Christmas is a time for everyone to get together and have a good time. Whether it is just a few close friends or the entire extended family, everyone loves having a big Christmas spread. There will be food to enjoy and warm and friendly company to share it with. The 25 recipes in this guide include a large variety of foods and drink, from show stopping mains to little finger food and boozy sips. You don't have to do them all, just a few will do to have people talking about your gathering for a long time.
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1) Roast Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
The gorgeous centerpiece that makes everyone grab their phones before they grab their forks.
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Roast Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
A juicy roast turkey covered in a glaze with a sweet and tangy cranberry flavor.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and pat the turkey dry.
- Rub the butter and herbs all over the skin and season generously.
- Roast for about 2.5 hours, basting every 45 minutes.
- Whisk the cranberry sauce with orange juice into a glaze.
- Brush the glaze over the turkey and roast 30 more minutes until 165 degrees inside.
- Rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Notes
Tent with foil if the skin browns too fast.
2) Gingerbread Snowflakes
Crisp and spiced cutout cookies that also make the cutest edible table decorations!
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the molasses.
- Mix in the flour, ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to form a dough.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then roll it out on a floured surface.
- Cut into snowflake shapes and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes until set.
- Cool completely, then decorate with white royal icing.
Notes
Let the icing dry fully before stacking the cookies.
3) Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes
A side dish that has a dessert-like taste yet deserves to be right beside the turkey.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Toss the sweet potato cubes with melted butter, cinnamon, and salt.
- Roast for 25 minutes, stirring once, until tender.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and scatter the pecans on top.
- Roast 8 to 10 more minutes until caramelized and the pecans are toasted.
- Serve warm in a festive bowl.
Notes
Toast the pecans first if you want them extra crunchy.
4) Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Rolls
Bursting with a tasty, and jammy filling, these rolls vanish in seconds.
Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Rolls
Cranberry sauce and gooey brie cheese wrapped in a flaky phyllo pastry.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Brush a phyllo sheet with butter and layer a second sheet on top.
- Cut into strips and place a strip of brie and a spoon of cranberry at one end.
- Roll each up tightly, brushing the edge with butter to seal.
- Place seam-side down, brush with butter, and sprinkle with thyme.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and crisp.
Notes
Keep the phyllo covered with a damp towel so it doesn't dry out.
5) Classic Beef Wellington
Your secret's safe with us! This dish will have your guests thinking you went to culinary school!
Classic Beef Wellington
Delicately wrapped in a golden puff pastry, the tender beef tenderloin is complemented by a delightful mushroom duxelles.
Ingredients
Method
- Sear the seasoned tenderloin on all sides, then chill it.
- Cook the mushrooms down into a dry paste and let cool.
- Lay out the prosciutto, spread the mushrooms, and wrap the beef tightly.
- Wrap the bundle in puff pastry and seal the edges well.
- Brush with beaten egg and score the top.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 35 to 40 minutes, then rest before slicing.
Notes
Rest 10 minutes before slicing so the juices stay put.
6) Baked Brie with Rosemary
A wheel of warm cheese bubbles and literally begs the entire room to gather around.
Baked Brie with Rosemary
A wheel of brie, baked until gooey, and topped with honey and fresh rosemary.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place the brie in a small baking dish.
- Score the top rind in a crosshatch pattern.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with rosemary and walnuts.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until soft and gooey in the center.
- Serve immediately with sliced baguette for dipping.
Notes
Serve right away while it's still warm and melty.
7) Pomegranate and Mint Gin Fizz
It looks and tastes like Christmas in a jar and comes in a fun jewel-toned color!
Pomegranate and Mint Gin Fizz
A refreshing gin drink with mint and pomegranate.
Ingredients
Method
- Add the gin, pomegranate juice, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into two ice-filled glasses.
- Top each with club soda.
- Garnish with fresh mint and a few pomegranate seeds and serve.
Notes
Gently muddle the mint for an even fresher flavor.
8) Herb-crusted Prime Rib
It elevates any dinner making it a special event the moment you carve into the roast.
Herb-crusted Prime Rib
A juicy prime rib roast with a cripsy garlic and herb crust!
Ingredients
Method
- Let the roast sit at room temperature for an hour and pat it dry.
- Mix the garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a paste.
- Rub the herb paste all over the roast.
- Sear at 450 degrees F for 20 minutes, then lower to 325.
- Roast until medium-rare, about 90 minutes, checking for 130 degrees inside.
- Rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
A meat thermometer is the only way to nail the doneness.
9) Butternut Squash and Sage Tart
A refined vegetable-centered dish that can compete with any roast dish served on the table.
Butternut Squash and Sage Tart
A flaky tart layered with sweet roasted butternut squash and crispy sage.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and lay the puff pastry on a baking sheet.
- Score a border around the edge and spread goat cheese inside it.
- Arrange the squash slices over the cheese in an overlapping pattern.
- Brush with olive oil and tuck in the sage leaves.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the pastry is golden and the squash is tender.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
Slice the squash thin so it cooks through by the time the pastry browns.
10) Garlic Butter Green Beans
A fresh and snappy side to help lighten the overall feel at the table.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Garlic butter coated green beans with a tender-crisp texture.
Ingredients
Method
- Blanch the green beans in salted boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
- Toss in the green beans and saute for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice, salt, and slivered almonds.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Shock the beans in ice water after blanching to keep them bright green.
11) Spiced Eggnog
Thick and super creamy! Once you try this, you will never go back to the carton kind.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- Warm the milk with the nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon in a saucepan.
- Slowly whisk the warm milk into the yolks to temper them.
- Return everything to the pan and cook gently until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cream and vanilla, then chill thoroughly.
- Serve cold with a grating of nutmeg on top.
Notes
Keep the heat low so the eggs don't scramble.
12) Mini Pavlovas with Berries
Crisp on the outside, filling inside, and as light as snow in December!
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Mini Pavlovas with Berries
Meringue nests with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Beat the egg whites to soft peaks, then add the sugar gradually until glossy.
- Fold in the vinegar, then spoon 8 nests onto the parchment.
- Bake for 60 minutes, then turn off the oven and let them cool inside.
- Top each cooled nest with whipped cream and berries.
- Serve right away so they stay crisp.
Notes
Let the meringues cool fully in the turned-off oven to prevent cracking.
13) Mulled Wine
Just one pot on the stove and your entire home instantly gets the holiday spirit.
Mulled Wine
Warm spiced red wine with a hint of honey, and infused with citrus and cinnamon.
Ingredients
Method
- Pour the red wine into a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and honey.
- Bring to a gentle simmer without letting it boil.
- Simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes to infuse the spices.
- Strain and serve warm in mugs with a fresh orange slice.
Notes
A handful of cranberries makes it even more festive.
14) Traditional Plum Pudding
An ancient world showstopper that earns the agony of a slow steam!
Traditional Plum Pudding
A steamy pudding that is dense and has warm spices along with dried fruits and packed with loads of spice.
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the butter and brown sugar together until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, then fold in the breadcrumbs, flour, and spices.
- Stir in the dried fruit until evenly distributed.
- Spoon into a greased pudding basin and cover tightly with foil.
- Steam over simmering water for about 3 hours, topping up the water as needed.
- Let it rest before turning out and serving warm with sauce.
Notes
Steam it ahead and reheat on the day, since it only improves with time.
15) Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tartlets
Little bites of sweet onion and nutty cheese that disappear from the tray.
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tartlets
Buttery pastry cups filled with sweet-and-sour caramelized onions and melty gruyere.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the onions in butter over low heat until deeply caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Cut the puff pastry into squares and press into the tin cups.
- Spoon the caramelized onions into each cup and top with gruyere.
- Sprinkle with thyme and bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly, then lift out and serve warm.
Notes
Caramelize the onions low and slow for the sweetest flavor.
16) Candy Cane Peppermint Bark
Crunchy and minty, this is the simplest homemade gift that you may want to keep.
Candy Cane Peppermint Bark
Crushed candy canes on top of layers of dark and white chocolate.
Ingredients
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the melted dark chocolate into an even layer and chill until set.
- Stir the peppermint extract into the white chocolate and spread it on top.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes and a pinch of salt over the white layer.
- Chill until completely firm, about 30 minutes.
- Break into shards and serve.
Notes
Let the dark layer set before adding the white so they don't blend.
17) Rosemary Roasted Nuts
It's warm and herby! You won't be able to stop snacking while waiting for dinner!
Rosemary Roasted Nuts
Nuts that are combined and roasted along with fresh rosemary and butter with a little bit of spice.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Toss the nuts with melted butter, rosemary, brown sugar, cayenne, and salt.
- Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and toasted.
- Let cool slightly so they crisp up.
- Serve warm in a festive bowl.
Notes
Watch them closely near the end since nuts go from toasted to burnt fast.
18) Cherry and Almond Mince Pies
Even those who are unsure about mince pies are coming around to a fruity variation on the traditional recipe.
Cherry and Almond Mince Pies
Buttery pastry pies with almond and cherry mincemeat fillings.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a muffin tin.
- Roll out the pastry and cut rounds to line each cup.
- Stir the dried cherries into the mincemeat and spoon it into each shell.
- Top with smaller pastry lids or a sprinkle of sliced almonds.
- Brush with beaten egg and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly before lifting out.
Notes
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
19) Cranberry Orange Relish
This little side dish is bright and zippy! It will cut right through all of the rich holiday food.
Cranberry Orange Relish
A new orange sauce with cranberries is a fresh no-cook relish.
Ingredients
Method
- Add the cranberries and quartered orange to a food processor.
- Pulse until coarsely chopped but still chunky.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir in the sugar, zest, and cinnamon.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Stir again and serve chilled.
Notes
Make it a day ahead so the flavors have time to mellow.
20) Bûche de Noël
Even though the classic yule log appears to be time-consuming, it's really just a fun roll-and-fill.
Bûche de Noël
A chocolate sponge cake rolled up with cream, and then frosted to look like a log.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a jelly roll pan with parchment.
- Beat the eggs and sugar until thick, then fold in the flour and cocoa.
- Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Turn the warm sponge onto a towel and roll it up to cool.
- Unroll, spread with whipped cream, and roll it back up.
- Frost with chocolate buttercream and rake lines to mimic bark.
Notes
Roll the sponge while it's still warm so it doesn't crack.
21) Eggnog Cheesecake
Creamy and spiced, this dessert features a slice that makes the whole dessert table worth the wait!
Eggnog Cheesecake
A buttery graham crust holds a smooth eggnog-spiced cheesecake.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and press the crumbs and butter into a springform pan.
- Beat the cream cheese with sugar until completely smooth.
- Blend in the eggnog and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- Pour over the crust and bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the center barely jiggles.
- Cool, then chill at least 4 hours before slicing.
Notes
Chill it overnight for the cleanest, creamiest slices.
22) Smoked Salmon and Dill Blinis
Small, sophisticated, bites that will make your guests feel luxurious with little effort on your part.
Smoked Salmon and Dill Blinis
Smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and dill on mini buckwheat pancakes.
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the blinis briefly in a dry skillet or low oven.
- Spread a small dollop of creme fraiche on each one.
- Drape a curl of smoked salmon over the top.
- Sprinkle with fresh dill and a little lemon zest.
- Arrange on a platter and serve right away.
Notes
Assemble these just before guests arrive so the blinis stay soft.
23) Chocolate Mousse Cups
After a big meal, having little spoonfuls of this chocolate treat feels heavenly.
Chocolate Mousse Cups
Individual cups of whipped cream and light, fluffy chocolate mousse.
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the dark chocolate and let it cool slightly.
- Whip the cream with the sugar and vanilla to soft peaks.
- Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the mousse into small serving cups.
- Chill for at least 2 hours until set.
- Top with chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
Fold gently to keep the mousse light and airy.
24) Holiday Spiced Nuts
Sweet and crunchy, who can resist these snacks? They’ll have you coming back for more and more!
Holiday Spiced Nuts
Cinnamon sugar nuts with added warmth from the holiday spices!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Whisk the egg white until frothy and toss the nuts to coat.
- Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and cloves, then toss with the nuts.
- Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, stirring twice, until crisp and dry.
- Cool completely so the coating hardens.
Notes
Break up any clusters while they cool so they don't stick together.
25) Goat Cheese and Fig Crostini
These elegant bites end the list perfectly with their sweet, tangy and crunchy flavor.
Goat Cheese and Fig Crostini
The slices of toasted baguette with goat cheese and fig jam.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and toast for 6 to 8 minutes until crisp.
- Spread each toast with a smear of goat cheese.
- Top with a spoonful of fig jam.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
- Arrange on a platter and serve.
Notes
Toast the bread just before topping so it stays crisp.