffet for lunch.

Holiday Dinner: A Meal to Impress

“I hosted Christmas dinner for the first time a couple years ago and people went crazy for the meal I made, which was basically versions of items from our catering menu,” Chef Naj shared.

Menu Pick:

  • Braised short ribs with porcini dry rub and red-onion agrodolce
  • Bacon-fried brussels sprouts
  • Scratch-made sour cream & onion mashed potatoes (also a lunch menu pick because they’re that good!)
  • Baked French bread

Holiday Dinner: A Meal to Impress

If you’re hosting a gathering that doesn’t call for a full meal but want a crowd-pleaser, Chef Naj recommends a savory-and-sweet duo.

Menu Picks:

  • Middle East and North Africa inspired dessert combination
  • Sheer tea
  • Gourmet charcuterie boards

If reading this has made you hungry and decisive, submit an inquiry today to book your holiday event catering!