The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a deliciously cozy Christmas dinner? For many of us, Christmas traditions are deeply rooted in our families and cultures, and cooking up a storm in the kitchen is a big part of that. In this article, we’re counting down 18 of the most mouthwatering traditional Christmas recipes that will make your taste buds jingle all the way. From classic roast turkey to homemade gingerbread cookies, and from creamy mashed potatoes to rich eggnog, we’ve got you covered with these tried-and-true holiday favorites.
Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy
Elevate your holiday feast with this classic roast turkey recipe, infused with the savory flavors of herb butter and rich gravy.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Gravy ingredients: turkey drippings, flour, chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together butter, thyme, rosemary, and garlic.
4. Stuff the turkey cavity with the herb butter mixture.
5. Season the outside of the turkey with salt and pepper.
6. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. While the turkey is cooking, make the gravy by deglazing the roasting pan with chicken broth, then whisking together flour and drippings.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Classic Christmas Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Classic Christmas Ham with Pineapple Glaze Recipe
Elevate your holiday gathering with a sweet and savory classic Christmas ham, smothered in a tangy pineapple glaze. This show-stopping centerpiece is sure to delight your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, mustard, and garlic.
3. Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
5. Brush the pineapple glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
6. Roast the ham for 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Homemade Gingerbread Cookies
Get cozy with this classic recipe that yields soft, spicy, and sweet treats perfect for snacking or gift-giving. With just a few simple ingredients and some gentle baking, you’ll be enjoying the comforting aroma of gingerbread cookies in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. If too sticky, add water as needed.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce
A classic Christmas dessert that’s steeped in tradition and flavor, this pudding is a must-have for any holiday gathering. With its rich fruit flavors and boozy brandy sauce, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the pudding:
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cranberries)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup brandy or other liquor (optional)
– 1 large egg
For the brandy sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons brandy or other liquor (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine dried fruit, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
3. Beat in egg and brandy (if using).
4. Pour mixture into a well-greased 1-pint pudding basin or individual cups.
5. Steam pudding for 2-1/2 hours, then let it cool.
6. To make the brandy sauce, combine heavy cream, butter, brown sugar, and brandy (if using) in a small saucepan.
7. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours for pudding, 5-7 minutes for brandy sauce.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs
Elevate your mashed potato game with this simple yet flavorful recipe. This classic comfort food gets a boost from aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of creaminess.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, garlic, salt, and pepper, and mash the mixture with a potato masher or a fork until it’s mostly smooth.
3. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half until well combined.
4. Fold in the chopped parsley.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Stuffing
This classic stuffing recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing warmth and comfort to family gatherings. A perfect blend of tender bread, savory herbs, and sweet spices, this dish is sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread, melted butter, cooked onion mixture, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and mix until the bread is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon
Experience the rich flavors of classic French cuisine with this comforting slow-cooked beef stew, packed with tender meat, mushrooms, and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon tomato paste
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the mushrooms, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to a slow cooker or oven (3 hours at 300°F).
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Slow Cooker: 8-10 hours
– Oven: 3 hours
Festive Mince Pies with Shortcrust Pastry
Add a touch of festive flair to your holiday season with these classic mince pies wrapped in a delicious shortcrust pastry. A perfect treat for friends and family, or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, currants)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– Pastry dough for shortcrust pastry (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed dried fruit, brown sugar, brandy or orange liqueur (if using), orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
4. Place a tablespoon of mincemeat in the center of each circle. Fold dough over filling, pressing edges to seal. Brush with confectioners’ sugar and place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yorkshire Puddings with Roast Drippings
Elevate your roast dinner with these light-as-air Yorkshire puddings infused with the rich flavors of roast drippings. A match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 4 tablespoons whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking spray
– Roast drippings (reserved from a roasted joint)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs until well combined.
5. Pour batter into greased muffin tin or a large roasting dish.
6. Drizzle reserved roast drippings evenly over the batter.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes (10-12 minutes for individual puddings).
8. Serve hot, slathered with butter and savoring the savory goodness!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Honey-Glazed Carrots
A simple and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of carrots with a hint of honey and a crispy glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chopped carrots to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the carrot pieces in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts
This recipe combines the sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts with the smokiness of bacon and the nutty flavor of chestnuts, creating a delicious and well-rounded side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup chestnuts, peeled and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
5. Add chestnuts to the same skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
6. Remove Brussels sprouts from oven and toss with cooked bacon and chestnuts.
7. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. If using honey, drizzle it over the top.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Rich and Creamy Eggnog
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this decadent eggnog recipe, infused with the warmth of nutmeg and the richness of heavy cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs until well-beaten.
3. Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly.
4. Stir in vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.
Cooking Time: None (prep time only)
Classic Mulled Wine with Cinnamon and Cloves
Warm up on a chilly evening with this traditional mulled wine recipe, infused with the comforting aromas of cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for snuggling up by the fire or serving at your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine the red wine, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add the sliced oranges and lemons to the pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it mulled for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. If desired, add the brown sugar to balance out the acidity of the citrus.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional cinnamon sticks or orange slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Panettone Bread Pudding with Vanilla Custard
Transform leftover panettone into a decadent bread pudding, topped with a creamy vanilla custard.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale panettone, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine panettone cubes and granulated sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow the pudding to cool completely before serving.
Vanilla Custard:
1. Whisk together 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
2. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Serve:
Dust the bread pudding with confectioners’ sugar and top with a dollop of cooled vanilla custard. Enjoy!
Roasted Root Vegetables with Thyme
Roasted Root Vegetables with Thyme: A Simple and Flavorful Side Dish
This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of root vegetables by roasting them to perfection with a hint of thyme. Perfect as a side dish or added to a salad, this recipe is easy to make and customizable to your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 medium-sized root vegetables (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or a combination)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel the root vegetables if desired, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
4. Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, flipping them halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
This classic cranberry sauce gets a burst of citrus flavor from the addition of orange zest, making it the perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this delicious and tangy condiment in no time.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 tbsp grated orange zest
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the grated orange zest.
5. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Traditional German Stollen
Traditional German Stollen Recipe
A classic Christmas treat from Germany, Stollen is a sweet bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. This recipe makes a delicious and authentic German Stollen that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) active dry yeast
– 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup (50g) confectioner’s sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) lukewarm milk
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup (60g) candied citron, diced
– 1/2 cup (60g) candied orange peel, diced
– 1/4 cup (30g) chopped almonds
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm milk; let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, confectioner’s sugar, melted butter, candied citron, candied orange peel, almonds, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a log.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Warm Apple Cider with Spices
Cozy up on a chilly fall or winter evening with this comforting and flavorful Warm Apple Cider with Spices recipe. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy, this cider is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it warm for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. If desired, add brown sugar and heavy cream or half-and-half to taste.
5. Strain the cider into mugs or cups.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Get cozy this Christmas with these 18 traditional recipes that are sure to become new family favorites! From classic dishes like roast turkey and beef bourguignon, to sweet treats like gingerbread cookies and stollen, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at homemade cranberry sauce, mulled wine, or panettone bread pudding. And don’t forget the sides – from creamy mashed potatoes to roasted root vegetables with thyme. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday feast or just want some comforting treats, these recipes are sure to bring joy and cheer to your Christmas celebrations.
