10+ Holiday Recipes for Your Festive Gatherings

Holiday recipes bring warmth and joy to gatherings during special times of the year. These recipes can create memorable meals that family and friends cherish forever. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast, baking sweet treats, or crafting new traditions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Exploring different holiday recipes can inspire you and make cooking a fun adventure. From comforting classics to unique dishes, the right recipes can elevate your celebrations and impress your guests.

1) Grandma’s Red Velvet Cake

Grandma’s Red Velvet Cake is a classic favorite during the holidays. Its soft texture and rich flavor make it a delightful treat for family gatherings. The vibrant red color adds a festive touch to any table.

To make this cake, you’ll blend butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, add in eggs and vanilla extract for extra flavor. Don’t forget the buttermilk, which makes the cake moist!

Baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) helps achieve that perfect rise. Once it’s cooled, you can top it with cream cheese frosting for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Combine buttermilk and red food coloring; then add to the mixture.
5. Combine dry ingredients and blend them in.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool before frosting.

2) Silky Mashed Potatoes

Silky mashed potatoes are a must for your holiday table. They are creamy, smooth, and full of flavor. The use of butter and cream cheese makes them rich, while sour cream adds a nice tang.

Start with russet potatoes for the best texture. Boil them until tender, then mash them until there are no lumps. Adding warm milk and melted butter will help make them extra silky.

Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. These mashed potatoes can be made ahead for holiday dinners, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without any stress.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs russet potatoes
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk (warm)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
3. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.
4. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
5. Stir in cream cheese, butter, sour cream, and warm milk.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.

3) Slow-Roast Crispy Skin Duck

Slow-roast duck is a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings. The slow cooking method allows the fat to render out, making the skin perfectly crispy. You can use store-bought or wild ducks for this recipe.

For a flavorful twist, consider stuffing the duck with citrus fruits before roasting. This adds a delicious aroma and enhances the meat’s taste.

Your guests will love the combination of crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s a real showstopper on any holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 whole duck (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 oranges, cut in half
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Rub the duck with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
3. Stuff the duck with the orange halves and fresh herbs.
4. Place the duck in a roasting pan, breast side up.
5. Roast for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
6. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

4) Amaretto Cherry Pie

Amaretto Cherry Pie is a delightful twist on the classic cherry pie. The addition of amaretto adds depth and richness to the flavors. You can use fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe.

The buttery crust pairs perfectly with the sweet cherry filling. It makes a great dessert for any holiday gathering or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (prepared or store-bought)
• 4 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup amaretto
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, combine cherries, sugar, amaretto, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt.
3. Pour the cherry mixture into the pie crust.
4. Cover with a second crust, sealing the edges.
5. Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool before serving.

5) Buttery Crescent Rolls

Buttery crescent rolls are a delightful addition to any holiday meal. Their flaky, soft texture makes them a favorite for everyone at the table. You can serve them warm, straight from the oven.

To make these rolls, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Gather your supplies to create this easy treat that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 can of crescent roll dough
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles.
3. Mix butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
4. Brush the mixture onto each triangle.
5. Roll them up starting from the wide end.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

6) Charred Brussels Sprouts

Charred Brussels sprouts are a tasty side dish that adds flavor to any holiday meal. The mixture of crispy edges and tender centers makes them hard to resist. You can coat them with a delicious balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy taste.

To prepare, start by halving the Brussels sprouts. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This will give them a nice char.

For extra flavor, try adding garlic or a splash of lemon juice before serving. These sprouts make a delightful addition to your holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Optional: balsamic glaze, garlic, lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash and halve the Brussels sprouts.
3. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread them on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes until charred.
6. Add optional flavors before serving.

7) Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls

Crunchy peanut butter balls are a delicious treat for any holiday celebration. They combine creamy peanut butter with crispy rice cereal for a fun texture. These treats are easy to make and are sure to please everyone.

You can whip them up in no time with just a few ingredients. They also make great gifts when packaged nicely. Kids can even help you make these tasty snacks!

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Stir in crispy rice cereal until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or on the stove.
5. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, coating evenly.
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Chill in the fridge until set. Enjoy!

8) Fig Jam Glazed Ham

Fig Jam Glazed Ham is a delicious choice for your holiday feast. The sweet and tangy glaze adds a special touch to juicy ham, making it a favorite for many gatherings.

You start by preparing a glaze with fig jam, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of mustard. This combination creates a delightful flavor that complements the saltiness of the ham.

For cooking, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Coat the ham with the glaze before placing it in a roasting pan. Then, bake until heated through, making sure to baste with the glaze every 30 minutes for extra goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked ham (bone-in)
• 8.5 oz fig jam
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mustard

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix fig jam, balsamic vinegar, and mustard in a bowl.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan.
5. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

9) Old-World Cookies

Old-world cookies bring back memories of holiday gatherings and family traditions. These treats often use simple ingredients and time-tested techniques. Your kitchen will fill with delightful scents as you prepare these classic recipes.

One popular choice is the buttery Spritz cookies. They are easy to make and fun to decorate. Another favorite is Russian Tea Cakes, which melt in your mouth and are covered in powdered sugar.

Consider adding gingersnaps to your holiday spread for a spicy kick. They’re perfect with a warm drink.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat the butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
3. Add vanilla and salt, and mix well.
4. Gradually add flour until combined.
5. Shape cookies and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.

10) Rice Dish with Hazelnuts

This rice dish is a delightful way to add flavor to your holiday table. The combination of rice and hazelnuts creates a warm and inviting side that everyone will enjoy.

You can use wild rice or brown rice for this recipe. Both options work well and can absorb all the delicious flavors.

To make it extra special, you can add fresh herbs or dried fruits like cherries. This gives the dish a nice touch, perfect for festive occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of wild rice or brown rice
• 1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts
• 2 cups of vegetable broth or water
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.

2. In a pot, combine the rice and vegetable broth.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 17-18 minutes or until the rice is tender.

4. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped hazelnuts.

5. Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt. Add fresh herbs if desired.