15 festive recipes that’ll make the Grinch himself ask for seconds

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Holiday meals are all about bringing joy to the table, and these festive recipes do exactly that. They’re perfect for creating a spread that’s as cheerful as the season itself, without adding extra stress to your preparations. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a big family dinner, these dishes fit right in and bring everyone together.

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.

Even the Grinch couldn’t resist the charm of Christmas Tree Cake Dip once it hits the table. It’s the kind of dessert that brings out the holiday cheer in everyone with its festive look and irresistible flavor. Perfect for parties or cozy family nights, it’s always the first thing to vanish. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that might just make someone’s heart grow three sizes, this is it!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cake Dip

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

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

Level up your holiday appetizer game with Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Ideal for any festive gathering, these bite-sized treats are sure to disappear off the plate in no time. They offer a succulent and rich flavor that even the Grinch wouldn’t pass up. Ensuring these are on your holiday menu will not only impress your guests but guarantee requests for the recipe before the evening ends.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it comes to cozy holiday lunches, Turkey & Apple Panini take the spotlight. It’s a delicious twist on classic holiday flavors, combining juicy turkey with the crisp freshness of apples. This panini is a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of the holidays in a more casual, yet equally festive, meal. Include this in your holiday menu for a satisfying and heartwarming meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

A festive display of peppermint sugar cookie bars surrounded by Christmas decorations.
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Even the Grinch wouldn’t be able to resist grabbing a plate of Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars during your holiday spread. These festive treats bring just the right amount of holiday spirit to any gathering. Perfect for impressing guests or sneaking a few extras for yourself, they’re a guaranteed hit. Honestly, they’re so good, they might just grow his heart three sizes in one bite.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

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 want to add a savory touch to their holiday feast, Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets are the way to go. The combination of rich bacon with the earthiness of mushrooms encased in flaky pastry is irresistible. These tartlets are so flavorful; that they might just overshadow the main course. Introduce these to your holiday spread for an element of elegance and taste that’s bound to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

Turkey Chaffwich

Waffles with turkey and cranberry on a plate.
Turkey Chaffwich. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

After the big feast, a Turkey Chaffwich offers a creative way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers. This recipe transforms turkey and other remnants of the holiday meal into something exciting and new. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also provides a deliciously unique snack or light meal. Serve this up for a laid-back yet festive meal that gives a nod to tradition while breaking the mold.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chaffwich

Ginger Spice Cookies

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

Ginger Spice Cookies are a must-have for any holiday cookie exchange or table. Their warm spices and inviting aroma embody the essence of the holiday season, creating a sense of warmth and home. These cookies are not just treats; they’re little parcels of joy that evoke smiles and holiday cheer. Baking a batch is a simple way to spread happiness and fill your home with the delicious scents of the season.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies

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.

A dish that combines comfort with indulgence is Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. It’s a hearty side that complements any holiday main and brings together family favorites in one dish. The rich flavors are a perfect match for cold evenings and festive occasions. Adding this to your holiday menu ensures a comforting and warmly received addition to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

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 a low-maintenance side dish that packs a flavorful punch, perfect for busy holiday cooking days. This dish stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavor, making it a complementary side for any festive meal. Letting the slow cooker do most of the work allows you more time to enjoy with family and friends. These green beans are sure to become a requested dish year after year.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Homemade Boursin Cheese with Fresh Herbs

A wooden board with sliced salami, crackers, a deviled egg, and a square dish of homemade Boursin cheese.
Homemade Boursin Cheese with Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Preparing Homemade Boursin Cheese with Fresh Herbs is a delicious way to add a personal touch to your holiday cheeseboard. This spreadable treat is not only gratifying to make but also offers a fresh and herbaceous alternative to store-bought varieties. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make it a fantastic addition to your festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Boursin Cheese with Fresh Herbs

Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

A glass of whiskey with oranges and a wooden stick.
Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Kick off your holiday festivities with a Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail. This modern twist on a classic drink adds a hint of smokiness that perfectly complements the holiday atmosphere. It’s a sophisticated choice that transforms any holiday gathering to a new level of class. Mixing up this cocktail is a surefire way to impress your guests and set the tone for a memorable evening.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

Turkey Vegetable Soup

Two bowls of turkey and vegetable soup with spoons.
Turkey Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

There’s no better way to warm up during the festive season than with a bowl of Turkey Vegetable Soup. This wholesome and nourishing dish makes excellent use of holiday leftovers, ensuring nothing goes to waste. It’s a comforting reminder of family traditions and the simplicity of holiday cooking. Serving this soup offers a cozy respite from the cold, welcoming everyone with its heartwarming flavors.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Vegetable Soup

Smoked Carver Ham

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

Smoked Carver Ham serves as the spectacular centerpiece of any holiday dinner. Its smoky flavor, combined with a succulent texture, makes it an irresistible main dish that guests will be talking about well into the New Year. This recipe brings a hearty and comforting element to your holiday table, sure to satisfy all who gather around it. Introducing this smoky treat into your holiday traditions is a choice that will reap delicious rewards.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Homemade Turkey Stock

A bowl of turkey stock.
Homemade Turkey Stock. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Making Homemade Turkey Stock is a rewarding task that sets the foundation for countless holiday dishes. It’s an economical and flavorful way to transform your cooking, from gravies to soups. This stock ensures that every bit of the holiday turkey is honored and utilized. Enrich your holiday recipes with this homemade stock for an infusion of deep, robust flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Turkey Stock

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.

Strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and cool peppermint, making them an instant holiday classic with Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Each cookie is a bite of festive cheer, marrying the essential flavors of the season. They’re ideal for gifting, sharing, or enjoying by the fire. Baking these cookies promises to fill your kitchen with holiday aromas and your heart with cheer.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

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