The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebrating, and, of course, feasting on incredible food. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a grand celebration, crafting the perfect holiday menu for your guests can feel overwhelming. To ease your troubles, we’ve curated 23 delicious dishes that span appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts. From traditional favorites to innovative twists, these recipes cater to every palate and dietary preference, ensuring that everyone at your gathering feels included and satisfied.

Planning a holiday menu means experimenting with flavors and textures, all while considering people’s dietary needs and keeping the cooking process manageable. Our collection features vegetarian choices, gluten-free options, hearty meat dishes, and decadent sweets that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping moment, creative vegetable sides, or indulgent desserts, you’ll find inspiration here.

Ahead, let’s get into these 23 delicious dishes that will help you curate the ultimate holiday menu for your loved ones.

Appetizers

@eatpayylove

baked brie 🤌🏻

♬ milky way – Leo Yoshino

Baked Brie with Cranberry Compote

A warm, gooey wheel of brie cheese topped with a sweet-tart cranberry compote and wrapped in flaky puff pastry. This elegant appetizer is perfect for welcoming guests and pairs beautifully with crackers or a sliced baguette.

@rosannaetcfood

Squash Soup Shots – super chic and a lovely hot canape option for winter parties. Recipe (makes 12): 1 small onion 1 clove garlic 1 apple 1 Butternut (or other) squash 600ml Chicken stock (or veg) Salt and pepper Peel and chop the squash and apple into cubes and dice the onion and garlic. Heat some butter in a saucepan and fry the onion and garlic until translucent, then add the apple. Allow it to break down for a few mins, then add the squash and stock. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 20-30 minutes until the squash is cooked. Blend in a liquidiser or use an immersion blender in the saucepan. Season w salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency by adding more stock or water. 🎄👩🏼‍🍳 #partyfood #christmasfood #partyrecipe #partyfoodrecipe #partyfoodideas #hostingathome #easyrecipe #partyrecipes #winterfood #tistheseason #christmasparty #holidayrecipes #butternutsquashsoup

♬ original sound – Rosannaetc

Butternut Squash Soup Shooters

Creamy butternut squash soup served in small glasses and garnished with a drizzle of cream and toasted pumpkin seeds. These bite-sized portions are warming, flavorful, and easy for guests to enjoy while mingling.

@oldscoolkevmo

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus #oldscoolkevmo #sororitychef #piphichef #nevadawolfpack #pibetaphi #thebest #rhinestonecowboy @junkeereno thanks for the fun threads!

♬ original sound – Kevin Ashton

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Tender asparagus spears wrapped in salty prosciutto and roasted until crispy. This simple yet sophisticated appetizer offers a perfect balance of flavors and requires minimal preparation.

Main Courses

@thekitchenwhitelaw

Herb Crusted Prime Rib! . Just in time for the holidays, the ultimate feast! Covered in herbs and cooked to perfection. . . . 📸: @thekitchenwhitelaw . . . #TheKitchenWhitelaw #primerib #ribroast #christmasdinner #christmasrecipe #ribeye #steak #standingribroast #smokedprimerib #roast #roastbeef #herbcrust

♬ original sound – Jeremy Whitelaw

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

A magnificent centerpiece featuring tender prime rib coated in a fragrant herb crust of rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Slow-roasted to perfection, this dish delivers impressive flavor and presentation for your holiday table.

@allyssainthekitchen

MAPLE DIJON TURKEY BREAST 🍁 Same cozy @Crock-Pot vibes, new flavor drop! This has the same rich depth the cranberry version had, just a little more sweet forward with the maple, and some tang from the Dijon! Ingredients: • 1 boneless @Butterball Turkey turkey breast (2–3 lbs) • ¼ cup pure maple syrup • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard • 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard (for texture) • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder • ½ tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp Salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste) • Fresh thyme, sage and/ or rosemary sprigs Directions: 1. Whisk glaze: In a bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon, whole-grain mustard, vinegar, butter, garlic, and seasonings. 2. Coat turkey: Place the turkey breast in the crockpot and pour the glaze all over. Rub it in to coat evenly. 3. Add herbs: Tuck in a few thyme or rosemary sprigs for aroma. 4. Cook: 4–5 hours on low, or until internal temp hits 165°F. #fallrecipes #friendsgivingdinner #allyssainthekitchen #easydinnerideas #crockpotseason

♬ original sound – Allyssainthekitchen

Maple-Glazed Turkey Breast

A succulent turkey breast brushed with a sweet maple glaze that caramelizes beautifully during roasting. This recipe offers all the holiday turkey flavor in a more manageable portion, perfect for smaller gatherings.

@dish_by_rish

This Mushroom Wellington is the way to go if you’re looking for a vegetarian Christmas main! This has been the most popular Christmas recipe on my blog for the last 4 years running! It’s hearty, packed with 3 different types of mushrooms, a mirepoix, and plenty of herbs for the quintessential festive flavour. It’s definitely a wellington with a lot of umami. Serve this mushroom wellington up with all the trimmings for a great veggie Christmas dinner. It goes brilliantly with my garlic and herb roast potatoes and my cauliflower cheese. Roasted sprouts, parsnips, and carrots are also essential. And don’t forget some Yorkshire puddings as well as the onion gravy! Also – if you’re plant based, make sure to double check that your instant mash doesn’t contain milk powder. Full recipe is on my blog – link is in my bio! #mushroomwellington #Christmasdinner #Christmasrecipes #vegetarian #vegetarianrecipes

♬ Funk It Up – John Etkin-Bell

Vegetarian Wellington

A stunning plant-based main course featuring layers of roasted vegetables, mushroom duxelles, and spinach wrapped in golden puff pastry. This impressive dish proves that vegetarian options can be just as show-stopping as traditional meats.

Side Dishes

@cj.eats

My favorite way to make mashed potatoes 🥔 garlicky, fluffy, and infused with lots of herbs and topped with fresh chives! #cjeatsrecipes #potatoes

♬ original sound – Chris Joe

Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs. This classic comfort food is a holiday staple that pairs perfectly with any main course and always disappears quickly.

@iankewks

Roasted brussels sprouts 😎

♬ Chill Day – LAKEY INSPIRED

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy bacon pieces create a perfect combination of savory flavors. The high-heat roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts while the bacon adds a smoky depth.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

Silky sweet potato puree topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, offering the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. This beloved side dish walks the line between savory side and dessert.

@kellyscleankitchen

How to make green bean almondine #greenbeans #vegetables #recipe #cooking

♬ La vie en rose (Cover Edith Piaf) – 田东昱

Green Bean Almondine

Fresh green beans sautéed with butter, garlic, and toasted almonds, finished with a squeeze of lemon. This elegant yet simple side adds a bright, fresh element to your holiday spread.

Salads

Winter Citrus Salad

A vibrant mix of mixed greens, segmented oranges, grapefruit, pomegranate seeds, and candied pecans with a honey-citrus vinaigrette. This refreshing salad adds color and brightness to balance richer holiday dishes.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Earthy roasted beets paired with creamy goat cheese, arugula, and walnuts, drizzled with balsamic reduction. The striking colors and sophisticated flavors make this salad a beautiful addition to any holiday menu.

Breads & Rolls

@_lacebakes_

Easy Same-Day Focaccia…an adaptation of my viral Overnight Focaccia recipe for those if you who need bread STAT! Full written recipe with precise instructions linked in bio. If you just want the basics, here you go 👇🏻 Measurements: 500g white bread flour (12% protein content or higher) 420ml warm water 6g (1.5 teaspoons) instant yeast 5g (1 teaspoon) honey, or sugar or maple syrup 10g (2 teaspoons) fine sea salt Extra virgin olive oil to line pan and drizzle Flaky sea salt to finish Toppings of choice (rosemary, olives, peppers, onions, jalapeños, cheese etc) What kind of tray? Metal baking tray is best (conducts heat better than ceramic/glass). 9x13inch or 23x33cm is what I use. It’s fine if you use larger, it will just bake up thinner. How long to bake? Bake on lowest rack in oven – 220C/430F for 18-23 mins. It may take longer in your oven, so leave it in until it’s a deep golden brown, don’t worry if it takes longer than 23 mins! Why is my dough wetter than yours? Your dough may be wetter/stickier than mine, that’s because I use a very high protein bread flour (14%) and all bread flour absorbs water differently. Don’t worry if it’s wetter, it will be trickier to handle but will bake up fine! Can I use normal flour? If you want to use all-purpose flour, reduce water by 40ml. Add in more at the end if you think it needs it. It is only 9-10% protein content so will be less fluffy and will hold in fewer bubbles. What are the measurements in cups? I do not provide measurements in cups as it’s not an accurate way of making bread. Digital scales are cheap, they make less mess than cups, they’re easy to use and will ensure you’re making the recipe correctly. Can I use GF flour? I’ve tried adapting to be gluten-free but haven’t cracked it yet. I wouldn’t recommend a straight swap of 1:1 Gluten- free bread flour for this method. I’m working on it and hope to have a recipe for all you GF bread lovers soon ♥️ #focacciatutorial #focacciabread #breadlover #bread #breadrecipe #breadtutorial #asmr #asmrfood #baking #fyp #foryou

♬ Lo-fi hip hop – NAO-K

Rosemary Focaccia

Fluffy, olive oil-rich Italian flatbread studded with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt. This aromatic bread is perfect for soaking up sauces and adds an artisanal touch to your meal.

@carolinagrowing

This is honestly on par with a steakhouse roll 🍞 #thanksgiving #honeybutter #rollsrecipe #rolls #thanksgivingrecipes #honeybutterrolls

♬ original sound – Sabrina

Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

Soft, pillowy dinner rolls brushed with honey butter that melts into every crevice. These crowd-pleasing rolls are essential for any holiday table and disappear almost as fast as you can bake them.

Desserts

@allrecipes

This pumpkin pie deserves tens all around! 🎃👏 One of the most essential elements of Thanksgiving is certainly the pumpkin pie. Thankfully, Nicole has some helpful tips and tricks to ensure yours comes out perfectly for the big day! For more tips, be sure to check the link in the @allrecipes bio! 🙌 Ingredients: 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust Directions: Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Whisk pumpkin puree, condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt together in a medium bowl until smooth. Pour into crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until a knife inserted 1 inch from the crust comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool before serving. Enjoy! 🧑‍🍳: Nicole #pumpkinpie #pie #thanksgiving #pumpkin #dessert

♬ Bossa Nova jazz that seems to fit in a cafe(1433079) – TAKANORI ONDA

Classic Pumpkin Pie

The quintessential holiday dessert featuring a spiced pumpkin custard in a flaky pastry crust, topped with fresh whipped cream. This timeless recipe embodies the warmth and nostalgia of holiday gatherings.

@malloryhudsonxo

The BEST homemade peppermint bark🎄✨ | holiday treat idea 1 bag semi sweet chocolate chips 1 bag white chocolate chips Melt for 30 sec then in 15 sec intervals 1/4 tsp coconut oil 1/2 tsp peppermint extract Add in white chocolate Place in fridge for 30minutes #holidaytreats #christmastreats #christmastreatideas #holidaytreatideas #peppermintbark #holidayfood #christmasfood #christmasfoodideas

♬ White Christmas – The Drifters

Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Layers of dark and white chocolate studded with crushed candy canes. This festive no-bake treat is perfect for gifting or serving alongside coffee after dinner.

Apple Cranberry Crisp

Tender apples and tart cranberries baked beneath a buttery oat crumble topping. Served warm with vanilla ice cream, this comforting dessert celebrates the best flavors of the season.

Gingerbread Trifle

Layers of spiced gingerbread cake, vanilla custard, and whipped cream are assembled in a beautiful glass bowl. This impressive dessert combines classic holiday flavors in an elegant presentation.

Beverages

@notjustabartender

’Tis the season for ginger, spice, & everything nice. #ad  I wanted to throw together two recipe options to be mindful of our loved ones who might not be imbibing this season, while showing how @Q Mixers helps elevate both recipes to impress the entire crowd regardless of which one you whip up!
SPICED CRANBERRY SYRUP 1 cup fresh cranberries 1 cup water 2 cinnamon sticks 2 star anise pods 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped 1 cup of sugar Simmer cranberries in water and spice ingredients for 20 mins, then press through a fine strainer until you extract as much liquid as possible. Add hot water until the total volume is up to 8oz again, combine sugar and whisk until completely dissolved. Reserve up to 2 weeks in the fridge. SPICED CRANBERRY BUCK [COCKTAIL] .5oz | 15ml spiced cranberry syrup .5oz | 15ml fresh lime juice .5oz | 15ml orange curacao 1oz | 30ml straight bourbon of choice 3-4oz | 90-120ml Q GINGER ALE 
Combine syrup, lime juice, curacao, and bourbon into a shaker tin, add ice, and shake. In a tall glass with ice, add 2oz | 60ml of Q GINGER ALE, and strain the cocktail overtop. Fill remaining space with more ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh cranberries. [MOCKTAIL]
.75oz | 22.5ml spiced cranberry syrup .75oz | 22.5ml fresh lime juice 4-5oz | 120-150ml Q GINGER ALE Combine all ingredients into a glass with ice, stir gently to incorporate. Garnish with a lime wheel and cranberries. #qitup #qmixers

♬ original sound – Chris

Spiced Cranberry Punch

A festive non-alcoholic punch combining cranberry juice, orange juice, and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. This ruby-red beverage is perfect for guests of all ages.

@feelingtastyy

MULLED WINE SEASON🍷 Mulled wine (I used half the recipe in video): -2 bottles of full bodied red wine -150ml water -5 shots brandy -5 shots triple sec -5 tbsp golden cater sugar -2 oranges sliced -1 lemon sliced -1 orange studded with cloves -1 large cinnamon stick -Large thumb sliced ginger -4 Star anise This really is one of the easiest recipes you can make during the festive period; simply add all the ingredients to your pan, gently bring to a simmer then turn the heat down to avoid boiling. Keep at barley simmering for about 20 mins before serving up and enjoying! #wine #winelover #drinks #drink #mulledwine #christmas #christmasrecipes #christmascooking #cocktails #asmr #fyp #viral

♬ It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas – Michael Bublé

Mulled Wine

Red wine gently heated with citrus, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves, creating an aromatic and warming beverage. This traditional European drink adds sophistication and coziness to holiday celebrations.

Special Dietary Options

@plantbasedonabudget

Try this Hearty Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa! It’s bursting with Thanksgiving flavors (and all with just 6 ingredients) and a hearty option for the vegetarians in your life. 🖨️ For the printable recipe card, you can click the link in my bio! #plantbasedonabudget #stuffedacornsquash #acornsquash #wintersquash #squash #thanksgivingmains #holidayrecipes #recipeshare #thanksgivingrecipes #veganthanksgiving #healthyrecipes #vegan #plantbased #sidedish #veganrecipes #easyrecipes #recipeoftheday #vegansofinstagram

♬ Le Carrousel – James Quinn

Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savory quinoa mixture featuring cranberries, pecans, and fresh herbs. This beautiful dish accommodates multiple dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

@liveeatlearn

This cauliflower mac and cheese has been a reader-favorite on @liveeatlearn for years, with dozens of five-star reviews! “This recipe was unbelievable!!! I am no chef but you made it so easy and tastes absolutely amazing!” Full recipe is on my site (https://www.liveeatlearn.com/cauliflower-mac-and-cheese/) 1. Cook: Chop 1 large cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Steam over boiling water for 10 minutes until fork-tender. Alternatively, microwave (covered) for 5-7 minutes or boil for 5 minutes. 3. Stir: Drain water and return cauliflower to the pot. Add 8 oz shredded cheddar, 4 oz cream cheese, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and ½ tsp salt. Stir until cheese is fully melted. Adjust seasoning to taste. #cauliflowerrecipes #macandcheese #cauliflowermacandcheese

♬ put your records on – ★spedupaudios

Cauliflower “Mac and Cheese” (Low-Carb)

Tender cauliflower florets coated in a creamy cheese sauce that delivers all the comfort of traditional mac and cheese with fewer carbs. This side dish proves that dietary modifications can still be indulgent.

@earthyjane

the flourless chocolate torte strikes again😍

♬ original sound – Jane Olivia👩🏼‍🍳✨🍝🥒🍒🍰

Flourless Chocolate Torte (Gluten-Free)

A rich, fudgy chocolate torte with an intense chocolate flavor and silky texture. This elegant dessert is naturally gluten-free and sophisticated enough to end any holiday meal on a high note.