As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about all the delicious food that will be on the menu. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply looking for some new recipes to try at home, these 10 delicious Christmas recipes are sure to be a hit.
Delicious Christmas Recipes to Try this Holiday Season
1. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
This classic holiday dish is sure to be the centerpiece of any Christmas dinner. To make it, simply rub a whole turkey with a mixture of softened butter and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Roast it in the oven according to the instructions on the package, basting occasionally with the herb butter to keep it moist.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple at any holiday feast, and these garlic mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit. Simply peel and chop a few pounds of potatoes, then boil them until they’re tender. Mash them with a generous amount of butter, milk, and minced garlic, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Green Bean Casserole
This creamy and flavorful casserole is a perfect side dish for any holiday meal. To make it, cook a pound of fresh green beans until they’re tender, then drain them and set them aside.
In a separate pan, sauté a diced onion and some sliced mushrooms in butter until they’re tender. Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup and a cup of milk, then add the green beans and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with a cup of shredded cheese and some fried onions. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese, is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
4. Cranberry Sauce
This sweet and tart cranberry sauce is easy to make and adds a pop of color to any holiday plate. Simply combine a bag of fresh cranberries, a cup of sugar, and a cup of water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir in a splash of orange juice and a pinch of orange zest for added flavor.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but when they’re roasted to perfection, they’re absolutely delicious. To make them, toss a pound of trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, until they’re tender and caramelized.
6. Honey-Glazed Carrots
These honey-glazed carrots are a sweet and simple side dish that will complement any holiday meal. Simply peel and slice a pound of carrots, then simmer them in a mixture of honey, butter, and water until they’re tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
These savory stuffed mushrooms make a delicious appetizer or side dish for any holiday gathering. To make them, remove the stems from a dozen large mushrooms and chop them finely.
Sauté the stems with some minced garlic and a diced onion until they’re tender, then stir in some breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Stuff the mixture into the mushroom caps and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
8. Eggnog
This creamy and indulgent holiday drink is a must-have at any Christmas party. To make it, combine 4 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sugar, and a dozen beat egg yolks in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a generous amount of rum or brandy. Pour the eggnog into a pitcher or punch bowl and refrigerate it until chilled, at least 2 hours.
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the eggnog into glasses and garnish each one with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick. Eggnog is a rich and festive drink that’s perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing with friends and family. So if you’re looking to add a little holiday cheer to your gathering, give this classic recipe a try.
9. Gingerbread Cookies
No holiday season is complete without a batch of gingerbread cookies. To make them, cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in an egg and a cup of molasses, then stir in 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon each of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut it into your desired shapes, then bake the cookies at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, until they’re firm to the touch.
10. Fruitcake
This classic holiday treat is loved by some and reviled by others, but there’s no denying that it’s a quintessential Christmas recipe. To make it, combine 3 cups of mixed dried fruit, 1 cup of chopped nuts, 1 cup of maraschino cherries, and 1 cup of candied pineapple in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, beat together 1 cup of butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 4 eggs until smooth. Stir in 3 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon each of baking powder and salt, then add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
No matter which recipes you choose, these delicious Christmas dishes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Summary
- For the roast turkey recipe, consider including tips on how to choose the right size turkey for your group, as well as advice on thawing and preparing it for cooking.
- In the section on mashed potatoes, you could suggest variations on the basic recipe, such as adding roasted garlic or grated Parmesan cheese to the potatoes before mashing.
- The green bean casserole recipe could include a note on using fresh or frozen green beans, as well as a suggestion for using homemade cream of mushroom soup in place of the canned variety.
- For the cranberry sauce recipe, consider adding a tip on how to adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste, as well as a suggestion for using other types of citrus juice in place of the orange juice.
- In the section on roasted Brussels sprouts, you could suggest adding other ingredients to the mix, such as sliced almonds or grated Parmesan cheese, to give the dish some extra flavor and texture.
- The honey-glazed carrot recipe could include a tip on how to adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste, as well as a suggestion for using other types of sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar.
- For the stuffed mushroom recipe, consider including a note on using other types of cheese in place of the one specified, as well as a suggestion for adding herbs or spices to the filling mixture.
- The eggnog recipe could include a tip on how to adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste, as well as a suggestion for using different types of liquor or leaving the alcohol out altogether.
- In the section on gingerbread cookies, you could suggest adding other ingredients to the dough, such as chocolate chips or candied ginger, to give the cookies some extra flavor and texture.
- The fruitcake recipe could include a tip on how to store the finished cake to keep it fresh, as well as a suggestion for adding other ingredients to the mix, such as dried apricots or candied ginger.
Final words
Christmas is a time for celebration and spending time with loved ones. It’s a time to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy delicious food. There are so many traditions associated with Christmas, from decorating the tree and hanging mistletoe to singing carols and baking cookies.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the holiday season is a time to show love and appreciation to those around you. Whether you’re with family, friends, or alone, the spirit of Christmas is all about spreading joy and happiness. So take a moment to appreciate the people and things in your life, and have a happy and blessed Christmas.
