17 Christmas recipes that’ll make your table the real Star of the Season

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Hosting a holiday meal just got easier with these standout recipes guaranteed to impress. Packed with options that cover everything from warm comfort dishes to impressive main courses, all 17 recipes promise to wow your guests. There’s something for everyone, and the best part? The table might get more compliments than the decorations.

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Christmas Tree Cake Dip

A festive tray of Christmas Tree Cake Crack, featuring broken pieces of white chocolate-coated crackers, topped with red drizzle and green sprinkles.
Christmas Tree Cake Dip. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Everyone loves a dish that makes holiday gatherings feel like a celebration, and Christmas Tree Cake Dip is just that. This dip turns the idea of a traditional dessert into something shareable and festive. It’s the kind of recipe that has everyone reaching for another cracker, wondering how it disappears so quickly. Perfect for any table, this dish keeps things merry and bright without even trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cake Dip

Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

A bowl of Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with a spoon and a bread plate.
Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

If you’re looking for something warm and comforting during the chilly holiday season, look no further. Who doesn’t enjoy a bowl of soup that’s both rich in flavor and easy to make? Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup is your go-to for a cozy meal that practically invites you to curl up by the fire. It’s perfect on its own or as a companion to your favorite sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing says holiday feast quite like a beautifully prepared ham sitting at the center of your dinner table. It’s all about bringing that smoky goodness to your holiday spread, making sure your meal is memorable. Smoked Carver Ham delivers on this promise, offering a rich flavor that complements any side dish you decide to serve. It’s a classic choice that never goes out of style, especially during the festive season.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

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

For a pop of color and a dose of sweetness that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious, these treats are the way to go. Rich, velvety smooth, and undeniably festive, Red Velvet Christmas Truffles are the bite-sized desserts that make a big statement on your holiday table. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging in a little holiday sweetness all by yourself. Plus, they add a splash of holiday color that’s hard to miss.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned

A glass of Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned garnished with sliced apples on a skewer.
Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it’s cold outside, and you’re looking for a drink that embodies the spirit of the holidays, this is it. With a nod to classic flavors and a holiday twist, Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned offers warmth and cheer in every sip. It’s like enjoying a slice of apple pie, but in a glass. This cocktail is ideal for toasting to good health, happiness, and the joy of the season.
Get the Recipe: Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned

Crab Stuffed Mushroom

Close-up of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms garnished with chopped parsley on a slate plate.
Crab Stuffed Mushroom. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re after a starter that screams sophistication without the fuss, you’ve hit the jackpot. These little bites are loaded with flavor, offering a wonderful surprise to your guests the moment they take a bite. Crab Stuffed Mushroom caps are the perfect combination of juicy and creamy, making them an irresistible part of your holiday appetizer spread. They’re sure to spark conversations and compliments from around the table.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushroom

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

A bowl of potatoes with sour cream & bacon.
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it comes to comfort food, potatoes have a special place in our hearts and holiday menus. Imagine a dish where they come perfectly seasoned, mixed with creamy sour cream and crispy bacon. Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon is that dish that brings everyone to the table, ready to dig in and enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and soft textures all at once. It’s a side dish that upgrades any main and brings smiles all around.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Eggnog sugar cookies on a plate with santa claus figurines.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for baking something that combines traditional holiday flavors with the joy of homemade cookies, here’s your sign. These cookies take the beloved taste of eggnog and wrap it up in a soft, sweet treat. Eggnog Sugar Cookies are the kind of holiday magic that comes from the oven, ready to be paired with a glass of milk or, indeed, some more eggnog. They’re sure to add that extra bit of cheer to your festive celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour

A glass of Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour.
Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine sitting by the fireplace, sipping on something that’s both smoky and sweet, with just the right amount of sour to balance it all out. This drink captures the essence of winter comfort in a glass, combining flavors that remind you of holiday traditions. Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour is ideal for those moments when you want to slow down and savor the season. It’s a sophisticated choice for holiday entertaining or a quiet night in.
Get the Recipe: Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour

Bourbon balls with White chocolate

Bourbon balls with white chocolate and powdered sugar
Bourbon balls with White chocolate. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you think of holiday treats, you want something that stands out in both taste and presentation. These have a richness that melts in your mouth, combined with the smooth allure of white chocolate. Bourbon balls with White chocolate are the kind of confection meant for savoring amidst laughter and conversation. They embody the spirit of giving and joy, making them a must-have for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon balls with White chocolate

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

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

Sometimes, the best holiday dishes are the ones that bring a sense of home and tradition to the table. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, these green beans are a testament to the comfort and joy food can bring. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are simmered to perfection, making them a mouthwatering addition to your festive spread. They bring a touch of the South to your holiday festivities.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A jar of White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies next to lavender flowers.
White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who doesn’t love the sight of freshly baked cookies, especially when they’re as festive and flavorful as these? With a powdery exterior that cracks beautifully, revealing a soft, white chocolate center, these cookies are winter in a bite. White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are not only delicious but also a joy to look at, making them a perfect holiday treat. They’re ideal for sharing with loved ones or leaving out for Santa.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

A black plate with bacon and mushroom tartlets on it.
Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who crave something savory amidst the sweets of the season, here’s a dish that won’t disappoint. These tartlets combine the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the crispiness of bacon, all encased in a flaky pastry. Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets are the appetizer that will disappear first from your holiday buffet, as guests will be drawn to their irresistible flavor. They’re a small but mighty addition to your festive menu.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

Traeger Smoked Turkey

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

If you’re tasked with the main course and want to leave a lasting impression, consider this your secret weapon. Smoking the turkey not only infuses it with unparalleled flavor but also ensures it stays juicy and tender. Traeger Smoked Turkey is a showstopper, promising to draw oohs and aahs the moment it’s presented. It’s a modern twist on a holiday classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Peanut butter cookies with a face made of pretzels and dried cranberries to look like a reindeer.
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a dash of creativity and a lot of fun, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. They’re not just cookies; they’re a crafting project that tastes as good as it looks. Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are the perfect way to spend a winter afternoon, creating memories and delicious treats that will light up any holiday table. They’re the blend of playful and tasty that every festive gathering needs.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Smoked Turkey Thighs

Smoked turkey thigh on a white plate.
Smoked Turkey Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If a whole turkey seems too much, but you still crave that smoky holiday flavor, here’s a perfect alternative. These turkey thighs offer all the taste of the holidays in a more manageable size, perfect for smaller gatherings. Smoked Turkey Thighs bring the rich, smoky flavor that’s synonymous with festive feasting, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of the season. They’re a simple yet deeply flavorful addition to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Thighs

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For many, mint and chocolate are the flavors that define the holiday season. Combining these two in a cookie that’s both rich and refreshing is like a gift in itself. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and the classic taste of holiday candy canes. They’re a wonderful way to wrap up any holiday meal or enjoy with a cold glass of milk amidst the holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

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