The holiday season is a time for indulgence and celebration, making it the perfect opportunity to try out some new recipes and treat your loved ones to some delicious dishes.
From rich and hearty mains to decadent desserts, there are plenty of tasty options to choose from when it comes to planning your holiday menu.
Main Courses
The main course is often the star of the holiday meal, and there are plenty of hearty options to choose from. Here are some ideas:.
Roast Turkey
No holiday meal is complete without a perfectly cooked turkey. Brine your bird overnight before roasting to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful. Serve with classic sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Prime Rib Roast
If you prefer beef over poultry, a prime rib roast is a great option for a holiday meal. The rich marbling in the meat makes for a tender and flavorful roast. Serve with creamy horseradish sauce and roasted vegetables for a decadent meal.
Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin
If you’re looking for a less traditional but still hearty main course, consider an herb-roasted pork tenderloin. The pork is tender and flavorful, and the recipe can easily be scaled up or down to feed a crowd or a small family gathering.
Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Side Dishes
Side dishes are the perfect complement to any main course, and can often steal the show with their delicious flavors and unique twists on classic recipes. Here are some ideas to inspire your side dish game:.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a classic holiday side dish, and candying them takes them to the next level. Combine brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a saucepan and let it simmer before pouring over sliced sweet potatoes and baking until tender and caramelized.
Green Bean Casserole
No holiday meal would be complete without a green bean casserole. Combine fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions in a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts are a polarizing vegetable, but when roasted with garlic and bacon, they become a crowd-pleaser. Toss brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and chopped bacon before roasting in a hot oven until crispy and delicious.
Desserts
No meal is complete without a sweet treat at the end, and holiday desserts are some of the most decadent and delicious of the year. Here are some ideas to inspire your dessert game:.
Pumpkin Pie
A classic pumpkin pie is a must for any holiday meal. Make your own pie crust from scratch or use a store-bought version, then fill with a creamy pumpkin filling flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Peppermint and chocolate are a classic holiday flavor combination. Melt semisweet chocolate and white chocolate, then swirl them together and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy before refrigerating until firm.
Break into pieces and serve as a festive dessert or snack.
Gingersnap Cookies
Gingersnap cookies are a classic holiday treat, and they’re easy to make from scratch. Combine flour, sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl, then mix in butter and an egg to form a dough.
Roll the dough into balls and coat in sugar before baking until crispy and fragrant.