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163 recipes tagged with holiday.
About twenty 6-ounce servings The best time to “come a-wassailing” is, of course, Christmas week. See About Egg Safety.
About sixty 1-inch balls Many of our readers don’t think it’s Christmas without this cherished classic. These get even better as they age.
6 to 8 servings There are many steps and several components to this classic recipe, but the result never fails to impress: moist, rosy-centered beef…
6 servings You can find many sophisticated versions of this dessert in pastry shops across France. The versions that follow are very simple and rustic: a…
Sixteen 6-inch flatbreads These Norwegian flatbreads are often served around the holidays with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, although we fill them with…
About 45 pieces Named after its resemblance to the nuts of the buckeye, Ohio’s state tree. Tempering the dipping chocolate will make for a prettier…
About thirty-six 2- to 3-inch cookies This is the ideal dough for decorated sugar cookies, but they also have a lovely flavor without any icing whatsoever.
20 to 25 servings Soaking country hams in several changes of water reduces their saltiness. Some especially well-cured specimens may take a very long time…
12 servings Grilling a turkey over indirect heat on a charcoal grill is a good idea for several reasons, most notably because the results are flavorful…
About 1 pound; 64 pieces Penuche, whose name comes from the Spanish word for raw sugar, is simply fudge made with brown sugar—which gives it a rich…
One 9-inch double-crust pie Please read About Crusts Baked with Fillings. This Joy classic originally appeared in the 1931 edition.
A classic roast beef technique for well-marbled rib or loin cuts, yielding a pink center with a crusty exterior. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper…
About 7 cups; 9 servings Perfect for pork. Please read About Bread Stuffings and Dressings.
4 servings Wildfowl is variable in size and a hunt may net only one bird; feel free to halve the sauce mixture. In general, for whole wild ducks and…
8 to 12 servings Sucking pig must be special ordered. Have the butcher prepare the pig for you by cleaning it well and removing all the organs. A 20-inch…
A rich pecan pie variation with chocolate chips or chunks folded into the filling. Baked until set, chilled, then gently warmed to soften the chocolate…
A rich, dark fruitcake packed with candied and dried fruits, walnuts, and warm spices, spiked with brandy. Makes two loaves or one tube cake, ideal for…
12 to 15 servings This decadent casserole is Megan’s grandmother’s recipe. It is served as a side dish on holidays, but could almost be considered dessert.
10 to 12 servings Of all the ways to celebrate such a prized ingredient, this preparation is probably the most foolproof and straightforward. The result…
About 2 pounds This recipe is one of Marion’s, presumably written after a trip to Mexico. It is essentially milk fudge, but made by creating an…
These orange-cranberry doughnuts are infused with cinnamon, pecans, dried cranberries, and orange zest, then topped with a citrus glaze. Perfect for…
A classic baked ham glazed with brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar, or an optional honey, bourbon-molasses, or pineapple glaze. Scored and studded with…
A rich, creamy cooked eggnog made with egg yolks, sugar, heavy cream, and a blend of rum, Cognac, and Grand Marnier. Served chilled with freshly grated…
10 to 25 servings This is the ideal method to use for birds over 15 pounds in weight, though it works well for smaller birds, too. The lower heat ensures…
12 to 15 servings Most butchers will prepare a crown roast for you from two loin racks, but make sure the loins used are of uniform size so that it cooks…
8 to 10 servings Removing the bones from a lamb leg or shoulder is an opportunity to add flavor to the inside of the roast. Leg roasts in particular are…
About eighteen 6-ounce servings This is our family’s favorite eggnog, and it has graced our holiday table for many years. Be sure to let the egg yolks…
15 to 20 servings A whole pork leg, also known as fresh uncured ham, is perfect for feeding a large crowd and great for holidays. Cooking times are…
Two 9 × 5-inch loaves This light fruitcake is our favorite. Once cooled, we soak it with brandy. Please read About Fruitcakes. Have all ingredients at…
A fresh, tart cranberry relish made with raw cranberries and orange, sweetened to taste. Perfect as a holiday side dish.
2 tall round loaves If baked in greased coffee cans or specially made panettone molds and attractively enveloped, these cakes make wonderful gifts.
Divinity is a classic Southern candy made from whipped egg whites and a sugar syrup, studded with toasted pecans or walnuts. It is light and fluffy, with…
About 1 ½ pounds Though toffee is harder than taffy, it is still chewy and sticky—which is why a friend calls it “the dentist’s special.” Line a large…
8 to 10 servings A bone-in leg of lamb raised in the United States generally weighs 8 to 10 pounds; those raised in Australia and New Zealand can weigh 7…
A sweet and tart compound butter made with wild cranberries, orange zest, and walnuts, perfect for spreading on warm bread.
About thirty 4-inch gingerbread men Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease or line 2 baking sheets or cookie sheets with parchment paper.
A simple cranberry sauce made with whole berries, sugar, and water. It is simmered until the berries are translucent and then chilled until firm.
12 servings First, we suggest looking at compilation videos of turkey-frying mishaps to gain an awareness of what you are up against. (Reconsidering is…
2 to 4 servings Please read About Duck and Goose. For duck à l’orange, after roasting the duck, prepare Sweet-Sour Orange Pan Sauce with the pan juices…
About forty-eight 2 ¼-inch cookies Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease or line 2 baking sheets or cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Fifty-four 2 × 1-inch bars If you can, make these ahead of time—the flavor improves immensely after 2 days. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 × 9 ×…
Cocoa cookies filled with rich chocolate ganache and topped with crushed candy canes for a chocolatey, minty bite-size treat.
2 long loaves Stollen is traditionally served during the Christmas holidays. The shape and folds of the dough are said to represent the folds of the…
6 servings For a different flavor profile, top these with lots of butter, some brown sugar, nutmeg, and pecans or black walnuts, and replace the sherry…
10 to 12 side-dish servings Kugel is a type of casserole served at traditional Jewish holiday meals, and there are countless recipes for them, both sweet…
A rich, golden Bundt cake flavored with figs, Cognac, and brown butter. Moist and deeply flavored, it makes a stunning holiday dessert.
A traditional English Christmas pudding made with dried fruits and suet, steamed for hours until dark and rich. Serve with crème anglaise or hard sauce.
4 servings This dish has been known to convert beet-haters. If your kitchen has poor ventilation, you may warm ¼ cup store-bought balsamic glaze over low…
About 30 assorted 2- to 4-inch cookies These famous German anise cookies are stamped with a wooden mold or roller into quaint designs and figures. If you…
14 servings A rich, dense molasses pudding with hints of warm spice. We love to serve it warm with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkling of whiskey. Preheat…
A warm spiced red wine beverage infused with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and orange zest, sweetened to taste. Optionally flambéed for a French variation.
10 to 15 servings This technique delivers a beautifully browned, intensely flavorful bird. To cook to doneness at a higher heat, the bird should weigh 15…
About 1 ½ pounds; 64 pieces This is the easiest fudge we know. It requires no thermometer or special cooling technique; just melt everything together…
A festive gingerbread house recipe from Susan G. Purdy, perfect for family holiday traditions. Includes instructions for baking the gingerbread pieces and…
15 to 20 servings Whole veal breast is the most cumbersome roast that can still fit in a standard oven. You will need a pan that is at least 17 × 11 ½…
Bite-size crab cakes made with fresh Dungeness crab and coated in saltine cracker crumbs, baked until golden. Served with a spicy jalapeño tartar sauce…
A prime rib roast coated in a seasoned salt crust that hardens and browns during roasting, then lifts off before serving. The meat is perfectly seasoned…
Potato lefse is a traditional Norwegian soft flatbread. It can be enjoyed rolled with butter and brown sugar or used as a wrap for savory fillings.
Thick-cut bone-in pork chops are stuffed with a savory collard green and smoked turkey dressing, then baked until tender. The dressing underneath soaks up…
A rich, boozy twist on Texas sheet cake, infused with sweet potato and whiskey, topped with pecan praline and a whiskey sauce. Perfect for a crowd.
A rich, spiced rum cake with banana Foster sauce, perfect for holiday celebrations. The cake is moist and infused with rum and cognac, topped with…
A spiced cookie dough made with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, perfect for cut-out cookies. The dough is rolled thin and baked until edges are light golden…
Buttery spritz cookies made with a cookie press for intricate shapes. Decorate with royal icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.
Deep-fried Cornish game hens are brined for moisture and flavor, then coated with a garlic-herb rub and self-rising flour before frying until golden…
A traditional Easter bread shaped into a wreath with a hard-cooked egg nestled in the center. The dough is twisted and baked until golden, perfect for…
These chocolate-citrus wheels are a cookie adaptation of chocolate-dipped fruit slices. They feature a cranberry-orange cookie base dipped in melted…
A modern British Christmas bread enriched with butter, sugar, and dried fruits, inspired by a Cumbrian recipe from Elizabeth David. The dough uses a…
This cracklin' cornbread is a savory Southern-style side dish featuring crispy fried pork belly pieces folded into a moist, buttery cornbread batter. It's…
These Chinese almond cookies are shaped like coins and symbolize good fortune for Lunar New Year. Made with lard and toasted almonds, they have a sandy…
A classic apple pie with a twist of cardamom and crunchy hazelnuts, giving it a Scandinavian accent. Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.
A creamy, cheesy spinach side dish made with fresh baby spinach and Parmesan. Perfect for holiday feasts alongside roast meats.
These fruitcake cookies are packed with candied cherries and dates, with a rich brown sugar flavor. They keep well in an airtight tin and are perfect for…
Bourbon balls are a no-bake dessert made with crushed vanilla wafers, pecans, cocoa, and bourbon, rolled in powdered sugar. They are a sweet treat with a…
Beef tenderloin is roasted and served with a rich caramelized onion and red wine sauce. This elegant dish is perfect for special occasions.
These cookies are inspired by British fruitcakes, studded with candied citrus, pistachios, and dried cranberries. They are perfect for holiday baking.
These fresh, fruity cookies are studded with chopped crystallized ginger and dried cranberries, with a hint of orange and pumpkin pie spice. They are…
These sophisticated shortbread cookies feature tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and fresh rosemary for a well-balanced flavor. Perfect for holiday…
A bone-in leg of lamb marinated in a spicy Cajun blend of onion, garlic, and herbs, then roasted until golden and tender. Perfect for holiday feasts with…
These festive doughnuts are infused with eggnog and brandy, topped with a brown butter glaze and freshly grated nutmeg for a holiday treat.
Classic sugar cookies perfect for holiday decorating. The dough is chilled before rolling and baking for a tender, buttery texture.
Tender yams baked in a buttery spiced syrup. A classic holiday side dish that's sweet and comforting.
These delicate cookies get a beautiful pink hue and fruity flavor from freeze-dried raspberries. Drizzled with white chocolate, they are a sweet treat…
Red velvet snowballs are a festive twist on classic snowball cookies, featuring a rich cocoa and red food coloring dough rolled in powdered sugar twice…
These kitchen sink cookies are packed with chewy candied ginger, orange peel, and pistachios for a unique and delicious flavor profile.
A rich and creamy baked macaroni and cheese made with six cheeses including cream cheese, Havarti, Gouda, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby Jack…
A warm, spicy drink perfect for holiday gatherings. Simmer apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice with spices, then serve with optional dark rum.
These chocolate-almond spritz cookies have the flavor of a classic cream cheese spritz without needing a cookie press. Simply pipe the dough with a star…
A savory sticky rice dish with Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp. Perfect as a side or stuffing for holidays.
These rolled beeswax candles are easy to make with just beeswax sheets and cotton wicking. They produce a soft glow and can be shaped into tapers, twists…
These tiny cookie sandwiches are brimming with flavor, featuring fresh grated ginger in the chewy bite-sized cookies and orange zest in the buttercream…
Crunchy, sweet and buttery pecan lace cookies paired with a creamy, citrus-flecked cream cheese filling.
Gingerbread cookies are sandwiched with bittersweet chocolate and marshmallow-cream cheese frosting, then decorated with red candies. A playful twist on…
These coriander-maple glazed carrots are roasted on a preheated baking sheet for caramelized exteriors and tender interiors. Tossed with a bright lime and…
These pistachio and cherry polvorones are buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar, similar to Mexican wedding cookies. Chopped pistachios and dried tart…
A golden roasted turkey served with a rich sausage gravy and a tangy Meyer lemon-cranberry marmalade. Perfect for Thanksgiving or a festive dinner.
Intricately iced reindeer and tree cookies made with classic sugar cookie dough and royal icing. Decorate with sanding sugars and sugar pearls for a…
A fortified mulled wine cocktail with cognac and amaro, perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve hot garnished with orange slices.
A classic Southern cornbread dressing made with crumbled cornbread and crackers, seasoned with sage and thyme. Perfect for Thanksgiving or alongside fried…
A classic Thanksgiving side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions, elevated with a touch of Parmesan cheese.
A spatchcocked turkey is brined for 24 hours, then smoked until perfectly cooked. This method ensures even cooking and a flavorful, moist bird.
A versatile sweet-and-sour vegetable salad that can be made with fresh or canned vegetables. Perfect for holidays, it marinates overnight to save…
A rich and creamy hot crab dip with artichokes, cheese, and a hint of spice, perfect for potlucks and special occasions. Serve with a warm baguette.
A classic Cajun boiled custard pie, similar to chess pie, with a flaky crust and rich vanilla-nutmeg filling. Often served during holidays but delicious…
A savory dressing combining collard greens and smoked turkey with cornbread, perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal.
A festive salad combining sweet dried cherries, spicy candied pecans, piquant blue cheese, and a mix of spinach and kale. It holds up well dressed, making…
Sweet and soft pickled watermelon rind spiced with allspice, ginger, and cloves. A Southern classic, perfect for holiday parties.
A creamy celery root puree that serves as an elegant alternative to mashed potatoes, pairing perfectly with rich beef dishes. The puree can be prepared in…
A Midwest-style oyster dressing made with saltine crackers, oysters, and a creamy sauce. Perfect as a seafood-focused side for Thanksgiving or holiday…
These Southern-style fried apple pies feature a crunchy, golden brown pastry with a sweet-tart cinnamon apple filling. They are handheld and perfect for…
These sweet-and-savory croquettes combine creamy sweet potato with crispy pancetta and fresh sage. They make a wonderful side dish for holiday meals or a…
A sweet and rich corn pudding casserole with a creamy custard-like texture, perfect as a side dish for holiday gatherings.
A whole turkey is seasoned with a compound butter and smoked low and slow until juicy and tender. This recipe uses an electric pellet smoker or charcoal…
A savory monkey bread loaded with sausage, bacon, pepper jack cheese, and bell peppers. Perfect for brunch or holiday gatherings.
A hearty winter bowl featuring roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, served with cannellini beans, spinach, avocado, and dried cranberries, all…
A moist rum cake with a sugary glaze and caramelized pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings. This Bundt cake is soaked in rum glaze for extra flavor.
A decadent turkey tetrazzini casserole made with leftover roast turkey, mushrooms, and a creamy white wine sauce. Perfect for using holiday leftovers.
A savory breakfast casserole with bread, sausage, eggs, and cheese. Perfect for holiday mornings or any day that needs a comforting start.
Sweet potatoes are mashed with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, then topped with marshmallows and baked until golden. A classic holiday side dish.
A moist Bundt cake loaded with praline flavor, topped with a pecan icing. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Rich egg custard bars with a vanilla wafer crust, perfect for holidays or any occasion.
Deviled eggs get a luxurious upgrade with lump crab meat and smoky bacon. The filling is seasoned with Old Bay and dill relish for a briny, tangy kick.
Chocolate cutout cookies shaped like mittens, decorated with colorful royal icing and sanding sugar. Perfect as edible gifts or ornaments.
These festive lightbulb-shaped cookies are decorated with colorful candies and licorice strings, making them a fun and delicious holiday treat.
Double up on gingerbread goodness by stacking two cookies with a rich milk chocolate frosting in between. These sandwich cookies are perfect for holiday…
These green-tinted cookies are topped with green frosting and cookie-graham cracker crumbs to resemble a mossy forest floor, perfect for Halloween.
Sugar cookies shaped like eggs, decorated with pastel royal icing and sprinkles. A festive Easter dessert that doubles as a fun decorating activity.
Active Time 40 minutes Taking a cue from traditional Austrian linzer cookies, these treats have cutouts in the top layer to showcase the bright, tangy jam…
Creamy cheesecake bars with a chocolate wafer crust and a cranberry-raspberry swirl. No water bath needed for this easy dessert.
These white chocolate and peppermint blondies are a festive dessert featuring a creamy frosting and crushed peppermint topping. The classic flavor…
These white chocolate and peppermint blondies are a festive dessert featuring a creamy frosting and crushed peppermint topping. The classic flavor…
Chocolate pinwheels are a classic cookie with a beautiful swirl pattern. The dough is made from a simple butter cookie base, half of which is enriched…
These buttery, nutty crescent cookies are dusted with cinnamon sugar. They are a classic treat known by many names around the world.
Classic chocolate crinkle cookies with a chewy texture and powdered sugar coating.
Soft and chewy molasses cookies with fresh ginger, coated in sugar. A classic holiday treat that's easy to make.
Spiced Drops are a twist on snickerdoodle cookies, featuring ginger and cloves for extra flavor. The dough is rolled in coarse sugar before baking until…
A classic sugar cookie dough that can be rolled, cut, and baked into festive shapes. The dough is easy to handle and produces tender, buttery cookies with…
A roasted beef tenderloin coated with a peppercorn-rosemary crust, served alongside caramelized root vegetables. Perfect for a special occasion dinner.
A frothy, light eggnog made with brandy and dark Jamaican rum, perfect for holiday gatherings. This family recipe has been passed down for generations and…
A warm spiced apple cider cocktail with cranberries, ginger, and maple syrup, spiked with dark rum or bourbon. Perfect for chilly evenings.
A DIY burlap table runner with fringed ends and embroidered string, decorated with fresh flowers and greenery for a festive holiday table.
Creamy mashed potatoes are mixed with cheddar and Parmesan, topped with a buttery panko crust, and baked until golden. This cheesy, crispy side dish is…
Naturally dyed Easter eggs using ingredients like red cabbage, beets, turmeric, and hibiscus flowers. Steamed eggs are soaked overnight in homemade dyes…
A crown lamb roast is a festive centerpiece for holidays, formed by tying two frenched lamb racks into a circle. It's smoked low and slow, then seared for…
Savory biscuits made with ground pork sausage, cheddar cheese, and fresh sage. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Spiced pecans coated in egg white and a blend of warm spices, baked until fragrant. A Southern holiday treat perfect for gifting.
A moist almond cake infused with amaretto and citrus zest, topped with a warm apricot-amaretto glaze, toasted almonds, and powdered sugar. Inspired by the…
These eggnog-infused cupcakes feature a homemade pastry cream and a rum topping. Perfect for holiday baking, they combine almond, citrus, and amaretto…
Tropical fruitcake cupcakes with pineapple, papaya, mango, ginger, and macadamia nuts, topped with pineapple rum glaze and rum ginger cream-cheese…
EASTERN EUROPEANS MAKE a classic salty-sweet confection called a nut roll in English, or bejgli in Hungarian, potica in Slovenian, makowiec in Polish, and…
EASTERN EUROPEANS MAKE a classic salty-sweet confection called a nut roll in English, or bejgli in Hungarian, potica in Slovenian, makowiec in Polish, and…
Moist ginger cupcakes inspired by Jamaican ginger bulla, served with a warm vanilla-butter-rum sauce and flambéed bananas. A decadent dessert perfect for…
English trifle is a layered dessert with cake, fruit, and cream. This version features ginger-banana cupcakes with a flambéed Foster sauce and vanilla ice…
A whole bone-in turkey breast is rubbed with a garlic-herb paste and roasted until golden and juicy. Served with pan juices, this makes an elegant yet…
A whole turkey is brined in a honey-salt solution, then smoked on the grill with hickory wood chips until golden and juicy. The result is a flavorful…
These beef tamales feature shredded chuck roast in a rich ancho chile sauce, wrapped in masa and corn husks, then steamed until tender. Perfect for…
A sweet and salty layered dessert with a pretzel crust, creamy filling, and raspberry Jello topping. Perfect for potlucks and holidays.
These traditional Italian pizzelles are crisp, anise-flavored cookies made with a pizzelle iron. They are perfect for holiday cookie trays or any occasion.
A classic Italian biscotti studded with dried cranberries and pistachios. Twice-baked for a crunchy texture, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.
Rich chocolate cookies with gin-soaked raisins and toasted pecans. The dough is made with cocoa powder and espresso powder for deep flavor.
A prime rib roast seasoned with black pepper, soy sauce, Kitchen Bouquet, and dry mustard, then slow-roasted to perfection. Served with wine sauce and…
Creamy scalloped potatoes with a golden crust, made with Yellow Finn potatoes and half-and-half. A classic side dish perfect for holidays or family…
A classic sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan topping, inspired by Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
A sweet and chunky apple-date mixture with walnuts, traditionally served during Passover. This Sephardic charoset is flavored with grape juice or wine and…
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