*Scroll down for a complete list of recipes in this category.*
Christmas time brings with it a bounty of delicious opportunities to help you celebrate with loved ones. But with so many delicious and decadent holiday treats to choose from, how do you know which recipes are worth the time and effort?
We’ve gathered a collection of our favorite Christmas recipes and ideas to simplify the planning process. Keep traditions strong by cooking time-tested family recipes, but don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors as well!
Recipes for Christmas dinner
Whether you’re planning to put on a traditional Southern ham, or you want out-of-the-box inspiration, Christmas is a time to really go all out!
A leg of lamb, prime rib, or even king crab legs will really make this meal noteworthy and special. And don’t forget about the sides — dressing, mashed potatoes, and fresh salads are great picks.
Appetizers for Christmas
Appetizers are a must for Christmas whether you are throwing a party or celebrating only with the people in your household.
Charcuterie boards are a great choice because they feel fancy, but they don’t actually require any cooking. Just throw your favorite cheeses, cured meats, olives, dried fruit, and crackers on a nice wooden board!
Deviled eggs are another classic holiday finger food, perfect to serve as an appetizer. Cook them in the pressure cooker to save some time.
Christmas treats: cookies, cakes, and other goodies
If your family is anything like mine, desserts are an all-day thing on special occasions like Christmas.
We snack on thumbprint and chocolate crinkle cookies throughout the day and then cut into a spectacular cake or pie after dinner.
There are endless options when it comes to celebratory Southern desserts: bourbon pecan pies, fruitcakes, cranberry trifles, and buche de noelle.
We recommend making at least a couple of different treats and make it a weeklong celebration of sweets! Make enough to share and embrace the season of giving by delivering a small basket of cookies or cupcakes to your friend or neighbor’s house.
Christmas breakfast and brunch
A huge breakfast spread is a must on Christmas morning (or brunch, if your children are old enough to let you sleep past 6 am).
A buffet-style meal of eggs, breakfast meats (like bacon or ham), and pancakes is a fun and interactive meal that everyone will love. Breakfast pastries like cinnamon rolls and banana bread muffins will make the morning feel extra-special.
To save time on Christmas morning, prepare a breakfast casserole a few days ahead of time and pop it in the oven as everyone is opening gifts. You can even repurpose Christmas Eve’s leftover mashed potatoes into mashed potato cakes, perfect to serve alongside fried eggs.
Recipes for a Christmas potluck
Have you been tasked with bringing a side or dessert to a Christmas potluck party?
There are tons of simple holiday dishes that can be quickly prepared ahead of time that will still impress.
Add the zest of half an orange and a pinch of cinnamon into mashed sweet potatoes for an undeniable holiday twist, or prepare a winter salad with spinach, roasted winter squash, and a light homemade dressing.