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13 Festive Dishes Your Family Will Treasure More Than Their Gift Cards

Holidays bring out the best in family gatherings, and the right recipes can make them even more special. These festive dishes are more than just food—they’re a chance to create memories that outshine even the best presents. Perfect for sharing and packed with seasonal charm, they’re bound to become a treasured part of your holiday traditions.

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Abominable Snowman Cupcakes

Snowman-themed cupcakes with fluffy white frosting and candy eyes.
Abominable Snowman Cupcakes. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

When holiday desserts bring more joy than unwrapping gift cards, you know you’ve found a winner like Abominable Snowman Cupcakes. These adorable treats don’t just sit on the table—they steal the show with their festive charm. They’re the kind of dessert that leaves nothing behind but fond memories. If your family treasures holiday magic, these cupcakes are a must-have on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Abominable Snowman Cupcakes

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

A slate platter with six crab stuffed mushrooms garnished with herbs.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Get ready for a treat that’s both sophisticated and comforting. With Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, every bite is a journey to a cozy, festive evening, ideal for warming the heart during colder months. These mushrooms are filled with a rich, savory blend that sparks conversation around the table. Serve them at your next gathering and watch as they become a memorable part of the holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Introducing a dish with a nostalgic twist, Old Fashioned Ham Salad brings back warm memories of family gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and makes a great addition to any holiday table, balancing out heavier main courses with its light yet flavorful profile. Perfect for spreading on crackers or filling sandwiches, it’s a versatile recipe that invites a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those craving a delicious twist on holiday leftovers, Turkey & Apple Panini presents a fantastic solution. This sandwich merges the sweetness of apples with the rich taste of turkey, all pressed between slices of crispy bread. It’s a great way to add a gourmet touch to your post-holiday meals, turning the usual into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Fruit Dip Christmas Charcuterie Board

A festive Christmas charcuterie board with a bowl of sprinkled fruit dip surrounded by holiday-themed treats and fruits.
Fruit Dip Christmas Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

This Fruit Dip Christmas Charcuterie Board has a way of stealing hearts faster than any holiday gift card ever could. Its colorful setup and sweet flavors make it the centerpiece everyone gathers around. The kids will be sneaking bites, and the adults will be piling their plates high, leaving nothing behind. Trust me, your family will be talking about this long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Dip Christmas Charcuterie Board

Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Red velvet Christmas truffles sprinkled with sugar.
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Level up your holiday sweets with Red Velvet Christmas Truffles. Each truffle is a bite-sized piece of heaven, with a smooth, rich interior that melts in your mouth. These elegant treats are not only delicious but also make for a beautiful display on any dessert table. They’re sure to be the talk of the evening, adding a touch of luxury to your festive celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

A bowl of boiled potatoes with skins on, topped with a creamy herb sauce and garnished with chopped fresh dill.
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing says comfort food quite like Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. This dish is a hearty addition to any festive meal, promising to keep your guests satisfied. The blend of creamy sour cream and crispy bacon with the soft, fluffy potatoes creates a match made in heaven. It’s the ultimate side dish that brings warmth and happiness to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Peppermint Fluff

Bowl of peppermint fluff topped with red sprinkles and wafer cookies.
Peppermint Fluff. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

There’s no wrapping paper or gift receipt that can outshine Peppermint Fluff at a holiday gathering. It’s the kind of festive treat that feels like a gift in itself, disappearing faster than any present under the tree. Long after the gift cards are spent, this dessert will still be the highlight everyone remembers. Honestly, it might just be the best thing your family gets this Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Fluff

Smoked Beef Tenderloin

A sliced smoked beef tenderloin on a white plate.
Smoked Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Impress your guests with Smoked Beef Tenderloin, a main course that’s as mouthwatering as it is elegant. This tenderloin takes the spotlight at any dinner table, offering a deliciously smoky flavor that’s hard to forget. It’s an inviting way to gather everyone around for a memorable meal. Let this dish be the centerpiece of your holiday feast, showcasing your love for fine dining at home.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Baked Brie in a Bowl

A wooden platter with baked brie in a bowl, cheese, crackers, grapes and bread.
Baked Brie in a Bowl. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s both simple and sophisticated, Baked Brie in a Bowl has you covered. This creamy, melty cheese dish is a crowd-pleaser, pairing wonderfully with a variety of dipping options. It sets the stage for an unforgettable holiday meal, making everyone feel welcome and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

A glass of whiskey with oranges and a wooden stick.
Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a smoky twist to your holiday beverages with Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail. This drink combines the richness of traditional ingredients with a hint of smoke, creating a memorable experience with each sip. It’s the perfect choice for toasting good health and happiness during the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

A black plate with bacon and mushroom tartlets on it.
Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Treat your guests to Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets, a savory treat that’s perfect for any festive occasion. These little tartlets pack a punch of flavor, making them an irresistible part of your holiday menu. They’re an ideal finger food, easy to serve and enjoy amid the laughter and cheer of your gathering. With each bite, they promise to bring a sense of elegance and satisfaction to your table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Carver Ham is a centerpiece that boasts tradition and flavor in every slice. Serving this at your holiday feast ensures a comforting and satisfying meal, rich in the smoky notes that everyone craves during the colder months. It’s a dish that effortlessly brings people together, celebrating the warmth of family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

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