The hardest thing about organizing Christmas celebrations isn't the holiday decorating, or figuring out how to wrap the gifts so they look nice. It's planning the dinner menu. It needs to be tasty, and there need to be at least a few festive and hearty sides to go with it. Here, we've compiled our all-time favorite recipes so that you have everything you need to make a family-pleasing meal worth the celebration.
Ryan Liebe
1 of 64
Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Cauliflower Salad
This juicy beef tenderloin is brightened by a tangy cauliflower-pomegranate salad that is sure to satisfy any crowd.
Get the recipe.
David Tsay
2 of 64
Red Chile and Orange Glazed Turkey
Hector M. Sanchez
3 of 64
Orange and Cumin Leg of Lamb with Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic
This roast is simple but bright, with grape tomatoes, garlic, cumin, and orange working to create a subtle Mediterranean feel. Although it serves eight, you'll definitely have leftovers—which will make for amazing sandwiches.
Get the recipe.
Kate Mathis
4 of 64
Apricot-Stuffed Pork Loin
Seasonal apricots add a touch of sweetness to this hearty winter dish.
Get the recipe.
Johnny Miller
5 of 64
Deep-Fried Turkey
Take a cue from both British and Southern traditions: serve up a Christmas turkey, but get it gorgeously crisp and tender. Though this deep fryer recipe takes a little work, the tasty results are well worth it.
Get the recipe.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
6 of 64
Citrus-Roasted Salmon
For a lighter take on Christmas dinner, this rich, succulent salmon fillet is full of seasonal citrusy goodness, and opulent enough to feel fully festive.
Get the recipe.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
7 of 64
Horseradish–Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a must-have side dish at any feast. But the bright, peppery flavor of fresh horseradish takes them to a new level.
Get the recipe.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
8 of 64
Roasted Mushrooms and Radicchio
Give this simple salad a try. The earthy mushrooms pair incredibly well with the bitter radicchio, tempered in a balsamic vinaigrette.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
9 of 64
Sweet Potato Casserole with Homemade Marshmallow
Everyone's favorite side dish is a must-have on your Christmas dinner table. Don't forget to broil it before serving to get that beautiful browned top.
Get the recipe.
Dana Gallagher
10 of 64
White Wine and Rosemary Gravy
This aromatic gravy is perfect to drizzle all over your turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and anything else you see fit!
Get the recipe.
Dana Gallagher
11 of 64
Corn Salad with Bacon and Honey
Deck out your plain dish of corn with chopped up pieces of crispy bacon and a drizzle of honey.
Get the recipe.
Dana Gallagher
12 of 64
Nancy Fuller's Pecan Slab Pie
Why make two pecan pies when you can just make this easy pecan slab pie that'll feed 16 people?
Get the recipe.
Dana Gallagher
13 of 64
Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin
Yes, you have to include vegetables in your dinner spread—but why not load them up with cheesy, creamy goodness? Everyone will be singing your praises.
Get the recipe.
Dana Gallagher
14 of 64
Parker House Rolls
No dinner table is complete without fresh-baked dinner rolls— especially this recipe that guarantees a fluffy, warm center.
Get the recipe.
Dana Gallagher
15 of 64
Scalloped Oysters
Switch things up this Christmas with these scalloped oysters, baked with leeks, plenty of butter, and topped with Saltine crackers.
Get the recipe.
Dana Gallagher
16 of 64
Fresh Herb Stuffing
If you're short on time, this stuffing is a great solution. From start to finish, it takes under an hour to make—which means the quicker you get to eat it.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
17 of 64
Fruit and Nut Trifle
Take a break from cookies and pies with this old-fashioned trifle, complete with rich custard and soft sponge cake.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
18 of 64
Pecan Snowflake Cookies
Dust these delicious pecan cookies with powdered sugar to make them look like actual snowflakes.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
19 of 64
Herbed Cheese Ball
Your appetizer table needs this cheese ball packed with flavorful herbs and coated in crunchy pine nuts.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
20 of 64
Cheddar Holly Crackers
Wow your guests with these homemade crackers that are perfect for dips, cheese platters, or just eating on their own!
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
21 of 64
Old-Fashioned Eggnog
Eggnog is the best after dinner drink on Christmas—especially this old-fashioned version full of nutmeg, cinnamon, and of course, your dark liquor of choice.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
22 of 64
White Chocolate Truffles
Only three steps are needed to make these rich truffles filled with Speculoos cookies; the fourth step is eating them!
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
23 of 64
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Combine cranberry syrup, gin, elderflower liquor, and club soda for an easy and colorful cocktail.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
24 of 64
Retro Christmas Tree Cake
Everyone will love this adorable cake with its retro light bulbs and frosted branches.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
25 of 64
Sparkling Pear & Orange Champagne Punch
Please a crowd with this delicious punch, sweetened by pear nectar and sparkling wine.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
26 of 64
Honey-Drizzled Citrus Salad With Pistachio-Poppy Seed Granola
Looking to add some bright color to your Christmas dinner spread? Check out this citrus salad that's topped with pomegranates.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
27 of 64
Roasted Squash with Goat Cheese and Poached Cranberries
Kick your butternut squash up to the next level by adding goat cheese, cranberries, and roasted pepitas.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
28 of 64
Pork Chops With Bourbon-Molasses Glaze
Hosts who want to take a break from the traditional ham and turkey should look to these delightful pork chops smothered in a buttery bourbon-molasses glaze.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
29 of 64
Cranberry Tart
A heaping mound of whipped cream tops off this tangy and sweet dessert with candied orange slices.
Get the recipe.
Brian Woodcock
30 of 64
Brussels Sprouts with Pickled Shallots and Hazelnuts
Liven up your Brussels sprouts so that everyone will want a serving. The pickled shallots and toasted hazelnuts add the perfect tang and crunch to this classic side dish.
0 Response to "Quick and Easy Real Simple Holiday Meals"
Post a Comment