The Best Holiday Recipes

Written by Lindsey Chronert

Here are a few quick tips and a bunch of delicious recipes that will inspire your holiday menu. These recipes have all been in our rotation the last few years. I consider the recipe a hit when one or more people ask me for the recipe, or, if my aunt posts a photo on Instagram with the caption, “Potatoes by Linds were the best.”

A few rapid-fire tips leading up to your holiday feast: plan and delegate your menu, order or buy wine ahead, break up your shopping list to conventional grocery store and farmer’s market, prep as much as you can, clean out your fridge two days prior, plan out your serveware, get ice and tell your guests to bring their dishes warm. Let’s do this!

BEVS

Tip: Put out the wine, beer, and a batched cocktail so friends and family can help themselves.

• Bubbles, pét-nat, sparkling rose, chardonnay, pinot noir, and Beaujolais is always a crowd favorite.

• Pre-batched freezer negroni or martini.

• Easy drinking, sessionable beers, and festive ales. Include a few non-alcoholic Athletic brews too.

• Bottles of sparkling water and natural drinks like my newest fav Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Vinegar sparkling beverage.

• A riff on a mule is always a hit with my family and can easily be made into a mocktail.

SNACKS

Tip: Switch up the meat and cheese board. Offer fun tiny snacks instead.

• Gildas… i.e.Anchovies, olives and pickled peppers on a toothpick

• Citrusy olives or olives with feta

• Pickled veggies

• Sliced radishes or other crunchy veggies squeezed with lemon and salt

• Roasted nuts

• Potato chips with full fat Greek yogurt or creme fraiche, and, if you’re fancy, caviar!

• Shrimp cocktail

STARTERS & SALADS

Tip: Yes, you need salad. And more green things on the table.

• Coconut Butternut Squash Soup

• Little Gems with Lemon & Garlicky Pistachio

• Via Carlota’s Ensalata Verde

• Persimmon and Pear with Blue Cheese

• Lemon-Garlic Kale Salad

• Winter Citrus Salad with Honey Dressing

• Celery & Fennel Salad with Walnuts & Blue Cheese

• Roasted & Raw Brussels Sprout Salad

SIDES

Tip: We all know the sides are the most important part of the holiday season. You can prep way more than you think ahead of time. Oven space will be limited, so don’t worry about dishes being piping hot.

• Sausage Stuffing with Apricot and Roasted Almonds

• Vermont Cheddar Mashed Potatoes or Ultra-Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Maple & Sour Cream

• Potato, Leeks & Chard Gratin

• Adam and Maxine's Famous Latkes

• Winter Squash Agrodolce

• Onion & Pancetta Tarte

• Mustardy Green Beans with Walnuts and Anchovy

• Blistered Broccolini with Charred dates, Lemons & Sesame

• Roasted Carrots with Cilantro Yogurt & Peanuts

• Sweet & Sour Cranberries

• Sour Cream & Chive Biscuits

• Sausage Gravy

MEATS

Tip: Get a meat thermometer as well as an oven thermometer because most of our home ovens aren’t properly calibrated. And brining is the secret that will change your life.

• Chef Rocio’s Famous Roasted Turkey

• Dry-Brined Turkey with Honey Glaze

• Buttermilk Brined Roast Turkey

• Rib Roast with Tapenade

• Holiday Ham with Many Mustards

DESSERT

Tip: Almost all of these recipes can be made a day or two ahead of time. Also consider supporting your local bakery or farmer’s market for some easy pre-made sweets!

• Classic Pumpkin Pie with Praline Sauce

• Salty Cream Cheese Tart

• Miso Apple Tart

• Coconut Cream Pie

• Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

• Chocolate Budino

• Salted Butter & Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies

• Cranberry Pomegranate Mousse Pie

• Christmas Pudding