10+ Christmas Recipes to Brighten Your Holiday Table

Christmas is a special time when many people enjoy cooking and sharing meals with family and friends. You might want to try new recipes or stick to favorite dishes that bring comfort during the holiday season.

Knowing a variety of Christmas recipes can help you plan meals that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you like sweet treats, savory main dishes, or flavorful side dishes, there is something for every taste. Cooking during the holidays can be a fun way to create new memories and traditions in your home.

Ingredients

• Basic spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
• Sugar and flour
• Meat (ham, beef, or poultry)
• Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, green beans)
• Dairy (butter, cream, cheese)

Cooking Instructions

1. Choose your recipes based on what you like and have available.
2. Prepare ingredients by washing, cutting, and measuring.
3. Follow the cooking steps for each dish.
4. Monitor cooking times and temperatures, such as roasting meats at 350°F (175°C).
5. Serve hot and enjoy your meal with family or friends.

1) Classic Prime Rib Roast

A prime rib roast is a great choice for a special Christmas meal. It’s a tender, juicy cut of beef with a rich flavor.

You can cook it simply with salt, pepper, and garlic to highlight its natural taste. Start by roasting the beef at 450°F (230°C) for about an hour.

Then lower the heat to 350°F (175°C) and roast for another 2 hours. This method creates a nice crust while keeping the inside medium rare.

Rest the meat for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices settle and keeps each slice tender.

Ingredients

• 1 prime rib roast (5 to 6 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Rub the roast with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Place the roast in a roasting pan.
4. Roast for 60 minutes.
5. Lower heat to 350°F (175°C) and roast for 120 minutes more.
6. Remove and rest for 15-20 minutes.
7. Slice and serve.

For a detailed guide, check this perfect prime rib roast.

2) Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Peppermint snowball cookies make a great Christmas treat. They are soft, buttery, and have a fresh peppermint flavor.

You will love how easy they are to make with just a few simple ingredients. These cookies are coated in powdered sugar, giving them a snowy look.

Adding crushed peppermint candies on top makes them festive and adds a nice crunch. They are perfect for sharing with friends or family.

You can make the dough in one bowl, which saves time and cleanup. Baking at a moderate temperature helps them stay tender.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup finely crushed peppermint candies

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
3. Mix in peppermint and vanilla extracts.
4. Gradually add flour and stir until dough forms.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set but not browned.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll cookies in remaining powdered sugar mixed with crushed peppermint candies.

3) Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog Snickerdoodles are soft, tender cookies that bring holiday flavors to your kitchen. Mix classic snickerdoodle dough with eggnog and a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon.

These cookies often get a festive twist with an eggnog glaze or a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. They are easy to bake and perfect to share with friends and family.

You can add a splash of rum to the dough for extra holiday flavor. These treats are comforting and fun to make during the season.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1-2 tbsp dark rum

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla.
4. Mix in eggnog and rum if using.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet and mix well.
6. Roll dough into balls and coat with cinnamon sugar.
7. Place cookies on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers are soft.
9. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

For more ideas, check out this eggnog snickerdoodle recipe.

4) Christmas Ham with Glaze

A Christmas ham is a classic dish that many families enjoy during the holidays. You can make it special by adding a sweet glaze.

A mix of brown sugar, honey, and a little mustard or fruit juice works well. Bake the ham slowly so it stays juicy.

Brush the glaze on several times while cooking to create a shiny, sticky finish. Pineapple rings and cherries can add a festive touch on top.

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes and vegetables for a full holiday meal. You can find easy and tasty recipes online like this one for a sticky maple glazed ham.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup orange juice or apple cider vinegar
• Pineapple rings (optional)
• Maraschino cherries (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
3. Mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, and juice to make the glaze.
4. Place ham in a roasting pan and brush with glaze.
5. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, brushing with glaze every 20 minutes.
6. Add pineapple rings and cherries in the last 30 minutes if you like.
7. Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

5) Loaded Cookie Brittle

Loaded cookie brittle is a crunchy and sweet treat that’s easy to share. Enjoy the mix of buttery cookie pieces with chocolate chips and nuts.

It’s perfect for holiday snacking or giving as a gift. This brittle has a crispy texture with a rich vanilla flavor.

Adding mini chocolate chips or pecans makes it extra tasty. You can bake it as one big sheet and break it into pieces once cool.

You don’t need fancy tools, just basic ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. This recipe is quick and sure to please friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 280°F (140°C).
2. Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in vanilla extract.
4. Stir in flour and salt until combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans.
6. Spread dough thinly on a baking sheet.
7. Bake 25-30 minutes until edges are golden.
8. Let cool completely, then break into pieces.

6) Traditional Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding is a classic British dessert served during the holidays. It is loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and spices.

Steam the pudding for several hours to make it rich and moist. You usually make it weeks ahead to let the flavors develop.

When it’s time to serve, many people set it alight with brandy for a festive touch. This pudding is hearty and perfect for a cold winter day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup sultana raisins
• 1 cup currants
• 1 cup chopped apples
• 1/2 cup mixed peel
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup light muscovado sugar
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons brandy or cognac
• 1/2 cup beef suet (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix all dried fruits, nuts, and peel in a large bowl.
2. Add flour, breadcrumbs, sugar, and nutmeg. Stir well.
3. Beat eggs and brandy, then mix into the dry ingredients.
4. Grease a pudding basin and fill it with the mixture. Cover tightly.
5. Steam the pudding for about 6 hours at 212°F (100°C).
6. Let it cool, then store until ready to serve.

For more details, check this Classic Christmas pudding recipe.

7) Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Sausage breakfast casserole is a warm and filling dish perfect for Christmas morning. It combines sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread for a tasty, easy meal.

You can prepare it the night before to save time. When baked, the eggs soak into the bread, making the casserole soft and flavorful.

Add herbs or spices, like mustard powder or sage, to make it even better. This casserole works great with your choice of breakfast sausage or even cubed ham.

Using white bread or rolls also makes the dish rich and hearty.

Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk or half and half
• 4 cups cubed white bread
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook and crumble the sausage.

3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard powder, and salt.

4. Add bread cubes, cooked sausage, and cheese. Stir to combine.

5. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.

6. Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.

8) Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty and easy side dish for your Christmas meal. You can keep them simple with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Add extra flavor by tossing them with balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey. For a festive touch, include dried cranberries and toasted pecans.

The sweetness of the cranberries and crunch of the pecans balance the sprouts’ natural bitterness. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese right after roasting for a cheesy finish.

Roast the Brussels sprouts at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden and crispy on the outside but tender inside. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes.

Shake the pan halfway through cooking to cook them evenly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.

4. Roast for 10-12 minutes, then stir.

5. Roast another 10-13 minutes until golden and tender.

6. Remove from oven and drizzle balsamic vinegar and honey.

7. Add dried cranberries, pecans, and Parmesan cheese.

8. Toss gently and serve warm.

For more ideas, check out this balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts recipe.

9) Pillsbury Stacked Sugar Cookies

You can make fun and easy treats with Pillsbury Stacked Sugar Cookies. This recipe uses two types of store-bought sugar cookie dough, stacked together to create a tasty twist.

It’s perfect when you want a festive treat without spending too much time baking from scratch. All you need to do is layer the dough, bake, and decorate with sprinkles or icing.

These cookies look great on holiday trays and taste delicious with a glass of milk.

Ingredients

• 1 package Pillsbury sugar cookie dough (regular)
• 1 package Pillsbury sugar cookie dough (frosted or sprinkles)
• Sprinkles (optional)
• Icing (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Take out both cookie dough packages.

3. Flatten a scoop from the regular dough, then place a scoop of frosted dough on top.

4. Press gently to stack.

5. Place stacked cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Add sprinkles if you want.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.

8. Let cool before serving.

For more ideas, check out this Pillsbury stacked cookie recipe.

10) Holiday Spiced Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a warm and cozy drink perfect for the holiday season. You gently heat red wine with spices and fruit to bring out rich flavors.

Mix cinnamon, cloves, and orange slices into the wine. These ingredients add warmth and a festive touch.

You can make mulled wine on the stove or in a slow cooker. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling off the alcohol.

Enjoy the inviting aroma as it simmers.

Ingredients:

• 2 bottles red wine (750 ml each)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 10 whole cloves
• 1 piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar or honey

Cooking Instructions:

1. Pour wine into a large pot.
2. Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger.
3. Stir in sugar or honey.
4. Heat on low for 20-30 minutes, keeping below 180°F (82°C).
5. Strain and serve warm.

Try this simple recipe from Allrecipes for more ideas.