5 ChatGPT Prompts for Perfect Holiday Meals
But let’s be honest, as heartwarming as holiday cooking can be, it’s also a bit of a juggling act, especially when you’re trying to impress the in-laws or cater to Cousin Joe’s new dietary restrictions. Don’t worry, though — there’s no need to stress over a hot stove all day. With the help of these ChatGPT prompts, you can find amazing recipes, plan your menu, and even get tips on making those intricate dishes simpler. Imagine having a sous chef in your own home kitchen!
This is the third of four holiday articles complete with prompts, real-life examples, and exact AI responses from ChatGPT4 (my favorite AI assistant) so you will know what to expect. With these simple AI prompts, you can get ideas on everything from gift-giving and sending out holiday cards to this one with help cooking for the holidays and even holiday decorating. As always, feel free to modify the prompts to suit your unique holiday vision and needs. With AI, the possibilities are endless!
At the end of the article, I include a few insights on creating custom instructions to make your ChatGPT assistant even more helpful, so make sure to jump to the end before you go.
Holiday Cooking Prompts
Is there anything that screams ‘holiday spirit’ more than a kitchen filled with the aromas of seasonal spices and favorite family recipes? Whether it’s the sizzle of latkes, the sweet scent of gingerbread, or the rich aroma of a holiday roast, cooking for the holidays is as much about creating memories as it is about preparing meals.
Here are 5 AI prompts that make holiday cooking a breeze, helping you whip up festive dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Get ready to put on your chef’s hat and create holiday meals that are not just delicious but also filled with love and holiday cheer.
Quick Prompt List (for those in a hurry)
I have included real-life examples and the actual ChatGPT4 responses along with the prompts in this article. This article also includes follow-up prompts where I felt they would be useful. For those who don’t want to go through all of the prompt details, here is a quick list of the five prompts with links to that prompt’s complete section.
- Holiday Recipes for Specific Dietary Needs Prompt: “I’m planning a holiday meal and need a few recipes. We have guests with [dietary preferences or restrictions]. What are some customizable 5-star reviewed recipes that would work for a festive holiday [type of meal here]?”
- Meal Planning Prompt: “I need help with meal planning for a holiday dinner. We’re expecting [number of guests], and I’m looking for [type of cuisine or dishes]. Please suggest a meal plan.”
- Cooking Tips from Experts Prompt: “I could use some cooking tips for the holidays. I’m planning to make [specific dishes], and I’m a [beginner/intermediate/advanced] cook. What insights and tips can cooking experts provide?”
- Kitchen Management Prompt: “I need assistance with organizing my kitchen for holiday cooking. I have [kitchen tools and appliances] and I will be [type of cooking/baking you will be doing]. What is the best way to organize my kitchen appliances?”
- Holiday Baking Prompt: “I’m interested in [type of holiday] holiday baking ideas. I like to bake [preferences, e.g., cookies, cakes], and I’m looking for creative recipes and techniques. What can you recommend?”
1. Holiday Recipes for Specific Dietary Needs Prompt
Discover tasty recipes that are for any dietary need and make sure your holiday meals are guest ready.
“I’m planning a holiday meal and need a few recipes. We have guests with [dietary preferences or restrictions]. What are some customizable 5-star reviewed recipes that would work for a festive holiday [type of meal here]?”
Example Prompt:
“I’m planning a holiday meal and need a few recipes. We have guests that are vegan. What are some customizable 5-star reviewed recipes that would work for a festive holiday brunch.”
Example ChatGPT Response:
- Vegan Tofu Benedict: A plant-based twist on eggs benedict with tofu.
- Cranberry Orange Scones: Sweet scones with a festive touch.
- Vegan Quiche: A savory quiche made with tofu, veggies, and vegan cheese.
- Chickpea Flour Pancakes: Fluffy and customizable pancakes.
Follow-up prompt to use after ChatGPT responds:
“What are the ingredients and steps to make a festive holiday [holiday dish from previous answer] for [amount of people to feed] people?”
Example Follow-up Prompt:
“What are the ingredients and steps to make festive holiday Cranberry Orange Scones for 5 people?”
Example Follow-up Response:
Here’s a simple recipe for festive holiday Cranberry Orange Scones for 5 people:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix dry ingredients, cut in butter.
- Add cranberries and orange zest.
- Stir in milk and vanilla.
- Shape into a round, cut into wedges, bake for 12–15 mins.
Enjoy your Cranberry Orange Scones!
2. Meal Planning Prompt
Planning your holiday dinner is made easy with a little help from ChatGPT, and create a delightful and festive meal for everyone at your table.
“I need help with meal planning for a holiday dinner. We’re expecting [number of guests], and I’m looking for [type of cuisine or dishes]. Please suggest a meal plan.”
Example Prompt:
“I need help with meal planning for a holiday dinner. We’re expecting 6 adults and 2 children, and I’m looking for traditional British dishes. Please suggest a meal plan.”
Example ChatGPT Response:
Starter:
- Roasted Parsnip and Apple Soup
Main Course:
- Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing
- Vegan Nut Roast (for any vegetarians)
- Roast Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
- Yorkshire Puddings
Sides:
- Cranberry Sauce
- Bread Sauce
- Gravy
Dessert:
- Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce
- Mince Pies
Follow-up prompt to use after ChatGPT responds:
“Please create detailed recipes for [dishes you are interested in making from the list]. Once that is complete, please create a complete shopping list of all the items needed and the quantity of each item. Use multiple chat messages to complete this task.”
Note: ChatGPT will stop after each recipe. You will need to tell it to “go on” or “next” or similar for it to continue giving you the recipes. The reason for this is its limited character count for each message.
Example Follow-up Prompt:
“Please create detailed recipes for all of these dishes except for the vegan nut roast. Once that is complete, please create a complete shopping list of all the items needed and the quantity of each item. Use multiple chat messages to complete this task.”
Example Follow-up Response:
Certainly! I’ll start by providing detailed recipes for each dish, and then I’ll follow up with the complete shopping list. Let’s begin with the recipes.
Roasted Parsnip and Apple Soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 apples, cored and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Steps:
- Roast parsnips and apples with olive oil.
- Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Blend roasted veggies, onions, garlic, and thyme with vegetable broth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat and serve.
Next, I’ll provide the recipe for Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing.
Note: The recipes continued in following messages.
3. Cooking Tips from Experts Prompt:
Gain a few expert cooking tips tailored to your skill level, making even complex dishes fun to prepare.
“I could use some cooking tips for the holidays. I’m planning to make [specific dishes], and I’m a [beginner/intermediate/advanced] cook. What insights and tips can cooking experts provide?”
Example Prompt:
“I could use some cooking tips for the holidays. I’m planning to make Figgy Pudding, and I’m a beginner cook. What insights and tips can cooking experts provide?”
Example ChatGPT Response:
Making Figgy Pudding as a beginner cook is a wonderful holiday endeavor! Here are some helpful tips and insights from cooking experts that can guide you through the process:
Ingredient Preparation:
- Soak Your Figs: If using dried figs, soak them in advance to rehydrate them. This enhances their flavor and texture.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: High-quality ingredients can significantly impact the flavor. Consider using fresh spices and good-quality dried fruit.
Steaming Technique:
- Use the Right Equipment: If you don’t have a traditional pudding basin, any heatproof bowl will do. Ensure it’s well-greased.
- Secure the Cover: Use a double layer of foil or parchment paper to cover your pudding basin, and secure it with string. This keeps the steam in and prevents water from getting into your pudding.
- Regularly Check Water Level: When steaming, make sure the water doesn’t boil dry. Top it up with boiling water as needed.
Timing and Patience:
- Long Cooking Time: Figgy Pudding takes time to cook properly, often several hours of steaming. Don’t rush it.
- Resting Time: Once cooked, let it rest for a bit before turning it out. This helps it to set and develop flavors.
Enjoy the Process:
- As a beginner, remember that cooking is as much about the journey as it is the destination. Enjoy the process of creating something traditional and festive!
Remember, Figgy Pudding is as much about the tradition and the flavors as it is about the presentation. Don’t stress too much about perfection — it’s the effort and love put into the dish that truly counts during the holidays!”
Note: Some tips were removed to reduce the size of the response.
4. Kitchen Management Prompt:
Don’t have enough space in your kitchen? Use this prompt to optimize your kitchen setup for efficient holiday cooking, streamlining your workspace and making the cooking process a little easier to manage.
“I need assistance with organizing my kitchen for holiday cooking. I have [kitchen tools and appliances] and I will be [type of cooking/baking you will be doing]. What is the best way to organize my kitchen appliances?”
Try This: You can use the same prompt, but change [kitchen tools and appliances] for [pantry items] and ask it to organize your kitchen pantry.
Example Prompt:
“I need assistance with organizing my kitchen for holiday cooking. I have a juicer, stand mixer, food processor, blender, microwave, oven, stove, and air fryer and I will be mostly baking pies. What is the best way to organize my kitchen appliances?”
Example ChatGPT Response:
Prioritize Accessibility for Frequently Used Appliances:
- Stand Mixer: Since you’ll be baking pies, your stand mixer will likely be in high demand for preparing doughs and fillings. Place it on your counter where you have easy access and enough space to work around.
- Oven: Ensure the area around your oven is clear and accessible. You’ll need space for hot pie dishes and baking trays.
Strategically Place Secondary Appliances:
- Food Processor: Useful for quickly chopping or blending ingredients for your pie fillings. Keep it within reach but not in your primary working area to avoid clutter.
- Blender: If you’re using the blender for specific pie fillings (like purees), keep it on the counter; otherwise, store it in a cabinet nearby.
Optimize Space and Workflow:
- Create a Baking Zone: Designate a section of your countertop for baking tasks. Keep your measuring tools, mixing bowls, and baking ingredients like flour and sugar within this zone.
- Utilize Vertical Space: If counter space is limited, consider using shelves or hanging racks to store lighter appliances like the blender or hand-held mixer.
Manage Infrequently Used Appliances:
- Juicer and Air Fryer: If you’re not using these for pie baking, store them in a cabinet or pantry to free up counter space. Make sure they are still accessible for when you need them for other cooking tasks.
Microwave and Stove Area:
- Microwave: Keep it clear of clutter. You may use it for melting butter or other quick heating tasks.
- Stove: Ensure you have clear counter space next to the stove to place hot items quickly.
Safety and Convenience:
- Electrical Outlets: Make sure all appliances are placed near outlets to avoid the need for extension cords, which can be a safety hazard.
- Leave Space for Cooling: Designate an area, like a section of the countertop or a foldable cooling rack, where pies can cool down without being in the way.
Organizational Extras:
- Use Drawer Dividers: For tools like rolling pins, pie cutters, and measuring spoons.
- Label and Store Dry Ingredients: Use clear containers for flour, sugar, and spices for easy identification and to keep them fresh.
5. Holiday Baking Prompt:
Explore creative baking ideas and techniques to add a special touch to your holiday treats, from custards to cookies.
“I’m interested in [type of holiday] holiday baking ideas. I like to bake [preferences, e.g., cookies, cakes], and I’m looking for creative recipes and techniques. What can you recommend?”
Example Prompt:
“I’m interested in holiday baking ideas. I like to bake custards, and I’m looking for creative recipes and techniques. What can you recommend?”
Example ChatGPT Response:
Eggnog Custard Pie:
- Recipe: Combine the holiday flavors of eggnog with a classic custard pie. Use a buttery pie crust, and fill it with a mixture of eggnog, eggs, sugar, nutmeg, and a dash of rum or brandy for an extra festive touch.
- Technique: Bake the pie at a low temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without overcooking the eggs.
Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée:
- Recipe: Infuse your crème brûlée with pumpkin puree and traditional pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves) for a holiday twist.
- Technique: Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar on top, giving it the signature crisp shell.
Gingerbread Pots de Crème:
- Recipe: Make a rich custard flavored with gingerbread spices (ginger, cinnamon, allspice) and molasses. Serve in small ramekins or jars.
- Technique: Bake the custards in a water bath (bain-marie) in the oven to ensure even cooking and a silky texture.
Try This: You can follow up with a prompt asking for step-by-step directions for the recipe you would like to try first.
About These Prompts
I hope these prompts helped you make memorable (and hopefully make it easier as well) holiday meals for all your guests. Just remember, to get the most use out of these prompts, you need to include detailed information. The more detailed, the more tailored and useful the suggestions will be.
I have personally tested each of these prompts as of this article’s writing in November 2023 and included follow-up prompts that will assist you in creating your holiday masterpieces. Since ChatGPT and other generative AI models are continually evolving and learning, you may need to tweak these prompts, depending on when you use them, as the model may have changed.
At the time of writing this article, ChatGPT4 is currently limited to existing users, but Microsoft’s Bing, which uses the GPT4 model from OpenAI, is available for free use. You can also try some of the other generative AI assistants like Bard from Google Labs and Claude from Anthropic if you would like to see what they can do, but my favorite currently is ChatGPT4.
Create Your Own ChatGPT Custom Instructions
Another way to ease your way through the holidays and your connection with your ChatGPT assistant is to create custom instructions. These will help let ChatGPT know how you would like it to communicate. This will make interacting with ChatGPT even easier and more productive.
To access Custom Instructions, click on your name at the bottom left corner of the ChatGPT interface. There, you will see an icon and a link that opens a window where you can answer two questions:
- What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?
- How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
You can use up to 1500 characters for your responses to these questions.
Some comments I included in the second question of my version of ChatGPT were designed to create a more dialogic and collaborative feel, which works best for how I interact with the model. Here are a few examples to give you an idea:
- “If you don’t have an exact answer or are unsure of an answer’s viability, please ask me for more information or clarification.”
- “Please respond with more questions if my request is not clear enough or if it seems ambiguous.”
- “If something more can be added to the response that is outside of what I specifically asked for, please suggest it.”
Learn more about Custom Instructions for ChatGPT.
Now get out there and enjoy your holiday this season and have a great mealtime with everyone you love!
