19 Easy Christmas Recipes for Feeding a Crowd

19 Easy Christmas Recipes for Feeding a Crowd

By Sara Taylor

19 Easy Christmas Recipes for Feeding a Crowd

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
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Recipes

When the entire family is coming over, it is helpful to have recipes that are easy to prepare and easy to scale up. These nineteen simple recipes cover appetizers, side dishes, main courses, desserts, and even drinks, so you will have everything you need. All of the recipes are make-ahead, so you will not have to struggle preparing the food while enjoying your party. Let's make sure we have food for everyone.

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1) Festive Cranberry Meatballs

glossy cranberry meatballs with toothpicks in a wide horizontal shot, in a rustic slow cooker crock with parsley garnish on a holiday appetizer table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet and tangy, these disappear off the appetizer table every single year!

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glossy cranberry meatballs with toothpicks in a wide horizontal shot, in a rustic slow cooker crock with parsley garnish on a holiday appetizer table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Festive Cranberry Meatballs

Meatballs cooked in a soft, shiny sauce made from cranberries and chili that is perfectly sweet and a little spicy. It's a sauce that you'll want to have over and over again!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb frozen meatballs
  • 14 oz cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Whisk the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and garlic powder in a large pot.
  2. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Add the meatballs and stir to coat them well.
  4. Cover and simmer 25-30 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
  5. Transfer to a slow cooker on warm and serve with toothpicks.

Notes

Hold them on the warm setting so they stay party-ready all night.

2) Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves

warm baked brie topped with golden apricot preserves and almonds in a wide horizontal shot, oozing onto a wooden board with crackers and grapes on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Melty, gooey, and elegant with hardly any work involved — this is your kind of appetizer!

warm baked brie topped with golden apricot preserves and almonds in a wide horizontal shot, oozing onto a wooden board with crackers and grapes on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves

Warm baked brie cheese is topped with apricot preserves and toasted almonds. It is ready to be enjoyed with crackers.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 wheel brie
  • 0.33 cup apricot preserves
  • 0.25 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and place the brie in a small baking dish.
  2. Bake the brie for 12-15 minutes until soft and gooey inside.
  3. Warm the apricot preserves with the honey until pourable.
  4. Spoon the apricot mixture over the warm brie.
  5. Top with toasted almonds and thyme, and serve with crackers.

3) Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots

caramelized honey-garlic roasted carrots in a wide horizontal shot, on a sheet pan glistening with glaze and fresh parsley on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Easy as pie, you can make a whole sheet pan of these tasty, glazed treats!

caramelized honey-garlic roasted carrots in a wide horizontal shot, on a sheet pan glistening with glaze and fresh parsley on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots

Whole carrots roasted until caramelized and tender in a honey-garlic glaze.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb carrots peeled
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp butter melted
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425F and line a large baking sheet.
  2. Toss the carrots with olive oil, garlic, melted butter, honey, and salt.
  3. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  4. Roast 25-30 minutes, tossing once, until caramelized and tender.
  5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.

4) Maple Mustard Ham Glaze

a glossy maple-mustard glazed ham in a wide horizontal shot, on a serving platter with caramelized shine and rosemary sprigs on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

An easy method for transforming a simple ham into a table centerpiece.

a glossy maple-mustard glazed ham in a wide horizontal shot, on a serving platter with caramelized shine and rosemary sprigs on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Maple Mustard Ham Glaze

A sweet and tangy maple mustard glaze is brushed onto the ham and caramelizes to make a sticky shine.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 0.5 cup maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp ground cloves

Method
 

  1. Whisk the maple syrup, Dijon, brown sugar, vinegar, and cloves in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer over medium heat, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Brush half the glaze over a warm ham and bake 15 minutes.
  4. Brush with the remaining glaze and bake another 15 minutes until sticky.
  5. Spoon any extra glaze over slices before serving.

Notes

Make a double batch — people always want extra to drizzle.

5) Gingerbread Trifle

a layered gingerbread trifle in a wide horizontal shot, in a tall glass bowl showing cream and caramel layers with gingersnap crumbs on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

There are no baking worries as you showcase a glass bowl layered with spice cake, cream, and caramel.

a layered gingerbread trifle in a wide horizontal shot, in a tall glass bowl showing cream and caramel layers with gingersnap crumbs on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Gingerbread Trifle

A towering gingerbread trifle with layers of whipped cream, caramel and warm spiced cake cubes.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gingerbread cake cubed
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 0.33 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup gingersnap crumbs

Method
 

  1. Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to soft peaks.
  2. Layer half the gingerbread cubes in the bottom of a trifle bowl.
  3. Add a layer of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel.
  4. Repeat with the remaining cake, cream, and caramel.
  5. Top with gingersnap crumbs and chill at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Assemble a few hours ahead so the flavors meld.

6) Parmesan Garlic Potatoes

crispy parmesan garlic baby potatoes in a wide horizontal shot, on a sheet pan with golden cheesy edges and parsley on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheesy crispy edges potatoes that feed a crowd and cost almost nothing!

crispy parmesan garlic baby potatoes in a wide horizontal shot, on a sheet pan with golden cheesy edges and parsley on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Parmesan Garlic Potatoes

Baby potatoes roasted until golden brown and mixed with garlic, herbs, and a crunchy coating of parmesan cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb baby potatoes halved
  • 0.5 cup parmesan grated
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425F and toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spread cut-side down on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast 25 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
  4. Sprinkle with parmesan and roast 8-10 more minutes until melted and crusty.
  5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

7) Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

eggnog cheesecake bars dusted with nutmeg in a wide horizontal shot, cut into squares on a white plate with a cinnamon stick on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

All that eggnog cheesecake magic, now cut into easy squares and ready to serve a big crowd!

eggnog cheesecake bars dusted with nutmeg in a wide horizontal shot, cut into squares on a white plate with a cinnamon stick on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake bars with creamy eggnog and spice on a buttery graham cracker crust and sprinkled with nutmeg.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.33 cup butter melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 0.66 cup eggnog
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg

Method
 

  1. Mix the graham crumbs and melted butter, press into a parchment-lined 9x13 pan, and bake at 325F for 10 minutes.
  2. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  3. Blend in the eggnog, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg.
  4. Pour over the crust and bake at 325F for 30-35 minutes until just set.
  5. Cool completely, then chill at least 3 hours.
  6. Dust with nutmeg and cut into bars.

Notes

Chill fully for clean, sliceable squares.

8) Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles in a wide horizontal shot, lined up on a sheet pan with caramelized edges on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It's salty and crispy, with a surprisingly nice appearance for how easy it is to prepare.

crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles in a wide horizontal shot, lined up on a sheet pan with caramelized edges on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Tender asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon and roasted until golden.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb asparagus trimmed
  • 12 slices bacon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Bundle 3-4 asparagus spears together and wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon.
  3. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle with brown sugar and pepper.
  5. Roast 22-25 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender.

9) Peppermint Bark Fudge

peppermint bark fudge squares in a wide horizontal shot, stacked on a white plate with crushed candy canes and a red ribbon on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Creamy chocolate fudge with a crunchy candy cane topping! WOW! You would want to make a giant batch so you can share with friends and family.

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peppermint bark fudge squares in a wide horizontal shot, stacked on a white plate with crushed candy canes and a red ribbon on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Peppermint Bark Fudge

Decadent chocolate fudge with white chocolate and crushed peppermint candy on top.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup crushed peppermint candy
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment.
  2. Melt the semisweet chips with the condensed milk, peppermint extract, and salt until smooth.
  3. Spread the chocolate fudge into the pan.
  4. Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the top, swirling lightly.
  5. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint and press it in gently.
  6. Chill at least 2 hours, then cut into squares.

10) Sweet Potato Casserole

sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan topping in a wide horizontal shot, in a large baking dish with a scoop served on a plate on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The classic dessert that's so good everyone scrapes the bowl clean!

sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan topping in a wide horizontal shot, in a large baking dish with a scoop served on a plate on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet Potato Casserole

Mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping with brown sugar.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups sweet potatoes cooked and mashed
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.33 cup butter melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecans chopped
  • 0.33 cup flour
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a large baking dish.
  2. Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with 0.25 cup brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
  3. Spread into the baking dish.
  4. Combine the pecans, remaining brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the topping.
  5. Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potatoes.
  6. Bake 30-35 minutes until set and golden on top.

11) Pomegranate Brussels Sprouts

crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with pomegranate seeds and balsamic glaze in a wide horizontal shot, in a rustic bowl with toasted pecans on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Even skeptics will come around to these crispy roasted sprouts with little ruby jewels.

crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with pomegranate seeds and balsamic glaze in a wide horizontal shot, in a rustic bowl with toasted pecans on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pomegranate Brussels Sprouts

Pomegranate seeds and a rich balsamic glaze top crispy roasted brussels sprouts.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb Brussels sprouts halved
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 3 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 0.33 cup pecans toasted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425F and toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spread cut-side down on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast 25-30 minutes until crispy and deeply browned.
  4. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  5. Toss with pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans, then serve.

12) Chocolate Yule Log

a chocolate yule log cake with bark-textured frosting and powdered sugar snow in a wide horizontal shot, on a long platter with cranberries and rosemary on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It looks like a masterpiece from a bakery, and even better, it tastes amazing. Plus, it’s easier to make than you think!

a chocolate yule log cake with bark-textured frosting and powdered sugar snow in a wide horizontal shot, on a long platter with cranberries and rosemary on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chocolate Yule Log

A rolled chocolate sponge cake with whipped cream filling and chocolate frosting to resemble a snowy log.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 eggs separated
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 0.33 cup cocoa powder
  • 0.25 cup flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 0.33 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 6 oz chocolate ganache

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a jelly-roll pan with parchment.
  2. Beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale, then fold in the cocoa and flour.
  3. Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold them in.
  4. Spread into the pan and bake 10-12 minutes, then roll up warm in a towel to cool.
  5. Whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla, unroll the cake, and spread the filling.
  6. Re-roll the cake, frost with ganache, drag a fork for bark texture, and chill 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Rolling the cake while it's still warm prevents cracking.

13) Balsamic Glazed Roast Beef

sliced balsamic-glazed roast beef with a rosy center in a wide horizontal shot, fanned on a platter with rosemary and a carving knife on an elegant holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A beautiful, succulent roast that has a wonderfully sweet and tangy crust and cuts beautifully.

sliced balsamic-glazed roast beef with a rosy center in a wide horizontal shot, fanned on a platter with rosemary and a carving knife on an elegant holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Balsamic Glazed Roast Beef

A delightful roast beef with a balsamic-herb glaze, cooked to perfection at medium-rare.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lb beef roast
  • 0.33 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 450F and pat the roast dry.
  2. Whisk the balsamic, Dijon, garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a paste.
  3. Rub the paste all over the roast and place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
  4. Roast at 450F for 15 minutes, then lower to 325F.
  5. Continue roasting about 55 minutes until a thermometer reads 130F for medium-rare.
  6. Rest 15 minutes, then slice thin against the grain.

Notes

Always slice across the grain for the most tender bites.

14) Spinach Artichoke Dip

bubbly golden spinach artichoke dip in a wide horizontal shot, in a rustic dish with toasted bread slices and crackers on a holiday appetizer table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These appetizers ooze with cheesy goodness and has everyone surrounding them, all night long.

bubbly golden spinach artichoke dip in a wide horizontal shot, in a rustic dish with toasted bread slices and crackers on a holiday appetizer table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spinach Artichoke Dip

A cheesy and creamy baked spinach and artichoke dip with three cheeses.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz frozen spinach thawed and drained
  • 14 oz artichoke hearts chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup mozzarella shredded
  • 0.5 cup parmesan grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375F and grease a baking dish.
  2. Beat the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, and salt until smooth.
  3. Fold in the spinach, artichokes, mozzarella, and half the parmesan.
  4. Spread into the dish and top with the remaining parmesan.
  5. Bake 22-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  6. Serve warm with bread and crackers.

Notes

Squeeze every drop of water from the spinach for a thick dip.

15) Caramel Apple Sangria

caramel apple sangria in a wide horizontal shot, in a glass pitcher and filled glasses with apple slices and cinnamon sticks on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Here is a punch recipe that evokes the coziest vibes of both fall and Christmas, and can be made in pitcher batches.

caramel apple sangria in a wide horizontal shot, in a glass pitcher and filled glasses with apple slices and cinnamon sticks on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Caramel Apple Sangria

Crisp apple slices, caramel, apple cider, and warm-spiced white wine sangria.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle white wine
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 0.5 cup caramel syrup
  • 0.33 cup caramel vodka
  • 2 apples sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 cup club soda

Method
 

  1. Combine the white wine, apple cider, caramel syrup, and caramel vodka in a large pitcher.
  2. Stir in the apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
  3. Chill at least 2 hours so the flavors meld.
  4. Top with club soda right before serving.
  5. Pour over ice and garnish each glass with an apple slice.

Notes

Make the base ahead and add the soda last so it stays bubbly.

16) Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

glistening cinnamon sugar candied pecans in a wide horizontal shot, piled in a rustic bowl with a scoop spilling onto a wooden board on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet and crunchy, they are really good and dangerous. You should set out a bowl and see them vanish.

glistening cinnamon sugar candied pecans in a wide horizontal shot, piled in a rustic bowl with a scoop spilling onto a wooden board on a festive holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

Crunchy, candied pecans are coated in a shell of sweet cinnamon sugar. They are great for snacking or as a gift.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups pecan halves
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 250F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Whisk the egg white with the vanilla until frothy.
  3. Toss the pecans in the egg white until coated.
  4. Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then toss with the pecans.
  5. Spread on the baking sheet and bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
  6. Cool completely so they crisp up before serving.

17) Lemon Herb Roasted Turkey

a golden lemon-herb roasted turkey in a wide horizontal shot, on a platter with lemon halves, rosemary, and herbs on an elegant holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A bright and juicy turkey that is easier than expectations for the holiday.

a golden lemon-herb roasted turkey in a wide horizontal shot, on a platter with lemon halves, rosemary, and herbs on an elegant holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Lemon Herb Roasted Turkey

A whole turkey rubbed with lemon and garlic and roasted to a golden brown. Herbs are under the skin.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 14 lb whole turkey
  • 0.75 cup butter softened
  • 2 lemons zested and halved
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 3 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325F and pat the turkey dry.
  2. Mix the butter with lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Loosen the skin and spread the herb butter under and over the skin.
  4. Place the lemon halves inside the cavity and tie the legs.
  5. Roast about 3.5 hours, basting occasionally, until a thermometer reads 165F in the thigh.
  6. Rest 20 minutes before carving.

Notes

Tent with foil if the skin browns too fast.

18) Cheddar Sausage Biscuits

golden cheddar sausage biscuits in a wide horizontal shot, piled on a wooden board with melted butter sheen and parsley on a cozy holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheesy bites are great for breakfast or as a tasty appetizer or snack.

golden cheddar sausage biscuits in a wide horizontal shot, piled on a wooden board with melted butter sheen and parsley on a cozy holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheddar Sausage Biscuits

Fluffy biscuits filled with bold cheddar and crumbled sausage make for a great crowd snack.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 18 biscuits
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 3 cups baking mix
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375F and brown the sausage in a skillet, then drain.
  2. Stir together the baking mix, cheddar, and garlic powder.
  3. Mix in the cooked sausage and milk until a soft dough forms.
  4. Scoop heaping spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake 18-20 minutes until golden, then brush with melted butter.

19) Spiced Mulled Wine

steaming spiced mulled wine in a wide horizontal shot, in mugs and a pot with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise on a cozy holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Warm and fragrant, it’s the beverage that fills the entire house with the aroma of Christmas.

steaming spiced mulled wine in a wide horizontal shot, in mugs and a pot with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise on a cozy holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spiced Mulled Wine

Warm winter spices, cinnamon, and citrus combine to create the aroma of simmered mulled red wine.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 bottles red wine
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 3 star anise
  • 0.25 cup brandy

Method
 

  1. Pour the red wine into a large pot over low heat.
  2. Add the orange slices, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
  3. Warm gently for 25-30 minutes, never letting it boil.
  4. Stir in the brandy at the end.
  5. Ladle into mugs, garnishing with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.

Notes

Keep it on low so the alcohol doesn't cook off and the spices infuse.
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