15+ Christmas Recipes to Delight Your Holiday Season

15+ Christmas Recipes to Delight Your Holiday Season

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 12 minutes

Christmas is a special time of year filled with joy, family, and delicious food. The perfect Christmas recipes can make your holiday celebrations even more memorable. From comforting dinners to sweet treats, there are countless dishes to bring warmth and cheer to your gatherings.

A cozy kitchen with a festive table set for a holiday meal, surrounded by ingredients and utensils for making Christmas recipes

As you prepare for this festive season, exploring various recipes will help you create delightful meals that everyone will love. From classics to modern twists, you’ll discover ideas that cater to different tastes and preferences.

1) Glazed Christmas Ham

A glistening glazed Christmas ham surrounded by festive garnishes and holiday decorations

A glazed Christmas ham makes a festive centerpiece for your holiday feast. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its shiny, sticky glaze. You can easily customize the glaze to suit your taste.

Try a mix of brown sugar, honey, and mustard for a sweet and savory flavor. You can also add fruit juices like orange or apple for extra sweetness.

As the ham bakes, the glaze caramelizes, creating a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
  3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, and vinegar.
  4. Brush the glaze over the ham.
  5. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

2) Classic Roast Turkey

A golden-brown roast turkey sits on a platter surrounded by sprigs of rosemary, cranberries, and roasted vegetables

A classic roast turkey is a staple dish for Christmas dinners. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a great centerpiece for your table. You’ll want to make it golden brown and juicy.

To begin, you’ll need a whole turkey. Season it well with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Stuffing the turkey with a savory mix adds flavor too.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roast the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This will ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage)
  • Stuffing (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Season the turkey inside and out.
  3. Stuff the turkey if desired.
  4. Place in the oven and roast.
  5. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Let it rest before carving.

3) Gingerbread Cookies

A cozy kitchen with a vintage oven, flour-dusted countertops, and a tray of freshly baked gingerbread cookies cooling on a wire rack

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat. They are perfect for decorating and sharing with family and friends. The warm spices and sweet molasses create a delightful flavor that everyone loves.

To make these cookies, you will need ingredients like flour, sugar, ginger, and cinnamon. They are great for cutouts and can be shaped into fun designs.

Bake them until they are soft in the centers and slightly crisp on the edges. You can even add a sweet glaze or icing for decoration.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
  4. Add molasses and egg, then mix until smooth.
  5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and combine.
  6. Roll the dough into shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly firm.
  8. Let them cool before decorating.

4) Eggnog Cheesecake

A festive table with a decadent eggnog cheesecake surrounded by holiday decorations and twinkling lights

Eggnog cheesecake is a delightful holiday dessert. It combines the creamy taste of cheesecake with the flavors of eggnog. The rich filling makes it a perfect treat for Christmas gatherings.

You’ll enjoy the gingersnap crust, which adds a lovely spice to each bite. Topped with whipped cream, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests.

This dessert is easy to make and will stand out on any holiday table.

Ingredients

  • 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup eggnog
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 gingersnap crust

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  3. Add eggnog, flour, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
  4. Pour the mixture into the gingersnap crust.
  5. Bake for 55-60 minutes. Let it cool before serving.

5) Stuffed Pork Loin

A festive table setting with a succulent stuffed pork loin as the centerpiece, surrounded by seasonal vegetables and garnished with herbs

Stuffed pork loin is a festive and tasty choice for your Christmas dinner. You can fill it with a mix of flavors that will impress your guests. Try combinations like apples, cranberries, and pecans for a sweet and savory dish.

Another option is to use bacon, garlic, and spinach for a rich and hearty flavor. You could also go for a traditional stuffing with herbs and prosciutto to elevate the dish.

Cooking it at 375°F (190°C) will give you a beautifully browned and juicy pork loin. Make sure to let it rest before slicing for the best results.

Ingredients

  • 1 pork loin
  • 1 cup chopped apples
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Butterfly the pork loin to create an opening for stuffing.
  3. Mix the apples, cranberries, and pecans in a bowl.
  4. Stuff the pork loin with the mixture and secure it with kitchen twine.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Roast in the oven for about 45-60 minutes.
  7. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

6) Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

A platter of crab stuffed mushrooms surrounded by festive holiday decorations

Crab stuffed mushrooms make a delicious addition to your Christmas spread. They are easy to prepare and always a hit at gatherings. You can use fresh crab meat or canned crab, depending on your preference.

For the stuffing, mix crabmeat with cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and some fresh herbs like parsley. Adding garlic and lemon juice enhances the flavor.

Fill each mushroom cap with the mixture and bake until golden. This usually takes about 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Serve them warm for the best taste.

Ingredients

  • 16 large mushrooms
  • 1 cup lump crab meat
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
  3. In a bowl, mix crab meat, cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, and garlic.
  4. Fill each mushroom cap with the crab mixture.
  5. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.

7) Pumpkin Soup

A steaming bowl of pumpkin soup surrounded by cinnamon sticks and a festive sprig of holly on a rustic wooden table

Pumpkin soup is a cozy dish that warms you up during the festive season. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. You can use either fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin for convenience.

To make this soup, you’ll need to roast the pumpkin for extra flavor. Blend it with your favorite spices, and you’ll have a delightful bowl ready in no time. This soup pairs well with sandwiches or salads.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium pumpkin (about 2 kg)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • Optional: spices like cinnamon or nutmeg

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Brush the pumpkin with olive oil and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender.
  4. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
  5. Add the roasted pumpkin, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
  6. Blend until smooth and serve hot.

8) Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

A sizzling pan of Brussels sprouts and bacon, surrounded by festive holiday decorations

Brussels sprouts with bacon is a tasty side dish for your Christmas dinner. The savory flavor of crispy bacon adds a lovely touch to roasted sprouts. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare.

Start by roasting fresh Brussels sprouts until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. Then, toss them with cooked bacon pieces for that smoky goodness. Optionally, you can add some nuts or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.

This dish pairs well with many holiday meals. It’s sure to impress your family and friends at the table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
  4. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
  5. Mix the bacon with the roasted Brussels sprouts before serving.

9) Prime Rib Roast

A beautifully garnished prime rib roast surrounded by festive Christmas decorations

A prime rib roast is a delicious centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. This tender cut of beef is known for its rich flavor and juicy texture. Preparing it might sound tricky, but it’s simpler than you think.

To start, you will need some basic ingredients like a 6-pound boneless prime rib roast, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and kosher salt. These will create a tasty seasoning for the meat.

Cooking the roast involves preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) for the first hour and then lowering it to 350°F (175°C) for the remaining time. This method helps create a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

Ingredients

  • 6-pound boneless prime rib roast
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Mix horseradish and mustard.
  3. Rub the mixture on the roast.
  4. Season with kosher salt.
  5. Roast for 60 minutes at 450°F (230°C).
  6. Lower temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for an additional 120 minutes.

10) Cranberry Sauce

A festive table setting with a bowl of cranberry sauce surrounded by holiday decorations and twinkling lights

Cranberry sauce is a classic side dish for Christmas dinner. It adds a delightful touch of sweetness and tartness to your meal. You can easily make it from fresh or frozen cranberries.

To prepare, combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Then, cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

You can also add spices like cinnamon or orange juice for extra flavor. Enjoy this sauce warm or cold alongside your favorite holiday foods!

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup (200g) sugar
  • 1 cup (250ml) water
  • Optional: cinnamon or orange juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
  2. Heat over medium until it boils.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

11) Mulled Wine

A cozy holiday scene with a steaming pot of mulled wine surrounded by cinnamon sticks, cloves, and oranges. Twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere complete the setting

Mulled wine is a warm, spiced drink perfect for the holidays. It’s easy to make and fills your home with delightful aromas. You can enjoy it at gatherings or cozy nights in.

To make your mulled wine, gather a few ingredients. Use red wine for a rich flavor and add spices like cinnamon and cloves. Fresh citrus, like oranges, adds brightness.

You can prepare it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for convenience. Just heat the ingredients gently to let the flavors blend. Serve it warm in mugs for a comforting treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 bottles of red wine (750 milliliters each)
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 piece of fresh ginger (3 inches), peeled
  • 10-20 whole cloves
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a pot, combine wine, orange slices, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
  2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
  3. Heat gently over medium heat. Do not boil.
  4. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy!

12) Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A rustic wooden bowl filled with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary, sits on a festive holiday table

Garlic mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish that goes well with many holiday meals. The creamy texture and rich garlic flavor make them a favorite on festive tables.

You can make them easily with just a few ingredients. Start with Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for the best results. Roasting garlic gives it a sweet and mellow taste that adds depth.

For a creamy finish, mix in butter and warm milk. You can also customize your dish with herbs for extra flavor. These mashed potatoes will surely impress your guests.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes
  • 1 head of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the top off the garlic head and drizzle with olive oil. Then, wrap in foil and roast for 30-35 minutes.
  3. Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Drain potatoes and mash them in a bowl.
  5. Squeeze the roasted garlic into the potatoes.
  6. Add butter and milk, mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

13) Spinach and Artichoke Dip

A festive table spread with a warm, golden-brown spinach and artichoke dip in a decorative dish, surrounded by colorful holiday decorations

Spinach and artichoke dip is a delicious, creamy appetizer perfect for your Christmas gathering. It combines fresh spinach, artichokes, and cheese to create a flavorful dip that everyone will enjoy.

You can make it using cream cheese and mayonnaise for a rich texture. Adding garlic and seasonings enhances the taste even more. Serve it warm with chips or bread for dipping.

This dish is not just tasty; it’s also easy to prepare. You can whip it up in no time, making it a fantastic option for last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 1 block cream cheese
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1 cup chopped artichokes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or parmesan)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
  3. Add spinach, artichokes, cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish and spread evenly.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve warm.

14) Yule Log Cake

A festive Yule log cake surrounded by holly, berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar

The Yule Log Cake, or Bûche de Noël, is a delightful Christmas dessert. It resembles a log and brings festive charm to your table. This cake features a soft chocolate sponge, filled with creamy goodness.

You can fill it with mascarpone whipped cream or cocoa hazelnut whipped cream for extra flavor. The whole cake is then rolled and coated in a rich chocolate ganache.

This dessert not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful when decorated. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can mimic snow, adding to its festive look.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whipped cream

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
  4. Spread batter in a greased baking pan.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Roll the cake in a clean towel while warm.
  7. Once cool, fill and frost with whipped cream and ganache.

15) Pecan Pie

A rustic kitchen table with a freshly baked pecan pie surrounded by festive holiday decorations

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that many love during the holidays. Its rich and sweet filling, along with crunchy pecans, makes it a favorite for many families. The flaky crust adds the perfect touch.

To make pecan pie, you’ll need simple ingredients that are easy to find. It’s a fun recipe that you can enjoy making with your loved ones.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups corn syrup (1/2 dark and 1/2 light)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 1 unbaked pie crust

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
  3. Stir in the chopped pecans.
  4. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
  5. Bake for 60-70 minutes until set.
  6. Let cool before serving.

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