From showstopping Thanksgiving and classic Christmas recipes to festive Hanukkah recipes and all of the days in between, we have a lot of holiday recipes in our database. But of the hundreds of desserts, mains, and appetizers we share, these are the top holiday recipes the editors of Savory truly turn to again and again.
Spicy Cranberry Margaritas
“Holiday season is Spicy Cranberry Margaritas season for me. These are so easy to make, and everyone loves them. They’re versatile, too: vodka works just as well as tequila. Tip: keep a bottle of infused tequila in the fridge (or freezer), and you’re always ready for a party.” –Victoria von Biel, Content Director
Pretzel Charcuterie Board
“During the holidays, there’s nothing I love more than snacking and hanging out with family and friends. This Pretzel Charcuterie Board is my go-to, because it comes together in no time and everyone gets to build their own perfect bite — a piece of cheese here, a slice of deli meat there, a few grapes on the side. Easy, delicious, and so fun to share. What more do you need?” –Marieken van den Braak, Head of Design
Cranberry-Pineapple Gelatin Salad
“This Cranberry Pineapple Salad recipe has been in my family for as long as I can remember, and I cannot imagine having a Thanksgiving turkey without this dish on the side. The ingredient combination may sound different, but it works! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy and pairs well with all your other holiday dishes.” –Sarah Glunz, Savory Nutrition Expert
Latkes with Smoked Salmon Dip
“My favorite part of the holiday season is breaking out the frying pan for a batch of latkes, and I love this simple recipe for Latkes with Smoked Salmon Dip. I’m a latke purist—only using potatoes, onions, eggs, and salt for the most crispy, craggly, and delicious latkes. The dip is oh-so good, but I’ll often serve them up with a side of sour cream, applesauce, and some fun toppings for everyone to DIY.” –Arielle Weg-Zager, Digital Content Editor
Instant Pot Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes
For the holiday meal, I’ve been relying on these Instant Pot Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes. It’s practically hands-off, and it’s nice to have a side that doesn’t need the stovetop or oven.” –Andrea Lynn, Food Director
Pavlova Wreath
“Pavlovas don’t get nearly enough love around the holidays. They’re one of those desserts that look incredibly elegant but are much easier than people think. Crisp meringue on the outside, fluffy whipped cream on top, and chewy on the inside. I love the raspberries and figs on top of this Pavlova Wreath; it keeps the dessert feeling really fresh so it’s not overly rich after a big holiday feast.” –Jackie Hanna, Senior Food Editor
Christmas Cranberry Punch
“I am always on cocktail duty for Christmas, so this Christmas Cranberry Punch is perfect! It has the perfect mix of flavors. The sweetness of cranberry and apple pairs with herby rosemary and warm clove to create a drink that truly embodies the taste of Christmas. It’s easy to make and even easier to customize, so everyone can add their favorite liquor or enjoy it as a festive mocktail!” –Tessa McCarthy, Assistant Digital Editor
Easy Latkes with Chive-Lemon Sour Cream
“It’s not traditional, but making latkes from a boxed mix, like these Easy Latkes with Chive-Lemon Sour Cream, is nostalgic for me. As a kid, it was an easy way for my family to have latkes during the week of Hanukkah—so easy I could practically make them myself!” –Hannah Klinger, Executive Editor
Bolognese Sauce with Fettuccine
“Making bolognese has become my Christmas Eve tradition, so I turn to this Bolognese Sauce with Fettuccine. Once the main prep is done, I enjoy watching holiday movies with my family as the sauce simmers on the stove. I make two or even three batches to gift to friends or freeze to enjoy throughout the year.” –Whitney Hart, Savory Sales Lead
Cast Iron Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Bacon Glaze
“I love our Cast Iron Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Bacon Glaze. Cinnamon rolls became an accidental Christmas tradition in our family after I impulsively tossed a package in my cart during a frantic Christmas Eve stop at the grocery store. The next morning, the smell of them baking while I sipped coffee and watched the kids open presents felt unexpectedly magical. Since then, I’ve tried a new cinnamon roll recipe every year, though some years I have to rely on the ready-to-bake kind with a few ‘homemade’ upgrades.” – Trisha Herrick, Manager, Publishing & Execution Strategies
Baked Alaska
“I love ice cream, summer and winter, so my favorite is a dessert with ice cream. This Baked Alaska is a showstopper. It looks impressive, but it’s not difficult to make. And it tastes great! You can also use a baking torch instead of an oven.” –Myra Muller, Photo Producer
Ricotta Almond Cookies
“I swap the vegetable shortening for butter, but I love these Ricotta Almond Cookies! They make a large batch, so I can gift to all my friends and family.” –Catherine Clark, Director of Operations
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies & One-Bowl 7 Layer Bars
Don’t tell my secret, but every year, I make several batches of our Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies and One-Bowl 7 Layer Bars to wrap up in tins and gift to others. Everyone is always impressed because both recipes taste and look like they’re more work than they are. –Andrea
Three-Ingredient Peppermint Fudge
“I needed a quick dessert for a holiday party and was shocked at how easy and delicious this recipe for Three-Ingredient Peppermint Fudge was! This is the perfect holiday dessert for non-bakers and chocolate peppermint lovers!” –Sarah
Skillet Chicken with Cranberries
“I love fresh cranberries, but I only ever see them on Thanksgiving. This Skillet Chicken with Cranberries is a great fall weeknight recipe or alternate holiday main that lets them shine in a new way.” – Hannah
Cookies and Cream Truffles
“Christmas is my favorite time of year and one of the ways I savor the season is by making treats for my neighbors. These no-bake Cookies and Cream Truffles are my go-to and have become such a tradition that my daughter, born just before Christmas, requests them every year instead of a birthday cake.” –Trisha
Puerto Rican Roasted Pork Shoulder
“When I want a break from ham or turkey for the Christmas dinner, I’ve been making our Puerto Rican Roasted Pork Shoulder. It uses an affordable cut of meat but is still very impressive for a once-a-year feast.” –Andrea
