10+ Christmas Recipes to Make Your Holiday Feast Extra Special

Christmas recipes really bring the season to life, don’t they? The right dish can fill your home with warmth and make memories around the table.

These recipes help you prepare festive dishes that fit a variety of tastes and traditions. Maybe you’re craving something sweet, or perhaps a hearty main course—either way, you’ll find ideas here to make your Christmas meal stand out.

1) Classic Prime Rib Roast

Prime rib roast is a classic for Christmas dinner. It’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Start by seasoning your beef well for a flavorful crust. Roast the prime rib at 450°F (230°C) for about an hour to get that perfect sear.

Then drop the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and keep roasting for another two hours, or until it’s just how you like it. Let the roast rest after cooking so the juices settle back in.

That way, when you slice it, the meat stays moist and tasty. This method is straightforward and works well for a holiday crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 prime rib roast (about 4-6 pounds)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Season the roast generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place the roast in a roasting pan, fat side up.
4. Roast for 60 minutes at 450°F (230°C).
5. Lower heat to 350°F (175°C) and roast for 120 minutes.
6. Check internal temperature; remove when done to your liking.
7. Let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

2) Honey-Glazed Christmas Ham

Honey-glazed ham is always a crowd-pleaser at Christmas. The sweet glaze makes the ham shiny and gives it that rich, sticky flavor.

Mix up honey, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar for the glaze. That little bit of tang balances the sweetness.

Bake the ham slowly so the glaze soaks in and the meat stays juicy. The outside turns caramelized and irresistible.

Ingredients

• 4 kg ham with rind
• 100 g brown sugar
• 125 g honey
• 50 ml apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp mixed spice
• Whole cloves (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Score the ham rind in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves if you like.
2. Mix brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, and mixed spice in a bowl.
3. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush it with the glaze.
5. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with more glaze every 20 minutes.
6. Let the ham rest 10 minutes before slicing.

For more details, see this Honey Glazed Ham recipe.

3) Potatoes Au Gratin

Potatoes au gratin brings creamy, cheesy comfort to the table. You layer thin potato slices with a rich sauce of cream, butter, and cheese.

As it bakes, the top turns golden and bubbly. You can swap in different cheeses if you want to play around with the flavor.

Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly so they cook through. Bake at the right temperature to keep everything tender and creamy.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Butter a baking dish.
3. Mix cream, milk, and flour in a bowl until smooth.
4. Layer half the potatoes and onions in the dish.
5. Pour half the cream mixture over the layers.
6. Sprinkle half the cheese and season with salt and pepper.
7. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, onions, cream, and cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes more until top is golden.
10. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Find more details about creamy au gratin potatoes here.

4) Puerto Rican Pernil

Puerto Rican Pernil is a holiday classic if you want something with big, bold flavor. It’s slow-roasted pork shoulder, seasoned with garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

You marinate the pork for a day or two so the flavors really get in there. When it’s done, the outside is crispy and the inside stays juicy.

Serve it with rice and beans for a real taste of Puerto Rico. The smell alone will make your house feel festive.

Ingredients

• 1 pork shoulder (about 6-8 lbs)
• 10 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and orange zest.
2. Rub mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 24-48 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
5. Place pork in roasting pan, skin side up.
6. Roast for 4-5 hours until tender and internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C).
7. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

More details can be found at The Mom 100.

5) Christmas Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a holiday staple. Cut them into fun shapes and go wild with the icing and sprinkles.

These cookies hold their shape and stay soft, so decorating with the family is actually fun—not frustrating. You don’t even need to chill the dough before baking, which is a relief if you’re impatient.

A squeeze bottle for icing keeps things neat, but honestly, messy cookies taste just as good. They’re buttery, just sweet enough, and perfect with a mug of cocoa.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 ½ cups softened butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream sugar and butter until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. Slowly add flour and mix until dough forms.
5. Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
6. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
7. Let cool before decorating with icing.

Try this Christmas sugar cookie recipe for a festive and easy holiday treat. Learn more about sugar cookies and icing at Sally’s Baking Addiction.

6) Breakfast Sausage Casserole

Start Christmas morning with a breakfast sausage casserole. It’s an easy mix of sausage, eggs, bread, and cheese all baked together.

You can prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven. The sausage adds a little spice, and the bread soaks up the eggy goodness.

Try regular sausage or something with a maple kick if you want to change it up. This casserole feeds a crowd and feels like a warm hug on a cold morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (or half and half)
• 4 cups bread cubes (white or Hawaiian rolls)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain fat.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and mustard powder.
4. Add sausage, bread cubes, and cheese. Stir to combine.
5. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden on top.

For more details, see this breakfast sausage casserole recipe.

7) Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

If you want a showstopper appetizer, try a cheese ball shaped like a Christmas tree. Mix sun-dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, and chives into creamy cheese for the base.

Decorate the outside with olives, peppers, and slices of salami and prosciutto. It’s colorful, festive, and surprisingly easy.

This is the sort of snack that disappears fast at parties. Serve with crackers or just let people dig in with a fork—no judgment.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell peppers, diced
• 1/4 cup chives, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 salami slices (for serving)
• 8 prosciutto slices (for serving)
• Assorted olives and peppers for decoration

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, chives, and mozzarella in a bowl.
2. Shape the mixture into a Christmas tree on a serving plate.
3. Decorate with olives, peppers, salami, and prosciutto to resemble tree ornaments and garlands.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

8) Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread cake just feels like Christmas, doesn’t it? The spices fill your kitchen with that unmistakable holiday smell.

It’s moist and soft, perfect for sharing. Frost it with cream cheese or mascarpone if you want a little tang.

A handful of sugared cranberries or a sprig of rosemary on top makes it look extra festive. This cake goes great with a cup of tea or coffee—ideal for a cozy evening with friends or family.

The recipe’s easy, so there’s really no excuse not to give it a try this year.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 cup hot water

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Add molasses and mix just until combined.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with hot water.
7. Mix everything until smooth.
8. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
10. Check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, you’re good.
11. Let it cool before frosting or serving.

9) Spiced Eggnog

Spiced eggnog brings a cozy vibe to any holiday gathering. You can keep it simple or spike it with a little rum, bourbon, or brandy if you’re feeling festive.

The flavor’s all about that mix of eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and just enough sweetness. Homemade eggnog sounds fancy, but honestly, it’s not that hard.

You whisk eggs with sugar and spices, then slowly pour in the milk and cream. Heat it gently so it thickens, but don’t let it boil or you’ll end up with scrambled eggs—nobody wants that.

Once it cools, you can stir in a splash of your favorite spirit, or just leave it as is for a family-friendly version. Chilled or warm, it’s good either way.

A sprinkle of nutmeg on top? That makes it look (and smell) amazing.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground allspice
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ to 1 cup bourbon, rum, or brandy (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Separate the eggs—put yolks in one bowl and whites in another.
2. Whisk yolks with sugar and spices until it’s smooth.
3. Slowly add milk and cream to the yolk mixture.
4. Heat gently over low heat, stirring the whole time, until it thickens a bit. Don’t let it boil.
5. Take it off the heat and let it cool completely.
6. Whip the egg whites until stiff.
7. Fold the whites into the cooled mixture for some froth.
8. Stir in liquor if you want.
9. Chill before serving, or warm it gently if you like it hot.

Curious for more details? Here’s a Mom’s Best Spiced Eggnog Recipe.

10) Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry orange sauce is one of those sides that just makes the whole meal pop. The tart cranberries and bright orange flavor work so well together.

It’s quick to throw together and matches up nicely with turkey or ham. You only need a handful of ingredients.

If you want it sweeter, add some maple syrup or honey. Want a little extra depth? Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or your favorite autumn spice.

You can make it ahead and stash it in the fridge until you’re ready—big plus if you’re juggling a million things in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of one orange
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• Optional: pinch of cinnamon or autumn spices

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest into a saucepan.

2. Set the heat to medium.

3. Wait about 10 minutes, until the cranberries begin to pop—kind of fun to watch, honestly.

4. Stir in maple syrup or honey.

5. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.

6. Take it off the heat and let it cool down.

7. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.