Life

24 Classic Holiday Recipes That Are Almost As Good As What Your Mom Used To Make

by Nina Matti

There's so much to look forward to during the holiday season: time with family and friends, days off from work, giving (and receiving) presents, and, of course: lots and lots of festive food. Food and holidays really go hand-in-hand in my book, especially when it comes to one of the best meals of the year: a classic Christmas dinner.

Unlike Thanksgiving, when it comes to Christmas dinner you have a bit more flexibility in deciding what dishes to make. You can stick with a classic main course of turkey, or mix it up a bit and try out a sweet brown sugar-glazed ham or garlic-crusted prime rib recipe. No matter what entree you choose, be sure to load up on delicious side dish options — a traditional green bean casserole and multiple kinds of potatoes are necessary for sure. You can't have Christmas dinner without many varieties of starch. — The whole world of holiday food goodness is your oyster.

With these 24 traditional and tasty holiday recipes, your Christmas dinner is sure to be a feast fit for the Clauses themselves. Top these dishes off with your favorite variety of the best Christmas cookies, and you might even upstage the gifts.

1

Brown Sugar Glazed Baked Ham

Ham is a Christmas classic, especially when it's slathered in a sweet glaze like this one from A Spicy Perspective.

2

Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Pancetta

People who don't like brussel sprouts haven't tried roasting them with pancetta, like this Foodie Crush recipe. Honestly 10/10.

3

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Is it really Christmas if you don't have a green bean casserole? No, no it is not, my friend. This version from Mel's Kitchen Cafe bypasses they typical cream of mushroom soup from a can route to step it up a notch.

4

Walnut & Cranberry Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

The Comfort Of Cooking's stuffed pork tenderloin recipe looks complex, but I swear it is so easy! And it will impress your dinner guests, guaranteed.

5

Sausage, Apple, & Sage Stuffing

Sweet and savory stuffing is one of the biggest blessings of the holidays. Brown Eyed Baker has this killer recipe for a sausage, apple, and sage variety that is divine.

6

Oven Roasted Asparagus

This Tori Avey roasted asparagus is so easy and tasty, and adds a bit of color to what is likely to be an otherwise starch-heavy meal.

7

Sweet Potato Casserole

The topping on Averie Cooks' sweet potato casserole is dessert-worthy. But it also technically includes a serving of vegetables, so I'm in.

8

Simple Roasted Turkey

So many families swear by roasted turkey as their entree of choice for the holiday. If that's you, try out this deliciously simple The Kitchn recipe.

9

Easy Cranberry Sauce

You really only need cranberries, water, sugar, and orange juice for this Mom On Time Out recipe. Super easy and tasty.

10

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes at Christmas dinner are a must. Try this version from Natasha's Kitchen.

11

Roasted Carrots With Honey Butter

Cookie And Kate's roasted root vegetables are always a crowd pleaser.

12

Roast Duck With Rum

I am so about this Tori Avey roasted duck recipe. Duck is a tasty turkey alternative, and a Christmas classic for families all over the world.

13

Creamed Spinach

I can honestly say I don't think I have ever tried creamed spinach, but The Kitchn swears by this recipe. I've gotta make it.

14

Anthony Bourdain's Roasted Cauliflower

Anthony Bourdain is probably the most trustworthy of all cooks. Get his tried-and-true sesame roasted cauliflower on Crepes Of Wrath.

15

Waldorf Salad

What a festive way to get some fruits and veggies on your plate with this Waldorf salad from A Spicy Perspective.

16

Garlic Crusted Prime Rib

Prime rib is so intimidating, but Natasha's Kitchen keeps it easy while still making it delicious.

17

Cheesy Potatoes

Cheese + potatoes = you can't go wrong. Mel's Kitchen Cafe has the hook up with this tasty recipe.

18

Garlicky Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli is a divisive veggie, but if you roast them with this The Kitchn recipe, they're sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

19

Arugula, Dried Cherry, & Wild Rice Salad

Feta, dried cherries, toasted almonds, and wild rice just may be the best salad combination I have encountered. Good work, Cookie And Kate.

20

Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf

This flavorful and festive butternut squash pilaf from Jelly Toast is a little different and will add some variety to your traditional Christmas meal.

21

Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash is already one of my favorite parts of Christmas dinner, but then Tori Avey's version takes it to an entirely new level by adding maple syrup, cinnamon, and a dash of cayenne. What more could you ask for?

22

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Anything that you can make in a slow cooker will make your life so much easier, and this Damn Delicious mac and cheese recipe is tasty to boot.

23

Roasted Beets With Citrus

Love And Lemons' roasted citrus beets are so creative while still keeping with traditional holiday flavors. It's vegan, gluten free, and you can even make it a day or two in advance to ease some of the day-of stress.

24

Salted Maple Syrup Fruit Cake

Fruit cake is totally one of those foods that you either love or hate, but Simply Delicious Food's modern take on the classic is sure to have you coming back for seconds.