The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and festive meals. However, not everyone has the time or culinary skills to prepare a grand feast. Fortunately, residents of the Ozarks have a variety of options for stress-free holiday meals, thanks to local and chain restaurants offering pre-prepared, heat-and-serve dishes. This guide will help you navigate the best options available for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Convenient Holiday Meal Options
Billy Gail’s and Flat Creek
Billy Gail’s and Flat Creek have carved out a niche for themselves as local favorites by offering a comprehensive Christmas dinner package that simplifies holiday meal preparation. Costing $199, this meal serves up to ten people and includes a delectable spread such as a carved pineapple-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, candied yams, green beans, garlic buttered rolls, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a choice of pie. This offering provides a haven for those who want to host a sophisticated holiday dinner without the stress of cooking.
The meals are available from Christmas Day through December 29, allowing a bit of flexibility for those needing a late celebration or multiple dinners. Orders can be placed by calling Flat Creek at 417-732-5441 or Billy Gail’s at 417-582-2600. The convenience extends beyond just the food; these establishments understand the importance of a seamless process and provide clear procedures for placing orders and picking up meals. This option is perfect for anyone looking to present a well-rounded and flavorful holiday feast without the burden of meal preparation.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel, a well-known national chain, brings its signature home-style cooking to the holiday table with specific catering options available for Christmas, even though it is closed on Christmas Day itself. Their “Holiday Heat N’ Serve Feast” at $179.99 and the “Holiday Heat N’ Serve Family Dinner” at $119.99 cater to groups of ten and six people, respectively. These meals are meticulously crafted to include traditional holiday favorites, ensuring that families can still enjoy a comforting and hearty meal without the extensive preparation.
Pick-up is available at the Branson location, making it a convenient option for locals and visitors alike. What sets Cracker Barrel apart is its reputation for consistency and quality, which means customers can count on a delicious and reliable meal. This option is perfect for those who want a hearty, home-style meal without the hassle of cooking. Cracker Barrel’s offerings provide an ideal solution for anyone wanting to enjoy a festive holiday meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Diverse Meal Selections
Curley Que Barbecue
For those looking to break with tradition and try something different this holiday season, Curley Que Barbecue offers a unique twist on the classic holiday meal. Their smoked ham, turkey, or brisket meals are bound to impress guests and add a smoky flavor to any gathering. Priced at $129, the turkey and ham meal serves 10–12 people and includes twice-baked potato casserole, creamed corn, and homemade rolls. For those who prefer brisket, this option is available for $219.
Orders can be conveniently placed via their Facebook page, with pickups scheduled for December 23, giving ample time for reheating and serving on Christmas Day. This option is ideal for barbecue lovers looking to add their favorite flavors to the holiday feast. Curley Que Barbecue’s offerings stand out due to the quality and unique twist they bring to traditional meals. This innovative approach not only caters to barbecue aficionados but also to anyone looking to make their holiday dinner a bit more memorable and distinct.
Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee further diversifies the holiday meal landscape in the Ozarks with their pre-ordered holiday meals, ensuring convenience and variety. Customers can place orders online or via phone numbers provided for different locations, making the process smooth and efficient. Hy-Vee’s offerings cater to various tastes and budgets, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. This supermarket chain is a particularly convenient option for those who prefer to pick up their meals while doing their holiday shopping, combining two necessary holiday tasks into one trip.
The convenience of pre-ordering combined with the reliability of a well-known supermarket chain makes this an appealing choice for many. Hy-Vee’s extensive selection allows customers to choose from a variety of dishes tailored to their specific holiday needs. Hy-Vee’s service ensures a seamless and efficient holiday meal experience, freeing up time and reducing stress for a more enjoyable festive season.
Local and Chain Options
HoneyBaked Ham
HoneyBaked Ham presents itself as a reliable and tasty option for holiday meals, offering a range of dishes that must be picked up before Christmas Day from their 1416 E. Battlefield Road location. This ensures that the meal is fresh and ready to be served when needed. Orders can be made online, making the process simple and stress-free. Their menu includes various hams, turkeys, and side dishes, perfect for creating a traditional holiday spread while eliminating the hassle of last-minute preparations.
This option is ideal for anyone who wants to ensure they have a delicious and dependable meal ready for the festive period. HoneyBaked Ham’s reputation for quality and consistency makes it a favorite among those looking to serve a traditional holiday meal without the laborious cooking process. With their convenient pick-up options and extensive holiday menu, HoneyBaked Ham offers an effortless way to enjoy a festive feast.
King Food Saver and Price Cutter
King Food Saver and Price Cutter offer practical and affordable solutions for holiday meals, presenting an excellent option for local grocery store enthusiasts. Both establishments offer holiday dinner options with choices for ham or turkey, accompanied by a selection of sides and desserts. King Food Saver’s meals serve either 4–6 people for $79.99 or 10–12 for $115.99, while Price Cutter’s options slightly vary in price and servings, ensuring a variety of options for different family sizes and budgets.
These local grocery stores provide an accessible and economical solution for holiday meals, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a festive feast without financial strain. The convenience of picking up a pre-prepared meal while doing regular shopping adds an extra layer of ease to holiday preparations. Both King Food Saver and Price Cutter have tailored their offerings to meet the diverse needs of their customers, making holiday meal planning straightforward and stress-free.
Last-Minute Solutions
Domino’s Pizza
The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and festive meals. However, not everyone has the time or culinary expertise to prepare an elaborate feast. Luckily, residents of the Ozarks have plenty of options for stress-free holiday meals. Local and chain restaurants offer pre-prepared, heat-and-serve dishes, allowing families to enjoy delicious meals without the hassle of cooking. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, this guide highlights the best options available to ensure you can relax and enjoy the festivities. From traditional holiday favorites to more unique offerings, there’s something to suit every palate and preference. Embrace the season’s spirit by spending more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. These curated meal solutions make it easy to create a memorable holiday experience for those who prefer to focus on the joy and togetherness of the season rather than the labor-intensive preparations that usually come with holiday feasts. So, sit back, relax, and let these restaurants handle the cooking for you.
