25 Christmas Recipes: Festive Dishes to Elevate Your Holiday

The holiday season is my favorite time of year. The twinkling lights, the joy of gift-giving, and most importantly, the delicious food! Every Christmas, I look forward to experimenting with new recipes and perfecting old favorites.

Since there's no better way to bring people together than through food, I've compiled a list that I'm excited to share with you: "25 Christmas Recipes: Festive Dishes to Elevate Your Holiday."

With this collection, you'll find a variety of traditional classics and modern twists, from hearty mains to delectable desserts. Let's dive in and make this holiday season the most delicious yet!

1. Classic Roast Turkey

A Christmas staple.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out; pat dry with paper towels.
3. Rub butter all over the turkey and season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff the cavity with lemon, onion, and fresh herbs.
5. Tie the legs together and tuck the wings under the body.
6. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
7. Roast for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste occasionally with drippings.
8. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

2. Honey-Glazed Ham

Sweet and savory perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole ham (about 10 pounds)
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves.
3. In a bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Brush the ham with half the glaze mixture.
5. Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
6. Bake for about 2 hours, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until the ham is caramelized and golden.

3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and deliciously garlic-infused.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. In a small saucepan, heat milk, heavy cream, and butter until melted.
4. Add minced garlic to the milk mixture and heat until fragrant.
5. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and mash until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Green Bean Casserole

Comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 can (6 ounces) French-fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Steam or boil green beans until tender-crisp.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk.
4. Stir in the green beans and half the French-fried onions.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining onions.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

5. Cranberry Sauce

A tangy and sweet side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in orange zest and let cool before serving.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole

A dessert-like side dish perfect for the season.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
4. Stir in brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Spread the mixture into a baking dish.
6. Top with mini marshmallows and chopped pecans, if desired.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until marshmallows are golden and the casserole is heated through.

7. Stuffing

A must-have at any Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of bread, cubed and toasted
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add onion and celery, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes with the skillet mixture.
6. Add chicken broth gradually, stirring until moistened.
7. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and cover with foil.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is crisp.

8. Beef Wellington

An elegant main dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 beef tenderloin (about 2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup prosciutto slices
• 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear the beef on all sides.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool, then brush with Dijon mustard.
5. Layer prosciutto on plastic wrap, spread chopped mushrooms over it, and place the beef on top.
6. Roll the prosciutto and mushrooms around the beef, using the plastic wrap to hold it tight.
7. Roll out the puff pastry and remove the plastic wrap from the beef.
8. Place the beef on the puff pastry and seal it.
9. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

A crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them on a baking sheet and scatter chopped bacon on top.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until Brussels sprouts are tender and bacon is crispy.
5. Serve immediately.

10. Yorkshire Pudding

Perfect for sopping up gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs and milk together.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Divide vegetable oil among a muffin tin.
6. Heat the tin in the oven until the oil is hot.
7. Pour batter into the hot oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until puffed and golden.

11. Gravy

A rich sauce to complete your meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook until bubbly.
3. Gradually whisk in the broth.
4. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot.

12. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in milk.
5. Cook until sauce is thickened.
6. Add cheddar cheese and Parmesan, stirring until melted.
7. Mix in cooked macaroni and season with salt and pepper.
8. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly.

13. Eggnog

A holiday classic.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup rum (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk and cream until warm.
3. Gradually add the milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
5. Stir in nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and rum if using.
6. Chill before serving.

14. Gingerbread Cookies

Perfect for decorating.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light.
3. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
8. Transfer to baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are firm.

15. Sugar Cookies

Classic and versatile.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Roll dough into balls and place on baking sheets.
7. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

16. Fruitcake

A traditional treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup brandy or orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 2 cups mixed dried fruit

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in brandy or orange juice and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in chopped nuts and dried fruit.
8. Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
9. Bake for 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let cool completely before serving.

17. Peppermint Bark

A sweet and minty treat.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
3. Stir in peppermint extract.
4. Spread the melted chocolate evenly on the baking sheet and let set.
5. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
6. Spread the white chocolate over the set dark chocolate.
7. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
8. Let the bark set completely before breaking into pieces.

18. Tiramisu Yule Log

A decadent and festive dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 2 tablespoons rum (optional)
• 1 package ladyfingers
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whip mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. In a shallow dish, combine coffee and rum.
3. Dip ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and line them up on a serving platter to form a log shape.
4. Spread a layer of mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
5. Repeat layers, ending with the mascarpone mixture.
6. Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

19. Pumpkin Pie

A holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked pie shell
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour the filling into the pie shell.
4. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, until the center is set.
5. Let cool before serving.

20. Red Velvet Cake

A show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into greased and floured cake pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool before frosting.

21. Chocolate Truffles

Rich and indulgent treats.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder, for rolling

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and butter until melted.
2. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream mixture over it.
3. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Scoop small amounts of the mixture and roll into balls.
7. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder.
8. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.

22. Mulled Wine

Warm and comforting, perfect for cold nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-star anise

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
2. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is just below boiling.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.
4. Strain out the solids and serve warm.

23. Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

A luxurious main course to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of lamb (about 8 ribs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the lamb with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the lamb in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
4. Brush the lamb with Dijon mustard.
5. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic, rosemary, parsley, and olive oil.
6. Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the lamb, coating it evenly.
7. Place the lamb on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

24. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A delightful combination of chocolate and peppermint.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set.
9. Let cool before serving.

25. Spiced Hot Chocolate

A warm and cozy drink to end your festive meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk, heavy cream, and sugar over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Reduce heat to low and stir in chopped dark chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract.
3. Continue stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Serve hot, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.

Conclusion

There you have it, 25 festive recipes to make your Christmas truly special. From main courses that steal the show to side dishes and desserts that add the perfect finishing touch, there’s something here for everyone. I hope these recipes bring joy and deliciousness to your holiday table. Merry Christmas and happy cooking!