23 Vintage Holiday Recipes That Are Still a Hit Today

Nothing brings back that warm, holiday feeling quite like the recipes our grandparents used to make. This collection of recipes still holds up today, offering the perfect mix of comfort and nostalgia that makes the season feel complete. Whether you’re making them for the first time or keeping a family tradition alive, these vintage holiday recipes are sure to bring a touch of joy to your table.

Roast Turkey with Stuffing

A true holiday centerpiece, roast turkey with stuffing brings warmth and tradition to the table. Seasoned with herbs, this 12-pound turkey is filled with a savory mixture of cubed bread, celery, onions, melted butter, and poultry seasoning. Stuff the cavity and roast at 325°F (165°C) for about 3 hours until juicy and golden. The stuffing absorbs flavors from the turkey, making every bite flavorful and moist. This dish is a festive favorite, embodying the spirit of a classic holiday meal.

Honey-Glazed Ham

Sweet and savory honey-glazed ham is a holiday classic with a sticky, caramelized finish. A 10-pound ham is coated with a blend of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. After scoring the surface, bake it at 325°F (165°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes. This glaze creates a rich crust while keeping the ham juicy inside. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s a hit for gatherings.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a comforting blend of tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce with crispy fried onions on top. Combine 4 cups of green beans with condensed mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper, then top with fried onions. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, adding more onions in the last 5 minutes for extra crunch. This nostalgic dish has been beloved for decades and pairs well with any main course.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This sweet potato casserole is a cozy blend of mashed sweet potatoes with a gooey marshmallow topping. Mix 4 cups of sweet potatoes with sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Add mini marshmallows on top and bake until golden. The dish combines creamy and fluffy textures, making it a delightful holiday side.

Cranberry Sauce

Tangy and refreshing, cranberry sauce adds a burst of color and flavor to holiday plates. Boil 4 cups cranberries with sugar, water, and orange zest, then simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Let it cool, allowing the tartness to balance with the sweet and citrus notes. This bright condiment cuts through rich main dishes like turkey or ham.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a must for any holiday spread. Boil 4 pounds of potatoes, then mash with warm milk and melted butter, seasoning with salt and pepper. Their smooth, fluffy texture complements nearly any dish. Simple yet comforting, mashed potatoes add a cozy feel to holiday meals.

Pumpkin Pie

Spiced pumpkin pie is a quintessential holiday dessert, celebrated for its creamy filling and rich flavors. Mix 2 cups of pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and spices, then pour into a pie crust. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, reduce to 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. With each bite, this pie offers the perfect blend of cinnamon and pumpkin, making it a timeless favorite.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie features a gooey, sweet filling with a crunchy top layer of pecans, making it a staple dessert. Blend 1 cup of corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla, and add pecan halves before baking in a pie crust. Baked at 350°F (175°C) for an hour, the pie is dense and rich, satisfying every sweet tooth around the table.

Gingerbread Cookies

These spiced gingerbread cookies add warmth to holiday festivities, especially when decorated with frosting. Cream butter, sugar, molasses, and spices, mix in flour, then roll out and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, and decorate as desired. They’re as much fun to make as they are to eat, filling the air with festive aromas.

Eggnog

Eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday beverage with warming spices, ideal for cozy celebrations. Combine 6 egg yolks with 1 cup sugar and whisk until pale. Add 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, then heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil. Chill the mixture and serve topped with a pinch of extra nutmeg. This festive drink brings a velvety sweetness with every sip.

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

Warm, gooey Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a sophisticated holiday appetizer. Use one 8-ounce wheel of Brie, 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce, and a sheet of puff pastry. Place the Brie on the pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap tightly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden. This dish balances savory, creamy Brie with tart cranberries, making it a perfect start to a festive meal.

Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding is an airy, savory side dish often served with roasts. Mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk, 2 large eggs, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), heat oil in muffin tins, and pour in the batter. Bake for about 20 minutes until puffed and golden. These popovers have a crisp exterior with a light, fluffy center, adding a classic touch to holiday feasts.

Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing brings a rustic flavor to the holiday table, mixing hearty cornbread with savory herbs. Combine 4 cups crumbled cornbread, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup chopped onion, and 1 tablespoon sage. Spread in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. This dish’s moist texture and warm herb flavors make it a perfect pairing with turkey or ham.

Waldorf Salad

The Waldorf Salad is a refreshing contrast to rich holiday dishes, blending crunchy apples, celery, and walnuts. Mix 4 apples, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Chill before serving for a cool, crisp side. This salad’s bright flavors balance out savory dishes and bring a lighter touch to the table.

Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad is a creamy, fruit-filled treat that adds a nostalgic touch to holiday meals. Combine one 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges, one 15-ounce can of pineapple, 1 cup mini marshmallows, and 1 cup whipped cream. Stir gently and chill before serving. This tropical, sweet salad is a fun, flavorful addition to any holiday spread.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a savory, bite-sized appetizer loved for their creamy filling. Boil 6 eggs, peel, and slice in half; scoop out the yolks and mix with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon mustard, and a pinch of paprika. Pipe the filling back into the whites and garnish with extra paprika. These make a tasty and elegant starter, offering rich flavor in every bite.

Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a warm, comforting dessert with a soft, custardy texture. Mix 4 cups cubed bread, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until golden brown. This classic dessert is spiced, sweet, and ideal for cold holiday nights.

Fruitcake

Fruitcake is a dense, richly flavored cake filled with dried fruits and nuts. Combine 2 cups flour, 1 cup mixed dried fruits, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2 hours, often adding a splash of rum or brandy for extra depth. It’s a beloved holiday treat known for its deep flavors and lasting appeal.

Chocolate Yule Log

A chocolate Yule Log is a rolled sponge cake with a creamy filling, made to resemble a log. For the sponge, mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; for filling, use 1 cup whipped cream. Bake the sponge at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, spread with cream, and roll tightly. This dessert is festive, with a rich chocolate flavor that ends the meal on a high note.

Rum Balls

Rum balls are no-bake chocolate treats with a hint of rum. Mix 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons rum. Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate. These easy treats are rich, indulgent, and a little boozy, perfect for holiday snacking.

Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are buttery, festive cookies often shaped with a press. Combine 1 cup butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 cups flour, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Press into shapes and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Their tender texture and buttery flavor make them a classic on holiday cookie trays.

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum is a cozy winter drink with warming spices. Mix 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, and 1 ounce rum in a mug, then add hot water. This comforting, spiced drink is ideal for chilly holiday nights by the fire.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a savory appetizer with a breadcrumb filling. Combine 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 clove minced garlic, and fresh parsley, then stuff into mushroom caps. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Their earthy flavor and cheesy filling make them a festive and satisfying starter.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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