With so much magic surrounding the holiday season, I find myself wanting to bring that same magic to the foods I prepare and share with others. Whether it’s a holiday party or a cookie exchange, I want to find or create the best holiday recipes.
I spend time testing recipes and poring over favorite cookbooks and Pinterest, but not everyone has time for that amidst shopping, wrapping, decorating and doing all the festive things. That’s why I want to share some of my favorites with you here.
I have personally tried or developed these holiday recipes and given them my stamp of approval AND have gotten rave reviews from friends and family. So you know they’ve gotta be good. And if you like pomegranate and pistachios you have come to the right place. I am addicted to sprinkling them on basically everything this time of year. So pick your faves, get cooking and be sure to find me on social media and share with me what you make.
Holiday appetizers
It doesn’t get more festive than this garlicky white bean and arugula crostini recipe.The green arugula combined with the red pomegranate arils basically screams holiday.
This caramelized onion and fig flatbread recipe is always a hit. It is both sweet from the caramelized onion and fig and savory from the herbs and cheese. An irresistable combo.
Who doesn’t love a cozy soup during the holidays? This curried butternut squash soup recipe fits the bill and provides a punch of vibrant color to any spread when served in appetizer glasses like this. Top with croutons or pumpkin seeds for texture.
The perfect little grab and go appetizer are these herby stuffed dates. Another sweet and savory flavor combo that makes these irresistible.
Favorite Holiday side dishes
This Warm roasted vegetable and lentil salad recipe is filling enough to serve as a main dish for any vegan guests on your list. A medley of sweet potatoes, broccoli, red onions and lentils top a bed of greens. A comforting and satisfying dish that is lovely and full of texture.
I make this brussels and persimmon salad almost every year. It’s a feast for the eyes and the tummy. Beautiful succulent persimmon, roasted brussels sprouts and tart persimmon arils top a bed of kale. These ingredients deliver a flavor and texture heaven.
Serve these roasted winter vegetables with honey and goat cheese for a no fuss side that is big on flavor. A medley of root vegetables roasted and topped with honey, rosemary and goat cheese compliments and main dish.
Holiday recipes for main dishes
Having vegetarian or vegan guests can sometimes leave you stumped as what to offer as a main dish. I guarantee these options will please guests with any dietary preference:
I have served this eggplant involtini to both veg and meat eaters and have received rave reviews from both. It is big on flavor and totally customizable. If you want to add ricotta to the filling or mozzarella to the top, go for it!
Cauliflower steaks get dressed up for the holidays with fresh chopped herbs and pomegranate arils. It is truly a beautiful dish and is easy to prep making it a great choice for a plant based option.
This vegetarian skillet lasagna is a great option to make ahead of time and reheat in the oven before serving. One of the ultimate winter comfort foods, your guests will enjoy this satisfying dish.
Holiday sweets
And now for what we’re all really interested in if we are truly being honest…DESSERT!
I know I raved about them over thanksgiving, but once again these no-bake vegan pumpkin tarts from the detoxinista are perfect for the holidays.
These roasted pears with espresso mascarpone cream are too gorgeous not to make your holiday table.
This honey almond cake with rosemary and citrus makes my tastebuds burst just thinking about it.
Looking to add a bit of decadence to your holiday dessert menu? This tiramisu cheesecake recipe, that I developed for the Tasting Table, will not disappoint. Kahlua, espresso, mascarpone, whipped cream…need I say more?
One of my all time favorite desserts is an affogato, and so my hazelnut version had to make its way into my holiday recipes roundup. Make the sauce ahead of time as well as freeze individual dishes of ice cream. Whey ready to serve simply pull the pre-scooped ice cream out of the freezer and top with espresso or coffee, hazelnut fudge and chopped hazelnuts. Absolute heaven in a dish.
Holiday cookie swap and giftable desserts
Matcha tea cookies definitely make the list because their green color is perfectly festive.
Fig crumble bars…ya know, instead of the figgy pudding. (I couldn’t resist) To make your life easier you can use a jar of remade fig jam. I like to get mine from Trader Joe’s.
These grain-free chocolate nut butter blondies from My New Roots are so fudgy and delicious. Don’t forget to sprinkle the sea salt on top for that something extra.
If you’re looking for a gluten free chocolate chip cookie then look no further than these oatmeal teff chocolate chip cookies from The Bojon Gourmet. There’s also a tutorial on how to turn the ingredients into the sweetest gift in a jar.
And if you know me then you know my obsession with dark chocolate and almonds is real so these dark chocolate sea salt almonds or this coffee and roasted almond chocolate bark would make the perfect little treat to gift to someone.
That’s a wrap! Anyone else salivating after that roundup?