10 Classic Holiday Recipes Everyone Should Try

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The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. Throughout the years, certain recipes have stood the test of time, bringing people together to celebrate and create lasting memories. This article showcases ten classic holiday recipes that everyone should try, ensuring your festivities are flavorful and memorable.

1. Roast Turkey

No holiday celebration is complete without a beautifully roasted turkey. The golden-brown skin and the tender, juicy meat make it the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table. Here’s a simple recipe to make your turkey the star of the show:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the giblets from the turkey and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the skin with softened butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the onion, carrots, and celery inside and around the turkey along with the fresh herbs.
5. Pour the chicken broth into the roasting pan, then place the turkey on a rack in the pan.
6. Roast the turkey for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

2. Stuffing

Stuffing, or dressing, is the perfect complement to your roast turkey. This savory mixture of bread, herbs, and sometimes sausage can be modified to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of Italian bread, cubed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and celery and sauté until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, broth, sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.

3. Mashed Potatoes

What’s a holiday feast without creamy mashed potatoes? This comforting side dish pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy.

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup milk (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash until smooth, adding milk for desired consistency.

4. Green Bean Casserole

This classic dish combines fresh green beans with creamy mushroom soup and is topped with crispy fried onions.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds green beans, trimmed
• 2 cups mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Add green beans and half of the fried onions.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

5. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a sweet and tangy addition that complements the savory flavors of holiday meals. Making it from scratch is surprisingly easy!

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil.
2. Add cranberries and cook until they burst, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in lemon juice and let it cool. Refrigerate until serving.

6. Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet and colorful honey glazed carrots add a festive touch to your holiday table. They are simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds baby carrots
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots and sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in honey, salt, and pepper. Cook until tender and glazed, about 10-15 minutes.

7. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a quintessential holiday dessert, with its smooth, spiced filling nestled in a flaky crust. It’s a must-have for Thanksgiving celebrations!

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 3 large eggs
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, eggs, and evaporated milk until well combined.
3. Pour into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Lower temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.
4. Let it cool before serving with whipped cream.

8. Eggnog

This creamy, spiced beverage is a holiday favorite that warms the heart and soul. It’s a delightful drink that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Optional: 1 cup rum or bourbon

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, and sugar over medium heat until warm.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Slowly whisk in the warm milk mixture.
3. Return to the saucepan and cook until thickened (<160°F), stirring constantly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, nutmeg, and alcohol if desired. Chill before serving.

9. Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

This traditional French dessert, resembling a log, is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. Made from chocolate cake and filled with cream, it makes for an impressive dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
• Chocolate ganache (for frosting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a jelly roll pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Spread evenly in the pan.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Roll the cake in a dish towel while still warm and let it cool.
4. Unroll the cake, spread with whipped cream, then roll back up. Frost with chocolate ganache and decorate as desired.

10. Sugar Cookies

These classic cookies are a holiday staple, perfect for decorating with festive icing and sprinkles. They are fun to make with family and friends!

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased sheets.
5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until golden. Cool on wire racks.

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