The holidays are about gathering, celebrating, and of course—eating! But when you’re hosting (or even just bringing a dish to share), you want something that feels festive without spending all day in the kitchen. These holiday recipes are simple to make, look beautiful on the table, and taste absolutely delicious.
1. Baked Brie with Cranberry & Pecans
Ingredients:
- 1 wheel of brie (about 8 oz)
- 2–3 tbsp cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (toasted if you like)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (optional)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment. If using puff pastry, wrap it around the brie and seal edges.
Top with cranberry sauce and sprinkle pecans on top.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is gooey (and pastry golden if using).
Serve warm with bread or crackers.
2. Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss carrots in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
In a skillet, melt butter, then add honey and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Toss roasted carrots in the glaze, garnish with parsley, and serve.
3. Festive Cranberry Orange Loaf
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup orange juice (fresh is best!)
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- (add pecans to elevate the flavors!)
Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix orange juice, zest, butter, and eggs.
Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries.
Pour into loaf pan and bake 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once cooled, drizzle with glaze.
4. Garlic Butter Herb Prime Rib Roast
Ingredients:
- 1 (4–5 lb) prime rib roast, bone-in or boneless
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Take roast out of fridge 1–2 hours before cooking to bring to room temp.
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread all over roast.
Place roast in a roasting pan, fat side up. Roast 15 minutes at 450°F, then reduce heat to 325°F (165°C).
Cook 1 ½–2 hours, or until internal temp is 130°F (54°C) for medium rare.
Rest 20 minutes before carving.
5. Peppermint Chocolate Mousse Cups
@saltnpepperhere @habitualhostess
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes, for topping
- Whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions:
Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, sugar, and peppermint extract until soft peaks form.
Gently fold whipped cream into melted chocolate until smooth.
Spoon mousse into small cups or glasses. Chill at least 2 hours.
Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes before serving.
Final Thought
These holiday recipes are festive, simple, and guaranteed to impress. From savory roasts to sweet treats, you’ll have a table that shines without spending days in the kitchen. Now that’s magical.
