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Celebrate Big Moments With These 21 Holiday Recipes Full Of Cheer

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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.

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Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Potatoes au Gratin

Overhead shot of potatoes au gratin cooked in an oval baking dish.
Potatoes au Gratin. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Smoked salmon dip in a bowl with crackers and veggies for dipping.
Smoked Salmon Dip. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Overhead shot of an apple galette on parchment with fresh apples on the side.
Apple Galette. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Sliced ham with oranges and mint.
Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

A close-up of a chocolate cookie topped with marshmallows, chopped nuts, and drizzled with chocolate. Background includes other cookies and scattered marshmallows.
Rocky Road Cookies. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

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

Bacon wrapped jalapenos on a white plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Masshed potato casserole in a baking dish with a cracker crumb topping.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Overhead shot of this apple bundt cake on a cake stand with apples in the background.
Apple Cider Donut Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Overhead shot of a confit duck leg with orange sauce and star anise pods.
Instant Pot Duck Confit. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Stack of 3 toffee cookies.
Salted Toffee Cookie Bars. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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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

Low angle shot of a wedge of eggnog cake on a glass plate.
Egg Nog Bundt Cake. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Cooked shrimp in a green and white striped bowl, garnished with parsley.
Instant Pot Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Stack of peanut butter cookies on a wooden board with a small bowl of peanut butter and a striped napkin.
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Pommes duchesse on a white plate wiht parsley.
Pommes Duchesse. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Avocado toast on a wooden cutting board.
Avocado Toast with Grated Egg. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

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

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes with whipped cream stars on top.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Roasted turkey legs on a cutting board with a knife.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Cranberry sauce in a white bowl garnished with orange zest and star anise pods.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Stack of hot cocoa cookies on a plate.
Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

A loaf of pumpkin bread on a cutting board.
Pumpkin Swirl Bread. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Founder, Writer, Recipe Developer at All The Noodles

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

By on January 1st, 2025

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