17 Christmas dishes that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds

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Nothing says festive like a spread of dishes so tempting that even the picky eaters stop pretending they’re not hungry and start plotting their second round. With options that grab attention faster than a toddler unwrapping gifts, these 17 plates have the kind of charm that turns dinner into a reel of compliments. Warning: you might need to establish ground rules for who gets the leftovers because these are too good to share without a plan.

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

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

It’s funny how people hover around appetizers like they’re guarding treasure, especially when it’s Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread. This dish brings that festive combo of holiday cheer and “pass me another piece” energy. It’s just the right size to share without anyone feeling like they’re giving up too much. By the end of the party, don’t be surprised if this is the first plate to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread

Potatoes With Sour Cream & Bacon

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

A dish like this is bound to be the centerpiece of any holiday table, despite being deceptively simple. Potatoes With Sour Cream & Bacon hit that perfect note of creamy and savory that leaves people lingering over their plates. It’s one of those side dishes you’ll wish you’d made double of because requests for seconds will roll in before everyone’s finished their first. If you’re aiming to please the crowd, this one never fails.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes With Sour Cream & Bacon

Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

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

Holiday drinks don’t just set the mood; they become part of the experience. This Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail blends warmth and sophistication in a way that makes every sip feel like it belongs by a fireplace. This is the kind of drink that gets conversations started and keeps the holiday spirit flowing. By the end of the night, you might even run out of glasses from all the refills people will want.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

Pecan Pie Brownies

Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

It’s hard to beat a dessert that’s both chewy and gooey at the same time, and that’s exactly what Pecan Pie Brownies bring to the holiday table. They combine two dessert favorites into one crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you serve them with coffee or a glass of something festive, they’re guaranteed to spark conversations. This is the kind of treat that makes people say, “I need this recipe,” before they’ve even finished chewing.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies

Bacon And Mushroom Tartlets

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

When it comes to party food, you need something that’s as impressive to look at as it is to eat. Bacon And Mushroom Tartlets tick all the boxes, offering bold flavors in a small, crowd-friendly package. They’re the kind of appetizer that keeps people coming back to the platter long after their plates are full. Be sure to grab one early, or you might miss out entirely.
Get the Recipe: Bacon And Mushroom Tartlets

Crab Spanakopita

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

It’s always a win when a dish brings a creative twist to a familiar classic. Crab Spanakopita does just that, offering a flaky, savory treat that’s bound to be a conversation starter. Each bite is perfectly balanced, making it a dish that feels festive without trying too hard. Trust me, once the tray comes out, you’ll blink, and it’ll be empty.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita

Cheese Ball

Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

You wouldn’t expect something so simple to have people circling back, but Cheese Ball manages just that. It’s the dish that turns a casual gathering into a festive moment, with everyone sneaking another serving. A Christmas classic like this earns its spot as the go-to centerpiece for any holiday table. You’ll find it’s gone before the gift wrap hits the trash, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

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

The holidays can get hectic, but this dish proves that great flavor doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. Air Fryer Turkey Breast delivers juicy, tender slices that are perfect for any Christmas table. It’s the ideal choice for saving oven space while still wowing the crowd with a show-stopping main. Seconds? Absolutely guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Smoked Carver Ham

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

Some dishes just scream “holiday feast,” and this one does it effortlessly. Smoked Carver Ham is rich, tender, and the kind of centerpiece that has everyone going back for just one more slice. Its bold flavor and holiday vibes make it the star of the table, no matter what else is being served. Just be prepared for people to start asking for leftovers before the meal is even over.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Sauerkraut Balls

Sauerkraut Balls in a skillet on a white background.
Sauerkraut Balls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Appetizers have a way of setting the tone for the meal, and this dish is up for the job. Sauerkraut Balls bring a crunchy, tangy twist to the holiday spread, offering something different yet irresistibly familiar. They’re the kind of snack that’s perfect for mingling, as long as you don’t mind them disappearing faster than you expect. Better make plenty because once they’re gone, they’ll be sorely missed.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

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.

Some cocktails don’t just complement the meal; they steal the show. Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned is a holiday classic in a glass, blending warm, nostalgic flavors with just the right amount of festive fun. It’s the drink people didn’t know they needed until they taste it, and then it becomes the one they won’t stop talking about. Be ready to mix a second (or third) batch because no one will want the night to end.
Get the Recipe: Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned

Pork Tenderloin Crostini With Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini With Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something magical about a bite-sized appetizer that delivers so much flavor it feels like a meal. Pork Tenderloin Crostini With Lime Crema manages to do just that, combining richness with a tangy twist that grabs everyone’s attention. They’re as visually impressive as they are delicious, making them a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Don’t wait too long to snag one, or you’ll be out of luck.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini With Lime Crema

Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour

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

A good cocktail can take a holiday gathering to the next level, and this one does it effortlessly. Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour is a perfect blend of sweet and smoky, giving every sip a festive, warming touch. It pairs well with just about anything on the table, making it a favorite from start to finish. Get ready to see guests circling back to the bar all night long.
Get the Recipe: Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour

Sauerkraut With Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut With Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A side dish that brings both sweet and savory to the table always feels like a winner. Sauerkraut With Apples & Bacon takes a traditional element and gives it just the right twist to keep things interesting. It’s the perfect complement to any main dish, adding flavor without overshadowing the rest of the spread. By the end of the meal, you’ll wish you had made extra.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut With Apples & Bacon

Beef Wellington Bites

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

Elegant appetizers have a way of making the holidays feel extra special, and this one is no exception. Beef Wellington Bites capture all the richness of the classic dish in a perfectly snackable form that’s ideal for parties. They’re flaky, tender, and just the right size to keep people coming back for more without hesitation. Trust me, these will be the first thing to disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Christmas Morning Casserole

A closeup shot of breakfast casserole on a plate with berries.
Christmas Morning Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Starting Christmas day with a dish that’s hearty enough for everyone is always a good idea. Christmas Morning Casserole brings a warm, comforting flavor that feels just right for fueling a day filled with festivities. It’s easy to make, even easier to serve, and guaranteed to have everyone lining up for more. Just one bite, and it’s clear why this one belongs on every holiday breakfast table.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Morning Casserole

Traeger Smoked Turkey

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

Holiday mains don’t get much more memorable than this smoky classic. Traeger Smoked Turkey brings a bold, rich flavor that makes it the centerpiece every Christmas meal needs. It’s the kind of dish that makes people linger at the table a little longer, enjoying every bite and hoping there’s more to go around. Just be prepared to share the secret to this one—it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

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