17 Christmas dishes your family requests more often than their wish lists

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Santa may get all the glory, but these 17 Christmas dishes are the real stars of the season. They’re the kind of recipes that make your family forget about their wish lists and focus on seconds (or thirds). You’ll start to hear phrases like, “You’re making that, right?” weeks before the big day. Be prepared—these dishes might just turn Christmas dinner into an annual family reunion.

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Peppermint Fluff

Bowl of peppermint fluff topped with red sprinkles and wafer cookies.
Peppermint Fluff. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Light, festive, and impossible to ignore, this dessert has a way of disappearing faster than the wrapping paper on Christmas morning. It’s the kind of treat everyone keeps sneaking back for, spoon in hand. Peppermint Fluff delivers just the right amount of holiday magic to make it a yearly request. Don’t be shocked when it earns a permanent spot on the family dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Fluff

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

A slate platter with six crab stuffed mushrooms garnished with herbs.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

These little bites are a game changer at any holiday feast, making every dinner plate look a bit more sophisticated. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are requested more often than the most popular gifts on a Christmas list. They’re the perfect blend of seafood and comfort, wrapped up in a fancy package. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one; they’re that good.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Red velvet Christmas truffles sprinkled with sugar.
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you have a sweet tooth, then Red Velvet Christmas Truffles are your holiday dream come true. Seriously, it’s like Christmas explodes in your mouth with every bite. They’re rich, smooth, and just the right kind of indulgent for a festive treat. Knocking out dessert cravings left and right, these are the MVPs of holiday sweets.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Cranberry Bars

Two squares of cranberry bars on a slate plate.
Cranberry Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cranberry Bars are the underdog of holiday desserts, but once you try them, you’ll wonder why they weren’t on your radar sooner. They’re tangy, sweet, and have just the right crunch. Ideal for those after-dinner moments when you need something not too heavy but absolutely crave-worthy. Honestly, they’re a refreshing change from the usual holiday sugar overload.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

A bowl of boiled potatoes with skins on, topped with a creamy herb sauce and garnished with chopped fresh dill.
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it comes to comfort food, Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon are where it’s at. This dish is like a warm hug on a cold evening, bringing all the cozy vibes to your dinner table. It’s hearty, it’s creamy, and the bacon adds that perfect crunch. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds, maybe even thirds, without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Smoked Beef Tenderloin

A sliced smoked beef tenderloin on a white plate.
Smoked Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who love a good showstopper, Smoked Beef Tenderloin is the way to go. It’s the kind of main dish that makes everyone pause and appreciate the moment. Packed with rich flavors, it effortlessly becomes the star of the Christmas dinner. And really, who can resist a beautifully smoked piece of beef?
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are the silent winner of the holiday spread. They might sound simple, but the taste is anything but. These green beans steal the spotlight with their down-home comfort vibe and are a breeze to make. Plus, freeing up your stove or oven space is always a bonus during the holiday cooking marathon.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Baked Brie in a Bowl

A wooden platter with baked brie in a bowl, cheese, crackers, grapes and bread.
Baked Brie in a Bowl. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a dish that screams holiday cheer, Baked Brie in a Bowl is it. This dish is ridiculously easy to prepare but brings all the ooey-gooey goodness you could want in an appetizer. It’s the kind of starter that gets the conversation started and keeps everyone coming back for more. Honestly, cheese lovers won’t be able to resist.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced turkey breast on a white plate with sprigs of thyme.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast is for those who like to keep things simple but still want a taste of tradition. It’s a lifesaver for small gatherings, offering all the traditional flavors without the hassle of dealing with a whole turkey. Juicy, tender, and ready in a fraction of the time, it’s a modern take on a classic favorite. Plus, less time cooking means more time for merry-making.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets

Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets with lemon wedges on a black plate.
Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This recipe might just be the cutest addition to your holiday menu. They pack a punch of flavor in a tiny, flaky package, making them a great pick for appetizers or part of a buffet spread. Elegant yet surprisingly easy to eat, they’re a big hit at any gathering. Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets are sure to disappear fast, so you might want to make a few extra.
Get the Recipe: Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets

Sauerkraut Balls

A close-up shot of hands pulling apart a crispy, golden-brown, cheese-filled snack with a gooey, melted cheese center against a textured white background.
Sauerkraut Balls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you really want to mix things up, Sauerkraut Balls throw a curveball that’s surprisingly delicious. They have this unique taste that’s rich, tangy, and totally irresistible. Perfect for those who love to try something different each holiday season. Trust me, they’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars

A white plate with five biscoff cookie butter streusel bars, each drizzled with melted cookie butter.
Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a twist on a classic cookie, Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars are a dream come true. They’re like getting a hug from your favorite warm, spiced cookie but in a bar form. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to whip up. It’s hard to keep them around for long because they’re just that good.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars

Smoked Ribeye Roast

Sliced smoked ribeye beef on a cutting board.
Smoked Ribeye Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Ribeye Roast brings the ‘wow’ factor to any holiday dinner table. It’s all about that slow-cooked tenderness and those mouthwatering smoky flavors. This dish is for those who appreciate the art of cooking as much as they enjoy the eating part. Take it from me, it’s bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Roast

Sausage Stuffing

Sausage stuffing in a red pot.
Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sausage Stuffing is the stuff of legends at the holiday table. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavors that scream ‘home’. This is the dish that everyone digs into first and hopes there are leftovers of the next day. Because really, what’s a festive feast without a stellar stuffing?
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Ginger Spice Cookies

A plate of Spiced Ginger Cookies and a cup of tea.
Ginger Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you love the warm, inviting scents of the holiday season, Ginger Spice Cookies are for you. They fill the house with an aroma that’s both homey and holiday-ready. Plus, they strike the perfect balance of spice and sweet. It’s like munching on a piece of holiday cheer with each cookie.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites on a white plate with sauce in the middle.
Beef Wellington Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For an elegant twist on a holiday classic, Beef Wellington Bites are a surefire way to upgrade your festive spread. They’re all the goodness of the traditional recipe packed into a bite-sized morsel. Tasty and sophisticated, they make for a perfect party appetizer. Guests can’t help but be impressed by these fancy little bites.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Traeger Smoked Turkey

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Traeger Smoked Turkey is not your average holiday bird. It’s a game-changer for those who love a good smoky flavor mixed with tender, juicy meat. This dish makes for a less stressful holiday cooking experience but delivers big on taste. It’s a modern take on a classic that’s too good not to try.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

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