14 Delicious Holiday Recipes to Impress Your Guests

The holidays are a time for celebration, and the right recipe can make your gathering even more special. From savory starters to decadent desserts, these delicious holiday recipes are designed to wow your guests while keeping your kitchen time to a minimum. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just looking for something simple but impressive, these dishes will help make your holiday meals unforgettable.

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

For an unforgettable holiday main dish, try this herb-crusted prime rib. You’ll need a bone-in prime rib roast, garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the roast with a mixture of minced garlic, chopped herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even coat. Roast it in a preheated oven at 450°F for 15 minutes to sear, then reduce the temperature to 325°F and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. Let it rest before slicing to retain all those flavorful juices.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

This sweet potato casserole is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. You’ll need sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and pecans. First, boil and mash the sweet potatoes, then mix them with brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with a crumble made from chopped pecans, brown sugar, and butter. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crunchy. This dish will add a comforting, sweet element to your holiday table.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham

This holiday ham is both flavorful and easy to make. Gather a pre-cooked ham, fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Start by simmering the cranberries with orange juice, honey, and brown sugar until they form a thick glaze. Brush this over the ham and bake at 325°F for 1 ½ to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes to build flavor. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the ham, making this dish a festive favorite.

Classic Green Bean Almondine

This green bean almondine is a crisp, fresh side that will add elegance to any holiday meal. You’ll need fresh green beans, butter, garlic, sliced almonds, and lemon juice. Blanch the green beans until just tender, then sauté them in butter with garlic and almonds until lightly toasted. Drizzle with lemon juice for brightness before serving. The buttery almonds and fresh green beans create a simple yet delicious side that’s sure to impress your guests.

Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

Nothing says holidays like a classic pumpkin pie. For this recipe, you’ll need a prepared pie crust, canned pumpkin, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix the pumpkin, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, and spices together until smooth. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for another 40-50 minutes until set. Top with whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch to this holiday classic.

Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots

Add some color to your holiday spread with maple-glazed roasted carrots. Grab fresh carrots, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until caramelized and tender. Garnish with fresh thyme for added flavor and presentation. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the rich maple glaze.

Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes

Garlic butter mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. You’ll need Yukon gold potatoes, butter, heavy cream, garlic, and salt. Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them with melted butter, warmed cream, and roasted garlic for a creamy, flavorful side dish. Add salt to taste and serve these velvety potatoes alongside your favorite holiday entrees.

Baked Brie with Cranberry Chutney

This baked brie is an impressive yet simple appetizer. You’ll need a wheel of brie, cranberry sauce, puff pastry, and walnuts. Place the brie in the center of the puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce and walnuts, and wrap the pastry around the cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. The gooey brie paired with the tart cranberry and crunchy walnuts is a combination your guests won’t forget.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

For a savory vegetable side, try roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze. You’ll need Brussels sprouts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt. Toss the sprouts in olive oil and salt, then roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction made by simmering vinegar and honey until thick. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars are a great make-ahead dessert. You’ll need a shortbread crust made from flour, sugar, and butter, and a pecan filling with brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Press the crust into a baking dish, bake until golden, then pour the pecan mixture over it. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set. Cut into bars and serve as a handheld version of a holiday favorite.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

This creamy spinach artichoke dip is a hit at any holiday gathering. You’ll need frozen spinach, canned artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Serve with crackers or fresh bread for a rich, flavorful appetizer that will disappear fast.

Gingerbread Cookies

Classic gingerbread cookies are a must for any holiday baking. You’ll need flour, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar. Mix the dry ingredients and then add the wet, forming a dough. Roll out the dough and cut into festive shapes before baking at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Decorate with royal icing once cooled for a fun holiday activity that also results in a delicious treat.

Butternut Squash Soup

For a warm and comforting starter, serve butternut squash soup. You’ll need butternut squash, vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and heavy cream. Roast the squash, then blend it with sautéed onions and garlic and enough broth to reach your desired consistency. Add cream for richness and season with salt and pepper. Serve with a swirl of cream on top for an elegant presentation.

Chocolate Yule Log

A chocolate yule log is a beautiful and festive dessert. You’ll need eggs, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and chocolate. Start by making a sponge cake, rolling it up with whipped cream, and covering it with a rich chocolate ganache. Decorate with powdered sugar and fresh berries for a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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