17+ Easy Holiday Recipe Ideas Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and creating memorable moments. And what better way to celebrate than with delicious, homemade food? If you're looking for easy holiday recipe ideas that will impress your guests and make your taste buds sing, then you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll share some of our favorite recipes that are not only simple to make, but also full of festive flavors and holiday cheer. So let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Unsweetened
Looking for a fresh and healthy side dish for your holiday dinner? Look no further than this delicious Holiday Honeycrisp Salad. The combination of crisp apples, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans will make your taste buds dance with joy. And the honey Dijon dressing adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors.
Start by washing and chopping your Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. Then, mix them with a handful of dried cranberries and chopped pecans in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled for a refreshing and festive addition to your holiday table.
What's a holiday celebration without a little spiked eggnog? This classic holiday drink gets a boozy twist with the addition of dark rum and brandy. It's creamy, rich, and oh so delicious. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whole milk, dark rum, brandy, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, give it a good stir and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Cheers to a happy holiday!
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Pumpkin Chai Holiday Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bags, All Purpose Flour, Dark Brown
Spice up your holiday dessert table with these delicious Pumpkin Chai Cupcakes. The warm flavors of pumpkin and chai come together in a perfect harmony, and the cream cheese frosting adds a touch of tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the cupcakes.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together canned pumpkin, vegetable oil, eggs, and a box of spice cake mix. In a separate bowl, mix together chai spice, brown sugar, and softened cream cheese for the frosting. Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a piping bag to frost them with the chai cream cheese mixture. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
Jingle all the way with this tasty and refreshing Jingle Juice Holiday Punch. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for any holiday gathering, and it can be easily customized to your personal taste. Simply mix together cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and ginger ale in a large punch bowl. Add in your choice of alcohol, such as vodka or rum, for a boozy twist. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
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10 Holiday Side Dishes
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Butternut Squash
Looking for some side dish inspiration for your holiday feast? We've got you covered with our top 10 favorite holiday side dishes. From classics like green bean casserole and mashed potatoes to more unique dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and honey-glazed carrots, there's something for everyone on this list. Don't be afraid to mix things up and try something new this holiday season!
No holiday celebration is complete without a delicious punch to sip on. This holiday punch recipe is a crowd-pleaser and can be easily made in large batches. Combine cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and ginger ale in a large punch bowl. Add in a splash of rum or vodka for those who want a boozy option. Serve with ice and garnish with fresh fruit slices for a festive touch.
These tasty and easy-to-make Holiday Sausage Balls are a must-have on your holiday appetizer spread. With just three simple ingredients - sausage, Bisquick mix, and shredded cheddar cheese - these savory bites pack a punch of flavor. Simply mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, roll into balls, and bake in the oven until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious holiday treat.
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Mom's Holiday Crab Dip
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Dried Minced
Everyone needs a go-to holiday dip recipe, and this one is sure to become a favorite. Made with real crab meat, cream cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices, this dip is creamy, savory, and oh so addictive. Serve it warm with crackers or bread for dipping, and watch it disappear in minutes. Trust us, your guests will be begging for the recipe.
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Crock Pot Holiday Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Dark Brown Sugar, Pure Maple Syrup, Pineapple
Take the stress out of holiday cooking with this easy and delicious Crock Pot Holiday Ham recipe. This method ensures a juicy and flavorful ham every time, without having to worry about basting or overcooking. Simply place your ham in the crockpot with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and spices, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The result is a perfectly tender and flavorful ham that will be the star of your holiday meal.
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Holiday Leftovers Turkey Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Roast Turkey, Mixed Vegetables, Mayonnaise
Don't let those holiday leftovers go to waste! This Holiday Leftovers Turkey Casserole is the perfect way to use up any extra turkey and sides you have sitting in your fridge. Simply mix together chopped turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and any other leftover veggies or side dishes in a casserole dish. Top with gravy and bake until heated through and golden brown. It's like a mini Thanksgiving feast all in one dish!
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Spiced Holiday Nuts
Main Ingredients: Nuts, Butter, Pure Maple Syrup, Ground Cinnamon, Ground
Looking for a simple and savory snack to have out during your holiday gatherings? These Spiced Holiday Nuts are the perfect solution. Tossed with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper, these nuts are roasted to perfection and make for a delightful and addictive snack. Serve them in a bowl for guests to munch on or package them up in cute jars for a thoughtful holiday gift.
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Christmas Punch (Holiday Punch)
Main Ingredients: Orange, Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice
This Christmas Punch is the perfect addition to your holiday drink menu. Made with cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and ginger ale, it's a refreshing and fruity drink that everyone will love. For a boozy twist, add in your choice of alcohol, such as vodka or rum. And don't forget to garnish with fresh fruit slices for a festive touch.
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Holiday Mimosa Punch
Main Ingredients: Champagne, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Grenadine
Sip on something bubbly and festive with this Holiday Mimosa Punch. Made with a combination of orange juice, cranberry juice, and champagne, it's a refreshing and light drink that pairs perfectly with any holiday brunch or gathering. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute sparkling cider for the champagne. Cheers to a happy holiday!
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Holiday Relaxer Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Ice, Peach Schnapps, Vodka, Coconut Rum, Pineapple
After a busy day of holiday celebrations, unwind with this delicious and soothing Holiday Relaxer Cocktail. Made with bourbon, honey, lemon juice, and a splash of hot water, it's a warm and comforting drink that will help you relax and enjoy the holiday season. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
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Vodka Lemon Holiday Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Vodka, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Grenadine
Looking for a simple and refreshing holiday cocktail? This Vodka Lemon Holiday Cocktail is just the ticket. Made with vodka, lemon juice, and a splash of soda water, it's a light and citrusy drink that will have you feeling merry and bright in no time. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
Forget the traditional holiday ham or turkey and switch things up with this delicious Holiday Lasagna. Layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta cheese, and savory meat sauce make for a hearty and comforting dish that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying holiday meal.
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Homemade Holiday Eggnog
Main Ingredients: Large Egg Yolks, Granulated Sugar, Whole Milk, Pure
Nothing says "holiday season" quite like a glass of creamy and indulgent eggnog. This Homemade Holiday Eggnog recipe is easy to make and tastes infinitely better than the store-bought version. Just be sure to use the freshest ingredients and give it plenty of time to chill before serving. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a classic touch.
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Sparkling Holiday Mocktails
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Orange Juice, Fresh Rosemary, Orange
Don't forget the designated drivers and non-drinkers at your holiday gatherings with these Sparkling Holiday Mocktails. Made with a blend of cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale, these mocktails are bursting with flavor and can easily be customized to your personal taste. Serve in champagne flutes for an extra festive touch.
Put a holiday twist on the classic Moscow Mule with this delicious and refreshing Holiday Moscow Mule recipe. Instead of the traditional vodka, this recipe uses spiced rum for a warm and cozy flavor. Simply mix together spiced rum, ginger beer, cranberry juice, and a squeeze of lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a cranberry for a festive touch.
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My Favorite Holiday Salad
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Virgin Olive Oil, Water, Dijon
Looking for a simple and tasty salad to balance out all the rich and indulgent holiday dishes? This is My Favorite Holiday Salad for a reason. Made with a mix of fresh greens, pomegranate seeds, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta cheese, it's a delicious and healthy option that everyone will love. Drizzle with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette for the perfect finishing touch.
Festive Appetizers
Cranberry Brie Bites
If you're hosting a holiday party, these cranberry brie bites will make the perfect appetizer. They're easy to make and bursting with flavors of sweet cranberry and creamy brie cheese. Simply cut puff pastry into squares, top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a slice of brie, and bake for 15 minutes. These bite-sized treats will be a hit with both kids and adults.
Holiday Cheese Ball
Another show-stopping appetizer is the holiday cheese ball . It's a mix of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and festive herbs and spices. Shape it into a ball and roll it in chopped nuts for added crunch. Serve with crackers or veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's both easy and impressive.
Traditional Main Dishes
Glazed Ham
No holiday meal is complete without a glazed ham . This classic dish is surprisingly easy to make and always a crowd favorite. Simply bake a pre-cooked ham with a glaze of brown sugar, honey, and spices for a sweet and savory main course.
Roast Turkey
For a more traditional option, a roast turkey is the way to go. It may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can achieve a juicy and flavorful turkey. Make sure to brine the turkey overnight for maximum tenderness, and baste it with butter and herbs while roasting for a deliciously golden and crispy skin.
Decadent Desserts
Peppermint Bark
No holiday dessert table is complete without peppermint bark . It's a simple yet irresistible treat that combines dark and white chocolate layers with crushed candy canes. Break it into pieces and serve it as a sweet and refreshing after-dinner treat.
Eggnog Cheesecake
For a festive twist on a classic dessert, try making an eggnog cheesecake . It's a rich and creamy cheesecake flavored with eggnog and topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg. This indulgent dessert will have everyone asking for seconds.
These are just a few of our favorite easy holiday recipe ideas that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not add these dishes to your holiday menu and spread some joy and deliciousness this season? Happy cooking!
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