The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and of course, incredible food. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, having the right recipes can turn a good meal into an unforgettable celebration. A festive feast isn’t just about the main course—it’s about the perfect blend of appetizers, sides, and desserts that create a truly magical holiday experience. Here are some must-try holiday recipes that will make your feast both memorable and delicious.
1. Herb-Buttered Roast Turkey
A holiday feast isn’t complete without a perfectly roasted turkey. This herb-buttered roast turkey is flavorful, juicy, and looks stunning on the dinner table. Start by making a butter mixture with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently lift the skin of the turkey and rub the herb butter underneath to infuse every bite with savory goodness. Roast the turkey in the oven until the skin is crispy and golden brown, while basting occasionally to keep the meat moist. Serve with gravy made from the pan drippings for the ultimate holiday centerpiece.
2. Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple
For those who prefer ham over turkey, a honey-glazed ham is a classic choice that brings both sweet and savory flavors to the table. Start with a fully cooked ham and make a glaze using honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Score the surface of the ham and stud with cloves, then brush on the glaze generously. Bake the ham, basting it with the glaze every 20 minutes. Serve it garnished with pineapple rings, which add a bright, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the glaze.
3. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a holiday essential, and adding garlic and Parmesan takes them to the next level. Start by boiling peeled potatoes until tender, then drain and mash them with butter, cream, roasted garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The result is a rich, creamy, and flavorful side dish that complements both turkey and ham perfectly. Top with a sprinkle of chives or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a staple on holiday tables, but adding cranberries and pecans elevates this side dish to festive perfection. Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until golden brown and crispy. During the last 10 minutes of roasting, add dried cranberries and toasted pecans. The cranberries add a hint of sweetness, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch. This dish is both beautiful and delicious, making it a great addition to any festive feast.
5. Savory Sausage Stuffing
No holiday dinner is complete without a flavorful stuffing, and this savory sausage stuffing is sure to be a hit. Brown crumbled sausage in a skillet, then add diced onions, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened. In a large bowl, combine cubed bread (preferably a day old), the sausage mixture, fresh herbs like sage and thyme, and chicken broth. Bake until the top is golden and crisp, while the inside remains moist and tender. The combination of sausage and herbs gives this stuffing an amazing depth of flavor that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
6. Buttery Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery dinner rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any holiday feast. These dinner rolls are fluffy, golden, and easy to make. Start by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast, allowing the mixture to become foamy. Then, mix in flour, melted butter, and a pinch of salt to form a soft dough. Let it rise until doubled in size, then shape into small balls and place them in a baking dish. After a second rise, brush the rolls with melted butter and bake until golden. Serve warm, and watch as they quickly disappear from the table.
7. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Sweet potato casserole is a holiday favorite, combining the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Boil or bake sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, brown sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract. Spread the sweet potato mixture in a baking dish and top with a mixture of chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Bake until the topping is crispy and caramelized. This dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it pairs beautifully with both turkey and ham.
8. Cranberry Orange Relish
Cranberry sauce is a must-have at any holiday feast, and this cranberry orange relish offers a fresh twist on the classic. Combine fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and a bit of sugar in a food processor, and pulse until the cranberries are finely chopped. This relish is vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet, making it the perfect accompaniment to the richness of turkey or ham. Plus, it adds a beautiful splash of color to your holiday table.
9. Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish that adds color and crunch to your holiday spread. Blanch fresh green beans until tender-crisp, then sauté them in butter with sliced almonds and minced garlic. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt. The buttery almonds add a delightful crunch, while the lemon brightens up the dish. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with all your holiday favorites.
10. Classic Pumpkin Pie
No holiday feast is complete without a delicious dessert, and pumpkin pie is a quintessential holiday treat. This classic pumpkin pie has a creamy, spiced filling that tastes like the holidays in every bite. To make it, mix canned pumpkin puree with eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a touch of cloves. Pour the filling into a prepared pie crust and bake until set. Let it cool, then serve with a dollop of whipped cream. The warm spices and creamy texture make this pie a comforting end to a festive meal.
11. Decadent Chocolate Yule Log
For something a little more elaborate, a chocolate yule log (Bûche de Noël) is a stunning dessert that will impress your guests. Start by baking a light and airy chocolate sponge cake, then spread a layer of whipped cream or chocolate ganache over the top. Roll the cake into a log shape, and frost it with more chocolate ganache. Use a fork to create bark-like lines, and decorate with powdered sugar to resemble snow. The yule log is as delicious as it is beautiful, and it makes for a spectacular holiday centerpiece.
12. Spiced Mulled Wine
To warm everyone up during the chilly holiday season, serve a pot of spiced mulled wine. Combine a bottle of red wine with sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a bit of honey or sugar. Simmer gently (don’t boil) to allow the flavors to meld together. The result is a fragrant, spiced drink that’s perfect for sipping by the fire or while exchanging holiday stories with loved ones.
13. Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a fun and festive treat that everyone loves. These cookies are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, giving them that unmistakable holiday flavor. Roll out the dough, cut into festive shapes like gingerbread men or stars, and bake until golden. You can decorate them with royal icing for an extra special touch. Not only are these cookies delicious, but making and decorating them is a wonderful holiday activity that the whole family can enjoy.
14. Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme
Roasted carrots are an easy side dish that adds a splash of color to your holiday table. Toss carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme, then roast until tender and caramelized. The honey enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, while the thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor. These roasted carrots are simple to make but taste absolutely delicious, making them a great addition to your festive feast.
15. Pecan Pie Bars
If you’re looking for an alternative to a full pecan pie, pecan pie bars are a perfect choice. They have all the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie but are easier to make and serve. Start with a shortbread crust, then top with a filling made of pecans, eggs, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Bake until set, then cut into bars. These bars are gooey, crunchy, and utterly satisfying—ideal for anyone who loves the taste of pecan pie but prefers a handheld treat.
These holiday recipes are sure to bring joy to your festive celebrations. From traditional roasts to mouthwatering desserts, each dish adds a special touch to your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate meal, these recipes will help you create a feast that everyone will remember and cherish.
