5 Festive Holiday Dinner Recipes
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas feast, a New Year’s Eve dinner, or any festive gathering, these recipes will help you create memorable meals that your guests will rave about. Let’s dive into five must-try holiday dinner recipes that are both elegant and easy to make.
1. Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Nothing says holiday dinner quite like a perfectly roasted turkey. This recipe features a garlic herb butter that infuses the turkey with incredible flavor and keeps it juicy.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley in a bowl.
- Gently separate the turkey skin from the breast and spread the herb butter underneath.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon and onion.
- Roast for about 3.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
2. Maple-Glazed Ham
This sweet and savory ham recipe is a showstopper, perfect for a Christmas dinner centerpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Mix maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves in a bowl.
- Brush the glaze over the ham and bake for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Let rest before slicing.
3. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
No holiday dinner is complete without mashed potatoes. This creamy version is loaded with garlic flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Heat butter and garlic in a saucepan until fragrant.
- Drain potatoes and mash with a potato masher.
- Stir in garlic butter and heavy cream until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This side dish is crispy, flavorful, and a crowd favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, bacon, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Serve warm.
5. Classic Pecan Pie
End your holiday dinner on a sweet note with this timeless dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Place pecans in the pie crust and pour the mixture over them.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until set.
- Cool before serving.
These recipes are sure to bring festive cheer to your table. For more holiday meal ideas, visit our Dinner Recipes section and explore the possibilities!
