17 holiday dishes that’ll have Santa leaving his cookies untouched

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The holidays are all about feasts that make everyone forget the cookies—Santa included. With 17 festive options like roasts, casseroles, and dishes that practically sing holiday cheer, there’s no room for plain flavors. These meals know how to take center stage, leaving dessert as an afterthought. Who needs cookies when plates are this good?

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

Blueberry Shortcake

Blueberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

When something can make Santa skip his cookies, you know it’s a winner. That’s the magic of Blueberry Shortcake, a dessert so tempting it could make anyone rethink their usual holiday favorites. With its sweet, stacked layers, it’s like a little slice of festive joy on a plate. Don’t be surprised if it ends up being the star of your holiday spread this year.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine elevating a classic dish with a twist that’s both elegant and practical. With Au Gratin Potato Stacks, you get layers of creamy, cheesy goodness in a personal-sized serving. These stacks are not only a feast for the eyes but also pack all the comforting flavors we crave during the holidays. It’s a simple way to bring a touch of sophistication to your dinner table without sacrificing the homey vibe we all love.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

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 perfectly prepared ham. Smoked Carver Ham takes the rich, savory flavors of the season to new heights with its smoky aroma and tender texture. It’s the kind of main dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact, making it a favorite among hosts and guests alike. This ham promises to be the centerpiece of your holiday spread, drawing everyone in for a taste.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

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.

When a dessert is good enough to make Santa reconsider his cookie obsession, you know it’s something special. Christmas Tree Cake Dip is the kind of treat that turns heads and gets everyone dipping without hesitation. It’s festive, fun, and always the centerpiece of any holiday spread. Forget cookies—this dish might just have Santa asking for the recipe instead!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cake Dip

Turkey Chaffwich

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

Who said holiday leftovers have to be boring? Turkey Chaffwich proves that the day after can be just as exciting as the feast itself. This inventive dish transforms turkey leftovers into something extraordinary, offering a delicious reason to look forward to the morning. It’s a creative solution that turns surplus into a highlight, showcasing the versatility of holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chaffwich

Canadian Coffee

A canadian coffee with a whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.
Canadian Coffee. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm up your holidays with a beverage that takes comfort to the next level. Canadian Coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a hug in a mug, blending rich coffee with a uniquely Canadian twist that’ll keep you cozy all season long. Perfect for slow, frosty mornings or as an after-dinner treat, this coffee knows how to make the cold weather feel welcoming. It’s the warmth of the holidays, distilled into your cup.
Get the Recipe: Canadian Coffee

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

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

For those who love the idea of holiday turkey but not the hours of preparation, Air Fryer Turkey Breast offers a hassle-free alternative. This recipe delivers all the joy of a traditional holiday centerpiece without the day-long commitment, making it ideal for smaller gatherings. Juicy, flavorful, and ready in a fraction of the time, it proves that a festive feast doesn’t have to be a labor of love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Hot Chocolate Board

A wooden platter with hot cocoa, candy canes, and marshmallows.
Hot Chocolate Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Say goodbye to the usual drink selections and hello to a Hot Chocolate Board, the ultimate pick-me-up for chilly holiday evenings. This board invites everyone to customize their own hot chocolate creations, offering a variety of toppings and mix-ins. It’s more than just a warm beverage; it’s an interactive experience that adds a playful twist to gathering around the fire. Perfect for family nights or holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Board

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

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

Reinvent the side dish game with Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. This ensemble delivers all the comfort food vibes, making it a must-have at any holiday table. It combines creamy, crispy, and savory in every bite, creating a side dish that often steals the show. Versatile and universally loved, it can accompany any main and still stand out, proving that sometimes, sides can be the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread cookies with candy canes on a table.
Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Holiday baking isn’t complete without some Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies. These aren’t your ordinary gingerbread cookies; the addition of chocolate turns them into a sweet treat that appeals to cookie lovers of all ages. Perfect for baking, decorating, and sharing, they embody the spirit of holiday activities. More than just cookies, they’re a reason to gather in the kitchen and create memories along with delicious treats.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies

Crab Spanakopita

Crab Spanakopita triangles on a cutting board.
Crab Spanakopita. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Seafood and holiday flavors come together in Crab Spanakopita to break the monotony of traditional dishes. This fusion brings a wonderful twist to the table, merging tender crab with crispy, flaky pastry. It’s an adventurous choice for those looking to introduce a seafood element into their holiday menu. Flavorful and elegant, it offers a welcome departure from the usual, adding an air of sophistication to your festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita

Cranberry Sauce

Two bowls of cranberry sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

No holiday table is complete without Cranberry Sauce, the sweet and tangy companion to your main dishes. This classic condiment is all about enhancing flavors, adding a bright note to every bite. It’s a simple yet essential part of the holiday meal, bridging the gap between savory and sweet. Plus, its vibrant color makes it a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate, embodying the essence of holiday joy.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

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

Bring a touch of comfort to your holiday spread with Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. This side dish is the epitome of slow-cooked goodness, delivering depth and flavor that only time can create. It’s a hands-off recipe that frees you to focus on other holiday preparations, making the day less stressful. These green beans are a testament to the magic of slow cooking, offering up a taste of the South that’s both comforting and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Triple Ginger Cake

A plate with four squares of triple ginger cake bars on it.
Triple Ginger Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who can’t get enough of ginger’s warm bite, Triple Ginger Cake is a dream come true. This dessert takes the beloved holiday flavor and amplifies it across three dimensions, offering a rich, moist, and spicy experience that’s unlike any other cake. It’s a bold choice for the holiday dessert table, perfect for ending the meal on a high note. If you’re looking to make a statement with your baking, this cake will do the trick.
Get the Recipe: Triple Ginger Cake

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.

As temperatures drop, Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup serves as the perfect starter to any holiday meal. This soup combines the sweetness of red peppers with the tanginess of tomatoes to create a heartwarming blend. It’s not just about warming up; it’s about setting the stage for a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Simple, yet packed with flavor, it’s a reminder of how uncomplicated ingredients can come together.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Start your holiday feast on a lighter note with a Tomato Bruschetta Board. This appetizer is all about fresh flavors and textures, allowing guests to build their own perfect bite. It’s a colorful and interactive way to kick off the celebrations, ensuring everyone gets a taste of something they love. Vibrant and easy to put together, it paves the way for a festive night filled with good food and great company.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Traeger Smoked Turkey

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

If you’re aiming to impress with your main course, Traeger Smoked Turkey is the way to go. This method infuses the turkey with a deep, smoky flavor that’s impossible to achieve in an ordinary oven. It turns the traditional holiday bird into an extraordinary feast, juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Each bite is a testament to the art of smoking, making your holiday meal unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

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