The most wonderful time of the year has finally arrived! As we dive into the festive season, our taste buds start to tingle with anticipation for the delicious meals and treats that come with it. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or simply want to impress your loved ones with some mouth-watering goodies, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share 18 irresistible holiday recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
From classic roast turkey with herb butter to decadent pecan pie with bourbon, and from creamy green bean casserole to sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, our list has something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s get cooking!
Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
A timeless holiday tradition, this recipe yields a perfectly roasted turkey with a rich and flavorful herb butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together butter, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Loosely fill the turkey cavity with aromatics such as onion, carrot, and celery.
5. Rub the herb butter all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
6. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
7. Roast the turkey for about 4-4 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-4 1/2 hours
Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan
Elevate your mashed potatoes with the pungency of garlic and the nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. This simple recipe is a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the minced garlic, butter, milk or heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they’re smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
A comforting side dish perfect for any occasion, this creamy green bean casserole is a twist on the classic. With its rich and savory flavor profile, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crushed crackers (e.g., Ritz or saltines)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté green beans, onion, and garlic in butter until tender.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the cooked green bean mixture to the soup mixture; stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and crushed crackers.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple
This classic glazed ham recipe gets a tropical twist with the addition of caramelized pineapple rings, creating a sweet and savory combination that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch rings
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Arrange pineapple rings on top of the ham, securing with toothpicks if needed.
6. Dot the top of the ham with butter.
7. Bake for 2-1/2 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 130°F (54°C).
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic cranberry sauce, this recipe adds a burst of citrus flavor from freshly grated orange zest. Perfect for topping turkey, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated orange zest.
5. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: A Classic Southern Comfort Dish
This sweet and savory casserole is a staple of many holiday gatherings, featuring tender sweet potatoes, crunchy marshmallows, and a crispy pecan topping. It’s an easy-to-make side dish that’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
3. Stir in melted butter until smooth.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with marshmallows, pecans, and brown sugar.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Decadent Pecan Pie with Bourbon
This indulgent pecan pie recipe combines the nutty flavor of pecans, the richness of butter, and the smoothness of bourbon to create a truly decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Stir in pecan halves and bourbon whiskey (if using).
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Pour pecan mixture into the pie crust.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rich Eggnog Cheesecake
Experience the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and rich eggnog flavors with this decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups eggnog
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs and sugar, then adding melted butter until well combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
5. Pour cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Spiced Mulled Wine
As the cold winter nights approach, a glass of spiced mulled wine is just what you need to cozy up and unwind. This recipe combines rich red wine with warming spices to create a delightful and comforting beverage.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle (750ml) of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the red wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the sliced orange and lemon to the pot.
5. If desired, add honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Traditional Gingerbread Cookies
Warm up with a classic treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. These chewy cookies are infused with the spicy warmth of ginger and sweet spices, making them a delightful addition to any cookie exchange or gift basket.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Add water as needed.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Festive Peppermint Bark
Get ready to impress your holiday guests with this easy-to-make Festive Peppermint Bark recipe! This classic treat gets a festive twist with the addition of crushed candy canes and red and green sprinkles.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
– 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
– 1 tablespoon shortening (like Crisco)
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Stir in the crushed candy canes and red and green sprinkles.
4. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
6. Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the white chocolate layer.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until set.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including melting time)
Savory Sausage Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meals with this flavorful stuffing recipe featuring savory sausage and a blend of aromatic herbs. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. In a separate pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. Combine cooked sausage, bread, chicken broth, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
5. Mix well to combine, then transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Dot top with butter and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Elevate your side dish game with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts with the smoky goodness of bacon.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, leaving some space between each halved sprout.
4. Scatter the bacon pieces over the Brussels sprouts.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sprouts are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
6. If desired, add chicken broth or water during the last 5 minutes of roasting to enhance flavor and moisture.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with this creamy and satisfying recipe that combines tender potatoes, savory cheese, and a hint of buttery flavor.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer.
3. Dot the potatoes with butter, then sprinkle with cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
4. Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining potatoes, then the remaining cheese.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Apple Cider Glazed Carrots
These sweet and sticky carrots are the perfect side dish for a cozy fall dinner party or a simple weeknight meal. The apple cider glaze adds a depth of flavor and a pop of color to the vibrant orange carrots.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrots with butter until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
5. While the carrots are roasting, combine apple cider and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the carrots from the oven and brush with the apple cider glaze.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.
Warm Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Warm Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe
Transform leftover cinnamon rolls into a decadent bread pudding infused with warm spices and topped with a crispy, caramelized crust.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 stale cinnamon rolls, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter; whisk until smooth.
4. Add bread cubes and stir until well coated.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow bread to absorb the liquid.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chocolate Yule Log Cake
Create a show-stopping holiday dessert with this classic chocolate yule log cake recipe. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, this moist and rich cake is shaped like a festive log and adorned with creamy frosting and holly sprigs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (235ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before spreading with chocolate frosting and decorating with holly sprigs.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Vanilla Bean Snowflake Sugar Cookies
These delicate sugar cookies are infused with the warm, comforting flavor of vanilla bean and topped with a light dusting of snow-white powdered sugar. Perfect for a winter wonderland celebration or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup milk
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a holiday culinary extravaganza! This collection of 18 irresistible recipes will guide you through a festive feast filled with classic and modern twists. From savory dishes like Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Savory Sausage Stuffing to sweet treats like Pecan Pie with Bourbon and Chocolate Yule Log Cake, there’s something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss the creative takes on traditional holiday fare, such as Creamy Green Bean Casserole and Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. These mouthwatering recipes are sure to become new family favorites.
