December dinners just got a serious upgrade with these 17 holiday dishes that bring the Christmas Eve vibe straight to your table. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping it low-key, these recipes are built to impress without making you break a sweat. They’re festive, hearty, and perfect for making everyone linger just a little longer at the table. Warning: you might accidentally set the bar too high for next year.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
If you want an appetizer that’s fancy but still comforting, this is it. Mushrooms are like little bowls ready to be filled with goodness. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms bring ocean flavors and earthy tones together, making them irresistible. A must-try for anyone looking to impress without spending all day cooking.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Cranberry Bars
There’s something about the combination of tart and sweet that makes you want to go back for seconds, or even thirds. Cranberry Bars are no exception, offering a bite that’s as visually appealing as it is yummy. They’re a vibrant addition to any holiday spread, bringing a pop of color and a burst of taste. Perfect for when you want something a bit different from the usual holiday fare, but still totally in spirit.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles
Who doesn’t love a bit of indulgence around the holidays? Red Velvet Christmas Truffles are both rich and velvety, making them an instant hit at any get-together. Wrapped in a coat of festive colors, they’re as pretty to look at as they are to eat. A definite go-to for when you want to add a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon
Let’s be real, potatoes are a crowd-pleaser, and when you add sour cream and bacon into the mix, you’ve hit the jackpot. Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon offers a creamy and crispy combination that’s hard to beat. It’s the kind of comfort food that everyone needs during the holiday season. Great for those looking for a side that’s both familiar and a little bit special.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon
Smoked Beef Tenderloin
For anyone looking to seriously impress at the dinner table, Smoked Beef Tenderloin is your Hail Mary. The smoking process ensures every slice is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s an elegant centerpiece for any holiday meal, promising to draw oohs and aahs from your guests. Perfect for the host who loves the idea of a show-stopping main without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Nothing screams holiday season quite like the combo of dark chocolate and peppermint. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a dream for anyone who loves a rich, minty treat. They’re the perfect end to a big festive meal, or just with a cup of tea by the fire. Plus, they smell just as good as they taste, filling your home with holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Sometimes, you just need a dish that you can set and forget, and this is one of those gems. It’s a no-brainer for big gatherings where stove space is at a premium. The slow cooking process melds all the flavors together into something truly special. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans is a warm, comforting side that fills you up in all the right ways.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars
If you’re tired of the same old cookie recipes, Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars will shake things up in the best way. The streusel topping adds a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spicy layer underneath. They have a unique taste that stands out from the crowd, making them a memorable treat. Ideal for anyone looking to bring a little surprise to the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars
Baked Brie in a Bowl
Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. Imagine dipping your favorite crackers and bread into a bowl of warm, melty brie. It’s as simple as it is decadent, and it’s bound to draw a crowd. Baked Brie in a Bowl is a perfect option for effortless entertaining over the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl
Ginger Spice Cookies
There’s something so comforting about the smell of ginger spice wafting through the house. Ginger Spice Cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and crunchy, with just the right amount of kick. They’re the sort of treat that makes you want to curl up with a glass of milk and enjoy the quiet moments of the season. Great for cookie swaps or as a sweet gift for friends and neighbors.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies
Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets
When you want to add a touch of sophistication to your holiday menu, look no further. Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets are as delicious as they are delicate, with a flaky crust that melts in your mouth. They’re a lighter option that offers a refreshing break from the heavier holiday fare. Plus, they look so fancy, no one will believe how easy they are to make.
Get the Recipe: Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets
Sweet Potato Cornbread
This is not your average cornbread. The addition of sweet potato gives it a moist texture and a slight sweetness that’s hard to resist. Sweet Potato Cornbread is a versatile side that pairs well with just about everything, from greens to grilled meats. If you’re aiming to bring something cozy and comforting to the table, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Crab Spanakopita
Taking a classic and giving it a twist can lead to some exciting results. Crab Spanakopita combines the best of both worlds, with a filling that’s both flavorful and satisfying. It’s a great way to bring a bit of coastal flair to your holiday spread. Ideal for those who love traditional dishes but are looking for a little something extra.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita
Sausage Stuffing
No holiday meal is complete without a good stuffing, and this one’s a crowd-pleaser. It has all the classic elements you love, with a meaty twist that’s undeniably fulfilling. It’s the kind of side dish that has people coming back for seconds, and even thirds. Sausage Stuffing is a must-have for any festive dinner that aims to comfort and satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing
Smoked Ribeye Roast
Here’s a dish that’s all about making a statement. Smoked to perfection, each slice is rich, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Smoked Ribeye Roast is a luxurious addition to any holiday table, promising to impress both in presentation and taste. Suited for those who believe that a celebration isn’t complete without a standout main course.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Roast
Tomato Bruschetta Board
Forget about complicated appetizers; Tomato Bruschetta Board is all about beautiful simplicity. It lets the natural flavors of the ingredients shine, providing a fresh counterpoint to the richer holiday dishes. Not only is it incredibly easy to put together, but it also provides a splash of color that brightens up any table. Ideal for starting off your holiday feast on a light and refreshing note.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Nothing quite says “holiday dinner” like a beautifully smoked turkey. The slow smoking process ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender, with a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. Traeger Smoked Turkey is a traditional option with a twist that can easily become the centerpiece of any holiday meal. For those who love to stick with tradition but aren’t afraid to mix things up a bit, this is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey