Holiday gatherings are all about good company and great food, and these 17 recipes are sure to keep everyone around the table a little longer. From comforting classics to festive new favorites, each dish is made to impress and satisfy. These recipes bring together the flavors and heartiness we all crave during the season, with something for every taste. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, these recipes will make the holidays feel even more memorable.
Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
Russian vinaigrette salad combines beets, carrots, potatoes, and pickles for a colorful and hearty side dish. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s a vibrant salad with a slightly tangy flavor from the vinaigrette. The beets add natural sweetness, while the pickles bring a hint of brine. It’s a traditional holiday salad that adds color and variety to any spread.
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Cajun Style Baked Turkey Breast With Vegetables
This Cajun style baked turkey breast features a spicy seasoning blend, paired with roasted vegetables for a full meal in about an hour. The turkey breast stays juicy while the Cajun spices add a bold, smoky flavor that’s balanced by tender, caramelized veggies. Each bite is packed with warmth and spice, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s a simple, flavorful way to impress without a lot of fuss.
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Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender inside, topped with tangy feta, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of balsamic. In under 20 minutes, this dish comes together with a mix of savory, sweet, and tart flavors. The feta adds creaminess, while the pomegranate provides a burst of freshness. It’s a vibrant holiday side that’ll please even non-Brussels sprouts fans.
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Fried Halloumi Salad
Fried halloumi salad pairs salty halloumi cheese with fresh greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes in under 20 minutes. The halloumi is crispy on the outside, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. Lightly dressed, the salad is refreshing and balanced, letting the halloumi shine. This dish works well as a holiday appetizer or light side.
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Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine
Sweet and spicy glazed carrots are simmered with red wine and spices, creating a rich side dish in under 30 minutes. The red wine adds depth, while the honey brings a touch of sweetness to balance the spice. Each bite has a soft, tender texture with bold flavors that pair well with main dishes. It’s a simple way to add elegance to your holiday table.
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Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
This tabbouleh salad mixes bulgur, fresh parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta for a bright, flavorful side dish. In just 20 minutes, you get a refreshing salad with a mix of textures and a bit of creaminess from the feta. The herbs add freshness, making it a great counterpoint to rich holiday dishes. It’s a light, refreshing option that stands out at any holiday spread.
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Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
This sheet pan paprika chicken with veggies is a simple, flavorful meal that roasts in under 40 minutes. Paprika-seasoned chicken thighs and mixed vegetables cook together for an easy and satisfying dish. The chicken is juicy, while the veggies are tender, all coated in smoky, savory spices. It’s perfect for a no-fuss holiday dinner with minimal cleanup.
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Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah and Honey
This roasted carrot dip combines sweet roasted carrots with creamy whipped feta, topped with crunchy dukkah and a drizzle of honey. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s a flavorful appetizer with a mix of sweet, salty, and nutty notes. The dukkah adds texture, making every bite interesting and satisfying. It’s a unique dip that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash wild rice pilaf combines tender cubes of squash with nutty wild rice, all seasoned with herbs and spices. This dish takes about an hour, but the flavor is worth it, with every bite feeling earthy and slightly sweet. Toasted nuts add crunch, while dried cranberries bring a hint of tartness. It’s a perfect side dish for any holiday meal, hearty and colorful.
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Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
This old-fashioned apple pie has a flaky lattice crust filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, taking about an hour to bake. The apples become tender and juicy, creating a classic holiday dessert that’s warm and comforting. The lattice top adds a charming look while keeping the filling bubbling and flavorful. It’s a timeless pie that brings everyone back to the table for seconds.
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Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
These apple cranberry muffins are loaded with juicy apple pieces and tart cranberries, topped with a buttery streusel for extra crunch. Ready in about 30 minutes, they bring a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with warm spices. The streusel topping adds a little extra texture, making them a festive addition to any holiday spread. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins bring cozy holiday vibes to the table.
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Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)
Colombian tamales are a flavorful bundle of masa dough, chicken, and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and simmered for hours. This holiday recipe has a comforting, earthy flavor with a tender texture from the slow-cooked ingredients. The banana leaves add a unique aroma, making it a festive, crowd-pleasing option. Serve these tamales as a holiday main for a taste of Colombian tradition.
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Sticky Date Pudding with Pinot Noir
Sticky date pudding combines rich, moist cake with a warm, sweet sauce enhanced by a hint of Pinot Noir. It’s ready in about an hour, and each bite offers deep flavors with a soft, tender texture. The wine adds complexity without overpowering the dessert’s natural sweetness. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this dessert is a memorable way to end a meal.
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Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella is a savory-sweet dish featuring chicken thighs marinated with prunes, olives, and capers for a few hours. Once baked, the chicken is tender and juicy, with a tangy sweetness from the marinade that’s rich and flavorful. Garlic and white wine round out the flavors, making it a unique holiday main dish. It’s a recipe that adds a bit of elegance to any gathering.
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Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula
This festive bruschetta features creamy goat cheese topped with a tangy cranberry sauce and fresh garlic-herb chermoula. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a flavorful and easy holiday appetizer. The garlic and herbs bring a refreshing twist to the sweet cranberry and creamy cheese. Perfect for impressing guests, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser.
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Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Pomegranate chicken with walnuts features tender chicken cooked in a tangy, nutty sauce made with pomegranate juice and walnuts. Ready in under an hour, this dish offers a unique balance of sweet and earthy flavors. The walnuts add texture and richness, while the pomegranate brings a light acidity. It’s a festive main course that stands out at holiday gatherings.
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Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole
This cheesy cauliflower casserole combines tender cauliflower with creamy cheese and a hint of garlic, baking to a bubbly finish in 30 minutes. The cauliflower soaks up the rich cheese sauce, creating a comforting side dish that’s satisfying yet light. The golden cheese topping adds extra texture, making every spoonful a treat. It’s a great holiday side that feels indulgent without being heavy.
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