From Nana’s famous egg dish to spiced sangria and bourbon pecan pie, these are our favorite holiday recipes we enjoy every Christmas!
‘Tis the season for festive food and drinks. As we get closer to Christmas, I’m getting more and more excited to prepare our favorite Christmas recipes and enjoy them as a family.
While most of the time my goal is to eat nutritious recipes with vegetables, protein, and fresh, healthy ingredients (like these spa cooking recipes), I like to live by the 80/20 perspective, leaving plenty of room for special treats. I’m also a big believer in enjoying holidays, special food, and time together without worrying too much about what I eat.
Year after year, we strive to include several traditional recipes among the mealtime offerings. For example, it is tradition to have Alton Brown’s Overnight Cinnamon Rolls on Christmas morning while opening presents. Preparing these comforting and delicious Christmas recipes is one of our favorite ways to make breakfast, lunch or dinner extra special. So, with that in mind, I thought I’d share our favorite holiday recipes, from brunch casseroles to spiced sangria and Ina’s barbecue ribs. Let’s dig in!
Our favorite Christmas recipes
Nana’s famous egg dish
This egg casserole is perfect for any brunch or holiday celebration. It freezes beautifully to make and tastes delicious with pico de gallo sauce.
Mother’s grandmother’s famous recipe
Oh, you have to try Mother’s grandmother’s famous recipe! It’s the perfect Christmas dessert: a delicious cookie bar that will satisfy even the sweetest sweet tooth. Trust me, after one bite you’ll be begging for the recipe.
Green beans with goat cheese, almonds and cranberries
These green beans are bright and fresh, with creamy goat cheese, orange zest, crunchy sliced almonds, and sweet cranberries. The recipe is gluten-free and only takes 15 minutes from start to finish.
Dairy-Free Chicken Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
OMG, I have a delicious dairy-free recipe for you! This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is perfect for a holiday meal and will please even the non-dairy diners at the table. Trust me, it’s so full of flavor you won’t even miss the cheese.
The best fall and winter salad
This salad is a fall dream come true. It has pumpkin, spicy arugula, a spicy vinaigrette, chicken, pumpkin seeds and goat cheese. It’s perfect for any holiday gathering or party and is a vegetable-packed side dish. My vegetarian friends can easily omit the chicken and it is just as delicious without it.
The best raw chocolate cake
This raw chocolate tart, made with cashews, cocoa, and a coconut-almond crust, is a delicious gluten-free dessert that requires no cooking!
Christmas Spice Sangria
Christmas Spice Sangria! It is prepared before any festive evening and the flavors improve over the course of a few days. It’s perfect to bring to parties as it’s a fun change from the usual bottle of wine.
Ina Garten Mulled Wine
Warm yourself up with a pot of Ina Garten’s mulled wine recipe, a blend of apple cider and red wine with cinnamon, cloves, and orange.
Ina’s Sunday Roast Rib
Ina’s Sunday Roast Prime Rib with Mustard and Horseradish is usually our centerpiece at a Christmas party. It is one of the public’s favorites.
Ina’s Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
Another Ina favorite. Chocolate, bourbon and nuts – what’s not to love? I’ve already done this twice this year and plan to do it again on Saturday.
Our Christmas weekend menu
This is what our menu will be like this year:
Christmas Eve
Oh, dining at your dad’s house sounds like a feast of festive flavors and delights! A Mexican food buffet is a sure way to spice up the holiday season, with delicious tacos, tamales, and enchiladas dancing on your palate. And let’s not forget the main course: your aunt’s famous eggnog! That creamy, velvety concoction has the power to transport you to a winter wonderland with just one sip. And of course, what is a Christmas meal without a variety of delicious desserts? Indulge in a variety of sweet treats, from traditional favorites like flan and churros to exquisite creations like tres leches cake. With a feast like that, your dad’s house is truly an epicurean paradise.
Christmas Lunch:
- Nana’s Egg Casserole
- Alton Brown Cinnamon Rolls
- Bacon or ham (I haven’t decided yet)
- Tamales and beans (from mother!)
Christmas Day Dinner:
- Cheese board and artichoke dip with crackers
- Chopped Mediterranean salad
- Smoked Turkey on the Traeger
- Filling and sauce
- Beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce
- Potatoes with cheese (mother)
- fresh sourdough
- Bourbon Pecan Pie + Dessert Plate (tons of different cookies and candies)
- Mulled wine, eggnog and champagne.
Should be a very good and very tasty weekend ahead 😉
Enjoy your Christmas gatherings with some great Christmas recipes!
Well friends, we have reached the end of our delicious journey through our favorite Christmas foods. We’ve covered everything from juicy turkeys to creamy mashed potatoes, and let’s not forget the underrated champions of the holiday table: Brussels sprouts! Remember, don’t be fooled by their cabbage-like appearance: these bad boys contain a ton of vitamins and fiber. And of course, no holiday feast would be complete without a spectacular cheese ball. Whether spicy, packed with herbs, or covered in nuts, this crowd-pleasing delight is sure to steal the show. So go ahead, my friends, and let these culinary delights make your Christmas merry and delicious!
See you tomorrow with a new podcast episode!
xo
gina
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