When it comes to holiday meals, there's nothing quite like holiday meat recipes to bring people together around the dinner table. Whether it's a traditional roast turkey for Thanksgiving or a glazed ham for Christmas, meat takes center stage during the holiday season. But with so many recipes and variations out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect dish to serve to your loved ones. That's why we've put together a guide to the best holiday meat recipes that are sure to impress your guests and make your holiday meal one to remember.
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Dijon
If you're tired of the same old holiday turkey, why not switch things up this year and try out a delicious beer can chicken recipe instead? Not only is it a fun and unique way to cook a chicken, but it results in a super flavorful and juicy meat that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
For a classic and crowd-pleasing holiday treat, you can't go wrong with a batch of butter cookies. These tender and buttery cookies are perfect for decorating with colored frosting and sprinkles, making them a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy.
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Easy No Bake Holiday Oreo Cookie Balls #oreocookieballs
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Oreo Cookies, Chocolate Morsels
Looking for a quick and easy holiday dessert that requires no baking? These Oreo cookie balls are the perfect solution. Made with crushed Oreos, cream cheese, and chocolate, these no-bake treats are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Chocolate Holiday Pretzel Candies
Main Ingredients: Candy, Waffle, Candies, Hershey S Kisses
If you're a fan of the salty-sweet combination, then these chocolate-covered pretzel candies are a must-try for the holiday season. They're easy to make and can be customized with different types of chocolate and toppings for a festive touch.
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Frosted Holiday Cookie Cups
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Cookie Dough, Vanilla Frosting, Nestle
For a twist on traditional holiday cookies, try making these cute and delicious frosted cookie cups. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties and can be filled with your choice of frosting, jam, or even a mini candy surprise.
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No Bake Holiday Oreo Truffles
Main Ingredients: Oreos, Cream Cheese, Baking Chocolate, Green Food
If you loved the Oreo cookie balls, then you'll definitely want to try these no-bake Oreo truffles. Made with just three ingredients, these truffles are rich and decadent, making them the perfect indulgence for the holiday season.
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Holiday Herbed Pita Chips & a Festive Cheese Spread
Main Ingredients: Holiday Chips, Crostini, Pita Bread, Melted Butter
For an easy and impressive appetizer, make your own herbed pita chips and pair them with a festive cheese spread. Not only is it a great way to use up leftover pita bread, but it's also a tasty and budget-friendly option for holiday entertaining.
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Holiday Funfetti® Mini Cookie Cups
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, Melted Butter, Frosting, Peppermint, M M
Bring some fun and color to your dessert table with these adorable holiday Funfetti mini cookie cups. Made with a sugar cookie base and filled with colorful sprinkles, these treats are sure to put a smile on everyone's face.
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Holiday Brownie Cookie
Main Ingredients: Brownie Mix, Vanilla Frosting, All Purpose Flour
Can't decide between brownies and cookies? Have the best of both worlds with these holiday brownie cookies. With a fudgy brownie center and a chewy cookie exterior, these treats are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Funfetti Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars
Main Ingredients: Batter, Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, Flour, Salt
If you're short on time but still want to make a delicious holiday dessert, try these funfetti sugar cookie bars. They're easy to make and can be decorated with your choice of frosting and sprinkles for a festive touch.
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Holiday Meat Balls
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Egg, Water, Seasoned Bread Crumbs
For a hearty and flavorful holiday dish, try making these delicious meatballs. Made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and spices, these meatballs can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish with your choice of sauce.
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Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Meat, Seasoning Rub, Bbq Sauce
For a twist on traditional holiday meats, why not try making a flavorful and tender pulled pork? Slow-cooked with beer and spices, this dish is perfect for feeding a large crowd and can be served in sandwiches or on its own.
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Basic Quiche
Main Ingredients: Pie Crust, Meat, Eggs, Cream, Fine Sea Salt, Freshly
If you're looking for a versatile and easy dish to serve for holiday brunch, try making a basic quiche. With a flaky crust and a variety of filling options, you can customize this dish to your liking and impress your guests with minimal effort.
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Holiday Snowflake M&M® Cookies
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, Frozen Whipped Topping, Butter, Egg, Powdered
Add a festive touch to your holiday cookie platter with these adorable snowflake M&M® cookies. With a soft and chewy center and a colorful M&M® snowflake design, these cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup from Holiday Leftovers
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Garlic, Ham, Potatoes, Butternut Squash
Don't let those holiday leftovers go to waste - turn them into a delicious and comforting soup with this slow cooker ham and potato recipe. It's an easy and tasty way to use up any leftover ham and veggies, and it's perfect for a cozy holiday dinner at home.
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Vegan Holiday Shepherd's Pie
Main Ingredients: Veggies, Roast, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes
For a plant-based option that still feels festive and hearty, try making this vegan holiday shepherd's pie. Made with lentils, veggies, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to be a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike.
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Holiday Puppy Chow
Main Ingredients: Rice, Cereal, Frosting, Powdered Sugar
No holiday party is complete without a bowl of puppy chow. This classic snack mix is made with Chex cereal, chocolate, and powdered sugar, and can be easily customized with your favorite holiday-themed toppings.
If you're a fan of the iconic Danish butter cookies, why not try making them at home for the holiday season? With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate these buttery and crumbly cookies for a delicious and traditional treat.
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Stromboli
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Cheese, Meat, Egg Yolk, Garlic Powder
For a savory and filling holiday dish, try making a stromboli. This Italian-inspired turnover is filled with your choice of meats, cheeses, and veggies, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any holiday gathering.
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White Peppermint Holiday Biscotti
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, All Purpose Flour, Canola Oil, Eggs
Biscotti is a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, and these white peppermint holiday biscotti are no exception. Made with white chocolate and crushed candy canes, these cookies are a festive and indulgent treat for any holiday occasion.
The Classic Turkey
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey (14-16 lbs)
Butter or oil for basting
Salt and pepper to taste
Herbs and spices of your choice (sage, thyme, rosemary, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry. Season the inside and outside of the turkey with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Baste the turkey with butter or oil every 30 minutes while it cooks. Roast for about 3 ½ to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.
The Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
1 bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup honey
1 tsp ground cloves
Whole cloves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, and ground cloves over medium heat. Cook until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour the glaze over the ham and use a brush to evenly coat it. If desired, insert whole cloves into the ham for added flavor. Roast for 2 ½ to 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the glaze. Let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
The Non-Traditional Roast Beef
Ingredients:
1 beef tenderloin (4-5 lbs)
Garlic cloves
Butter for basting
Salt and pepper to taste
Herbs of your choice (thyme, rosemary, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the beef tenderloin in a roasting pan and season it with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Cut slits into the beef and insert garlic cloves into them. Baste the beef with butter every 15 minutes while it cooks. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
These holiday meat recipes are sure to impress your guests and make your holiday meal one to remember. Whether you opt for the traditional turkey, a glazed ham, or a non-traditional roast beef, these dishes are guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your loved ones, and enjoy a delicious and memorable holiday feast together!