19 Festive Recipes To Start The Holidays With A Bang

The holidays are all about making memories, and what better way to kick things off than with 19 festive recipes that’ll set the tone for the season? These dishes bring people together and make the celebrations unforgettable. Forget about the same-old holiday fare—these recipes bring fresh ideas to your spread.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure.

Potatoes au Gratin

Bring a touch of French elegance to your holiday table with this classic side dish. Potatoes au Gratin combines creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes with a golden, crispy top. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with any main course and can be prepared ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin

Apple Galette

Embrace the rustic charm of this free-form pastry that’s perfect for showcasing seasonal fruit. Apple Galette offers a simpler alternative to traditional apple pie without sacrificing flavor. Its crisp, flaky crust and sweet-tart filling make it an ideal dessert for casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Pumpkin Swirl Bread

Fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of fall spices as you bake this seasonal favorite. Pumpkin Swirl Bread combines the comfort of homemade bread with the festive flavors of pumpkin pie. It’s versatile enough to serve as a breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Swirl Bread

Instant Pot Ham

Streamline your holiday cooking with this time-saving method for preparing a centerpiece-worthy main dish. Instant Pot Ham delivers tender, flavorful results in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. It frees up your oven for other dishes and minimizes clean-up.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Kick off your holiday gathering with these crowd-pleasing appetizers that pack a flavorful punch. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers offer a healthier twist on the classic party snack without sacrificing crunch or taste. They’re quick to prepare and can be customized.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Caramel Whoopie Pies

Indulge in a nostalgic treat that’s sure to bring smiles to faces young and old. Caramel Whoopie Pies combine soft, cake-like cookies with a rich caramel filling for a handheld dessert. They’re easy to make in large batches and transport well for potlucks or gift-giving.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Whoopie Pies

Instant Pot Duck Confit

Impress your guests with this gourmet dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Instant Pot Duck Confit transforms a traditionally time-consuming recipe into an accessible weeknight meal. It’s a great way to introduce new flavors to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duck Confit

Green Bean Salad

Lighten up your holiday spread with this fresh and vibrant side dish. Green Bean Salad offers a welcome contrast to heavier festive fare with its crisp textures and bright flavors. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a flexible option for busy holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad

Salted Toffee Cookie Bars

Satisfy sweet and salty cravings with these irresistible treats. Salted Toffee Cookie Bars combine the best elements of cookies, candy, and cake in one easy-to-make dessert. They’re ideal for making ahead and can be cut into various sizes to suit different serving needs.
Get the Recipe: Salted Toffee Cookie Bars

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Simplify your holiday meal prep with this quick and efficient cooking method. Air Fryer Whole Chicken produces juicy meat and crispy skin in less time than traditional roasting. It’s a great as an alternative to turkey for those looking to change up their holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Instant Pot Shrimp

Holiday meals don’t always have to be complicated or time-consuming. With Instant Pot Shrimp, you can create a quick and easy appetizer or main dish. This recipe is great for those who want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Fall flavors take center stage in this dessert. Apple Cider Donut Cake combines the best of two beloved treats into one irresistible package. It’s a great way to bring the essence of autumn to your holiday table and will likely become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Donut Cake

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Comfort food is a staple of holiday meals. This Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole takes a classic side dish and turns it into something extra special. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with various main courses and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

For smaller gatherings or those who prefer dark meat, consider this alternative to a whole turkey. Air Fryer Turkey Legs offer a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the need for a large oven. This method is faster and can free up oven space for other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

No holiday meal is complete without cranberry sauce. Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce allows you to make this traditional condiment quickly and easily. You can customize the flavors to your liking and avoid the canned variety altogether.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Pommes Duchesse

Add a touch of elegance to your holiday spread with this French classic. Pommes Duchesse is piped mashed potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It makes a visually impressive side dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Pommes Duchesse

Lemon Coconut Macaroons

For a lighter dessert option, try these sweet treats. Lemon Coconut Macaroons offer a bright, tropical flavor that can balance out heavier holiday fare. They’re gluten-free and can be made ahead, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Coconut Macaroons

Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

Combine two holiday favorites into one dish with this clever recipe. Green Bean Stuffing Casserole brings together classic green bean casserole and traditional stuffing. It’s a space-saving option that delivers multiple flavors in a single serving.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

Egg Nog Bundt Cake

Bring a beloved holiday beverage to the dessert table with this festive cake. Egg Nog Bundt Cake incorporates the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog into a moist, tender cake. It’s a great way to use up leftover eggnog and create a memorable holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Bundt Cake