Christmas Holiday Recipe Recommendations

The holidays are upon us and time for family gatherings and parties. It is also time for some holiday recipe recommendations. While everybody has different traditions, let's look at some of my favorite recipes for the big day.

Breakfast | Main Dishes | Side Dishes | Desserts | Candy/Snack

We try to keep Christmas simple food wise. Thanksgiving is all about food but at Christmas, we want time with each other.

So, while most of the recipes on this site are "Christmas friendly", here are some that you will enjoy along with your family.

Breakfast Recipes

A great breakfast is a wonderful way to start the holiday morning, but you don't want to be stuck at the stove away from the family. Let's do something special with very little work.

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

Learn to cook perfectly crispy bacon in the oven that everybody will love. Nothing is better than great bacon, and now you can have it with no splattering mess to clean up with these easy step by step instructions.

How To Cook Sausage in the Oven

Learn how to cook sausage in the oven with this easy to follow step by step photo instructions. Great breakfast sausage "fried" in the oven.

Cinnamon Roll Cake

EVIL GOOD. Get the great taste of cinnamon rolls with a fraction of the work. Just follow these easy step by step photo instructions. Think of it as easy cinnamon rolls.

Smaller French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole is a classic breakfast/brunch dish for family gatherings or holidays. Now you can easily make an amount that fits smaller households. Make it ahead or bake right away with these quick and easy instructions.

Image of French Toast Casserole on orange plate

Main Dish Recipes

What fun is a holiday if you are stuck in the kitchen. Here are some worthy holiday recommendations that will be that something special you want without too much work.

How to Roast Turkey Breast with Gravy

Learn the easy way to cook a turkey breast that is moist and tender with this complete guide. Great when you don’t need an entire turkey like a smaller household or as a supplement of white meat for a larger holiday feast. Or even make turkey a year-round dinner.

Slicing a turkey breast on a white platter

Small Ribeye Roast

Ribeye roast is a classic main entree for a special holiday or family meals.. Learn to cook a smaller version of this delicious meal without eating leftovers for a week.

Smaller Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham

A great tasting moist honey glazed ham from your crock pot and you don’t need to eat ham for a week. This two-pound boneless ham is just the right size for the smaller household.

Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham from 101 Cooking for Two

Pan Seared Oven Roasted Strip Steak

Cook your strip steaks like the best steakhouses. A little pan sear on the stovetop, then cook your steak in the oven to your taste. The best results are easy with these simple step by step photo instructions.

Pan Seared Oven Roasted Filet Mignon

Learn how to cook filet mignon at home and get the best results like the top restaurants. Surprisingly easy with a quick sear on the stovetop, then bake to get your perfect filet. Great reliable results every time that is perfect for two or a crowd.

Side Dish Recipes

A holiday meal is not complete without some tasty side dishes. Here are some excellent choices that will round out the holiday feast.

Old Fashion Cheesy Potato Casserole

Old fashion cheesy potato casserole is like grandma would make using raw potatoes and other fresh ingredients. One of our favorite side-dishes and is worth the little extra work for the delicious results.

close up image of cheesy potato casserole on a white plate

Green Beans with Bacon

Step up your boring side dishes with these outstanding roasted green beans with bacon with an exceptional sauce. Ultra easy from fresh or frozen beans, this will be a family staple.

image of Bacon Green Beans on an orange plate

Old Fashion Scalloped Potatoes

Old Fashion Scalloped Potatoes (AKA Au Gratin Potatoes) just like grandma made are the perfect side dish for almost any meal. Just follow these easy step by step photo instructions for this classic homemade dish.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

This caramelized Parmesan roasted cauliflower recipe will become your favorite way to cook cauliflower. Using fresh or frozen, it makes a great hot baked side dish.

Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole

Easy sweet potato casserole with your choice of a pecan or marshmallow topping will become a family favorite. A classic holiday side that will have them asking for the recipe.

Close up image of a large serving of sweet potato cassierole on a white plate

Dessert Recipes

Let's get a sweet ending to the family feast. You want a memorable dessert to top off the day. All of these recipes are guaranteed to satisfy.

Easy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Absolutely awesome "REAL" cheesecake. Not one of those "no cook" pie pan things. And it is easy... so easy with only six ingredients. Just follow the easy step by step photo instructions.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

A high-end restaurant dessert, this super easy flourless chocolate cake makes the perfect dessert for a special meal or someone special. Even the beginner can bake this wonderful cake. Make this your special signature dessert.

Simple Crock Pot Apple Crisp

Celebrate fall and apples with this ultra simple crock pot apple crisp. Easy to follow step by step photo instructions to get it right the first time, every time.

close up image of apple crisp with ice cream on an orange plate

Cheesecake Bars

Perfect for any occasion, these creamy New York cheesecake bars will impress your friends and family. Scaled to a smaller occasion but easy to double or freeze.

Holiday Parties and Snacks

Homemade candy is great to have around the house for the holidays but also makes wonderful house gifts for holiday gatherings. This season I have been the little candy maker already.

Here are two very special recipes to make ahead. The easy fudge recipe includes instructions for a fudge wreath. How is that for the Christmas spirit?

The peanut clusters are made by most of our friends as gifts. It is so easy to make a large amount of great candy. Send your friends and family home with a special treat this year. Or take some to the office.

Easy Fudge

As easy as fudge recipe gets. With just a few ingredients and 5 minutes, you have great homemade fudge. Just follow these simple step by step photo instructions.

Crock Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Just 5 minutes, 3 ingredients, and a little time in a crock pot or on a stovetop will get you great chocolate peanut clusters for holiday giving, a cookie exchange, or the office holiday party. This will become a family tradition.

This year's Christmas Candy Roundup

Don't forget about food safety. For some quick reminders check Holiday Food Safety

Have a great holiday.

Molly, Lilly, Wifo, and DrDan

Editor's Note: Originally Published December 20, 2017. It is one of my recurring posts that will be updated and republished about this time yearly

Breakfast Recipes

Main Dish Recipes

Side Dish Recipes

Dessert Recipes

Holiday Parties and Snacks

This year's Christmas Candy Roundup

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