10+ Xmas Recipes to Make Your Holidays Bright

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious food. Finding the perfect Christmas recipes can make your gatherings even more special, bringing family and friends together around the table. From festive cookies to hearty dinners, there’s something to please every palate during this merry season.

As you prepare for the celebrations, consider the variety of dishes that can enhance your holiday spirit. You’ll discover a mix of traditional favorites and new ideas that can add excitement to your festive meals. Whether you are hosting a large dinner or a cozy gathering, these recipes will help create cherished memories with loved ones.

1) Roast Turkey with Stuffing

Roast turkey with stuffing is a classic dish for Christmas. It’s perfect for gatherings with family and friends. The rich flavors from the stuffing make the turkey extra special.

You can try different stuffing options. A popular choice is apple, sage, and cashew stuffing. It adds a delicious twist to your turkey.

To cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, roast the turkey for about 1 hour. After that, lower the temperature to 320°F (160°C). Add onion wedges and stuffing around the turkey for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• 2 cups stuffing (apple, sage, and cashew)
• 2 onions, cut into wedges
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the stuffing and stuff the turkey.
3. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
4. Roast for 1 hour, then reduce the temperature to 320°F (160°C).
5. Arrange onion wedges and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Continue roasting until the turkey is fully cooked, checking regularly.

2) Baked Honey Glazed Ham

Baked honey glazed ham is a classic dish for holiday meals. It’s sweet, savory, and has a beautiful golden color. This dish will impress your guests and fill your home with delicious aromas.

To make the glaze, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar. Coat the ham evenly with this mixture. For the best flavor, let it sit for a bit before baking.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Then, bake the ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for safety.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and vinegar.
3. Coat the ham evenly with the glaze.
4. Place the ham in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes per pound.
5. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) before serving.

3) Prime Rib Roast

Prime rib roast is a classic choice for your Christmas dinner. This flavorful cut of beef is perfect for impressing your guests. With its rich taste and tender texture, it’s sure to be a hit.

For a simple seasoning, you can mix softened butter with salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary. Rub this mixture all over the roast to enhance its flavor.

Start by roasting it in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) to finish cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 prime rib roast
• 1 stick of butter, softened
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh rosemary, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Mix butter, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
3. Rub the mixture over the roast.
4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
5. Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook until desired doneness.

4) Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish for any holiday meal. The creamy texture and rich flavor make them a favorite. The roasted garlic adds a sweet, savory touch that elevates this classic dish.

To make these potatoes, start with russet potatoes. Boil them until tender, then mash with butter and milk for creaminess. The roasted garlic blends perfectly, giving each bite a wonderful taste.

These mashed potatoes pair well with turkey, roast, or any festive main dish. Your family and friends will love them!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes
• 1 head roasted garlic
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the garlic for about 30 minutes until golden.
3. Peel and chop the potatoes.
4. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender.
5. Drain and mash potatoes.
6. Mix in butter, milk, and roasted garlic.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5) Classic Green Bean Casserole

Classic Green Bean Casserole is a must-have for your holiday table. This dish combines fresh green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crunchy onions. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

You can use canned green beans or fresh ones, depending on your preference. The creamy mushroom soup makes it rich and flavorful. Topped with crispy French-fried onions, this casserole brings a delightful texture to every bite.

This dish is easy to prepare. In just a few steps, you’ll create a tasty side that complements any holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans or 1 lb fresh green beans
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup crispy French-fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the green beans, mushroom soup, and milk.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and stir in half of the French-fried onions.
7. Top with remaining onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden.

6) Candied Yams

Candied yams are a sweet and comforting dish perfect for Christmas. They are a favorite side for many families during the holiday season. You can enjoy them with a dinner of turkey or ham.

To make candied yams, start with sweet potatoes. They can be cut into rounds or chunks. A mix of brown sugar, butter, and spices creates a sweet glaze. You can add marshmallows on top for a fun twist.

These yams are traditionally baked until they are soft and caramelized. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen and create a warm holiday atmosphere.

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds/680 grams)
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes.
3. In a baking dish, layer the sweet potatoes.
4. Mix the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl.
5. Pour the mix over the sweet potatoes.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes until soft, stirring halfway through.

7) Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a classic holiday dish that adds a burst of flavor to your meals. It’s tangy and sweet, making it a perfect side for turkey or ham.

To make it, simply combine fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water. You can also add orange juice and zest for a citrus twist.

This simple dish usually takes about 15 minutes to cook. You will love how easy it is to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (one 12-ounce package) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 cup (250ml) water
• Optional: orange juice and zest

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine sugar and water.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add cranberries and reduce heat.
4. Simmer until cranberries burst, about 15 minutes.
5. Stir in orange juice and zest if desired.
6. Let it cool before serving.

8) Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding is a classic dish often served during Christmas and other special occasions. It has a crispy outer layer and a soft, airy inside. This makes it a perfect side for your holiday roast.

To make Yorkshire pudding, you’ll need simple ingredients like flour, milk, and eggs. These combine to create a batter that puffs up beautifully when baked. Traditionally, it’s served with gravy to enhance its flavor.

You might enjoy them as a starter before your main meal. The delightful texture complements the richness of many holiday dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 heaping cups of flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 4 eggs, lightly whisked
• A handful of chives, chopped
• 2-3 ounces of rendered fat

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour and salt.
3. Whisk together the eggs and milk, then combine with the flour.
4. Heat fat in a baking dish until it is hot.
5. Pour the batter into the hot fat.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden.

9) Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat. They are soft, spiced, and perfect for decorating. Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting smell.

To make them, you need a blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Molasses adds a rich flavor and a lovely color.

You can cut them into fun shapes and decorate with icing. It’s a great activity for family and friends during the festive season.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup molasses

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Add the egg and molasses, mixing well.
5. Combine both mixtures and chill the dough for an hour.
6. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned.
8. Cool, then decorate as you like.

10) Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a classic dessert that adds warmth to your holiday table. Its creamy filling and fragrant spices make it a favorite for many. You can try different recipes to find the perfect one for your tastes.

You might want to explore variations like a Christmas Pumpkin Pie that combines pumpkin and eggnog for a unique flavor. A rich and smooth traditional pumpkin pie is always a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 15 oz (425 g) can pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) evaporated milk
• 1 tsp (5 g) pumpkin pie spice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, blend pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and evaporated milk.
3. Add pumpkin pie spice and mix well.
4. Pour the filling into the crust.
5. Bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-45 minutes.
6. Let it cool before serving.