Serving the same ham and green bean casserole every year is getting old. If you feel like this, you are in good company. These 15 unusual recipes give the holiday table a fresh new look, and add delicious and fun, yet still warm and festive, offerings. Think of this as your ok to dazzle your guests with something completely unexpected.

1) Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

As your turkey glistens with a citrus-cranberry glaze, it looks like a jewel and will be sure to grab everyone's attention at the table.

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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

A golden roast turkey with a tangy cranberry-orange glaze makes for a delightful centerpiece for your celebration!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 lb whole turkey
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 0.25 cup honey
• 4 tbsp butter melted
• 1 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 325F and place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
2. Rub the melted butter and salt all over the skin.
3. Roast for 2.5 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
4. Whisk together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, zest, and honey.
5. Brush the glaze over the turkey and roast 30 to 45 minutes more until it reaches 165F.
6. Rest 20 minutes before carving.

Notes

Tent with foil if the skin browns too quickly while the inside finishes.

2) Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze

Gingerbread that is richly spiced and paired with a zesty lemon glaze creates a magical combination.

Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze

A damp gingerbread cake, with an abundant amount of molasses, covered with a zesty and bright lemon glaze.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup molasses
• 0.75 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 cup butter melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp lemon juice

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 pan.
2. Whisk together the flour, ginger, and baking soda.
3. In another bowl, mix the molasses, brown sugar, melted butter, and eggs.
4. Stir the wet mixture into the dry, then whisk in the hot water until smooth.
5. Pour into the pan and bake 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, then cool.
6. Whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice into a glaze and drizzle over the cooled cake.

Notes

The hot water makes the batter thin, which is exactly how it should look.

3) Chestnut and Apple Stuffing

This stuffing can easily steal the show from the turkey because of the sweet apples and buttery chestnuts.

Chestnut and Apple Stuffing

Stuffing made of toasted bread, soft apples, and roasted chestnuts in a herbed broth is sweet and savory.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups cubed bread toasted
• 1.5 cups roasted chestnuts chopped
• 2 apples diced
• 1 onion diced
• 3 stalks celery diced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh sage chopped

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and butter a baking dish.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet and saute the onion and celery until soft.
3. Add the diced apples and cook 3 minutes more.
4. In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, chestnuts, and the apple mixture.
5. Pour in the broth and sage and toss until evenly moistened, then transfer to the dish.
6. Bake 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.

Notes

Use jarred roasted chestnuts to skip the fussy peeling.

4) Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Pears and blue cheese are a surprisingly good holiday pairing.

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Fresh greens are garnished with sweet pears, sharp blue cheese, and candied walnuts and drizzled with a honey vinaigrette.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups mixed greens
• 2 pears thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 0.5 cup candied walnuts
• 0.25 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Method

 

1. Whisk together the olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar to make the dressing.
2. Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter.
3. Fan the sliced pears over the greens.
4. Scatter the blue cheese, candied walnuts, and cranberries on top.
5. Drizzle the dressing over everything just before serving.
6. Toss gently at the table.

Notes

Slice the pears last so they don't brown before serving.

5) Mulled Wine Jellies

Mulled wine has all of the warm coziness set into polished little gems for the adult's table.

Mulled Wine Jellies

Wobbly jellies with hints of cinnamon and orange set with spiced mulled wine.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 jellies

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups red wine
• 0.5 cup sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 orange sliced
• 3 tbsp powdered gelatin
• 0.5 cup water

Method

 

1. Combine the wine, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and orange in a saucepan and warm gently for 10 minutes.
2. Bloom the gelatin in the cold water for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the spices out of the warm wine.
4. Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the warm wine until fully dissolved.
5. Pour into small molds or glasses.
6. Chill at least 4 hours until firmly set, as noted, before serving.

Notes

Chill them overnight for the cleanest, wobbliest set.

6) Honey Roasted Carrot Soup

The silky texture of the soup is enhanced with a rich sweetness created by roasting the carrots beforehand with a touch of honey.

Honey Roasted Carrot Soup

Creamy puree soup made from honey-roasted carrots and ginger.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb carrots peeled and chopped
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
2. Toss the carrots with olive oil and honey and spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast 25 minutes until caramelized and tender.
4. In a pot, saute the onion and ginger until soft, then add the roasted carrots and broth.
5. Simmer 10 minutes, then blend until smooth.
6. Stir in the cream and salt and warm through before serving.

Notes

A swirl of cream and a few toasted seeds on top make it look restaurant-worthy.

7) Saffron Mashed Potatoes

Saffron is a spice that gives mashed potatoes a surprising and delicious upgrade!

Saffron Mashed Potatoes

Buttery whipped potatoes infused with saffron bring a golden touch to a classic dish.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lb Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cubed
• 0.5 cup warm milk
• 0.25 tsp saffron threads
• 6 tbsp butter
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Steep the saffron threads in the warm milk for 10 minutes.
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 18 minutes, then drain.
3. Return the potatoes to the pot and add the butter.
4. Pour in the saffron milk and cream.
5. Mash until smooth and golden.
6. Season with salt and serve warm.

Notes

Steeping the saffron first is what gives the potatoes their gorgeous color.

8) Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto and asparagus make for an elegant bite that is super quick to prepare.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus spears encased in salty prosciutto and roasted until golden brown.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb asparagus trimmed
• 6 oz prosciutto thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Toss the asparagus with olive oil and pepper.
3. Gather 3 spears together and wrap a slice of prosciutto around the middle of each bundle.
4. Arrange the bundles on the baking sheet.
5. Roast 12 to 15 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp and the asparagus is tender.
6. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve warm.

Notes

Thinner asparagus cooks faster, so check it a few minutes early.

9) Orange Rosemary Duck

Duck may seem fancy, but this orange-rosemary variety is actually very manageable and quite remarkable.

Orange Rosemary Duck

Crispy skin roast duck breast, orange glaze, and rosemary.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 duck breasts
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Method

 

1. Score the duck skin in a crosshatch and season with salt and pepper.
2. Place the breasts skin-side down in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat 8 minutes until the fat renders and the skin is crisp.
3. Flip and sear 3 minutes, then transfer to a 400F oven for 8 minutes.
4. In the same pan, simmer the orange juice, zest, honey, and rosemary into a glaze.
5. Brush the glaze over the duck.
6. Rest 5 minutes, then slice and serve with extra glaze.

Notes

Starting in a cold pan renders the fat for extra crispy skin.

10) Chocolate Peppermint Bark

It’s no wonder why this holiday classic is so popular, Mint Chocolate Bark is super easy to make, and even easier to eat!

Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Layered dark chocolate and white chocolate topped with crushed candy canes and broken into holiday themed pieces.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 16 pieces

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz dark chocolate chopped
• 8 oz white chocolate chopped
• 0.5 cup crushed peppermint candies
• 0.5 tsp peppermint extract

Method

 

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Melt the dark chocolate in 30-second bursts and spread it into a thin even layer.
3. Chill 10 minutes until set.
4. Melt the white chocolate, stir in the peppermint extract, and pour it over the dark layer.
5. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the top right away.
6. Chill 30 minutes until firm, then break into pieces.

Notes

Let the bottom layer set before adding the top so the layers stay distinct.

11) Eggnog Bread Pudding

This dessert combines custard and spices with eggnog instead of regular cream and embodies pure holiday comfort.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

Cubes of bread soaked in a spiced eggnog custard and baked to golden pillowy perfection.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups cubed brioche
• 3 cups eggnog
• 3 large eggs
• 0.5 cup sugar
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup raisins

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and butter a baking dish.
2. Whisk together the eggnog, eggs, sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla.
3. Place the brioche cubes in the dish and scatter the raisins over them.
4. Pour the custard over the bread and press down so it soaks in.
5. Let it sit 10 minutes, then bake 40 to 45 minutes until set and golden.
6. Cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

Letting the bread soak before baking is what makes it custardy throughout.

12) Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate

The roasted sprouts look (and taste) so festive for company because of the pomegranate seeds like jewels on a crown.

Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate

Roasted Brussels sprouts enhanced with tangy pomegranate seeds and a light balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb brussels sprouts halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 0.25 cup toasted pecans
• 0.5 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
2. Toss the halved sprouts with olive oil and salt.
3. Spread cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast 22 minutes until crisp.
4. Transfer the sprouts to a serving platter.
5. Scatter the pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans over the top.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Notes

Add the pomegranate seeds after roasting so they stay juicy and bright.

13) Pumpkin Spice Latte Tiramisu

Your favorite coffee shop drink, pictured as a dreamy no-bake holiday dessert.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Tiramisu

In a warm tiramisu twist, layers of pumpkin mascarpone cream are paired with coffee soaked ladyfinger biscuits.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 9 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 24 ladyfingers
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
• 16 oz mascarpone
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 0.75 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Method

 

1. Whisk together the mascarpone, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
2. Fold in the whipped cream until light and fluffy.
3. Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the cooled coffee and lay a layer in a dish.
4. Spread half the pumpkin cream over the ladyfingers.
5. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
6. Chill at least 4 hours, then dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Notes

Dip the ladyfingers fast so they soak up flavor without going soggy.

14) Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Simple cranberry sauce can become a condiment that everyone will want to fight to have if you add warm spices to the mix.

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

A glossy homemade cranberry sauce with orange, cinnamon, and a touch of clove simmered in.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 0.75 cup sugar
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 0.25 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tbsp orange zest

Method

 

1. Combine the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and ground cloves.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Cook 12 to 15 minutes, stirring, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
5. Stir in the orange zest and remove the cinnamon stick.
6. Cool to room temperature, where it will thicken further before serving.

Notes

It thickens more as it cools, so don't worry if it looks loose in the pot.

15) Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

People ask for seconds of this smoky bacon and sweet maple Brussels sprouts dish.

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Maple glaze roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb brussels sprouts halved
• 6 slices bacon chopped
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
2. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet until crisp, then set aside, reserving some drippings.
3. Toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, the reserved bacon drippings, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast 20 minutes.
5. Drizzle with maple syrup and scatter the crispy bacon over the top.
6. Roast 5 more minutes until glazed and caramelized.

Notes

Using a little bacon fat in the toss deepens that smoky-sweet flavor.