ADHD-Friendly Holiday Recipe Guide: Simple, Delicious & Low-Stress

The holidays can be magical—but let’s be real, they can also be overwhelming. If you have ADHD, cooking for holiday gatherings might feel like one more high-pressure task on an already overflowing list. Whether you're in charge of mashed potatoes, dessert, or the whole meal—we’ve got you covered.

This ADHD-friendly holiday recipe roundup is built for low effort, low prep, and zero shame. You don’t need 12 ingredients or 4 timers going. You need recipes that are doable, forgiving, and still festive.

November 2025, Kristina Proctor, ADHD Coach @ Agave Health

1. The Easiest Mashed Potatoes You’ll Ever Make

Why it’s ADHD-friendly: Only 3 main ingredients No peeling required Make-ahead friendly

Quick Recipe

• 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (thin skin = no peeling!)

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½ cup half-and-half or milk

• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Chop potatoes into chunks (leave skin on).

2. Boil until fork-tender (15–20 min).

3. Drain, mash with butter and milk. Season to taste. Done.

Tip: Use a slow cooker to keep them warm and avoid last-minute stress.

2. One-Dish Stuffing Bake (with Chicken)

Why it’s ADHD-friendly:  One dish, minimal cleanup  Uses pantry staples  Bakes all at once—no multitasking needed

Quick Recipe

• 1 package Stove Top stuffing mix

• 1 ½ cups hot water

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup

• ⅓ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)

• Optional: frozen mixed veggies or chopped broccoli

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In a bowl, mix stuffing and hot water. Set aside.

3. In a baking dish, combine raw chicken, soup, sour cream, and optional veggies.

4. Spoon stuffing mixture evenly over the top.

5. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

✨ Minimal chopping. One pan. Feeds a crowd. A true ADHD-friendly win.

3. Store Bought & Instant Sides are A-OK

Why it’s ADHD-friendly: Little to no measuring/baking involved Can reserve it or walk into a grocery store

Can be stored easily before making

Quick Options

• Pre-made or frozen pies - Grab and go or heat and eat.

• Cranberry sauce from the can - Let's be honest, many prefer this version!

• French's Green Bean Casserole - Prep takes 5 minutes and only 5 ingredients. Find the recipe on the back of French's Crispy Fried Onions.

• Instant mashed potatoes - All you need is water, salt/pepper to taste, and butter. Grab 2 bags if feeding a crowd!

ADHD Cooking Tips for the Holidays

• Use timers for everything, even reminders to check the oven or take a break.

• Batch prep ingredients while your energy is high.

• Set up your cooking zone with everything in reach—less distraction, less forgetting.

• Don’t cook alone if that feels stressful—invite a helper or play a favorite playlist.

• Done is better than perfect. If it feeds people and lowers your stress, you nailed it.

You Deserve ADHD Support That Actually Works

Holiday overwhelm is real—and for adults with ADHD, it’s often turned up to eleven. At Agave Health, we know that support for ADHD shouldn’t stop at productivity hacks. You deserve a care team that understands how your brain works—and how to support it with compassion, not shame.

Our ADHD coaches and therapists are here to help you build strategies that make everyday tasks (yes, even holiday meals) more manageable, less stressful, and better aligned with you.

Looking for support beyond the kitchen?

 Let’s take the pressure off this season. Explore ADHD coaching and therapy with Agave Health and get care that’s as real and human as you are.