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33 Christmas Dishes That’ll Have Your Family Choosing Kitchen Time Over Gift Time

When it comes to the holidays, the kitchen is the place to be. These 33 Christmas dishes will have your family choosing oven time over gift time. Forget about the shiny new gadgets—these mouthwatering meals steal the show. Whether you’re baking, roasting, or simmering, there’s something for everyone. Who needs a gift when they can unwrap a dish that’s as satisfying as the holiday itself? Get ready to trade in your gift list for a grocery list.

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

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

These truffles have a way of making everyone want to gather around for a second round—who needs gifts when you have a dessert this good? Red Velvet Christmas Truffles are the perfect treat to add a pop of color to your holiday spread. They offer a smooth, rich texture that brings festive flavor without the fuss. You won’t need any wrapping paper here, just a plate to serve these goodies. You may even catch someone sneaking a bite when no one’s looking.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about the crispy, golden edges of Au Gratin Potato Stacks that make them irresistible. Layered and baked to perfection, they give a classic side dish a fresh twist for the holidays. Not only do they look impressive, but they’re also a great way to keep the crowd coming back for more. After the first bite, your family will be hooked, and you might just find them asking for these stacks every year. Prepare to be the family hero when these hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma

An  winter vanilla thyme vanilla paloma mocktailwith a sprig of thyme.
Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A festive twist on a classic, Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma takes cocktails to a whole new level. It’s refreshing, yet packed with flavors that scream winter. The combination of vanilla and thyme gives it an herbal touch that’s both unique and delicious. If you’re looking to step up your holiday drink game, this is the one to serve. You’ll be the talk of the party when you bring this out instead of the usual.
Get the Recipe: Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma

Cranberry Bars

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

They might even have your guests skipping the pie for a second serving. Cranberry Bars make a festive, simple treat that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little sweet and tart. These bars are easy to prepare, and they’ll disappear faster than you can say “holiday cheer.” The balance of flavors and the chewy texture make these a standout on any dessert table. If you’re aiming to bring something fun and different this year, these cranberry bars will be an instant hit.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars

Mistletoe Mule

A copper glass filled with mule and with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Mistletoe Mule. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you want a drink that’ll spark some conversation, try Mistletoe Mule. It’s got that perfect holiday vibe—refreshing but with a seasonal twist. This cocktail combines the right amount of warmth and spice, making it a must-have for those chilly evenings. Your guests won’t just be talking about the presents, they’ll be buzzing about this drink. Serve it up, and watch the compliments roll in all evening.
Get the Recipe: Mistletoe Mule

Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

A bowl of Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with a spoon and a bread plate.
Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

This dish pairs great with nearly anything, but it’s especially perfect when paired with good company. Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup brings comfort to your Christmas dinner without much effort. It’s the kind of dish that feels homemade and is guaranteed to hit the spot. With every spoonful, your guests will be glad you chose this classic to serve on the big day. The simple yet bold flavors make it perfect for those who prefer their meals comforting and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned

A glass of Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned garnished with sliced apples on a skewer.
Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned brings a unique spin to a classic cocktail. If you’re ready to bring a little extra warmth to your holiday drinks, this one’s a crowd favorite. It combines the nostalgic flavor of apple pie with the timeless appeal of an Old Fashioned, making it a drink everyone will enjoy. Serve it with a slice of pie and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a cozy holiday movie. Cheers to making this a tradition!
Get the Recipe: Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned

Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy Mix

A mug of hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks and lemon slices.
Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy Mix. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a drink that’s both soothing and flavorful? Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy Mix is the perfect way to warm up after a busy day of holiday prep. This comforting drink blends well with the festive season’s chilly temperatures. It’s a drink you can sip while you relax, or serve it up to your guests for a cozy twist to your gathering. You’ll find it quickly becomes a go-to for all your winter celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy Mix

Smoked Carver Ham

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

If you’re aiming to impress this Christmas, Smoked Carver Ham is your answer. This savory dish can be the centerpiece of your holiday spread and will have everyone reaching for a second slice. Its smoky flavor and tenderness bring the wow factor without too much effort. Set it on the table and watch as everyone gathers around, eagerly awaiting their turn. It’s one of those dishes that, once on the table, just can’t be ignored.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Hot Chocolate Board

A wooden platter with hot cocoa, candy canes, and marshmallows.
Hot Chocolate Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you want to make dessert even more fun, set up a Hot Chocolate Board. It gives everyone the chance to customize their own cup of cocoa just the way they like it. You can’t go wrong with a spread that combines chocolate, marshmallows, and a variety of sweet add-ins. This is a great way to make your guests feel at home while also keeping them entertained. Whether you’re serving it for dessert or a cozy after-dinner treat, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Board

White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A jar of White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies next to lavender flowers.
White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a must-have for anyone who loves a soft, chewy cookie. These treats offer a sweet contrast to the more traditional holiday cookies, making them a great addition to any spread. Their snow-like appearance brings a festive touch that looks almost too good to eat—almost. They’re not only a crowd-pleaser but also quick to make, leaving you more time for the other important holiday tasks. Every batch will disappear in no time!
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

A bowl of potatoes with sour cream & bacon.
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Don’t be surprised if it becomes a holiday tradition. Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon is the side dish that will have everyone forgetting about the turkey. The combination of creamy sour cream and crispy bacon is the perfect way to take a classic potato dish over the top. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to complement any main course. Prepare for your guests to ask for the recipe after they try a bite—this side is a total crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a hassle-free side, Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are a game-changer. They cook themselves, leaving you free to focus on the main event. The result is a dish that’s flavorful, tender, and full of that comforting southern taste. This easy recipe takes minimal prep time and makes enough to feed a crowd. It’s the perfect way to get more out of your slow cooker while bringing a little extra flavor to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

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

These Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets are a great appetizer to kick off your Christmas meal. With the rich combination of bacon and mushrooms in a crispy shell, they’re sure to grab attention. Serve them as a starter, and you might have trouble keeping them on the table long enough for everyone to try one. They’re elegant enough to impress but easy enough to prepare without much effort. These tartlets will definitely become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Mushroom Tartlets

White Christmas Cocktail

A cocktail with a cucumber garnish on a table.
White Christmas Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

White Christmas Cocktail brings a bit of holiday magic to your drink menu. It’s festive and creamy, making it the perfect drink for those cold nights spent indoors. Whether you’re serving it as a special treat for yourself or a guest, it adds something extra to the holiday cheer. Your family might just end up sipping on this drink all night long. Get ready to impress your guests with this festive and delicious creation.
Get the Recipe: White Christmas Cocktail

Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

Bourbon balls with white chocolate and powdered sugar.
Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate bring together the bold flavor of bourbon with the smoothness of white chocolate. They’re bite-sized but packed with enough flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for a holiday gathering, these treats are easy to make and even easier to eat. Once you’ve made them, prepare for your guests to ask for more—these little balls of flavor disappear fast. They’ll be a hit at any holiday party or family get-together.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Eggnog sugar cookies on a plate with santa claus figurines.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Perfect for serving alongside your holiday drinks, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Eggnog Sugar Cookies take the classic sugar cookie to a new level of holiday cheer. These soft, buttery cookies are perfect for anyone who loves the flavor of eggnog but wants to enjoy it in cookie form. They’re just the right amount of sweet, with a soft texture that melts in your mouth. Don’t forget to leave a few out for Santa, though!
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Crab Spanakopita

Crab Spanakopita triangles on a cutting board.
Crab Spanakopita. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Once your guests try one, they’ll keep coming back for more. Crab Spanakopita offers a fresh twist on a classic appetizer. The savory, flaky pastry filled with crab and spinach brings something different to your holiday table. They’re ideal for guests who want to try something new but still enjoy those familiar comforting flavors. These bite-sized treats are perfect for passing around at a holiday party.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita

Sausage Stuffing

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

Sausage Stuffing is the dish that will quickly become the star of your holiday meal. This savory side dish is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with any main course. The sausage adds a hearty depth that makes this stuffing a standout on the table. Don’t be surprised if it disappears before the turkey does—it’s that good. Serve it up and watch as everyone eagerly loads their plates.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Rum Glaze

A plate of eggnog cookies with with spiced rum glaze on top.
Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Rum Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

After one bite, your guests won’t be able to resist going back for more. Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Rum Glaze are the holiday treats you didn’t know you needed. The combination of spiced rum and eggnog gives these cookies a festive touch that’s perfect for any Christmas gathering. These cookies are soft and chewy, with just the right balance of flavors. You’ll be the talk of the party when these delicious cookies are passed around.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Cookies with Spiced Rum Glaze

Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

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

Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail brings an exciting twist to a classic drink. This smoky version of the Old Fashioned gives it a unique flavor that stands out from the usual holiday cocktails. Serve it with your holiday meal, or as a special treat for your guests—it’s guaranteed to impress. With its perfect balance of flavors, this cocktail is sure to become a holiday favorite. The added smokiness will make it feel extra cozy on a cold winter’s evening.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Peanut butter cookies with a face made of pretzels and dried cranberries to look like a reindeer.
Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies are a fun and delicious treat for the whole family. These cookies are the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate, making them irresistible. They also make a great activity for kids who want to help with holiday baking. Shaped like reindeer, they add a playful touch to your dessert spread. Once your guests see them, they’ll be grabbing one (or two) in no time.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Triple Ginger Cake

A plate with four squares of triple ginger cake bars on it.
Triple Ginger Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This is one cake that will quickly become a Christmas tradition. Triple Ginger Cake is a perfect holiday dessert that combines all the right flavors for winter. The three types of ginger add complexity and depth, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a hearty cake that pairs beautifully with a hot drink or after a big meal. Serve it at your next holiday gathering and watch as your guests dive right in.
Get the Recipe: Triple Ginger Cake

Cranberry Cosmosa

Two glasses of cranberry cosmosa and a christmas tree on a table.
Cranberry Cosmosa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This drink is perfect for setting the mood for any holiday party. Cranberry Cosmosa adds a festive twist to a classic cocktail. It combines tart cranberry with a touch of bubbly, making it a great drink for any celebration. Serve this cocktail with appetizers or as a toast to the holiday season—either way, it’s sure to be a hit. Its crisp, refreshing flavor will have your guests reaching for another glass.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cosmosa

Smoked Ribeye Roast

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

A Smoked Ribeye Roast is the centerpiece every holiday table deserves. The smokey flavor combined with the tenderness of the ribeye is an experience in every bite. If you’re looking for a main dish that’ll wow your guests, this roast is it. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole room stop and take notice. Prepare for your guests to talk about this dish long after the last slice is served.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Roast

Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread cookies with candy canes on a table.
Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

They’ll leave everyone coming back for a second round. Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies are a sweet, indulgent twist on a classic holiday treat. These cookies combine the spicy warmth of gingerbread with rich chocolate, creating the perfect balance of flavors. They’re fun to decorate, and even better to eat, making them great for the whole family. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your cookie exchange, these are the perfect choice.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies

Crab Stuffed Mushroom

Close-up of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms garnished with chopped parsley on a slate plate.
Crab Stuffed Mushroom. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Watch as your guests fight for the last one—they’re that good. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a bite-sized appetizer that packs a flavorful punch. The combination of crab and mushrooms makes for an elegant treat that will impress your guests. These little bites can be served as an appetizer or as part of your main spread. They’re easy to prepare and even easier to eat, with everyone reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushroom

Canadian Coffee

A canadian coffee with a whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.
Canadian Coffee. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Canadian Coffee is the perfect drink to serve after a hearty holiday meal. This cocktail offers a warm, comforting blend of coffee and whiskey, with just a hint of sweetness. It’s the kind of drink that keeps the conversation flowing long after dinner is over. The warmth of the coffee pairs perfectly with the crisp winter air. It’s a great drink for anyone who enjoys a cozy holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Canadian Coffee

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds in a shallow yellow bowl.
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A quick, easy way to impress your guests with minimal effort. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds turns a humble vegetable into a holiday showstopper. The brown butter adds richness while the almonds offer a satisfying crunch. This side dish is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little extra flavor to their spread. Serve it next to your main dishes, and watch as it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

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.

Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney is the perfect appetizer for your holiday spread. The brie becomes creamy as it bakes, and the sweet-tart chutney adds a burst of flavor. This dish looks elegant but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Serve it with crackers or bread for a festive treat that’s sure to impress. It’s one of those appetizers that’ll have everyone circling the table for seconds.
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.

If you’re tired of the same old breakfast routine, this casserole is a fun new tradition. Christmas Morning Casserole is the kind of dish that makes waking up for the holiday worth it. It’s easy to prepare the night before, making your Christmas morning a little less hectic. This casserole is the perfect balance of savory and satisfying, and it feeds a crowd. The best part? You’ll have plenty left over for the next day’s breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Morning Casserole

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Tomato Bruschetta Board brings fresh, vibrant flavors to your holiday appetizer spread. It’s an interactive dish where guests can build their own bruschetta just the way they like it. This board is not only a great conversation starter, but it’s also simple to put together. The combination of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs will have your guests coming back for more. It’s the perfect appetizer to share with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re craving something a little richer, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect holiday treat. The combination of rich dark chocolate and cool peppermint makes for a festive and flavorful bite. These cookies are a perfect balance between sweet and minty, leaving you satisfied after just one (or two). They also make a great gift for the cookie lover in your life. Once you bake them, these cookies won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

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