The family might as well put in their orders now because these recipes don’t wait for December to shine. They’re packed with everything that screams holiday cheer without the snowflakes. Whether it’s for a small get-together or a big reunion, these festive dishes will be everyone’s favorite topic—not just their meal. Don’t be surprised if they start calling them the “new family traditions.”
Cranberry Bars
Sharing festive treats is always a highlight during holiday gatherings, and with Cranberry Bars, you bring both color and flavor to the table. These bars come with a tangy twist that’s sure to spark conversation among guests. Each mouthwatering piece offers a balance of sweet and tart, making it hard to stop at just one. Plus, they’re just as delicious when enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Nostalgia meets comfort in a bowl of Old Fashioned Ham Salad, where memories of holiday meals past might just make a surprise visit. Perfect for using up leftover ham, this salad is a mix of creamy and chunky textures. It serves as a fantastic spread for crackers or bread, making it a versatile choice for lunches or as part of your festive appetizer spread. Family members will likely ask about it months in advance, eager for their next taste.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles
Indulgence takes on a holiday twist with Red Velvet Christmas Truffles, a bite-sized treat that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. These little spheres of joy are wrapped in a coat of rich chocolate, and each one is a gift of flavor waiting to be unwrapped. They’re perfect for gifting to friends and neighbors but don’t be surprised if your family insists on keeping a batch for themselves.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles
Turkey & Apple Panini
When December’s chill sets in, a warm Turkey & Apple Panini can hit the spot like a cozy blanket. This sandwich fuses the juiciness of turkey with the crisp sweetness of apple, creating layers of warmth and taste. It’s an excellent way to repurpose turkey leftovers while introducing a fresh twist that’s far from your typical sandwich. Plus, its ease of preparation makes it a great lunch option amidst the busyness of the season.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini
Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies
With Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies, you’re serving more than a dessert; you’re crafting an experience. These cookies bring the classic gingerbread flavor but add a chocolatey depth that’s hard to resist. They’re fun to decorate, too, providing a perfect activity for a family night in. When the aroma fills the house, it’s a surefire sign that holiday cheer is in abundance.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies
Cold Crab Dip
For those who crave a touch of seafood amid the season’s feasts, Cold Crab Dip offers a refreshing reprieve. Smooth and packed with flavor, it’s an appetizer that beckons for just one more cracker. This dip can become a staple for Christmas celebrations in no time, with its perfect balance of creaminess and the rich taste of crab. Serve it chilled for a kickoff to any holiday meal, and watch as it becomes a favorite for every occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip
Sausage Stuffing
Nothing says holiday feast quite like a heaping spoonful of Sausage Stuffing beside your main course. This hearty accompaniment marries a variety of textures and flavors, all while absorbing the essences of savory spices and herbs. Ideal for those chilly evenings when comfort food is in high demand, it’s a side dish that often steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Stepping up its game from the classic, canned counterpart, homemade Cranberry Sauce is a revelation with its bold hues and robust flavors. It’s a must-have side that adds a nice pop to your Christmas spread. With just the right level of sweetness, it complements the savory notes of your turkey or ham beautifully. And it’s always a joyful challenge to see if any will be left at the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce
Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
As the holiday toasts begin, the Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail is there to warm spirits and spark merriment. This drink takes the classic cocktail to a smoky new level, captivating those who appreciate a well-made libation. Whether you’re mingling with guests or winding down after the day’s festivities, its complexity is something to savor. An added bonus is watching the smoke infuse the drink, an impressive trick that’s enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
Turkey Vegetable Soup
Turkey Vegetable Soup is a soothing balm for the winter soul, ideal for the cold days when you crave warmth and nourishment. This soup is where holiday leftovers meet garden-fresh produce, resulting in a wholesome and hearty bowl of goodness. It’s a simple pleasure that’s welcome during the hustle of the festive season, and making a large batch means there’s plenty to share—or save for later.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Vegetable Soup
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
It takes just one taste of Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans to understand why they deserve a spot on your holiday menu. This dish mingles the flavors of the South with the ease of a slow cooker, giving you the freedom to focus on other holiday preparations. Tender and flavorful, these green beans are a mainstay that appeals to both tradition and taste. They’ll cook to perfection without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Crab Spanakopita
Crab Spanakopita combines a classic Greek favorite with the luxurious taste of crab, resulting in a fusion that’s both surprising and familiar. This appetizer adds an elegant touch to the season’s festivities, perfect for when you want to offer something a little out of the ordinary. Each flaky bite is a mini celebration in itself, and it’s a great conversation starter around the appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita
Smoked Carver Ham
A centerpiece worthy of your holiday spread, Smoked Carver Ham exudes a rustic charm with its rich aroma and irresistible taste. It embodies the essence of the season’s warmth, inviting family and friends to gather and enjoy. With every slice, you’ll find smoky undertones that enhance the overall flavor, making it a standout among holiday meats. Watch as each person happily passes their plate for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham
Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
On a day filled with the buzz of holiday cheer, Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup provides a comforting start to any meal. It’s a vibrant dish that serves up warmth in a bowl, with each spoonful a reminder of simpler times. Its ease of preparation means more time spent with loved ones, and less time in the kitchen. This soup pairs well with hearty breads, serving as an ideal complement to more elaborate holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
If the holidays had a signature drink, Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour would be a strong contender. This cocktail balances smoky notes with the sweet richness of maple, yielding a drink that is both unique and memorable. As the ice clinks in glasses raised to cheer and gratitude, this drink stands out for its ability to warm from within. A sip of this concoction might just become the new holiday ritual that everyone looks forward to each year.
Get the Recipe: Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
Christmas Morning Casserole
Waking up on Christmas morning to the aroma of Christmas Morning Casserole baking in the oven is a holiday dream come true. This is a dish that caters to the excitement of unwrapping presents, providing a satisfying and hearty meal to start the day. It’s filled with flavors that complement the festive morning and feeds a crowd with little effort. Loved ones may find themselves lingering around the breakfast table a bit longer.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Morning Casserole
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
As the night winds down and the lights twinkle on the tree, a batch of Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies brings the perfect end to a festive day. These cookies are a sweet treat that pairs the richness of dark chocolate with the coolness of peppermint. They’re just right for setting out for Santa or for crafting a plate to share with neighbors. With each batch, the requests will come every year, as these cookies quickly become a tradition.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies