Holiday meals are all about that perfect mix of comfort and excitement; these 19 recipes bring both to the table. With options that feel as festive as a sparkling tree, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your next get-together. They’re easy enough to whip up without breaking a sweat but still look like a masterpiece. This season, the only thing brighter than the lights will be the smiles around the table.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Switching up traditional sides can bring an unexpected twist to holiday meals. Imagine thin slices of potatoes stacked neatly in a muffin tin, coming out perfectly crispy on the edges and tender in the middle. Au Gratin Potato Stacks make for a personal-sized serving that everyone at the table will love. It’s a fun, elegant way to enjoy a classic favorite without the hassle of serving from a big dish.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Smoked Dill Pickle Wings
If you’re in the mood to impress with something a bit off the beaten path, these wings are it. They marry the unique tang of dill pickles with the rich, smoky flavor of grilled chicken in an unforgettable way. Smoked Dill Pickle Wings bring a bold twist to your holiday spread, ensuring your guests talk about them long after the dinner’s over. Who knew pickles and chicken could team up for such a flavor-packed punch?
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict
Brunch on a holiday morning doesn’t have to be the same old story. Swap out the classic ham for tender, juicy pulled pork atop a freshly baked English muffin, all crowned with a perfectly poached egg and creamy hollandaise sauce. Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict offers a hearty start to the day, making every bite a comforting blend of savory flavors. It’s a creative take on a breakfast favorite that’s bound to become a new tradition.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
For those looking to use up holiday leftovers in a creative way, this salad hits just the right note. It takes the essence of a classic deli favorite and turns it into a fresh, easy-to-make dish. Old Fashioned Ham Salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side, mixing sweet and savory elements for a refreshing twist. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure nothing from your holiday feast goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Turkey & Apple Panini
When you’re tired of ordinary sandwiches after holiday feasting, this panini offers a delicious escape. Combining the classic flavors of turkey and apple with the crunch of grilled bread, it’s a simple yet filling meal. Turkey & Apple Panini turns a few basic ingredients into something special, making it a standout choice for a cozy, post-holiday lunch. It’s all about finding joy in the simple pleasures.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini
Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars
For those who love a sweet treat with their coffee or as a dessert, these bars are a dream come true. They’re layer upon layer of sweet, crumbly goodness, with a flavor that hints at your favorite childhood cookies. Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars are sure to be a hit, with their comforting, buttery taste and irresistible crunch. It’s a dessert that effortlessly combines nostalgia and novelty.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars
Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties
Everyone knows that the real magic of holiday meals often lies in the leftovers. These patties transform yesterday’s turkey and potatoes into today’s crispy, golden delight. Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties are the perfect answer to the age-old question of what to do with leftovers. It’s a filling, no-fuss dish that turns less into more with just a little creativity.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties
Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
Upgrading your holiday cocktail game is easy with a smoky twist on a classic favorite. This drink combines the deep, rich flavors of a traditional Old Fashioned with a hint of smokiness for an unforgettable sipping experience. Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail is the perfect way to start or end your holiday evening, offering a sophisticated touch to your festive celebrations. It’s a toast to tradition with a modern twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Nothing says festive like the combo of chocolate and peppermint. These cookies are a delectable treat, rich in chocolatey goodness with a refreshing hint of peppermint that shines through. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are just what you need to complete your holiday dessert table, offering a sweet finish that’s both comforting and exhilarating. They’re a holiday must-have that guests of all ages will adore.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that promises to be a memorable part of your meal, look no further. Smoked Sweet Potatoes bring a subtle sweetness to the table that complements a variety of main dishes beautifully. They’re a testament to the magic of slow cooking, which brings out their natural flavors and textures. This dish is an easy way to add a touch of sophistication to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Cottage Cheese Toast with Mango
Breakfast or snack, this simple dish brings a touch of the tropics to your holiday table. The creamy richness of cottage cheese paired with the sweetness of mango on toasted bread makes for a refreshing, filling eat. Cottage Cheese Toast with Mango is proof that simple ingredients can create something unexpectedly wonderful. It’s a bright start to any morning or a sweet midday pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Mango
Mediterranean Rice
Looking for a side that’s as flavorful as it is colorful? Mediterranean Rice is your answer. It’s a celebration of textures and tastes, bringing together elements that hint at sunny skies and the vibrant Mediterranean coast. This dish is an excellent companion to both meat and fish, offering a side that’s as hearty as it is delicious. It’s a little journey to the Mediterranean, no passport required.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice
Smoked Gimlet Cocktail
Cocktails don’t have to be complicated to be impressive. This smoky rendition of a classic gimlet adds a layer of complexity to the simple, sharp taste of lime and gin. Smoked Gimlet Cocktail is a perfect conversation starter or a relaxing nightcap, offering a unique twist on a beloved classic. It’s a straightforward way to add a little sophistication to your holiday beverage lineup.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gimlet Cocktail
Ginger Spice Cookies
With a warm, spicy kick, these cookies are like a hug in a bite. They bring together the aromatic flavors of ginger and spices in a chewy, irresistible treat that’s perfect with a cup of tea or as a snack on its own. Ginger Spice Cookies are the ideal blend of comfort and warmth, making them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. They’re a simple pleasure that evokes the essence of the holiday spirit.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies
Smoked Beef Stew
When the weather outside is frightful, a bowl of this stew is so delicious. Hearty, comforting, and rich with smoky flavor, it’s a meal that fills you up and warms you from the inside out. Smoked Beef Stew is a must-have for those looking for a filling way to beat the cold. It’s a classic dish made extraordinary with just a hint of smoke.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew
Potato & Green Pea Chowder
This chowder is all about comfort, with its creamy texture and hearty ingredients. It’s a warming, filling bowl of goodness that brings together the humble potato and green peas in a delicious way. Potato & Green Pea Chowder is the perfect dish for anyone wanting to enjoy a soothing, comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace. It’s a standout soup that proves simplicity can be incredibly filling.
Get the Recipe: Potato & Green Pea Chowder
Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage
Who says you need eggs to create a show-stopping breakfast casserole? This version brings together sausage, bread, and cheese in a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage offers a hearty, flavorful start to the day without the eggs, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or looking to try something new. It’s a modern take on the classic casserole that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Breakfast Casserole with Sausage
Tomatillo Pico de Gallo
Add a burst of fresh flavor to your holiday table with this vibrant condiment. It’s a light, refreshing mix that perfectly complements a variety of dishes, from tacos to grilled chicken. Tomatillo Pico de Gallo is a simple yet impactful way to bring a touch of citrus to your meal without overwhelming the main event. It’s the perfect addition for those looking to add a bit of brightness and freshness to their feast.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Pico de Gallo
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Say goodbye to dry, bland turkey and hello to juicy, flavor-packed goodness. This turkey is slowly smoked to perfection, ensuring every bite is moist and infused with a delicate smokiness. Traeger Smoked Turkey is a magnificent centerpiece that promises to overshadow all past holiday turkeys. It’s a fail-proof way to impress your guests and make your holiday meal memorable for all the right reasons.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey