10 Classic Christmas Recipes To Try This Holiday

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by cooking up some classic Christmas recipes? The aromas, flavors, and presentation of these traditional dishes are sure to bring joy and warmth to your loved ones. In this article, we'll explore 10 timeless Christmas recipes that are sure to become a part of your holiday tradition.

The importance of traditional Christmas recipes cannot be overstated. These dishes often evoke memories of childhood holidays spent with family and friends, and their familiar flavors and aromas have the power to transport us back to a simpler time. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these classic Christmas recipes are sure to bring a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations.

So, let's get started on our culinary journey through the holiday season!

1. Roasted Turkey with Gravy

The centerpiece of any Christmas dinner is, of course, the turkey. A classic roasted turkey with gravy is a staple of holiday cuisine, and for good reason. The combination of a perfectly cooked turkey with a rich, savory gravy is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Rub the melted butter all over the turkey, then season with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and put it in the oven. Roast for about 4-4 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While the turkey is cooking, prepare the gravy by whisking together the flour and chicken broth in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Serve the turkey with the warm gravy spooned over the top.

2. Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary

Mashed potatoes are a classic holiday side dish, and for good reason. They're comforting, delicious, and pair perfectly with a variety of other Christmas recipes. To take your mashed potatoes to the next level, try adding some garlic and rosemary to the mix.

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they're tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, garlic, and rosemary, and mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they're smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Green Bean Casserole with French- Fried Onions

Green bean casserole is a classic holiday side dish that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy French-fried onions and creamy green beans is sure to be a hit at your Christmas dinner.

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup French-fried onions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large skillet, sauté the green beans and onion in a little bit of butter until they're tender. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt. Pour the soup mixture over the green beans and stir until they're well coated. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with the French-fried onions. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Sweet potato casserole is a classic Southern holiday side dish that's sweet, comforting, and sure to be a hit at your Christmas dinner. The combination of mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and marshmallows is a match made in heaven.

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they're tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they're smooth and creamy. Transfer the sweet potatoes to a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with the marshmallows. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

5. Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Cinnamon

Cranberry sauce is a classic holiday condiment that's perfect for serving alongside your Christmas turkey. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet orange, and warm cinnamon is a match made in heaven.

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened. Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the ground cinnamon. Serve the cranberry sauce warm or chilled.

6. Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that's perfect for baking with family and friends. The combination of spicy ginger, sweet molasses, and crunchy sugar is sure to be a hit at your Christmas celebration.

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing (see below for recipe)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

7. Eggnog Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce

Eggnog cheesecake is a rich and creamy holiday dessert that's perfect for serving at your Christmas celebration. The combination of velvety eggnog, tangy cream cheese, and sweet caramel sauce is sure to be a hit.

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Caramel sauce (see below for recipe)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve with caramel sauce spooned over the top.

8. Peppermint Bark with Crushed Candy Canes

Peppermint bark is a classic holiday treat that's easy to make and always a hit. The combination of crunchy peppermint candies, smooth chocolate, and crushed candy canes is sure to be a hit at your Christmas celebration.

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• 1/4 cup peppermint candies, crushed

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Stir in the crushed candy canes and peppermint candies. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and smooth the top. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the white chocolate layer and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set. Break into pieces and serve.

9. Sugar Cookie Cutouts with Royal Icing

Sugar cookie cutouts are a classic holiday treat that's perfect for baking with family and friends. The combination of sweet sugar, tender butter, and crunchy royal icing is sure to be a hit at your Christmas celebration.

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• Royal icing (see below for recipe)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

10. Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and Marshmallows

Hot chocolate is a classic holiday drink that's perfect for warming up on a cold winter's night. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy whipped cream, and fluffy marshmallows is sure to be a hit at your Christmas celebration.

To make this recipe, you'll need:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the hot milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and mini marshmallows.

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