Tired of the same old ham? here are 23 recipes sure to be your new holiday favorites

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Ready to shake up your holiday menu? If the thought of serving ham again feels a little too predictable, these recipes will bring fresh, exciting flavors to your table. From show-stopping mains to irresistible sides, these dishes are guaranteed to impress your guests and become new holiday staples.

A ring-shaped red velvet cake with white icing is sliced to reveal its red interior, displayed on a pink cake stand.
Red Velvet Cake. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread

A piece of cheesy garlic bread being pulled apart, showing melted cheese and herbs.
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Move over ham—this cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is about to steal the show. With buttery garlic goodness and ooey-gooey melted cheese in every bite, it’s a holiday crowd-pleaser that’s ridiculously easy to make. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your appetizer spread or paired with a main dish, it’s guaranteed to become everyone’s new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Reindeer Chocolate Bark

Reindeer chocolate bark pieces laid out on a light colored surface.
Reindeer Chocolate Bark. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

If you’re looking for something that brings festive fun without the fuss, this reindeer chocolate bark has you covered. With adorable candy-decorated faces and rich chocolate layers, this no-bake treat will charm your holiday guests in no time. Forget traditional ham—this whimsical dessert adds an extra dash of holiday magic to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Chocolate Bark

Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

Cheese cubes and cherry tomatoes arranged on a wooden board with rosemary sprigs, resembling a tree.
Christmas Tree Cheese Platter. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Take your holiday appetizers up a notch with this Christmas tree cheese platter, an effortless yet stunning alternative to the usual dishes. Arranged with a mix of vibrant cheeses, cherry tomatoes, and festive garnishes, this platter doubles as a show-stopping centerpiece. Who needs ham when this quick and easy appetizer is guaranteed to impress?
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

Potato Skins

A plate of potato skins topped with melted cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped chives.
Potato Skins. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Loaded potato skins are here to replace the same old side dishes at your holiday table. Topped with crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and fresh green onions, they’re everything you love in a bite-sized indulgence. These are so good your guests will be too busy devouring them to miss the ham.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Christmas Popcorn

A bowl of popcorn mixed with pretzels, red and green candy pieces, white chocolate drizzle, and red sprinkles sits on a green textured cloth.
Christmas Popcorn. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Why settle for ordinary snacks when you can have this festive Christmas popcorn? Packed with pretzels, M&Ms, sprinkles, and drizzled with candy melts, it’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty. Skip the ham—this quick, five-minute holiday treat will have your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Popcorn

Cinnamon Palmiers

A rectangular platter with cinnamon palmiers and holiday decorations, including garlands and a gift wrap, is displayed.
Cinnamon Palmiers. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Ditch the ham and bring some sweet sophistication to your table with these buttery cinnamon palmiers. Layers of flaky puff pastry with a swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness make them as irresistible as they are easy to make. These fancy-looking holiday pastries are guaranteed to be the talk of the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Palmiers

Christmas Oreos

Christmas Oreo, featuring a green frosting Christmas tree and colorful sprinkles, rests on a wooden board.
Christmas Oreos. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These decorated Christmas Oreos are so charming they’ll outshine any traditional dessert—or ham, for that matter. Dipped in candy melts and dressed up with festive sprinkles, they’re a no-bake wonder perfect for adding cheer to your holiday table. Bonus: they’re fun and simple enough to make with the kids.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Oreos

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

A glass mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Forget ham—it’s all about this peppermint hot chocolate when the holiday chill sets in. Creamy, minty, and topped with crushed candy canes, it’s a cozy drink that feels indulgent yet effortless. Serve this up, and your guests will be toasting you all night.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Red Velvet Cake

A ring-shaped red velvet cake with white icing is sliced to reveal its red interior, displayed on a pink cake stand.
Red Velvet Cake. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This red velvet cake is proof that holiday desserts can be both show-stopping and easy. With its moist cocoa-infused layers and sweet cream cheese frosting, it’s a dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious. Ditch the ham and let this cake be the star of your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

M&M Christmas Cookies

A wooden tray with freshly baked m&m christmas cookies containing chocolate chips and colored candies.
M&M Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness, these M&M Christmas cookies are a foolproof hit. Perfectly festive with red and green candies, they’re a great way to bring joy to your holiday table without the stress of a complicated recipe. Who needs ham when you’ve got these cookies to make everyone smile?
Get the Recipe: M&M Christmas Cookies

Peppermint Ice Cream

A bowl of peppermint ice cream with a spoon, surrounded by candy canes and peppermint candies.
Peppermint Ice Cream. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Add a refreshing twist to your holiday spread with this creamy peppermint ice cream. Made with crushed candy canes and a hint of mint, it’s a dessert that feels both festive and fresh. Skip the ham—this treat is what everyone will be raving about.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Ice Cream

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Two clear glass mugs of mulled wine with orange slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
Slow Cooker Mulled Wine. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Let your slow cooker take the spotlight with this warm and spiced mulled wine. Fruity, citrusy, and perfectly sweetened, it’s a cozy drink that makes your guests feel extra special. Pair this with your holiday favorites, and no one will even ask about the ham.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

3 Ingredient Shortbread

A close-up of several rectangular pieces of shortbread placed on a wooden surface.
3 Ingredient Shortbread. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These buttery shortbread cookies prove that simple recipes can still deliver unforgettable flavor. With just butter, sugar, and flour, they’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious and perfect for any holiday gathering. Serve these alongside your holiday meal and watch them overshadow the ham.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Shortbread

Salmon Quiche

A hand lifting a slice of salmon quiche from a pie tin, revealing a golden, crispy top and creamy filling.
Salmon Quiche. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

This salmon quiche is the elegant upgrade your holiday menu has been waiting for. Flaky crust, tender salmon, and a creamy, cheesy filling make it a dish that’s both hearty and sophisticated. Tired of ham? This quiche will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Quiche

Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

A person pulls a cheesy topping from a bread bowl filled with melted cheese and bacon bits.
Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Turn heads at your gathering with this decadent cheese and bacon cob loaf. Filled with creamy, cheesy goodness and topped with crispy bacon, it’s a comforting and delicious addition to any holiday spread. Forget the ham—this loaf is the appetizer everyone will be talking about.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

A plate with breaded chicken cutlet, roasted green beans with seasoning, and lemon wedges.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Add vibrant flavor to your holiday table with these parmesan roasted green beans. Tossed with garlic and cheese, they’re a fresh and crispy alternative to the typical veggie sides. These beans bring so much flavor that ham won’t even cross anyone’s mind.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

A picture of Slow Cooker Pot Roast with carrot and parsnip.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This slow cooker pot roast is a holiday favorite that makes comfort food easy. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy, it’s a dish that warms hearts and satisfies bellies. Say goodbye to ham and hello to this no-fuss classic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Honey Mustard Salmon

Honey mustard salmon with a glossy glaze, garnished with herbs and served with lemon wedges on a white plate.
Honey Mustard Salmon. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Sweet, tangy, and perfectly flaky, this honey mustard salmon is as impressive as it is simple. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a dish that looks fancy but takes minimal effort. Swap out the ham and let this salmon take center stage at your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon

Cranberry Brie Bites

Brie bites filled with jam and chopped nuts, topped with rosemary sprigs, on a white plate.
Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Sweet-tart cranberries, creamy brie, and buttery puff pastry combine in these bite-sized appetizers that scream holiday elegance. They’re easy to whip up but fancy enough to make your guests think you’ve pulled out all the stops. Who needs ham when you have these gorgeous bites?
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

Close-up of several bacon-wrapped items secured with toothpicks, arranged on a white surface.
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Sweet pineapple and savory bacon come together in this unforgettable holiday appetizer. These bacon-wrapped bites are so simple yet packed with flavor that they’ll be the first thing to disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

3 Ingredient Fudge

Close-up view of several pieces of chocolate fudge, with some stacked and one showing a bite taken out of it.
3 Ingredient Fudge. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

This rich, creamy fudge is holiday magic with just three simple ingredients. It’s an effortless way to add a touch of decadence to your dessert table. One bite, and your guests will forget all about the ham.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Fudge

Saltine Toffee

Close-up of saltine toffee squares topped with chocolate and chopped nuts on a silver surface.
Saltine Toffee. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

This sweet and salty toffee is the perfect blend of crunch and caramelized flavor. Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s a treat that’s as addictive as it is easy. Serve this instead of ham, and you’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Saltine Toffee

Pineapple Cheese Ball

Pineapple cheese ball coated with chopped nuts is placed on a white plate surrounded by round crackers.
Pineapple Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

This pineapple cheese ball brings bold, tropical flavor to your holiday spread. Sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy, it’s a unique appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress. Say goodbye to ham and hello to this crowd-pleasing favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball

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