This holiday season may be a bit different from usual but we’re still so excited to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year! We recently shared some fun DIY ideas for holiday décor so now we’re talking about the best part of the holidays: the food! Your gathering may be smaller than usual but that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on delicious festive flavors. Here are some mouthwatering holiday recipe ideas that we can’t wait to try this year.
YUMMY APPETIZERS
Photo: The Cookie Rookie
MINI CHEESE BALL BITES
Sweet and savory, these mini cheese ball bites by The Cookie Rookie are an adorable spin on a holiday classic. Instead of having everyone reach for the same spread, your guests can just pop a few of these on their plate and dig in.
Photo: Delish
PIGS IN A BLANKET WREATH
There’s a reason why pigs in a blanket are such a popular choice for every gathering. They’re delicious and so easy to make! With just a simple twist on the presentation, you can turn this go-to party appetizer into a fancy hors d’oeuvre with holiday flair! Check out the recipe on delish.
Photo: Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
LATKES
We’ve never met a potato we didn’t like! Latkes are a traditional Hanukkah staple that everyone will love. Just one word of warning: you’ll have to claim yours quickly. These deliciously crispy fried potato pancakes are bound to be gobbled up as soon as the plate hits the table.
ENTREES
Photo: Dinner Then Dessert
A ham is arguably the most popular choice for a holiday entrée. There’s nothing like that beautiful combination of smoky, salty meat with a sweet glaze. Plus, it smells heavenly while it’s baking. Dinner Then Dessert offers this simple recipe that’s sure to be a hit.
Photo: Diethood
If you’re not a fan of ham, you can’t go wrong with a succulent beef tenderloin. This easy recipe from Diethood features a simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and fresh rosemary. Serve it with a side of green beans and your favorite mashed potatoes for a perfect holiday meal.
Photo: Striped Spatula
How about an entrée that requires no carving or divvying up? Cornish hens are ideal for a small holiday gathering. Everyone gets their own bird and you have fewer dishes to clean up! This recipe by Striped Spatula includes an apple cranberry rice stuffing that looks delectable.
DESSERTS
Photo: Stress Baking
YULE LOG
A festive take on a chocolate swiss roll cake, this traditional Christmas dessert never fails to impress. It takes a bit of work to create but the end result is beautiful and delicious. This recipe from Stress Baking looks oh so heavenly. Chocolate cake with whipped cream filling and chocolate ganache? What’s not to love?
Photo: Vikalinka
RUGELACH
A popular dessert for both Hannukah and Christmas, rugelach are delightful little filled pastries with a rich, buttery taste. There are many variations of fillings from chocolate to raspberry jam but you can’t go wrong with this classic honey, cinnamon and walnut combo. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Photo: Cooking Classy
GINGERBREAD BARS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Festive, easy and delicious, these bars check all the boxes for a perfect holiday treat. They’re soft and chewy like a brownie but have the gingerbread cookie flavor we love this time of year. Honestly, though, they had us at cream cheese frosting.
Have some favorite holiday recipes you’re excited to make this year? We’d love for you to share them in the comments below!