The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and share delicious meals. Christmas is known for its festive spirit, and a key part of that celebration is the food. From savory mains to sweet treats, the Christmas table is often filled with comforting dishes that bring warmth to the heart and joy to the soul. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking to try something new, these 10 Christmas recipes will add festive flavors to your table and create lasting memories.
1. Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Roast turkey is a timeless centerpiece for a Christmas feast. When cooked to perfection, the turkey is golden and crispy on the outside, yet juicy and tender on the inside. Infusing the bird with an herb butter mixture adds a rich flavor that enhances every bite. It’s the perfect way to bring your guests together and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the herb butter.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin by sliding your fingers underneath. Rub half of the herb butter under the skin and the remaining butter on the outside of the turkey.
- Stuff the cavity with the onion and lemon halves. Tie the legs with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the turkey.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth around the bird.
- Roast the turkey for about 3 hours, basting it every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
2. Honey-Glazed Ham
Nothing says Christmas like a succulent honey-glazed ham. This dish brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, thanks to the honey glaze. The slow roasting process caramelizes the glaze, giving the ham a rich, golden exterior. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a complete holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan. Brush the ham generously with the honey glaze, ensuring the entire surface is coated.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- For the last 30 minutes, remove the foil so that the glaze can caramelize and create a beautiful crust.
- Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a holiday classic. This dish is simple yet flavorful, and the addition of roasted garlic elevates the taste, making it a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with both turkey and ham. These mashed potatoes are smooth, buttery, and full of rich flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes and garlic. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot. Begin mashing with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth.
- In a small saucepan, heat the butter and cream (or milk) over low heat until the butter melts.
- Slowly pour the butter-cream mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring continuously until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy the smooth, creamy texture.
4. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
Brussels sprouts are a classic holiday vegetable, and when roasted with crispy bacon and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, they become a dish that even skeptics will love. The smoky bacon and sweet glaze balance the earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts, making this side dish both savory and slightly sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a glaze.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts and top with crispy bacon. Serve immediately.
5. Eggnog Cheesecake
For dessert, this creamy eggnog cheesecake is a festive treat that combines the rich flavors of eggnog with a smooth, velvety cheesecake base. It’s a perfect Christmas dessert to end your holiday meal on a sweet note. The combination of eggnog spices and the creamy texture is guaranteed to please your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup eggnog
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes and then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggnog, eggs, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour. Then, chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
6. Christmas Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a beloved holiday tradition, and they’re incredibly versatile—perfect for decorating with festive sprinkles or icing. These soft, chewy cookies are easy to make and always a hit at Christmas parties. You can get creative with the shapes and designs, turning them into the perfect edible holiday decor.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, then sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Roasted Carrots with Maple Syrup and Thyme
These roasted carrots are sweet, savory, and aromatic, making them the perfect side dish for your Christmas dinner. The maple syrup adds a natural sweetness while the fresh thyme gives the dish a fragrant herbal note. Roasting the carrots brings out their natural sugars, making them tender and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the peeled and cut carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve warm, garnished with a little extra thyme if desired. These roasted carrots are a simple yet elegant dish that adds color and flavor to your holiday table.
8. Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Cinnamon
This homemade cranberry sauce is a zesty and tangy alternative to store-bought varieties. The addition of orange zest and a touch of cinnamon gives the sauce a festive twist that complements roasted meats like turkey and ham. The sweetness from sugar and the natural tartness of cranberries create a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled. This cranberry sauce is a great side dish to balance out the richness of the main course.
9. Stuffing with Sausage, Apples, and Sage
This stuffing recipe is loaded with flavor, thanks to the combination of sausage, apples, and fresh sage. The savory sausage pairs perfectly with the sweetness of apples, while sage brings an earthy depth of flavor. It's a hearty, comforting side dish that is a must-have on the holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
- 1/2 pound sausage (preferably Italian sausage)
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the onions, celery, and apples for about 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, along with the fresh sage. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sausage mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and stir until the bread is slightly moistened.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes. For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to let the top crisp up.
- Serve hot. This stuffing is flavorful and savory with the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
10. Christmas Pudding
Christmas pudding, a beloved English holiday dessert, is rich, dense, and packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. It's traditionally steamed and served with brandy butter or cream. This indulgent dessert is perfect for finishing your Christmas meal, especially if you want to impress your guests with something traditional and hearty.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1/2 cup suet (or butter for a vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup dark rum or brandy (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dried fruit, suet, sugar, breadcrumbs, flour, spices, and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and rum (if using).
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Grease a 1-liter pudding basin and spoon the mixture into it, pressing it down gently to remove air bubbles.
- Cover the basin with a piece of parchment paper and foil. Secure tightly with kitchen twine.
- Steam the pudding in a large pot for 2-3 hours, checking the water level periodically to ensure it doesn’t boil dry.
- Once cooked, remove from the steamer and let it cool slightly before serving.
- To serve, heat brandy butter or cream, and drizzle over the pudding. A traditional way to serve Christmas pudding is to flambé with a little more rum or brandy for a dramatic finish.