There's a reason the holiday season revolves around food. It's not just about eating, it's about the smell of something roasting while the house fills up with family, the argument over whose stuffing recipe is the "real" one, the dessert table that somehow keeps growing no matter how many plates are already full. Thanksgiving/Christmas are the two times of year when cooking becomes a group activity, a tradition, and honestly, a bit of a competitive sport.
If you're staring down a long guest list, a packed schedule, and a blank meal plan, this roundup will help you get organized. Build out a complete holiday spread from appetizers, sides, desserts, drinks, and the little extras that tie it all together.
Start With a Plan, Not a Panic
The biggest mistake home cooks make during the holidays isn't picking the wrong recipes, it is trying to cook everything at once, on the same day, in the same oven. Before you even think about what's going on the table, think about when things need to happen.
A good rule of thumb: sort every dish into one of three buckets.
- Make-ahead: Things that can be fully or partially prepared days in advance and reheated or assembled on the day of.
- Day-of, low-maintenance: Dishes that need last-minute attention but don't require constant hovering.
- Day-of, high-maintenance: The centerpiece items are the turkey, the ham, the standing rib roast that need your full attention at a specific time.
Once you know which bucket each recipe falls into, building a timeline becomes much easier, and you avoid the classic holiday cooking trap of six dishes needing the oven at 400°F at the exact same moment.
Thanksgiving/ChristmasDesserts and Treats: Because the Meal Isn't Over Until the Pie Comes Out
No holiday table is complete without a dessert spread that rivals the main course. Pies, cakes, cookies, and other sweets are often the most anticipated part of the day, especially for kids counting down until dessert time. The good news is that most desserts are make-ahead friendly, which makes them one of the easiest categories to knock out early and cross off your list well before the big day.
35+ Thanksgiving/Christmas Desserts And Treats
1. Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Loaf with Vanilla Glaze
Learn how to make an old fashioned pumpkin loaf with a rich vanilla glaze. Perfect for fall mornings, snacks, or dessert. Easy recipe and one that will remind you of Grandma's kitchen. Make it with berries, with apple slices, or just enjoy it plain.
2. Keto No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Creamy No Bake Cheesecake is full of warm spices & pumpkin flavor with a buttery Keto, Low Carb and Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crust! A slice of this cheesecake nice and cold from the fridge with more whipped topping tastes fantastic.
3. Melting Snowman Cupcakes
These adorable easy melting snowman cupcakes are a super cute holiday treat that the kids will have fun making. No special tools are required to make our cupcakes. You don't have to be a fancy baker to put out such cute cupcakes.
4. Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
This Sweet Potato Pie Recipe is rich, silky, and warmly spiced with a creamy filling that slices cleanly once cooled. Roasting the sweet potatoes gives the filling a deeper flavor, while browned butter adds a subtle nuttiness that makes every bite taste a little more special.
5. Meringue Christmas Trees
These cute little Christmas Tree Meringues might just be the easiest way to impress at the holidays. They’re crisp, chewy, and so much fun to decorate. Plus, these Christmas Cookies are way easier to make than they look.
6. Mini Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies
Easy Mini Dutch style Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies are filled with sweet apples and a crumble topping, ready in UNDER 30 MINUTES! Either way you choose, they are a fall must make.
7. Gingerbread Trifle
This easy Gingerbread Trifle is layered with soft gingerbread cake, spiced cheesecake filling, fluffy whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel. It has all the warm holiday flavors you’d expect in a classic gingerbread dessert, served in a fun, individual way.
8. Low Carb Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies
Just because you eat low carb doesn't mean you can't enjoy pumpkin. These low carb Pumpkin cream cheese cookies are the perfect taste of fall. They are perfect for serving your guests for family gatherings and parties, or an afternoon treat for you and the family!
9. No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe
This No Bake Peppermint Pie Recipe is a cool holiday classic topped with homemade whipped cream and crushed peppermint that is going to wow your friends and family. The whipped cream can be easily whipped up with just 3 ingredients total.
10. Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe (3 Must-Try Flavors)
Chocolate bark is one of the easiest and most elegant desserts you can make. It comes together in 5 minutes and doubles as a thoughtful edible gift for the holiday season.
11. Pumpkin Swirl Coffee Cake
Coffee cake is an absolute favorite, but when you add pumpkin and cream cheese- even better. This pumpkin swirl layered coffee cake is perfect any time of the day. The pumpkin cake recipe is moist and will make a pumpkin lover out of everyone.
12. Santa Charcuterie Board (Perfect Christmas Charcuterie)
This Santa Charcuterie board is perfect for Christmas! This cute board brings so much joy! What’s not to love? It’s yummy brownies, Christmas popcorn and lots of fresh fruit – it’s so festive and fun!. If you’re looking for a new centerpiece idea for your holiday parties, this sweet Santa Charcuterie Board is perfect.
13. Keto Pecan Pie Bars
When you need a keto-friendly snack with the perfect crunch, these Keto Pecan Pie Bars are a must-have. You can enjoy a sweet treat to satisfy your craving for something tempting without cheating on your keto diet.
14. Christmas Popcorn Balls
These festive Christmas popcorn balls are made with just 4 ingredients – a vintage holiday recipe that’s easy, colorful, and perfect for parties! These Christmas popcorn balls make the cutest addition to holiday trays, classroom celebrations, or cookie exchanges when you want something a little different.
15. Eggnog Pound Cake
Eggnog is a classic Christmas staple, but many people don’t actually seem to like it. But, this eggnog pound cake will change that! It’s rich, buttery, and super moist, with a creamy eggnog and nutmeg flavor.
16. Bacardi Rum Cake
This Bacardi Rum Cake recipe has been a classic since the 70's! Soft, fluffy, and bursting with buttery rum flavor, it's a holiday favorite that brings the warmth of tradition to your dessert table.
17. Thanksgiving Jello
This simple and delicious Thanksgiving Jello Salad recipe is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. With just a few ingredients, you can create a festive treat that everyone will love. Perfect for any holiday gathering, this dessert is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
18. Pumpkin Lava Cake
Pumpkin Lava Cake takes a classic chocolate lava cake and adds irresistible pumpkin flavor! In this sweet and decadent dessert, the spongy outer cake contains pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for that Fall-inspired twist.
19. Banana Bread Oatmeal
Banana bread oatmeal is the perfect start to your cold winter day. This oatmeal is a hearty breakfast perfect for cold winter days, or any day for that matter. The quick stove top version makes it easy to whip up fast even before school. Ready in about 15 minutes!
20. No-Bake Keto Christmas Crack
This no-bake keto Christmas crack is my sugar-free, low carb version of the classic. It has all the things you want: crunchy keto crackers, rich keto caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping that sets perfectly in the fridge.
21. Pumpkin Pie in Graham Cracker Crust
Easy pumpkin pie in graham cracker crust with condensed milk is the best fall dessert recipe! Making a store bought graham cracker crust pumpkin pie is the cheat code for a rich, decadent Thanksgiving pie in no time!
22. 2-Ingredient Nutella Christmas Tree
The 2-ingredient Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a delightful holiday dessert made with puff pastry and Nutella Hazelnut spread. This easy-to-make dessert adds a touch of sweetness and festivity to your holiday celebrations.
23. Brown Irish Soda Bread
This Brown Irish Soda Bread is made with a combination of whole wheat and white whole wheat flour and it’s delicious and easy-to-make! This Brown Irish Soda Bread is obviously not suitable for a strict low-carb diet.
24. Whole Wheat Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)
Prepare to treat yourself with my healthier version of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars! A tender, slightly nutty-tasting whole wheat blondie base is flavored with sweet orange. They’re perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or anytime you need a little moment of “me time” to escape all the holiday chaos.
25. How to Make the Best Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
With festive green swirls and crunchy red sugary edges, the fun holiday cookies are show-stopping and secretly quite easy to make (if you have a little patience.) You will love to make these pinwheel Christmas cookies during the holiday.
26. Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is loaded with healthy canned pumpkin and traditional warm spices of the fall season. This delicious and easy sheet cake is topped with a smooth vanilla cream cheese frosting and adorable fondant pumpkins!
27. Tufahije – Bosnian Apple Dessert
Tufahije are a classic, Bosnian poached apple dessert with Persian roots. It’s one of those simple-looking sweet things that take your breath away with an incredible taste.
28. No-Bake Eggnog Pie
This easy no-bake recipe for eggnog pie is a creamy Christmas dessert. A sweet graham cracker crust filled with a fluffy whipped eggnog vanilla pudding is so yummy.
29. Cranberry Meringue Pie Recipe
Cranberry meringue pie is made with a smooth, tangy cranberry curd and topped with fluffy toasted meringue. The bold cranberry flavor balances the sweetness of the meringue, while the bright red filling makes this pie especially striking for holidays and special occasions.
30. Cranberry Fluff Salad
Cranberry Fluff Salad is a light and creamy no-bake dessert that combines tart cranberry sauce, sweet pineapple, and fluffy marshmallows. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and gets even better as it sits, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for any holiday gathering.
31. Christmas Tree Frosting Board
This easy Christmas tree frosting board is the fun and festive sweet treat you’ll be making all season long! Put a dessert twist on the classic charcuterie board with this colorful and flavorful frosting board.
32. Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe | Reindeer Food
As Christmas approaches it is time to start thinking about your holiday baking. This easy, no-bake Christmas puppy chow recipe is so simple and utterly delicious, a win win during a busy holiday season.
33. Christmas Jello
This Christmas jello recipe combines layers of red cherry jello, green lime jello and white creamy jello into a beautiful holiday dessert loved by kids and adults alike! You’ll need only 4 ingredients and it takes less time than you think.
34. Keto Rum Balls
These keto rum balls are an easy no-bake dessert with fudgy chocolate and rum flavor and just 1 gram of net carbs each! This recipe makes low-carb, gluten-free, and sugar-free rum balls. You can easily make them nut-free, dairy-free and alcohol-free too.
35. Keto Gingerbread Cookies
These gluten-free and keto gingerbread cookies are deliciously crispy and full of warm spices, the perfect low-carb treat for Christmas and the holidays! They’re also egg-free, and you can easily make them dairy-free by replacing the butter with coconut oil.
36. Turkey Cinnamon Rolls
These Turkey cinnamon rolls are a cute and easy breakfast to make for Thanksgiving morning! These cinnamon roll turkeys are adorable and easy to assemble. So easy that kids can help make them too and make their own cute or funny faces!
37. Pumpkin Pie Shortbread Crumb Bars
Pumpkin pie shortbread crumb bars are the best dessert fusion combining buttery, melt in the mouth shortbread cookie with perfectly spiced egg free pumpkin pie. A twist on a classic that's perfect for Fall and easier to make than traditional pie.
38. Homemade Berry Nutri Grain Bars From Scratch (Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free)
These healthy Homemade Berry Nutri Grain Bars are so delicious and addictive that you’d never know they were sugar-free and gluten-free. No need to rush to the store, either, because this recipe only uses simple, whole ingredients–making them great for your body and for packing on-the-go.
Thanksgiving/Christmas Appetizers: Set the Tone Before the Main Event
Appetizers do more work than people give them credit for. They keep hungry guests happy while the big dishes finish cooking, and they set the tone for the whole meal.
The best Thanksgiving/Christmas appetizers are usually ones that can sit out at room temperature for a while, or that can be made ahead and popped in the oven right before guests arrive. Think warm, shareable, and easy to eat standing up with a drink in hand cheese boards, dips, small bites, and finger foods that don't require a fork.
1. Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
This Christmas Tree Spinach Breadsticks is a fun, flavorful, super festive appetizer. These breadsticks filled with a creamy spinach dip and shaped like a Christmas tree are not just delicious but also a centerpiece for your holiday table.
2. Cranberry Glazed Crockpot Meatballs
Cranberry Glazed Crockpot Meatballs are a must make dinner or holiday appetizer. Nothing says holiday flavors like cranberry. These Cranberry Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for your holiday parties or even Thanksgiving leftovers!
3. Cranberry Goat Cheese Appetizer
If you’re looking for an easy but festive holiday appetizer, this cranberry goat cheese log has you covered. It takes just five simple ingredients, comes together in under 15 minutes, and looks fancy enough for your holiday table—without the stress.
4. Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
This Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a festive appetizer that is creamy, tart, a tad spicy, and sweet. This Cranberry Jalapeno Dip is made with fresh cranberry salsa atop cream cheese. It is the perfect holiday party appetizer!
5. Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Puff Pastry Bites
Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Puff Pastry Bites: Bite-size, flaky appetizers filled with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese. These bite-size appetizers are the perfect snack for your game day spread, parties, and holidays, as they make enough to feed a crowd!
6. Antipasto Christmas Wreath
This Antipasto Christmas Wreath Appetizer is an impressive holiday appetizer ready in just 10 minutes and perfect for a Christmas gathering, New Year’s Eve celebration, or any festive occasion where you want to impress guests with flavor and presentation.
7. Viral Christmas Cheese Trees
Looking for a simple and easy appetizer that adds a festive touch to your holiday table? Try these Quick Christmas Cheese Trees that are ready in just 5 minutes and the perfect addition to your festive charcuterie board. The ingredients can be found in your pantry or at any grocery shop.
8. Turkey Stuffing Meatballs With Cranberry Glaze
Thanksgiving just got a MAJOR upgrade with these turkey stuffing meatballs! Topped with a cranberry glaze, these meatballs are everything you love about Thanksgiving stuffed into one bite.
9. Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites
These cucumber cream cheese bites are an easy appetizer with lemon basil cream cheese and cherry tomatoes. It’s a no-cook appetizer that’s ready in 15 minutes and is brightly flavored, creamy and fresh.
10. Mini Holiday Meat Pies
These adorable Mini Holiday Meat Pies are packed with spiced beef filling wrapped in buttery shortcrust pastry and topped with festive pastry stars. Perfect for Thanksgiving/Christmas parties, holiday buffets, or a cozy family dinner that everyone will love!
11. Fruit Christmas Tree
This Fruit Christmas Tree is perfect for a healthy, easy-to-make, kid-friendly recipe this holiday season! It’s a practical addition to any holiday gathering, ensuring that guests can savor the flavors of the season while enjoying the visual splendor of a Christmas fruit tree or platter.
12. Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread using crescent rolls is a festive and visually appealing holiday appetizer or snack. It's made by arranging crescent roll dough in the shape of a Christmas tree and filling it with scrumptious cheese, garlic and seasoning.
13. Sweet Potato Bites with Feta
Sweet Potato Bites with Feta are a healthy appetizer or side dish and sweet potato fans will go crazy over these! And if you use portion control, these little bites of sweet potato stuffed with Feta aren’t that much of a splurge on carbs.
14. Pumpkin Bacon Crostini With Cranberries
These Pumpkin Bacon Crostini With Cranberries are a delightfully festive and tasty appetizer for Thanksgiving/Christmas They’re crispy, salty, sweet, and bursting with flavors of the season. These Pumpkin Bacon Crostini with Cranberries easily fits this crowd-pleasing status.
15. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the kind of holiday party starter that is tasty and fun. It blends creamy cheese, sharp cheddar, tart cranberries and crunchy pecans together for a perfect Thanksgiving/Christmas appetizer.
16. Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites – The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
There’s something satisfying and decadent about the combination of creamy Brie cheese, tart cranberries, flaky puff pastry, and a touch of sweet citrus. Thanksgiving/Christmas gathering, these little bites are guaranteed to disappear in minutes.
17. Turkey Brie Bites Recipe
This Award-winning Turkey Brie Bites recipe creates a mouthwatering bite using ingredients you likely already have on hand. Featuring a combination of turkey, black currant jam, and melted brie cheese, this is an effortless turkey appetizer that tastes like Thanksgiving/Christmas on a plate.
18. Cheese Christmas Trees
These cheese Christmas trees are the perfect Christmas appetizer that looks impressive but doesn't need a lot of effort and time. They can be a great festive addition to your holiday table! As a Christmas appetizer, party snack, or addition to a holiday cheese board along with spiced pear butter and crackers.
19. Turkey Cheese Ball Recipe (Fun Thanksgiving Appetizer)
Dazzle your guests with this delicious Turkey Cheese Ball recipe! Fun to make and even more fun to eat, everyone will be ready to gobble, gobble up this tasty ranch flavored cream cheese ball in record time before the big Thanksgiving feast!
20. Caprese Salad Wreath
Impress your guests with this beautiful and festive Caprese Salad Wreath. With fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, green olives, and basil, this delicious and easy toothpick appetizer pairs well with pesto and is always a hit. This caprese salad Christmas wreath is always the talk of the party and is so fun to eat.
21. Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls
Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls are creamy, savoury, bite-size holiday appetizers! Cute enough to steal the spotlight, with real cheese-ball flavour to match. They’re portioned and party-friendly: everyone gets their own little bite of bliss.
22. Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
This healthy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a fresh, sweet, and lightly spicy Thanksgiving/Christmas appetizer made with real cranberries, jalapeños, honey, and a creamy Greek yogurt-cream cheese base. It delivers all the festive flavor of the classic dip with a lighter, naturally sweetened twist.
23. Christmas Tree Cheese Board
This very festive Christmas Tree cheese board is a fun Christmas appetizer for holiday entertaining. It’s quick and easy to put together! Customise it to your hearts content with various cheeses and veggies.
24. Cranberry Baked Brie Dip
This decadent little dish is sure to be a hit! Just combine cranberry sauce with creamy, melty brie cheese, and you get one delicious dip. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something special for a night in, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
25. Sausage Roll Wreath
This Christmas Sausage Roll Wreath is an easy Thanksgiving/Christmas appetizer made with puff pastry and savory sausage. You'll love serving it with this Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce for dipping. It’s simple to make, looks beautiful on the table, and always gets plenty of compliments.
Thanksgiving/Christmas Sides: Where the Real Holiday Magic Happens
Let's be honest for a lot of people, the sides are the real star of the Thanksgiving/Christmas table. The turkey or ham might get top billing, but it's the mashed potatoes, the stuffing, the casseroles, and the roasted vegetables that people talk about for weeks afterward.
This is the category where family tradition runs deepest, and where "we've always made it this way" carries the most weight. When planning your sides, aim for a mix of textures and temperatures, something creamy, something crunchy, something bright and acidic to cut through all the richness.
1. Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe: A Homemade Classic
Grandma's old fashioned stuffing recipe is a holiday classic made with day-old bread, savory herbs, and butter. Perfect for Thanksgiving/Christmas or any festive meal. This simple, classic stuffing recipe combines savory flavors, and the perfect balance of soft and crunchy textures.
2. Cole Slaw Dressing Recipe- Tastes Like KFC!
The addition of kale to this slaw adds a great crunch and lots of antioxidants, with a homemade cole slaw dressing that makes it taste just like KFC's! This kale slaw and the cole slaw dressing recipe works great together and has been a huge hit at potlucks & BBQs!
3. Brussel Sprout Casserole
This Brussel Sprout Casserole is rich, cheesy and packed with crispy bacon and tender sprouts baked in a creamy cheddar-gruyere sauce. The golden panko topping adds just the right crunch for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish.
4. Easy Crockpot Collard Greens
Easy Crockpot Collard Greens, also known as Slow Cooker Collard Greens have only 6 ingredient. This is the best way to cook collard greens! The greens are cooked in a hearty broth and loaded with the smoky flavor of bacon. This is a fool-proof classic Southern side dish.
5. Spiral Ham Recipe
This Spiral Ham Recipe gives you juicy slices of ham coated in a sweet, savory honey brown sugar glaze. Basting the ham throughout keeps the meat moist and flavorful. This baked spiral ham is a great centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or anytime you’re feeding a crowd.
6. Oven Roasted Ranch Carrots
These sweet, succulent little gems are one of those easy side dish recipes that will be a regular addition to your weekly menu. Oven Ranch roasted carrots can be paired with almost any dinner to take it over the top.
7. Easy Cranberry Jam Recipe (Small Batch)
This Easy Cranberry Jam is bursting with holiday flavor – fresh cranberries, sweet sugar. Add a splash of almond liqueur to make it extra special and enjoy it on biscuits, toast, or your favorite Thanksgiving/Christmas dishes.
8. Keto Stuffing Recipe
Keto stuffing recipe is going to be a favorite at all of your Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday meals. It is super simple and has all the traditional flavors. If you are looking for a keto Thanksgiving recipe everyone will eat this is it!
9. Cranberry Jello Salad
This cranberry jello salad is tart, sweet, and easy to make with only 4 ingredients. If your mom ever made it for Thanksgiving/Christmas, this old-fashioned jello salad will bring back memories!
10. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pumpkin
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pumpkin combines roasted sweet potatoes with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a buttery pecan topping for the ultimate fall side dish. It's a delicious twist on the classic sweet potato casserole that's perfect for Thanksgiving/Christmas.
11. Easy Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
These Honey Roasted Carrots are tender, caramelized, and bursting with flavor from sweet honey, fresh rosemary, garlic, and a hint of orange zest. Roasted to perfection on a sheet pan, they make an easy, elegant side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or Thanksgiving/Christmas.
12. Gluten-Free Stuffing: A Classic Holiday Side Dish Recipe
Warm, comforting, and full of savory herbs, this gluten-free stuffing captures everything to love about the traditional holiday side dish, without the gluten or dairy. Each bite bursts with flavors of thyme, sage, and rosemary, making it the kind of dish that tastes like the season itself.
13. Glazed Double Smoked Ham
Sometimes more is more, which is exactly the case with this easy Glazed Double Smoked Ham recipe! Sure, a smoked ham from the store is pretty good if you just warm it up, but adding a warmly spiced dry rub and buttery honey-apple glaze then re-smoking it? That's the next level. And it takes just 15 minutes of active prep!
14. Creamy Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
This creamy Green Bean Casserole From Scratch recipe has lots of onions, mushrooms, and green beans, & Gruyere. This Green Bean Casserole From Scratch is super easy to make, with a creamy interior and a crunchy topping.
15. Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Rounds for Thanksgiving – A Fun Twist on a Classic Recipe
A Fun, Festive, and Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic Holiday Side Dish. Whether you’re loyal to a classic marshmallow-topped casserole, addicted to candied sweet potatoes, or simply love their natural caramelized sweetness, sweet potatoes always bring warmth and comfort to holiday meals.
16. Green Bean Casserole
This scrumptious made from scratch Green Bean Casserole combines tender green beans, bacon, mushrooms, and garlic with a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with crispy fried onions. You'll love to serve this classic holiday side dish for Thanksgiving/Christmas.
17. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are loved by all, and these are loaded up with all the good stuff! These Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for your dinner, and they couldn’t be easier to make.
18. Christmas Side Dish: Roasted Beet & Turnip Duo
Brighten your Christmas dinner with this roasted beet and turnip duo side dish. Red beets and white turnips create a holiday color scheme--perfect for chilly days when the trees are bare and wreaths brighten up your home.
19. Easy Corn Casserole Without Jiffy Mix Recipe (Cozy Bake)
This corn casserole without a jiffy mix is a whole other level of delicious! It’s got a deliciously caramelized top with a soft custardy silky layer of corn underneath. This corn casserole works perfectly as a Thanksgiving/Christmas side or even as a main dish. It’s SO easy to make too!
20. Turkey Stuffing with Apples (“Unstuffed”)
This Turkey Stuffing with Apples and herbs bakes up golden and full of flavor. It’s a perfect thanksgiving dinner side dish that’s easy to make ahead and SO tasty.
21. Homemade Cranberry Sauce: The Easy Way to Impress Your Guests
This homemade version is simple, flavorful, and full of that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that cranberry sauce is known for. Made with fresh, juicy cranberries, a hint of orange juice, and vanilla extract, this recipe is bound to become a new tradition in your holiday meals.
22. Keto Mashed Potatoes
Comfort food without all the carbs, these keto cauliflower mashed potatoes are an easy low carb swap for a classic side dish. Only 4 simple ingredients! They’re rich, creamy, and flavorful and take just minutes to make!
23. Sweet Potato casserole with Marshmallow Topping
This sweet and creamy sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows is a classic Thanksgiving/Christmas side dish. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! Kids love this one because it is creamy and sweet!
24. Maple Vanilla Cranberry Sauce
If there were ever a holiday recipe that deserves a little spotlight of its own, it's this Maple Vanilla Cranberry Sauce. This version is sweetened with pure maple syrup, kissed with warm vanilla, and finished with spices that evoke the taste of Thanksgiving/Christmas morning.
25. Microwave Cranberry Sauce: Easy Homemade Holiday Side!
This simple homemade microwave cranberry sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and delicious. It’s easy to make in advance, and perfect for Thanksgiving/Christmas, and more!
Thanksgiving/Christmas Drinks
Drinks: Warm, Festive, and Ready for a Toast
From warm mulled cider to festive cocktails and mocktails, Thanksgiving/Christmas drinks deserve just as much attention as the food. A signature holiday drink, something guests only get to enjoy once a year adds a nice touch of ceremony to the day, and having both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options ensures everyone at the table feels included.
1. Apple Cider Sangria
Apple Cider Sangria is an easy fall cocktail made with Moscato, apple cider, apple bourbon, fresh apples, orange, and cinnamon sticks. Mix up a pitcher ahead of time and let it chill until you are ready to serve.
2. Grinch Shot Recipe (Christmas Shots)
For a festive adult treat at your next Christmas party, try the Grinch Shot! The melon liqueur brings a refreshing fruity twist, while the coconut rum delivers a flavorful kick. Add a cherry at the bottom for a perfectly Grinchy finishing touch on your Christmas Shots!
3. Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
This Apple Cider Sangria is the best sangria recipe to make all throughout the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. It’s made with apple cider, white wine, a homemade apple cinnamon syrup, caramel vodka and Sprite. This is a great large batch recipe to make for a group of friends.
4. Vegan Crema de Vie (Cuban Eggnog)
Crema de Vie is Cuba's sweet, creamy answer to eggnog, traditionally made with egg yolks, milk, sugar, vanilla, and rum. This vegan version keeps the rich, velvety texture and classic Cuban flavors without the eggs or dairy.
5. Non Dairy Egg Nog Recipe
This creamy dairy-free eggnog is a rich, spiced twist on the classic drink, made with oat milk, coconut milk, and warm flavors of nutmeg and vanilla. It’s smooth, naturally sweetened, and perfect for sipping chilled or spiked with your favorite spirit for a cozy treat.
6. The Mele Kalikimaka (a Christmas Rum Tiki Drink)
Mele Kalikimaka is the Hawaiian way to say Merry Christmas, and this Christmas tiki drink will definitely get you into the holiday spirit! Inspired by a Mai Tai, this boozy cocktail is flavored with rum, pineapple, cranberry, and more. It's the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season!
7. Christmas Kitchen: Eggnog Panna Cotta with Boozy Cherries
These easy Eggnog Panna Cotta – topped with boozy cherries soaked in Kirsch – are really quick to prepare, the ultimate make-ahead dessert for a Christmas dinner or gathering!
8. Mom’s Recipe for Christmas Sherbet Punch
It’s the ultimate Christmas punch recipe that everyone loves. You’ll love how easy this Holiday punch with sherbet is to make, and your guests will love the delicious flavors of raspberry sherbet, cranberry juice, and soda. This recipe is a great Christmas punch for kids, teens, and adults.
9. Christmas Morning Punch
What better way to celebrate on Christmas morning than with this alcoholic Christmas morning punch? Bubbly ginger ale and sparkling wine pair with peach, orange, and mint flavors in this festive holiday drink--much like a mimosa but with some yummy, fruity additions.
10. Christmas Lemon Drop Cosmo: White Christmas Cocktail!
Cosmopolitans and vodka martinis share a lot of ingredients, and this Christmas lemon drop Cosmo is the best of both worlds! This white Christmas cocktail features vodka, orange, fresh lemon juice, and white cranberry juice to make a festive and delicious holiday mixed drink.
11. Festive Cranberry Moscow Mule (An Easy Holiday Mule)
This cranberry moscow mule is the best holiday mule cocktail to make for your guests this Christmas. A 5 minute cocktail that adds a cranberry twist on the classic drink. Made with vodka, lime juice, ginger beer and a splash of cranberry juice. This drink will be a hit with everyone at your next holiday party!
12. Homemade Spiced Apple Cider (Hot or Cold!)
This easy recipe is made with fresh apples, warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness. It is the perfect fall drink for Thanksgiving/Christmas gatherings, or a crisp autumn afternoon. Best of all, this apple cider makes your house smell amazing while it simmers, and you can enjoy it hot or cold.
Putting It All TogetherThe secret to a stress-free Thanksgiving/Christmas spread isn't cooking fewer dishes, it is cooking smart. Balance your make-ahead dishes with your day-of dishes, lean on your oven and stovetop efficiently, and don't be afraid to ask guests to bring a dish or two.
The goal isn't a Pinterest-perfect table; it's a table full of food people actually want to eat, surrounded by people you actually want to spend Thanksgiving/Christmas with.
However you build out your menu this year, the most important ingredient is time spent together, everything else is just the delicious part that brings everyone to the table.
