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17 Christmas Recipes That’ll Make Your Kitchen Merrier Than An Elf’s Workshop

Holiday meals have a special way of making the kitchen the heart of the season, and these festive recipes pack all the cheer of Santa’s workshop. Each dish brings the kind of magic that turns even the simplest gathering into a memorable celebration. They keep the holiday spirit alive long after the plates are cleared. With a spread this cheerful, even an elf would be impressed by the merriment.

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

Mississippi Mud Pie

Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Your dessert table isn’t complete without Mississippi Mud Pie, the sweet treat that feels like a party in every slice. It’s rich, indulgent, and absolutely unapologetic about being the star of your holiday spread. This dessert screams Christmas cheer and pairs perfectly with a cozy blanket and a movie. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a sweeter way to make your kitchen merrier than an elf’s workshop!
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

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

Whip up Old Fashioned Ham Salad for a nostalgic twist on your holiday spread. This dish turns leftover ham into a star with its rich and creamy texture. Serve it on fresh bread or crackers and watch it go from simple to extraordinary. It’s an easy way to add a touch of heartiness to your festive table.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

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Turkey & Apple Panini

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

For a cozy lunch that feels like a festive treat, try making Turkey & Apple Panini. This dish combines sweetness from the apples and savory flavors from the turkey, all pressed between slices of crusty bread. It’s a warm, toasted sandwich that brings comfort and joy. Perfect for a holiday lunch or as a way to use up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Christmas Tree Cake Crack

A festive tray of Christmas Tree Cake Crack, featuring broken pieces of white chocolate-coated crackers, topped with red drizzle and green sprinkles.
Christmas Tree Cake Crack. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

If there’s one dessert that can bring as much joy as Santa’s sleigh, it’s Christmas Tree Cake Crack. This festive treat turns your kitchen into the ultimate holiday hotspot with its irresistible charm. Perfect for gatherings or sneaky late-night bites, it’s guaranteed to keep the holiday spirit alive. Who needs elves when you’ve got this on your dessert table?
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cake Crack

Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars

A white plate with five biscoff cookie butter streusel bars, each drizzled with melted cookie butter.
Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re looking to sweeten up your holiday dessert table, Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars are a must. The bars fuse cookie butter richness with a crunchy streusel topping and are sure to capture everyone’s interest. Their unique flavor sets them apart from the usual holiday treats. Sharing these will definitely spread the cheer.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Streusel Bars

Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

A sweet potato on a plate with a fork.
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cook Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer to bring out their natural sweetness with a perfect texture. These are lighter than traditional preparations, making them a great option for those who prefer something less heavy. They become slightly crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside. A simple, yet joyful addition to any festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

A festive display of peppermint sugar cookie bars surrounded by Christmas decorations.
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

A batch of these will have you feeling like you’re baking in Santa’s workshop. With a festive twist, Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars bring cheer to every bite. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself during a Christmas movie marathon. Trust me, they’ll make your kitchen smell merrier than a room full of elves wrapping presents.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

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. The smoking process enhances the meat’s natural flavors, creating a wonderfully tender centerpiece for your festive feast. Serve this, and it becomes not just a meal, but an experience. It’s a surefire way to make your holiday meal memorable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin

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.

For a light and flaky appetizer, try Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets. These little tartlets pack a lot of flavor in a small package, combining delicate salmon with subtly sweet leeks. They’re perfect for serving at a holiday party where elegance and taste are key. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets

Cranberry Cosmosa

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

Bring a splash of color and flavor to your holiday drink offerings with a Cranberry Cosmosa. This festive beverage combines the tartness of cranberries with the bubbly tang of a classic mimosa. It’s a cheerful addition that suits any festive occasion, making it more vibrant and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cosmosa

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.

Picture gooey, melted brie, ready to be scooped up with your favorite crackers or slices of apple. Baked Brie in a Bowl is that dreamy cheese experience, turning a simple ingredient into the star of your gathering. It asks for very little effort but gives back so much in flavor and joy. This is one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself coming back to for its sheer simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in a Bowl

Ginger Spice Cookies

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

Nothing quite matches the warm, inviting scent of these cookies baking in your oven. Ginger Spice Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, wrapping you in comfort with every bite. They’re the kind of treat that encourages you to slow down and savor the moment, ideally with a cup of tea or coffee in hand. It’s an experience that brings a touch of nostalgia and a lot of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies

Sausage Stuffing

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

Forget what you thought you knew about stuffing; this is a game-changer. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and turns any meal into something truly special. Sausage Stuffing is the side dish you’ll want on your dinner table, offering a mix of textures and tastes that complement any main course beautifully. It’s a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create something utterly irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These crostinis offer a delicious way to start any meal, combining the tender flavors of pork with a citrusy lime crema on a crisp base. Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema is the appetizer that balances sophistication with simplicity. It sets the tone for a meal that promises both innovation and tradition, making it a must-have for any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

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.

Indulgence takes a refreshingly cool turn with these cookies, where the richness of dark chocolate meets the clean, sharp notes of peppermint. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the dessert that rounds off any meal on a memorable note. They’re perfect for those who love a twist on tradition, offering a taste that’s as festive as it is unique.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of cold crab dip with crackers and chives.
Cold Crab Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dip is a cold, creamy delight, making it the perfect companion for any cracker or vegetable stick. Cold Crab Dip stands out for its simplicity and elegance, making it a versatile addition to any party or gathering. It’s the kind of appetizer that encourages mingling and conversation, proving that the best dishes are often the simplest.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

Cranberry Bars

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

Bringing a touch of tartness to the dessert table, these bars are a colorful and tasty way to end any meal. Cranberry Bars cut through the richness of traditional holiday fare, offering a refreshing finish. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart, proving that desserts don’t need to be overly complicated to be thoroughly enjoyed.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Bars

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