The holiday season is upon us, and that means it's time to indulge in delicious food and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something special, having a repertoire of the best holiday recipes is essential.
From mouthwatering appetizers to decadent desserts, these recipes are guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So, grab your apron, sharpen your knives, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will make this holiday season truly unforgettable.
1. Holiday Cheese Board
The Holiday Cheese Board is a must-have appetizer for the holidays. It features an assortment of cheeses, figs, nuts, and pomegranate, making it a beautiful and festive addition to any holiday gathering.
With no cooking involved, it's incredibly easy to assemble. Simply arrange the cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, and garnish with rosemary. It's the perfect appetizer to impress your guests.
2. Simple Vegan Stuffing
Simple Vegan Stuffing is a delicious and healthy option for holiday meals. Made with basic ingredients like onion, garlic, carrot, and herbs, this stuffing is easy to make and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Enjoy it alongside other holiday dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting and flavorful feast.
3. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a keto-friendly and low-carb appetizer that is perfect for holiday gatherings. These cauliflower bites are coated in buffalo wing sauce and cooked in the air fryer for a crispy texture.
They can be served with ranch dressing on the side for added flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
4. Cranberry Sausage Apple Stuffing
Cranberry Sausage Apple Stuffing is a delicious and easy holiday recipe. It combines sausage, apples, cranberries, fresh herbs, and buttery toasted bread crumbs.
The flavors blend perfectly, creating a savory and slightly sweet stuffing that will impress your guests. It can be made ahead of time and baked right before serving. This stuffing is a must-have for any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
5. Christmas Trifle
Christmas Trifle is a delightful variation of the classic English Trifle recipe. This versatile dessert can be customized with a variety of berries, cake, and even pudding. It is a visually stunning addition to any holiday dessert table, with its layers of cake, fresh fruit, Jello, pudding, and whipped cream.
While it is best assembled right before serving, it can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. However, note that the cake layers may become mushy over time. Overall, Christmas Trifle is a crowd-pleasing dessert that adds a beautiful pop of red color to your holiday dinner party.
6. Helen's Famous Canadian Holiday Fruit Bread
Helen's Famous Canadian Holiday Fruit Bread is a traditional family favorite that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with a "fancy" glazed fruit mixture, this fruit loaf is bursting with large morsels of fruit.
When toasted, the bread becomes golden brown and the combination of yeasty goodness, salty butter-rich crunch, and sweet chewy bobbles of fruity jewels creates a delightful flavor. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or toasted, this fruit bread is a must-try for anyone looking for a homemade holiday treat.
7. Keto Stuffing
Keto Stuffing is a simple and flavorful holiday recipe that is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet. It captures all the traditional flavors of stuffing without the guilt. Made with pre-made keto bread or rolls, this recipe is quick and easy to put together.
It can be baked to a fluffier, drier texture or made more like a traditional dressing by adding extra moisture. Whether served alongside turkey or used to stuff mushrooms, chicken, or pork, this keto stuffing is a versatile and delicious option for holiday meals.
8. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is a must-have at holiday dinners. This simple and delicious dish is made with frozen hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, butter, onions, and spices. It's baked to perfection and topped with extra cheese.
Freezer-friendly and reminiscent of the Cracker Barrel version, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will disappear quickly. Perfectly cheesy and satisfying, it's a holiday favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
9. Cranberry Nut Cookies
Cranberry Nut Cookies are tangy, sweet, and full of holiday flavors. Packed with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and pecans, these old-fashioned drop cookies are soft and bursting with cranberry goodness.
They freeze well and are perfect for cookie trays and holiday boxes. The optional orange glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness. Overall, these cookies bring back the nostalgic feeling of a country Christmas and are a delightful addition to any holiday spread.
10. Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Crockpot Hot Chocolate is a rich and creamy holiday beverage that is perfect for cozy fall and winter days, holiday parties, and guests. It is easy to make and can be customized with various toppings.
The recipe can be adjusted to personal preferences, and it can be made on the stovetop if a crockpot is not available. Overall, it is a delicious and crowd-pleasing hot chocolate option for the winter season.
11. Stuffing
The World's Best Thanksgiving Stuffing is a savory and moist holiday dish with a unique light and airy texture. Made with bread dumplings or French bread cubes, mushrooms, onions, and celery, this stuffing is a crowd-pleaser. The recipe allows for personal customization of spices, making it adaptable to individual taste preferences.
The bread dumplings absorb the liquids perfectly, resulting in a moist yet not soggy stuffing with a crispy top. It can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, making it convenient for holiday preparations. Overall, this stuffing is a must-try for any Thanksgiving or holiday feast.
12. Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix
The Bunny Bait Easter Snack Mix is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, making it a perfect treat for Easter. It can be enjoyed in various settings, such as Easter baskets, movie nights, parties, and even as gifts.
With just a handful of ingredients, this snack mix comes together quickly and requires minimal effort. It's a festive twist on the popular Snow Day Snack Mix, and it's sure to be a hit during the holiday season.
13. German Mulled Wine
German Mulled Wine, also known as Glühwein, is a classic holiday drink that brings warmth and cheer to any gathering. Made with a dry red wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and oranges, this traditional recipe captures the essence of the German Christmas markets. Optional additions like rum, cardamom, and star anise enhance the flavor profile.
The key is to let the wine simmer with the spices for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together. Whether enjoyed at a festive market or homemade for family and friends, German Mulled Wine is a delightful holiday treat that is sure to spread joy and create lasting memories.
14. Stuffed Butternut Squash
This Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional holiday roast. Filled with a flavorful combination of chestnuts, quinoa, lentils, and dried cranberries, it offers a vegan and gluten-free option for festive meals.
The roasted butternut squash rounds add a touch of sweetness, while the spices and herbs create a festive flavor profile. Overall, it's a delicious and fuss-free dish that will impress your guests during the holiday season.
15. Homemade Butter Cookies
Homemade Butter Cookies are a classic holiday treat that is both simple and sophisticated. These cookies have a rich, buttery taste and a nice crumble, similar to shortbread.
With only seven ingredients, they are easy to make and can be customized for any holiday with different cookie cutters or stamps. They are perfect for adding to your holiday baking tins and are sure to be a hit with everyone. Give these delicious butter cookies a try this holiday season!
16. Maple Cinnamon Spiced Nuts
Maple Cinnamon Spiced Nuts are a sweet and fragrant holiday treat with a touch of spice. Made with pecans and almonds coated in a mixture of maple syrup, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these nuts are perfect for gifting or snacking at home.
They can be used as a garnish for desserts or added to salads and sweet-and-savory dishes. The recipe is easy to make and the result is a deliciously addictive snack.
17. Blueberry Cinnamon Roll Bake
Blueberry Cinnamon Roll Bake is a simple and delicious holiday recipe made with Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls, melted butter, brown sugar, and blueberries. It's a quick and easy breakfast or brunch option that is sure to impress your guests.
The golden brown casserole is topped with icing, adding a sweet finishing touch. Whether you use fresh or frozen blueberries, this recipe is a winner for any special occasion.
18. Passover Charoset
Passover Charoset is a sweet and fragrant dish made with apples, wine, walnuts, and cinnamon. It is a symbolic food that represents the mortar used by the Jewish people during their slavery in Egypt.
This recipe uses Red Delicious, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples for a wonderful texture. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Perfect for Passover celebrations and as a snack throughout the week.
19. Prime Rib Roast
The Prime Rib Roast is a crowd-pleasing holiday dish that has been passed down through generations. This family recipe calls for a bone-in prime rib roast seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil.
It is cooked with thickly sliced onions for added flavor. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion and can be easily scaled up based on the number of pounds of meat.
20. Berry French Toast Casserole
Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful holiday recipe that is perfect for brunch. It is a make-ahead dish that combines moist and custardy french toast with a generous amount of fresh strawberries and blueberries.
The result is a deliciously sweet and fruity casserole that is slightly crispy on top. It can easily feed a crowd and is best served with a drizzle of maple syrup. Overall, Berry French Toast Casserole is a must-try for those looking for a flavorful and convenient breakfast option during the holiday season.
21. Candied Pecans
These candied pecans are a sweet and addictive holiday snack. Flavored with cinnamon and sugar, they are perfect for gifting or serving to guests.
Made with raw pecan halves and a touch of egg white, they are baked until crispy and coated in a delicious caramelized coating. A crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and always a hit at holiday parties.
22. Cinnamon-Coffee Cookies
The Cinnamon-Coffee Cookies are a delightful sweet treat for the fall baking season. These cookies have a subtle hint of coffee flavor from the instant coffee crystals, which adds depth to the overall taste. Made with brown sugar, butter, nutmeg, and vanilla, these cookies offer a perfect blend of sweetness and spiced flavor.
They are rolled in cinnamon and sugar before baking, resulting in a deliciously crispy texture. These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or as a quick breakfast on busy mornings. Overall, the Cinnamon-Coffee Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves easy and flavorful cookies.
23. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful holiday recipe that is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
This salad features tender cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and green onions, all tossed in a homemade poppy seed dressing made with mayo, sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey, and poppy seeds. It's a simple yet delicious combination that will impress your guests and add a festive touch to your holiday menu.
24. Old-Fashioned Cranberry Salad
Old-Fashioned Cranberry Salad is a classic holiday recipe that combines raspberry Jello, crushed pineapple, whole berry cranberry sauce, and chopped pecans.
It can be served as a side dish or dessert and is easy to make in a variety of serving dishes. The combination of flavors is perfect, and it pairs well with turkey. A delicious and timeless addition to any holiday meal.
25. Brownie Bite Gnomes
These adorable Brownie Bite Gnomes are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table. Made with just four ingredients – brownie bites, cream cheese frosting, strawberries, and Reese's Puffs cereal – they are easy to assemble and irresistibly cute.
Whether you use store-bought or homemade ingredients, these little gnomes are a crowd-pleaser. They are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but can be stored in the fridge for a day or two. Overall, the Brownie Bite Gnomes are a festive and tasty treat for the holiday season.
26. Grandma's Lime Green Jello Salad
Grandma's Lime Green Jello Salad is a nostalgic and retro holiday recipe that has been passed down through generations. Made with lime jello, crushed pineapple, evaporated milk, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and walnuts, it is a unique and refreshing side dish.
While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it holds a special place in the heart of those who grew up with it. Whether served in squares or scooped out, Grandma's Lime Green Jello Salad is a beloved tradition that brings back memories of holidays past.
27. Cinnamon & Sugar Roasted Pecans
Cinnamon & Sugar Roasted Pecans are a delightful holiday snack that will fill your home with a wonderful aroma. These addictive pecans are coated in a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and salt, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
They make a great gift or a tasty addition to salads. Simply bake them in the oven until toasted and fragrant, and enjoy the irresistible crunch.
28. Orange-Almond Mushroom Sugar Cookies
These Orange-Almond Mushroom Sugar Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday spread. The sugar cookie base is infused with orange zest and almond extract, creating a delicious flavor combination.
The cookies are cut into adorable mushroom shapes and decorated with red and white royal icing. They are not only cute but also incredibly tasty. Perfect for adding a whimsical touch to your Christmas cookie tray.
29. Easy Pecan Pie Bars
These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are a must-have holiday dessert. With a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, crunchy pecan filling, they are the perfect treat for any celebration. Make them ahead of time and serve them to a crowd.
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Add chocolate chips for an extra indulgence. These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or topped with ice cream and caramel sauce. Don't miss out on this decadent dessert!
30. Praline Pecans
Praline Pecans are a delicious and addictive holiday snack. Made with pecan halves coated in a sweet and crunchy sugar mixture, these praline pecans are perfect for gift baskets, party appetizers, or simply enjoying while watching your favorite Christmas movie.
They have a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing treat. These pecans can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them a convenient and tasty snack option throughout the holiday season.
31. Crockpot Ham
Crockpot Ham is a traditional bone-in ham cooked in a slow cooker and finished with a maple brown sugar glaze. It is flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
The ham is tender and moist, and the glaze adds a delicious sweetness. Overall, it is a great option for a holiday ham that is both convenient and tasty.
32. Buttery-Salted Roasted Pecans
Buttery-Salted Roasted Pecans are a delicious and easy holiday snack. Made with raw pecan halves, salted butter, and a sprinkle of salt, these pecans are roasted to perfection for a crispy and flavorful treat.
They can be enjoyed on their own or used as a tasty addition to various dishes. With simple preparation and easy storage, Buttery-Salted Roasted Pecans are a must-have for holiday snacking.
33. Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a delightful and refreshing addition to any holiday dessert spread. These cookies have a soft and chewy texture, with a burst of lemon flavor from the combination of lemon zest, juice, and extract.
Coated in powdered sugar, they have a beautiful crinkle appearance that adds a festive touch. These cookies are a crowd pleaser and are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
34. Caramel Apple Cookies
These Caramel Apple Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats. The soft and cake-like texture of the cookies perfectly complements the creamy frosting and crunchy toasted pecans.
Made with tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, these cookies offer a burst of seasonal flavors. The frosting sets quickly, so it's best to work in small batches when decorating with pecans. Overall, these cookies are a delicious and unique addition to any holiday dessert spread.
35. Brown Sugar Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Brown Sugar Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes is a delicious holiday side dish that requires only four ingredients. The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and pecans creates a slightly sweet and crunchy texture that is irresistible.
It pairs well with any kind of meat or protein, making it a perfect traditional side dish. It can also be served as a salad or enjoyed on its own. Overall, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser for the holiday season.
