Christmas is the season for sharing, and these 19 recipes are here to keep your advent countdown deliciously festive. From warm starters to crowd-pleasing mains, they’re the kind of dishes that keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether hosting a family gathering or a holiday potluck, there’s something here for every occasion. By the end of December, you might even convince Santa to stick around for leftovers.
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
These bite-sized favorites are the kind of thing you’d mark your calendar for during the holidays. Southern Sausage Cheese Balls bring that irresistible charm to any festive gathering, making them a must-have for the season. They’re the perfect snack for mingling or sneaking a few before dinner. If your advent calendar had a snack slot, these would definitely be worth a spot.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Au Gratin Potato Stacks are simple yet loaded with flavor. This dish offers a creamy and tender twist to your holiday spread. Each stack is like a little tower of comfort food, with layers of golden, cheesy goodness. They’ll definitely be the side dish your guests talk about long after the plates are cleared!
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Perfect for sandwiches or crackers, this dish feels like a throwback to simpler times. Old Fashioned Ham Salad is a creamy, tangy spread that fits right in at a holiday feast. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham or prep something unique ahead of time. Bring this out, and watch it vanish quickly.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Cranberry Bars
These bars bring a sweet and tangy balance that’s perfect for dessert or a mid-afternoon treat. Cranberry Bars are an ideal option when you need something festive without overloading on sugar. They look stunning on any holiday dessert table. Make extra because everyone will want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars
Turkey & Apple Panini
A hearty sandwich that hits all the right notes for a holiday meal. Turkey & Apple Panini combines savory and sweet in a handheld treat. It’s a perfect option for something casual but still festive. Ideal for holiday brunches or as a light bite before the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles
These truffles are bite-sized desserts with a bold holiday flair. Red Velvet Christmas Truffles are rich, creamy, and sure to impress your guests. They’re as fun to look at as they are to eat, with a festive touch that screams celebration. Perfect for gifting, sharing at gatherings, or sneaking a few before the party starts—you deserve it!
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Here’s a side dish that adds some green to your plate while still feeling special. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds are nutty, caramelized, and slightly crunchy. They pair beautifully with any holiday main course. Even sprout skeptics might change their minds after trying this one.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
An easy-to-make side dish that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer deliver a perfectly balanced flavor profile. They’re versatile enough to fit with almost any main dish. Plus, they’re great for guests who like their sides a little less traditional.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a holiday classic with a rich twist. These cookies are bold, chewy, and perfect for dessert platters. The mix of chocolate and mint makes them feel extra festive. They’ll disappear faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
This dish is a savory side with just a hint of sweetness. Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon combines tangy, smoky, and fruity notes for a unique addition to your table. It pairs beautifully with hearty meats or can stand alone as a crowd-pleasing option. Definitely not your average side dish.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Cold Crab Dip
A creamy, chilled appetizer that’s perfect for grazing tables. Cold Crab Dip is light, flavorful, and easy to scoop up with crackers or veggies. It’s an excellent choice for making ahead of time and wowing your guests. Serve it as an appetizer or a snack, and you won’t have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip
Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars
Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars are rich, crumbly, and everything you’d want from a dessert. These bars bring a cozy sweetness to your holiday table. They’re great for sharing, but you might want to keep a few back for yourself. A dessert this good deserves a spot on every holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema
These crostini are bite-sized but pack a ton of flavor. Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema are an elegant appetizer perfect for holiday parties. They combine hearty and tangy elements for a well-rounded bite. Your guests will feel like they’re at a fancy bistro with these.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema
Ginger Spice Cookies
Ginger Spice Cookies bring the warm, spiced flavors you expect during the holidays. These cookies are chewy, fragrant, and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re a crowd-pleaser for cookie swaps or dessert platters. Make extra because they’ll go fast!
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies
Smoked Ribeye Roast
A show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas feast. Smoked Ribeye Roast is tender, smoky, and packed with bold flavors that steal the show. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have people lining up for seconds—and maybe thirds. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ll be the talk of the holiday table for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Roast
Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies
These cookies are a fun twist on a holiday classic. Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies are rich, spiced, and perfect for decorating with the family. They’re as fun to eat as they are to make—and even better when you get creative with icing and sprinkles! Add them to your dessert table for a sweet, festive touch that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies
Sausage Stuffing
A hearty side that’s a must-have for any holiday meal. Sausage Stuffing is packed with bold flavors and perfect for pairing with turkey or ham. It’s one of those dishes that feels like the holidays in every bite. Make sure there’s enough for seconds because this one’s a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing
Christmas Morning Casserole
The perfect dish for starting the holiday with something hearty and comforting. Christmas Morning Casserole is filling and packed with flavors that scream festive breakfast. It’s easy to make ahead, so you can relax with your family. Serve this, and breakfast is sorted for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Morning Casserole
Eggnog Tres Leches Cake
A rich and creamy dessert with a festive twist. Eggnog Tres Leches Cake brings a sweet and indulgent end to your holiday feast. It’s a great alternative to traditional pies or cookies. This is the kind of dessert that gets everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Tres Leches Cake