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15 Festive Recipes That’ll Have Empty Plates Coming Back For Seconds Before The Carols End

The holidays are all about gathering, laughing, and apparently racing to grab the last serving of everything on the table. These recipes are so perfectly tailored for the season that even your pickiest eater will suddenly develop an insatiable appetite. Just make sure to keep a secret stash for yourself, or you might end up battling Uncle Bob for the last bite.

Two squares of cranberry bars on a slate plate.
Cranberry Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Peppermint Fluff

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

Light, sweet, and perfectly festive, this dessert tends to disappear before the first carol finishes. It’s the one dish that has everyone sneaking back for just a little more, even when they swear they’re full. Peppermint Fluff brings a simple holiday charm to the table that keeps plates—and spoons—coming back for seconds. You might want to make extra because leftovers don’t stand a chance.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Fluff

Sauerkraut Balls

A close-up shot of hands pulling apart a crispy, golden-brown, cheese-filled snack with a gooey, melted cheese center against a textured white background.
Sauerkraut Balls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s not every day a snack becomes the life of the party, but Sauerkraut Balls are here to prove it can be done. With a balance of tang and crunch, they’re impossible to ignore. Watch how fast these disappear while everyone pretends they only had one. By the time the carols start, you’ll be refilling the plate—again.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

Ginger Spice Cookies

A plate of Spiced Ginger Cookies and a cup of tea.
Ginger Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring a touch of warm holiday nostalgia to the dessert table with Ginger Spice Cookies. These little bites of comfort manage to be both festive and impossible to stop eating. It’s like they were made for endless cups of cocoa or post-dinner debates. Just try leaving some for Santa—good luck with that!
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies

Mississippi Mud Pie

Delicious Mississippi Mud Pie served with a dollop of whipped cream.
Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

By the time the first carol is halfway through, Mississippi Mud Pie will already have people asking for seconds. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears faster than you can say “pass me a slice,” leaving nothing but empty plates behind. It fits perfectly into the festive season without stealing all your time. Serve it up, and watch how quickly it becomes the hit of the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Homemade Boursin Cheese With Fresh Herbs

A wooden board with sliced salami, crackers, a deviled egg, and a square dish of homemade Boursin cheese.
Homemade Boursin Cheese With Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a little sophistication to the mix with Homemade Boursin Cheese With Fresh Herbs, because nothing says “festive” like a spreadable masterpiece. Creamy and herby, it’s the kind of addition that’ll make you wonder why you don’t make it year-round. Even the crackers will feel fancy standing next to it. By the time everyone’s plates are empty, you’ll know it was a hit.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Boursin Cheese With Fresh Herbs

Sausage Stuffing

Sausage stuffing in a red pot.
Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When a side dish ends up being the main event, you know you’ve got Sausage Stuffing on your hands. Savory and perfectly seasoned, it’s the kind of dish that guests go back for even when they’ve claimed to be “too full.” It brings the perfect balance of comfort and festivity to the table. Honestly, you might just make it the star next year.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Smoked Ribeye Roast

Sliced smoked ribeye beef on a cutting board.
Smoked Ribeye Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s be real—nothing steals the spotlight quite like Smoked Ribeye Roast during the holidays. Its smoky richness draws a crowd even before it’s sliced. By the time plates are served, you’ll feel like a magician who makes food vanish. Just be prepared for applause—and requests for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Roast

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.

Few things bring people together like Baked Brie In A Bowl, the ultimate centerpiece for your appetizer spread. Warm and gooey, it’s practically begging for someone to dive in with crackers or bread. This dish takes your party from “nice” to “unforgettable” in seconds flat. Don’t be surprised if people start lingering by the table just for another dip.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie In A Bowl

Smoked Beef Tenderloin

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

It’s not officially a holiday feast until Smoked Beef Tenderloin makes its grand appearance. Juicy and tender, it sets the bar high for every dish that follows. Carving this beauty feels like unwrapping the best gift of the season. Once it’s served, you’ll understand why it’s always the first to go.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

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

Holiday appetizers don’t get much better than Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, a bite-sized marvel that packs a punch. Fancy enough for any gathering but easy to eat, they’re a crowd favorite for a reason. These little wonders disappear faster than you can say “pass the platter.” By the time the party’s over, everyone’s asking when you’ll make them again.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets

Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets with lemon wedges on a black plate.
Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a touch of elegance to the holiday spread with Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets, the perfect mix of flaky and flavorful. These delicate bites look like they belong on the cover of a magazine, but they’re even better in your mouth. They’ll have your guests grabbing seconds before their first plate is even empty. Plus, they make you look like a holiday hosting pro.
Get the Recipe: Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets

Baked Brie With Apple-Ginger Chutney

A chunk of oozing brie with apple chutney on a board.
Baked Brie With Apple-Ginger Chutney. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet and savory collide in the best way with Baked Brie With Apple-Ginger Chutney, a dish that screams holiday cheer. Warm, melty, and a little bit fancy, it’s the kind of appetizer that makes everyone pause mid-conversation. One bite and you’ll see why it’s always gone before the carols end. It’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll be proud to serve.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Apple-Ginger Chutney

Christmas Morning Casserole

A closeup shot of breakfast casserole on a plate with berries.
Christmas Morning Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish is proof that breakfast can be just as exciting as dinner, especially when it’s Christmas Morning Casserole. Perfect for fueling a busy day of unwrapping gifts and catching up with family, it’s hearty enough to keep everyone satisfied. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep in your holiday lineup year after year. Plus, leftovers—if there are any—are just as good.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Morning Casserole

Spinach & Brie Dip

Spinach & Brie Dip in a casserole dish surrounded by pita wedges.
Spinach & Brie Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Holiday dips don’t get much better than Spinach & Brie Dip, a creamy and indulgent option that’s made for sharing. It has just enough flair to stand out but not so much that it overshadows the rest of the spread. Guests will hover near the dish until it’s scraped clean. When the compliments roll in, you’ll know it’s a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Spinach & Brie Dip

Cranberry Bars

Two squares of cranberry bars on a slate plate.
Cranberry Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

End things on a sweet note with Cranberry Bars, a dessert that brings tartness and sweetness together in perfect harmony. These bars are ideal for those who want something a little different from the usual holiday sweets. They’re easy to grab and even easier to love. Good luck keeping them on the dessert table for long!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars

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