28 Christmas Recipes Featuring Seasonal Fruits You’ll Love

Every Christmas, I find myself scrambling around to create a festive menu that's both delightful and a bit health-conscious. This year, I decided it was time to spotlight the incredible seasonal fruits that winter has to offer. From juicy pomegranates and zesty cranberries to the humble apple and pear, these fruits can elevate any dish with their natural sweetness and tangy flavor.

That's why I've put together this list of 28 Christmas Recipes Featuring Seasonal Fruits You’ll Love. Not only are these recipes packed with flavor, but they also bring a splash of color and freshness to your holiday table. Ready to make your Christmas feast unforgettable? Let's dive into these mouth-watering recipes!

1. Cranberry Orange Scones

A perfect breakfast treat to start Christmas morning.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the buttermilk and fresh cranberries.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a circle. Cut into 8 wedges.
6. Place the wedges on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.

2. Pomegranate Glazed Ham

The star of your Christmas dinner, with a fruity twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (about 8 pounds)
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Arils from 1 pomegranate

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan.
3. In a saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and simmer until it thickens slightly.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham and bake for 1-1.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
5. Garnish with pomegranate arils before serving.

3. Apple and Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

A fresh and crisp starter that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 2 pears, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• Mixed greens

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the apples, pears, walnuts, cranberries, and mixed greens.
2. In a small jar, mix together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

4. Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini

An elegant appetizer that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• Olive oil
• 1 cup fresh figs, sliced
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• Honey for drizzling
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Toast for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Spread goat cheese on each crostini, top with fig slices, and drizzle with honey.
4. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving

5. Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad

A colorful, refreshing salad that brings holiday cheer to the table.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe persimmons, thinly sliced
• Arils from 1 pomegranate
• Mixed greens
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the persimmons, pomegranate arils, mixed greens, feta cheese, and pecans.
2. In a small jar, shake together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

6. Caramelized Pear Tart

This dessert looks fancy but is incredibly simple to put together.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 3 pears, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the pear slices on the pastry, slightly overlapping.
4. Brush the pears with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the pears are caramelized.

7. Mulled Wine with Citrus and Spices

Warm up with this classic holiday drink enhanced with seasonal fruit.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 3 star anise

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
2. Simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes, making sure not to boil.
3. Strain the spices and fruit before serving warm.

8. Clementine Cranberry Relish

A colorful and tangy side dish to brighten your holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 3 clementines, peeled and segmented
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until coarsely chopped.
2. In a bowl, combine cranberries, clementine segments, sugar, orange juice, and grated ginger.
3. Let sit for at least an hour to marry the flavors.

9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries

A savory side dish that’s both festive and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 apple, cored and diced
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts, apple, and cranberries with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until Brussels sprouts are tender.

10. Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread

A sophisticated yet effortless appetizer perfect for your holiday party.

Ingredients:

• 1 flatbread or pizza dough
• 2 pears, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• Honey for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spread the flatbread or roll out pizza dough on a baking sheet.
3. Layer the pear slices and sprinkle with blue cheese and walnuts.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden and crispy.
5. Drizzle with honey before serving.

11. Citrus Rosemary Roast Chicken

A succulent main course that’s enhanced by the flavors of winter citrus.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 2 oranges, quartered
• 2 lemons, quartered
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Stuff the cavity with some of the orange and lemon quarters and rosemary sprigs.
3. In a bowl, combine garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken.
4. Place the remaining citrus around the chicken.
5. Roast for 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

12. Spiced Plum Compote

Serve this versatile compote with breakfast or as a dessert topping.

Ingredients:

• 6 plums, pitted and diced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine plums, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the plums break down and the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.
3. Serve warm or cool.

13. Gingered Persimmon Bread

A seasonal twist on classic banana bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups persimmon puree (from about 3 ripe persimmons)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine persimmon puree, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

14. Mixed Berry Trifle

A visually stunning dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 prepared pound cake, cubed
• 2 cups vanilla pudding
• 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. In a trifle dish, layer pound cake cubes, berries, pudding, and whipped cream.
3. Repeat layers, ending with whipped cream.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

15. Orange Glazed Carrots

A vibrant and delicious side dish that pairs well with any main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound baby carrots
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add carrots. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Drain the carrots and return them to the pan.
3. Add orange juice, honey, butter, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce is reduced and the carrots are glossy.

16. Kiwi-Lime Tarts

Mini tarts that are sweet, tangy, and refreshingly light.

Ingredients:

• 1 package mini tart shells
• 2 cups key lime curd
• 6 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bake the mini tart shells according to package instructions and let them cool.
2. Fill each shell with key lime curd.
3. Top with kiwi slices and mint leaves before serving.

17. Cranberry Chicken Salad Wraps

A festive lunch option that's quick to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large spinach tortillas
• Baby spinach leaves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together chicken, cranberries, celery, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spread a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center.
3. Add a handful of baby spinach leaves on top.
4. Roll up the tortilla tightly and slice in half.

18. Spiced Quince and Apple Chutney

A savory and slightly sweet condiment that pairs perfectly with meat dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 quinces, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruits are tender and the mixture has thickened.
2. Let cool and store in jars in the refrigerator.

19. Blood Orange and Chocolate Bark

A sweet and slightly tart treat that makes a wonderful gift.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 blood oranges, peeled and segmented
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
2. Pour melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread evenly.
3. Arrange blood orange segments and nuts over the chocolate. Sprinkle with sea salt.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until set.
5. Break into pieces and serve.

20. Winter Citrus Salad

Brighten up your table with a medley of citrus fruits.

Ingredients:

• 2 grapefruits, peeled and sliced
• 3 oranges, peeled and sliced
• 2 mandarins, peeled and segmented
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
• Fresh mint for garnish

For the dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Arrange the citrus slices and segments on a platter.
2. Sprinkle pomegranate arils and garnish with fresh mint.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad before serving.

21. Baked Apples with Spiced Granola

A cozy dessert that’s perfect for chilly winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples, cored
• 1 cup granola
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together granola, melted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped nuts.
3. Stuff the mixture into the cored apples and place them in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the apples are tender.

22. Pineapple Honey Glazed Carrots

A tropical twist on classic glazed carrots.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound baby carrots
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon pineapple zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add carrots. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Drain the carrots and return them to the pan.
3. Add pineapple juice, honey, butter, pineapple zest, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and the carrots are glazed.

23. Mango Cranberry Sauce

A tangy and sweet condiment perfect for holiday meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, mango, orange juice, sugar, and ginger.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.
3. Let cool before serving.

24. Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

A fresh and fruity spin on traditional bruschetta.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Toast for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
3. In a bowl, mix strawberries with balsamic glaze.
4. Spoon the strawberry mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

25. Citrus Glazed Roast Duck

Impress your guests with this flavorful and moist roast duck.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (about 5 pounds)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan. Stuff the cavity with some of the orange and lemon slices.
3. In a bowl, mix together orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Brush the mixture all over the duck.
4. Roast for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

26. Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

A creamy, comforting soup that's both sweet and savory.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 apples, peeled and cubed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the butternut squash and apples and cook for a few minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the squash and apples are tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper before serving.

27. Kiwi Pineapple Salsa

Pair this vibrant salsa with your favorite grilled meats or as a dip.

Ingredients:

• 3 kiwis, peeled and diced
• 1 cup pineapple, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine kiwi, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and add a pinch of salt.
3. Mix well and let sit for at least 20 minutes to blend the flavors.

28. Grapefruit Sorbet

A refreshing and tangy dessert to cleanse your palate.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh grapefruit juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, creating a simple syrup.
2. Remove from heat and stir in grapefruit juice and honey.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

Conclsuion

There you have it – 28 Christmas recipes featuring seasonal fruits that will make your holiday meals unforgettable. Enjoy experimenting with these vibrant and flavorful dishes, and most importantly, sharing them with your loved ones. Happy cooking!