When it comes to celebrating the big moments, food should be just as exciting as the occasion. With 21 holiday recipes that are bursting with cheer, you’ll have everything you need to make the season extra special. These dishes don’t just fill up plates—they bring people together.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure.
Potatoes au Gratin
This dish brings comfort to any holiday gathering with its rich, creamy texture. Potatoes au Gratin is a classic that pairs well with a variety of meals, adding warmth to the table. It’s the perfect side for any special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin
Smoked Salmon Dip
Looking for a way to impress your guests? Smoked Salmon Dip combines smooth and smoky flavors that are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. It’s a great choice for casual yet festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip
Apple Galette
A simple yet elegant dessert that feels special at any event. Apple Galette offers a flaky crust with a warm, spiced filling that’s perfect for ending a holiday meal. It’s an easy-to-make treat that adds a homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette
Instant Pot Ham
For a main dish that’s both easy and flavorful, this is the one to try. Instant Pot Ham allows you to serve up a tender and juicy centerpiece for any celebration. It’s perfect for when you want something hearty and festive.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham
Rocky Road Cookies
These cookies are the perfect mix of textures, with chewy and crunchy bites in every mouthful. Rocky Road Cookies bring a fun, indulgent touch to any holiday spread. They’re great for both snacking and gifting.
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Cookies
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
When you need a little heat, this recipe delivers with crispy, cheesy goodness. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers bring a spicy kick that’s balanced with creamy cheese, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s a fun and easy way to kick off the party.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with cheesy, creamy mashed potatoes baked to perfection. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is ideal for any large meal, adding a rich side dish to the menu. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
Apple Cider Donut Cake
For those who enjoy seasonal flavors, this dessert brings them together in one dish. Apple Cider Donut Cake is a great option for a fall or winter celebration, offering a moist, flavorful treat. It’s perfect for a hot drink during any holiday event.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Donut Cake
Instant Pot Duck Confit
A luxurious and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Instant Pot Duck Confit brings tender, flavorful duck to your plate without the long cooking time. It’s a standout dish that works well for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duck Confit
Salted Toffee Cookie Bars
If you’re looking for a sweet and salty treat, these cookie bars are the perfect solution. Salted Toffee Cookie Bars are indulgent with layers of flavor, making them ideal for any celebration. They’re perfect for dessert or as a gift.
Get the Recipe: Salted Toffee Cookie Bars
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Want to save this recipe?
This recipe gives you crispy, golden chicken without all the fuss. Air Fryer Whole Chicken allows you to serve up a juicy and tender bird with minimal effort. It’s an easy way to prepare a flavorful centerpiece for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Egg Nog Bundt Cake
Rich, festive flavors come together beautifully in Egg Nog Bundt Cake. This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, adding a touch of cheer and familiarity to your dessert spread. With its familiar holiday notes, it makes any celebration feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Bundt Cake
Instant Pot Shrimp
When you need a quick and impressive dish, Instant Pot Shrimp is the way to go. It’s a great choice for those holiday get-togethers where you want something delicious and stress-free. Your guests will appreciate the flavorful and tender shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
For a holiday treat that’s easy to make and hard to resist, try Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies. They come out perfectly cooked with a nice, soft chew, making them a hit. These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or just enjoying a cozy night with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Pommes Duchesse
Add a touch of elegance to your holiday meal with Pommes Duchesse. These beautifully piped, golden potatoes look as good as they taste on any dinner table. Your guests will be impressed by this visually appealing dish that complements any main course.
Get the Recipe: Pommes Duchesse
Avocado Toast with Grated Egg
Looking for something quick and festive for breakfast? Avocado Toast with Grated Egg fits the bill with a mix of creamy and savory flavors. It’s a simple yet tasty option that pairs creamy avocado with the richness of grated egg for a satisfying start to your day.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast with Grated Egg
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
If you’re a fan of pumpkin, Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes are a must-try. They offer the perfect mix of creamy and spicy flavors in a bite-sized format, ideal for any occasion. Great for parties and family gatherings, these little treats bring a touch of holiday charm to any event.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
For a main course that’s both easy and impressive, Air Fryer Turkey Legs are a fantastic choice. They come out juicy with a crispy skin, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Your guests will love this flavorful twist on a traditional favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Make your holiday meal prep easier with Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. This dish is a breeze to prepare, delivering robust flavor without the wait. It adds a tangy-sweet element to your holiday table, impressing guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies
For a cozy holiday treat, Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies are perfect. They combine the flavor of hot cocoa with a soft, chewy cookie, making them a favorite. Enjoy these delightful treats with a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate warm and fuzzy feeling this season.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies
Pumpkin Swirl Bread
Celebrate the season with Pumpkin Swirl Bread. This beautifully marbled bread combines festive flavors into every bite and is delicious any time of day. It’s great for breakfast, dessert, or just a treat to share with friends and family during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Swirl Bread
Robin Donovan is an AP syndicated writer, recipe developer, food photographer, and author of more than 40 cookbooks including the bestsellers Ramen Obsession and Ramen for Beginners. Her work is featured by major media outlets including Huffington Post, MSN, Chicago Sun-Times, Orlando Sentinel, Buzzfeed, Cooking Light, Mercury News, Seattle Times, Pop Sugar, and many others. More about Robin