Christmas is just around the corner and it's time to start planning your holiday menu. While the traditional turkey or ham may take center stage, it's important not to forget about the side dishes. Vegetables are a staple in any Christmas feast and can often be overlooked in favor of more indulgent dishes. However, with the right recipes, vegetables can be the star of the show and bring a healthy balance to your holiday spread. Here are some creative and delicious Christmas vegetable recipe ideas to add to your menu this year.
Main Ingredients: Celery, Red Pepper, Sugar Snap Peas, Baby Carrots
For a festive and healthy appetizer, try making a Christmas wreath or tree veggie tray. Simply arrange your favorite vegetables in the shape of a wreath or tree and serve with a delicious dip like hummus or ranch dressing. Not only is this a great way to sneak in some veggies during the holiday season, but it also adds a pop of color to your holiday spread.
If you're looking for a show-stopping appetizer, this Christmas tree appetizer is sure to impress your guests. Using puff pastry, cream cheese, and your choice of toppings like cranberries, pecans, and herbs, you can create a beautiful and tasty Christmas tree that will have everyone coming back for more.
Christmas morning can be hectic, especially if you have a big meal to prepare. Take some stress off by making this easy and delicious Christmas morning frittata. Packed with veggies and protein, it's a hearty breakfast that will keep you full until your holiday feast.
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Easy Christmas Party Dip
Main Ingredients: Diced Tomatoes And Green Chilies, Refried Beans, Sour
Hosting a holiday party? This easy Christmas party dip is the perfect appetizer to keep your guests satisfied while they wait for the main course. Made with cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and some holiday spices, it's a sweet and savory dip that pairs perfectly with crackers or veggies.
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Veggie Pizza Christmas Trees
Main Ingredients: Crescent Dough Sheet, Cream Cheese, Ranch Dressing
Who says pizza can't be festive? These veggie pizza Christmas trees are a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen and create a fun and healthy snack. Use broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers to decorate your tree-shaped pizza, and you'll have a delicious and nutritious holiday treat.
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Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Main Ingredients: Cheese, Pepperoni, Meats, Prosciutto, Pistachios, Nuts
Cheese boards are always a hit at parties, and this Christmas tree cheese board is no exception. Arrange different types of cheese, nuts, dried fruit, and crackers in the shape of a Christmas tree, and watch it disappear in no time. You can even add a little touch of holiday spirit by using a cookie cutter to cut out cheese in the shape of stars or snowflakes.
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Very Merry Christmas Cheese Board
Main Ingredients: Danish Blue, Havarti, Mature Cheddar, Crackers, Fig
If you're a cheese lover, why not go all out with a very merry Christmas cheese board? This board features an array of cheeses, meats, fruits, and spreads, all arranged in the shape of a wreath. It's a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday gathering.
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Easy Christmas Vegetable Gratin
Main Ingredients: Cream, Milk, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Thyme
Vegetable gratin is a classic holiday side dish, and this easy Christmas version adds a festive twist. Made with a combination of winter vegetables, cream, and cheese, it's a rich and comforting addition to your holiday meal. Plus, the colorful veggies make it a feast for the eyes as well.
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Easy Christmas Vegetable Traybake
Main Ingredients: Parsnips, Carrots, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Thyme
For a simple and flavorful side dish, try this easy Christmas vegetable traybake. Simply toss your favorite veggies with some olive oil and seasonings, and roast them in the oven for a delicious and healthy side dish. It's an easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your holiday meal.
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Baked Christmas Vegetable Dish
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Potato, Cream, Salt, Grated Nutmeg, Freshly
Another great way to serve up some veggies during the holidays is with a baked Christmas vegetable dish. Layer your favorite veggies, like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and carrots, in a baking dish and top with a savory sauce. It's a hearty and tasty side dish that will complement any main course.
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Cranberry Goat Cheese Log with Walnuts, Pecans, and...
Main Ingredients: Goat Cheese, Cranberry Sauce, Dried Cranberries
No holiday spread is complete without a cheese log, and this cranberry goat cheese log with walnuts, pecans, and cranberries is a must-try. The tangy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart cranberries, and the nuts add a satisfying crunch. Serve it with crackers or crostini for a delicious appetizer.
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Wreath Holiday Veggie Tray
Main Ingredients: Broccoli Florets, Cherry Tomatoes, Orange Bell Pepper
If you're looking for another way to serve up some veggies, this wreath holiday veggie tray is a fun and festive option. Arrange a variety of vegetables in a circular shape and add a bowl of dip in the center to create a wreath-like display. It's a simple and healthy addition to your holiday menu.
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Holiday Ranch Cheese Ball
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Ranch, White Cheddar, Peppercorns, Small
Cheese balls are a classic holiday appetizer, and this holiday ranch cheese ball is a crowd-pleaser. Made with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and your choice of mix-ins like bacon, nuts, or herbs, it's a flavorful and creamy dip that goes perfectly with crackers or veggies. Plus, it's easy to make ahead of time for a stress-free holiday party.
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Sausage Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Chopped Pecans, Fresh Cranberries, Dried Fruit, Diced
No holiday meal is complete without some stuffing, and this sausage stuffing recipe takes it to the next level. Made with savory sausage, herbs, and bread, it's a delicious and hearty side dish that will have your guests going back for seconds. The addition of beer can chicken to the recipe adds a unique and tasty twist.
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Peppermint Brownie Truffles
Main Ingredients: Brownie Mix, Peppermint Extract, Veggie, Dark Chocolate
If you have a sweet tooth, these peppermint brownie truffles are the perfect holiday treat. Made with a combination of brownies, cream cheese, and crushed candy canes, they're a decadent and festive dessert that's sure to impress. Plus, they're easy to make ahead of time and can be stored in the fridge until you're ready to serve them.
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Prosciutto Wrapped Roasted Turkey for Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Black Peppercorns, Red Pepper
For a twist on the traditional roasted turkey, try this prosciutto-wrapped roasted turkey for Thanksgiving. The prosciutto adds a salty and savory flavor to the turkey, and the beer can method ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender. It's a delicious and unique way to serve up a holiday favorite.
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Vegan Holiday Shepherd's Pie
Main Ingredients: Veggies, Roast, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes
If you're looking for a vegan option for your holiday meal, this vegan holiday shepherd's pie is a must-try. The combination of lentils, veggies, and mashed sweet potatoes creates a hearty and flavorful dish that even meat-eaters will enjoy. Plus, it's a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
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Cranberry Jalapeno Hot Pepper Jelly
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Jalapeno Peppers, Green Bell Peppers
If you're a fan of sweet and spicy flavors, this cranberry jalapeno hot pepper jelly is a delicious addition to your holiday spread. Serve it with crackers and cream cheese for a tasty appetizer, or use it as a glaze for beer can chicken for a unique and flavorful main course. It's a versatile and tasty condiment that will add a kick to any dish.
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Best Quiche
Main Ingredients: Pie Dough, Veggies, Bacon, Large Eggs, Half Half
Quiche is a great option for holiday brunches, and this recipe for the best quiche is sure to impress. Made with a buttery crust and a creamy and flavorful filling, it's a simple and satisfying dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Add some beer can chicken to the mix for an extra protein boost and a delicious twist.
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Firecracker Ground Turkey
Main Ingredients: 99 Fat Free Ground Turkey, Garlic Powder, Ground
For a healthier option for your holiday meal, try this firecracker ground turkey recipe. It's packed with flavor from ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha, and it's a great way to use up leftover beer can chicken. Serve it over rice or noodles for a tasty and easy holiday meal.
Roasted Root Vegetables with Maple Glaze
Ingredients:
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 parsnip, peeled and cubed
1 carrot, peeled and cubed
1 turnip, peeled and cubed
1 red onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Salt and pepper, to taste
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss together the sweet potato, parsnip, carrot, turnip, and red onion with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Serve as a colorful and flavorful side dish for your Christmas dinner.
Garlic and Herb Green Beans
Ingredients:
1 pound green beans, trimmed
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the green beans, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender but still have a slight crunch. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot as a simple and flavorful side dish.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss together the Brussels sprouts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and tender. The tangy balsamic glaze adds a delicious twist to this classic Christmas vegetable.
Don't let the vegetables on your Christmas table be an afterthought. These tasty and easy recipes will have your guests asking for seconds and adding some much-needed balance to your holiday feast. Give them a try and watch them become new holiday favorites for years to come.
