Christmas Eve
Snowman Cheese Ball
Whether the forecast feels frosty or not, this adorable appetizer will bring the magic of winter to life for any Christmas Eve celebration. Made of goat cheese and dusted with a layer of Parmesan “snow,” this snack is guaranteed to melt away in no time.
Seven Fishes Cioppino
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a Christmas Eve tradition in many Italian American homes. This super easy riff on the feast highlights seven varieties of fish and seafood in the classic San Francisco fish chowder.
Mac and Cheese with Cheddar Cracker Crumbs
This kid-friendly casserole brings tidings of comfort and joy to the dinner table with warm, gooey cheese and a crispy, crunchy cracker topping.
Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing and Cranberries
This red and green salad keeps the night before Christmas festive, bright, and, importantly, light in preparation for the coming feasts. Made in only five minutes, prepping for this dish also leaves plenty of wiggle room for any last-minute gift-wrapping.
Christmas Breakfast
Eggnog Bread Pudding
Fill your house with the scents of the season on Christmas morning by baking up this eggnog-infused bread pudding. Flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and almond extracts, and dried fruit, it’s a sweet start to a day with family.
Cranberry-Orange Muffins
Fresh cranberries and orange zest brighten up morning muffins with a blend of tangy-tart winter flavors. Bake them up to 2 weeks before Christmas and freeze until the day before you plan to serve them, then thaw on the counter or warm in the microwave.
Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake
All the flavors of a bagel buffet combine in this cheesy casserole that’s perfect for a holiday gathering. Garlic-and-poppy-crusted everything bagel pieces, cream cheese, and fluffy eggs come together for the ultimate brunch.
Veggie Strata
For a savory baked breakfast that will leave everyone happily stuffed, this casserole pairs Gruyère cheese and tender spinach with crusty Italian bread. Bonus: This recipe is a great way to use up extra vegetables from holiday meal prep.
Christmas Dinner
Shrimp Cocktail 2.0
Make this traditional dinner party starter even more special by stirring up homemade cocktail sauce. Adding chipotles in adobo and cumin to the familiar tastes of ketchup and horseradish gives it a kick that will keep everyone dipping.
Wedge Salad with Pancetta
Instead of the usual tossed salad greens, go old-school for Christmas dinner with a steakhouse-inspired romaine wedge. Pancetta adds salty crunch, while homemade blue cheese dressing keeps things light and refreshing thanks to nonfat yogurt.
Peppercorn-Crusted Rib Roast
Always impressive but surprisingly easy to make, a prime rib roast is a classic choice for the Christmas table. Dijon, rosemary, and garlic make for a flavorfully browned crust and perfectly juicy beef. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfection.
Duchesse Potato Casserole
In this elegant twist on mashed potato casserole, both Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes are swirled into a colorfully creamy bake with a crispy, browned top.