I've got all your ultimate awesome holiday recipes right here. 100 tasty, comforting dishes to take you from Thanksgiving to New Year in the most delicious way possible.
I absolutely love celebrating all the sabbats in the wheel of the year, and Yule is no exception. That doesn't mean, though, that I'm ready to give up all the muggle holidays I grew up with. As a kitchen witch with her moon in Leo, feeding people is my love language, and the food memories from my childhood are deeply meaningful to me. So in the season of winter feasting. I'm sharing all the recipes I love to make at this time of year.
We've got everything to cover you from Thanksgiving to New Year, and we're going from breakfast to dinner, with drinks and sweet treats as well. You can find magical properties for these recipes on my Kitchen Magick page, or just imbue them with the intention of family harmony and lots of love. Happy feasting, my friends.
Breakfast & Brunch
I absolutely love a big fancy breakfast, whether it's Christmas morning, Black Friday, or just a way to make overnight guests feel more special. This is a great time to sleep late then eat something awesome.
- Savoury Sausage Bread Pudding - This is such a simple way to use up some leftovers and let the oven do all the work.
- Double-Glazed Chai Spice Muffins - In case anyone wants to grab breakfast on the run. You could also offer these as a sweet finish to a breakfast buffet.
- Satsuma & Dark Chocolate Brioche - Serve this plain or make it into French toast if it's gone a bit stale.
- Dutch Baby - Essentially a giant pancake, you can serve it with seasonal fruit or any fancy jams or toppings you may have received under the Christmas tree.
- Zucchini & Potato Pancakes - I cannot speak authoritatively on Hanukkah traditions, but I think these would be a super awesome nod to this winter festival.
- Maple Syrup with Bacon - At the holidays, you want things to be extra special, so make this ridiculously awesome topping for your everyday pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Cinnamon Whole Wheat Pancakes with Blackberry Brown Butter Syrup - I know my mom would have absolutely loved this recipe.
- Sausage Egg & Cheese Biscuits with Apple Butter - Make as much homemade as you like, or keep it mainly store bought. It's awesome either way.
- Cayenne Candied Bacon - If there's ever a time to make candied bacon, it's the holidays.
- Spicy Mashed Potato Pancakes - I can't think of a more delicious thing to do with your leftover mash.
- Croissant French Toast with Maple Bacon Whipped Cream - This is my take on a dish I used to order at my favorite Waikiki restaurant.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins - These might be the best muffins you've ever eaten.
- Homemade Cinnamon Rolls - Now's the time to go to the trouble. The reward is unparalleled.
- Brown Sugar Bacon Biscuits - There's something so simple and delicious about these babies. Make them into an epic breakfast sandwich.
- Pumpkin Pancakes - I've made these for Christmas breakfast many many times.
- Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast - There's pumpkin butter and dark chocolate in between those fluffy slices of brioche.
- Cheesy Sausage Squares - It's far from a healthy breakfast, but it's freakin' awesome.
Starters, Snacks & Nibbles
I absolutely love just nibbling on little bits. I'd happily forego dinner for a great spread of dips and snacks with a great drink (keep scrolling for some ideas). Here are some awesome recipes to get things started, whether they're a preview to the big meal or the fare for a cocktail party of family game night.
- Mini Pork Pies - These are an absolute must at the holidays in the UK, so if you can't or don't want to buy them from the shops, here's how to make your own.
- Pork & Onion Hand Pies - Similar but possibly even more awesome, these also have cheese and gravy inside.
- Whipped Ricotta - Like a snow drift made of cheese, this is gorgeous and super simple to make.
- Garlic & Thyme Baked Camembert - I'm always open to any excuse to make this, and the holidays are the perfect time to just eat cheese and call it a meal.
- White Cheddar Fondue - I think this would be perfect for a drinks and games night with your friends at the holidays.
- Cranberry Cocktail Sausages - This sweet and sticky little sausages are such a delicious little nibble while you're waiting for the main event.
- Homemade Sausage Rolls - Sure you can get these in the freezer section if you live in the UK, but homemade is extra awesome and surprisingly easy.
- Holiday Brie - This takes less than 5 minutes because it's made in the microwave.
- Sausage Rolls with Ham & Cheddar - Want a little extra awesomeness in your sausage roll situation? Try these.
- Blue Cheese Crackers - When you want a little something homemade to go along with all the awesome meats and cheeses you bought.
- Wheaten Biscuits - Another delicious homemade option for your cheese board.
- Secret Ingredient Deviled Eggs - Is it even the holidays without them?
- Jalapeno Deviled Eggs - Turn up the heat on a classic.
- Scottish Oat Cakes - These are a Scottish staple, and I promise, they're delicious homemade.
- Brie & Cranberry Tartlets - With only 3 ingredients, these are almost more of a craft project than a recipe, but they definitely taste awesome.
- Swiss & Bacon Dip - This is my absolute favorite, and I've been making it at the holidays since 2007.
Cocktails & Drinks
The first thing you want to do when a guest walks in is offer them a drink. Whether it's a hot chocolate to warm up from the harsh winter or a day of sledding or a sophisticated cocktail, I've got you covered with lots of options.
- Brown Elephant Cocktail - Made with Amarula, it's like Bailey's but fruitier. Treat yourself to a holiday bottle of this South African liqueur.
- Chaitini - With all the spices of the season.
- Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail - This is my go to because you can make up a big pitcher for a group and keep it chilled with frozen cranberries.
- Pomegranate Margaritas - Can you think of a festive drink that feels more like a party?
- Spiced Honey Vodka - This is so delicious served warm. It also makes a beautiful homemade gift.
- Pomegranate Martini - Feels very mid-century, and the color is gorgeous.
- Orange & Amaretto Cider - Spike your hard cider with amaretto and orange juice for a very autumnal tipple.
- Ginger Pomegranate Cocktail - I love this low-alcohol drink because you can keep drinking them throughout the evening.
- Spiced Sparkling Cider Cocktail - Made with a delicious winter spice syrup.
- Carrot Ginger Orange Mimosa - For when you want to start imbibing with breakfast.
- Pumpkin Spice White Russian - Taking the PSL in a more grown up direction.
- Apple Brandy Frozen Punch - I loved this when I celebrated Christmas in Honolulu and we needed to keep cool rather than stay warm.
- Mistletoe Mocktail - A delicious drink that's suitable for all your guests.
- Vanilla Hot Chocolate for One - Obviously, you can scale this up, but it's also awesome for when you want a little treat just for yourself.
- White Hot Chocolate - A festive twist on a winter classic.
- Apple Margarita - Very autumnal and very fun.
For Dinner
It's the main event. The moment they've all been waiting for and you've probably been planning for weeks. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a small family, I've got some totally delicious ideas for you that will please even the picky eaters at the table (I'm pointing at myself).
- Poultry Seasoning - While not technically a dish, mix up a little protection spell for your family and friends that doubles as a poultry seasoning you can use throughout the holiday season.
- Cranberry Turkey Meatloaf - If you know me at all you know this is my favorite thing about the holidays.
- Potato Rolls - Fluffy, delicious rolls are a must at a holiday dinner so that you can consume every drop of deliciousness without licking the plate.
- Rosemary Potato Rolls - A slight variation with awesome flavor, these are always a huge success.
- Red Currant Glazed Ham - Scale up the recipe if you're using a larger ham.
- Maple Glazed Carrots - Vegetables are always better with a touch of sweetness.
- Cajun Sweet Potatoes - With a creamy yogurt dip, these simple sweet potatoes are my husband's favorite.
- Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells - A flavorful meatless option for your holiday table.
- Red Bean Salad - A beautiful no-cook vegan side for anyone who's kitchen challenged.
- Italian Roast Potatoes - Add rosemary and Parmesan to a Christmas classic.
- Butternut Squash & Carrot Soup - A tasty vegetarian first course with a gorgeous color.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Maple Butter - My personal favorite, these have a bit of a kick to them.
- Ginger-Glazed Gammon Steaks - The perfect holiday main for two, and it only takes about 15 minutes.
- Loaded Baked Potato Casserole - All the good stuff is in here, including bacon and cheddar cheese.
- Chestnut Soup - If you're ever gonna serve this soup, now's the time. I honestly love it.
- Brined & Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy - If you do want to make roast turkey, brined is for sure the way to go. No dry birds here.
- Mashed Potatoes - My mashed potatoes are unmissable. I'm super proud of them and I serve them at every single holiday meal.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
The older I get the less I think that dessert is the best part of the meal, but that doesn't mean I love it any less. Go overboard or keep it relatively simply. It's hard to go wrong with butter and sugar and chocolate.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Cake - This pretty loaf cake tastes absolutely heavenly, and I'd eat it any time of day.
- Chocolate Kahlua Bread Pudding - A little bit boozy and totally indulgent, this one's great to feed a crowd.
- Almond Pastry Puff - Similar to the galette de rois eaten on the 12th day of Christmas, this is simple and sweet.
- Hint of Cinnamon Chocolate Cake - This one is semi-homemade, totally moist, and full of little delicious surprises.
- Chocolate Orange Mousse - An egg-free mousse that's totally indulgent.
- Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - This is a relatively fuss-free cake with phenomenal flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Gooey Butter Cake - If you've never had a gooey butter cake before, this is a great time to try this unusual treat.
- Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake - If a chocolate orange were transformed into a cake, it would be this.
- Grasshopper Pie - This mint no-bake pie is a little bit boozy and totally awesome.
- Snickerdoodle Cupcakes - An easily transportable treat with a hint of cinnamon.
- Winter-Spiced Flourless Chocolate Cake - This is a beautiful gluten-free option for all your winter holidays.
- Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding - Turn leftover breakfast pastries into a comforting dessert.
- Buche de Noel - There kind of is only one time of year you can make this, plus it's totally pagan.
- Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake - So easy to bring along to a party and they taste way better than plain pumpkin pie.
- No-Bake Double-Layer Pumpkin Pie - My mom used to make this pie when I was a kid, and I still love it.
- Pure Pumpkin Cheesecake - This recipe doesn't have a lot of spices, so the flavor of the pumpkin really shines through.
- Chocolate Mint Cupcakes - A little kiss of winter minty freshness tops each chocolaty cake.
Cookies & Sweets
It's not Christmas without cookies as far as I'm concerned. My mom made hundreds of them every year, and it's something about her I'll never forget. I've expanded the repetoire and included other little sweet treats you might enjoy at the holidays.
- Peanut Butter Fudge - My mom was practically famous for this recipe, and I love to remember her with it.
- Stem Ginger Biscuits - Crunchy on the edges, chewy in the middle, and intensely gingery.
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blossoms - A cookie baked in a muffin tin filled with a mini peanut butter cup can only be awesome.
- Mint Brownies - These layered chocolaty treats are gorgeous for winter.
- No-Fail Sugar Cookies - My brother and I always decorated sugar cookies at Christmas when we were little, and my 23 year old child still loves doing this today.
- Lemon & Ginger Bars - Bring a little sunshine to the darkest days of the year.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies - So mahy fond memories of helping my mom put the little cross-hatch into these cookies.
- Apple Butter - Make up plenty for yourself and gift some as well.
- Caramel-Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies - These are a huge hit with their mash up of sweet and tart flavors.
- Snickerdoodle Cookies - This is the perfect time of year for these buttery cinnamon cookies.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies - With a touch of maple syrup, they're just sweet enough and so so chewy.
- Pumpkin Scones - People get really excited when I show up with these babies.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies - Use your favorite mint infused chocolate to bring a subtle shift to a holiday classic.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Macadamia Nut Cookies - The dried cranberries are so festive.
- Chocolate & Orange Scones - The perfect festive treat with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee.
- Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies - This is the perfect time to use your holiday sprinkles.
- Peanut Butter Button Cookies - My mom made them with kisses, and now that I'm in the UK, I make them with buttons, but any chocolate is good.
I hope you've found something you love amongst this list of ultimate awesome holiday recipes. Don't forget to share photos of your awesome recipes on Instagram with the hashtag #awesomeon20!
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