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21 Holiday Recipes That Taste Like Celebration

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The holiday season just got a whole lot tastier with 21 recipes that bring the celebration to your table. Forget the usual stress of planning the perfect menu—these recipes have your back. With the right mix of comfort and excitement, they’ll make every meal feel like a special event.

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

Smoked Salmon Dip

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

For a dish that brings a touch of elegance to any celebration, this is a great option. Smoked Salmon Dip offers a creamy texture with a smoky flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s an easy yet impressive appetizer that will quickly become a crowd favorite.
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.

This dessert is perfect for when you want something warm and comforting. Apple Galette has a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender apples, making it a simple yet festive treat. It’s a great way to end any holiday meal without the fuss of a full pie.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Potatoes au Gratin

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

For a side dish that’s rich and indulgent, this one will be a hit at any holiday table. Potatoes au Gratin combines layers of potatoes with a creamy sauce for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s a dish that will pair perfectly with your main course and complete any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin

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.

This dish brings the flavors of a slow-cooked classic without a long wait. Instant Pot Duck Confit gives you a tender, flavorful duck that’s perfect for special occasions. It’s a great option when you want something impressive yet easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duck Confit

Lemon Coconut Macaroons

Low angle shot of lemon coconut macaroons on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Lemon Coconut Macaroons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a sweet treat that’s light yet full of flavor, this dessert is an excellent choice. Lemon Coconut Macaroons offer a refreshing citrus twist with the natural sweetness of coconut. It’s an easy-to-make option that will add a festive touch to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Coconut Macaroons

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

If you want to add a bit of spice to your holiday menu, this dish has you covered. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers deliver a crispy, flavorful bite with just the right amount of heat. They’re an ideal appetizer that will disappear quickly at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

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

When you’re craving a dessert that’s both festive and indulgent, this is a great option. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes bring the rich flavor of pumpkin combined with creamy cheesecake in a perfectly portioned bite. It’s a great way to add a holiday touch to your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Instant Pot Shrimp

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

If you’re looking for a quick yet flavorful dish to serve, this one will do the trick. Instant Pot Shrimp cooks up quickly and offers a light, fresh option for any holiday meal. It’s a great choice for when you need to serve something impressive but easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Air Fryer Churros

Churros on a white plate with a bowl of caramel dipping sauce on the side.
Air Fryer Churros. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a fun and crispy dessert, this is an excellent pick. Air Fryer Churros offer a warm, cinnamon-sugar coating that pairs perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. It’s a sweet, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

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 side dish is perfect when you want something rich and comforting to accompany your holiday meal. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is an indulgent dish that everyone will love. It’s an easy way to add something special to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

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Air Fryer Whole Chicken

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

For a holiday main dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this is a great choice. Air Fryer Whole Chicken makes cooking a whole chicken simple and quick. It’s perfect for smaller holiday gatherings or when you want to save time without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Pumpkin Swirl Bread

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

When you’re looking for a cozy treat during the festive season, Pumpkin Swirl Bread fits the bill perfectly. It combines comforting aromas with a moist texture. This bread can easily be the centerpiece of a holiday breakfast or a pleasant companion to your afternoon coffee.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Swirl Bread

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.

If you own an Instant Pot, making Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce can be a game-changer for your festive meals. It’s quick to prepare, freeing up precious time for other holiday preparations. This sauce pairs wonderfully with numerous traditional dishes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Hamentashen

Hamentashen cookies piled on a white plate with more cookies on a rack in the background. There is jar of jam with a spoon in it in the background too.
Hamentashen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hamentashen is a must-try. These are filled pastries that can be enjoyed as a snack or a sweet end to any meal. Each piece carries a bit of tradition and is often a topic of conversation regarding its unique shape and varied fillings.
Get the Recipe: Hamentashen

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

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

Utilizing an air fryer for Air Fryer Turkey Legs can simplify your holiday cooking. This method not only reduces the usual cooking mess but also results in a crispy outer layer. It’s ideal for a smaller gathering where a whole turkey might be too much.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Green Bean Salad

Low angle shot of green bean salad with fried onions and dry ricotta on a white plate.
Green Bean Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Adding Green Bean Salad to your holiday menu provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to the more traditional dishes. It’s a palate cleanser or side that can be whipped up in no time. This salad also offers a splash of color to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad

Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie

Overhead shot of a phyllo pie cooked in a bundt pan.
Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie brings a sweet, nutty flavor wrapped in a crispy, flaky crust. It’s a sophisticated addition that combines simple preparation with complex flavors. Typically served warm, this pie can act as a side dish or a vegetarian main course.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie

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.

For something that truly screams holiday, the Egg Nog Bundt Cake is a festive choice. This cake’s rich, creamy flavor makes it a popular dessert option at holiday gatherings. Plus, it looks just as good as it tastes, with a festive appearance that can double as a table centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Egg Nog Bundt Cake

Pommes Duchesse

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

Pommes Duchesse could be a highlight of your holiday meals. They not only add a touch of class to your dining table but also combine a crispy outer with a soft inside. They are often a favorite among guests for both their taste and their artistic presentation.
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.

For a lighter and health-conscious option, Avocado Toast with Grated Egg brings a balance of creamy and rich textures. It’s a simple yet nutritious dish that can serve as a quick breakfast or an appetizing snack. It’s customizable, which makes it a hit with a variety of preferences.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

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.

Nothing quite completes a holiday cookie selection like Rocky Road Cookies. They are chunky, filled with a variety of textures, and utterly addictive. These cookies are often the first to disappear at gatherings, proving a favorite among both children and adults.
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Cookies

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 December 24th, 2024

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