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Holiday meals are about bringing people together—why not do it with fun, new recipes? This list includes both light and hearty options that everyone will enjoy.

holiday meals
HOLIDAY MEALS. PHOTO CREDIT: IN THE KITCH.

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Explore new flavors to brighten up your holiday spread. These recipes are just what you need to start a new tradition.

They are easy, festive, and full of flavor—something you can prepare even as a beginner.

Dutch Oven Prime Rib Roast

prime rib roast in dutch oven
DUTCH OVEN PRIME RIB ROAST. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Celebrate the season with new, festive dishes.

This dish is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table, with only a few ingredients like sea salt, black pepper, and butter.

Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Prime Rib Roast

Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

stuffed ground turkey bell peppers
GROUND TURKEY STUFFED BELL PEPPERS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

These bell peppers are packed with hearty flavors!

Garnish them with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese. Then, pair them with warm garlic bread.

Get The Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Slow Cooker Hoppin John

slow cooked hoppin john
SLOW COOKER HOPPIN JOHN. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

This one-pot meal is a traditional Southern creation full of comfort and warmth. Main ingredients include smoked sausages, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, and beef broth.

Just set it in the slow cooker and let it work its magic for hours.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hoppin John

Pumpkin and Sage Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin And Sage Pasta by Food Plus Words
CREAMY PUMPKIN AND SAGE PASTA. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Pasta dishes are perfect for every occasion.

This one is filled with cozy, earthy flavors, and the savory sage complements the sweetness of pumpkin beautifully.

Get The Recipe: Pumpkin and Sage Pasta

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Baked Salmon With Mayonnaise

The best Spring recipe featuring a plate with a succulent piece of salmon.
BAKED SALMON WITH MAYONNAISE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Don’t have time to prepare complex seafood dishes? Try this recipe instead.

It’s ready in less than 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients like mayo, parmesan cheese, and black pepper.

Get The Recipe: Baked Salmon With Mayonnaise

Sushi Bake

What Does Baked Sushi Taste Like
SUSHI BAKE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Holidays are the best time to explore new recipes and flavors.

This sushi bake offers a comforting twist on traditional sushi. It’s easier, too—just layer, bake, and enjoy!

Get The Recipe: Sushi Bake

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

ground beef recipes for dinner
INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

This pasta is so flavorful and easy, something you can make for the holidays and beyond.

Just set everything in the Instant Pot, and it’s ready in minutes. Pair it with delicious roasted zucchini.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

A close-up of creamy scalloped potatoes, a classic Thanksgiving side dish, garnished with chopped parsley in a white baking dish.
VEGAN SCALLOPED POTATOES. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Make room for vegan dishes on your holiday menu.

This one is an irresistible addition, made with raw cashews, almond milk, onions, and arrowroot powder.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Vegan Stuffing with Mushrooms

A baking dish filled with golden-brown bread stuffing mixed with celery and onions, with a serving spoon on the side.
VEGAN STUFFING WITH MUSHROOMS. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Try this recipe for a stuffing that’s rich, savory, and completely vegan.

It’s simple to make: just mix the sautéed vegetables with cubed bread, season generously, and bake until golden and crisp on top.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Stuffing with Mushrooms

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Vegan Green Bean Casserole by HFHL
VEGAN GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Casseroles are some of the easiest dishes you can make for gatherings.

Try this holiday-ready version—it includes green beans, vegan butter, mushrooms, and vegetable stock.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Sweet and Sour Porcupine Meatballs

Mother's Day recipes
VEGETARIAN SWEET AND SOUR PORCUPINE MEATBALLS. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Here’s a unique take on “meatballs” for the holidays.

These savory treats are made with plant-based ingredients, including lentils, oats, flax egg, and tomato sauce.

Get The Recipe: Sweet and Sour Porcupine Meatballs

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Slow Cooker Bison Roast

holiday meals
SLOW COOKER BISON ROAST. PHOTO CREDIT: IN THE KITCH.

Take a break from tradition and add a few new dishes to your holiday lineup.

Check out this slow cooker recipe. After hours of slow-cooking, the bison becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a deeply savory flavor.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Bison Roast

Skillet Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

holiday meals
SKILLET HONEY MUSTARD GLAZED HAM. PHOTO CREDIT: DUTCH OVEN DADDY.

Bring sweet and tangy flavors to the table with this recipe.

It’s so easy to follow—sear the ham slices in a skillet, then coat with a glaze of honey, mustard, and thyme.

Get The Recipe: Skillet Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

Linguine Bolognese

holiday meals
LINGUINE BOLOGNESE. PHOTO CREDIT: SIMPLE AND FRAICHE.

Pasta lovers—here’s another mouthwatering holiday dish for you.

Main ingredients include pancetta, carrots, red wine, and marinara sauce. Serve in a pasta bowl with grated parmesan.

Get The Recipe: Linguine Bolognese

Mini Pot Pies

holiday meals
MINI POT PIES. PHOTO CREDIT: RAEPUBLIC.

These vegan pot pies bring all the cozy flavors of a classic pot pie in a small format. They are filled with a creamy mix of onions, garlic, peas, carrots, and herbs.

Serve them with garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts or a green salad.

Get The Recipe: Mini Pot Pies

Beef and Barley Stew

dinner ideas
BEEF AND BARLEY STEW. PHOTO CREDIT: CHEW OUT LOUD.

Prepare this comforting stew for the entire family.

This recipe is easy to follow, featuring beef chuck roast, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and carrots. It’s delicious, irresistible, and family-friendly.

Get The Recipe: Beef and Barley Stew

Pan-Seared Bacon Wrapped Scallops

holiday meals
PAN-SEARED BACON WRAPPED SCALLOPS. PHOTO CREDIT: EVOLVING TABLE.

In search of a sophisticated holiday appetizer or main dish?

This dish combines scallops with bacon, coconut sugar, butter, and black pepper. Enjoy it with crusty baguette slices.

Get The Recipe: Pan-Seared Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

holiday meals
CRANBERRY HOLIDAY BEEF BRISKET. PHOTO CREDIT: XOXO BELLA.

Holiday is all about experimenting and enjoying new ingredients.

This festive dish is easy and flavorful, with cranberry sauce, red potatoes, dried cranberries, rosemary, and thyme.

Get The Recipe: Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

holiday meals
BACON WRAPPED PORK TENDERLOIN. PHOTO CREDIT: A LATIN FLAIR.

You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to prepare the most delicious holiday dishes.

This one comes together in less than an hour with bacon, olive oil, and seasonings. It pairs well with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

holiday meals
ROSEMARY GARLIC MASHED POTATOES. PHOTO CREDIT: HEAVENLY SPICED.

Treat your taste buds to something new this season.

These mashed potatoes are smooth yet fluffy, with earthy rosemary and savory garlic enhancing every bite.

Get The Recipe: Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

10-Minute Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry

holiday meals
10-MINUTE CHINESE TOMATO EGG STIR FRY. PHOTO CREDIT: SPOONS OF FLAVOR.

This dish is ideal for a festive brunch or a colorful side.

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this, including eggs, tomatoes, green onions and soy sauce.

Get The Recipe: 10-Minute Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Black Beans

holiday meals
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE WITH BLACK BEANS. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY KITCHEN ROCKS.

Looking for more casseroles featuring your favorite sweet potatoes?

In this recipe, sweet potatoes are baked until soft and slightly caramelized, then combined with hearty black beans, earthy kale, and protein-packed quinoa.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Black Beans

Crispy Skin Salmon with Cauliflower Rice

holiday meals
CRISPY SKIN SALMON WITH CAULIFLOWER RICE. PHOTO CREDIT: THE SPICE ADVENTURESS.

Let’s make this year’s meals extra special! Everyone will love this salmon creation—it’s light yet luxurious.

Main ingredients include cauliflower, lemon, roasted peanuts, and salmon fillets. It’s easy, delicious, and gluten-free.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Skin Salmon with Cauliflower Rice

Crispy Whole Roast Duck

holiday meals
CRISPY WHOLE ROAST DUCK. PHOTO CREDIT: WENT HERE 8 THIS.

This show-stopping main course delivers bold flavors and a beautifully crisp skin.

It’s so easy to make—just season the duck with a blend of spices and then roast it to perfection. Serve it with wild rice pilaf.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Whole Roast Duck

Creamy Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash

holiday meals
CREAMY LENTIL STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH. PHOTO CREDIT: RAINBOW PLANT LIFE.

Plant-based holiday dishes are just as delicious as meaty ones!

This butternut squash is filled with a savory mixture of onions, garlic, tomato paste, and brown lentils.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash

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There’s a whole world of flavor combinations that you can explore for your holiday spread.

Here’s an idea: why not try an Asian-inspired twist on traditional holiday dishes?

Also, don’t forget to include a mix of both light and hearty options so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

25 Holiday Sides That Are Always A Crowd Pleaser

A white dish filled with glazed sweet potato cubes topped with rosemary sprigs, placed on a cooling rack with a spoon on the side.
Holiday Side Dishes. Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes. Photo Credit: Jersey Girl Cooks

Serve these holiday sides and every person who tries them will have a smile on their face! These sides are easy to make, flavorful, and will be a hit at the holiday table.

Read it here: 25 Holiday Sides That Are Always A Crowd Pleaser

14 Fruitcake Recipes So Unique, They’ll Change Your Holiday Baking Forever

fruitcake recipes
FRUITCAKE RECIPES. PHOTO CREDIT: BAKER’S TABLE.

Fruitcake isn’t just for the holidays—it’s a treat worth enjoying year-round! This recipe collection includes traditional favorites and gluten-free versions.

Read it here: 14 Fruitcake Recipes So Unique, They’ll Change Your Holiday Baking Forever

25 Holiday Snacks That’ll Disappear Before You Know It

A red spoon holds a festive mix of pretzels, cheese crackers, cereal, and nuts over a bowl of this holiday snack delight.
Holiday Snacks. Ranch Bugles Snack Mix. Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

These easy holiday snacks are so good they won’t last long! Bringing in the traditional flavors of the holidays and some new ones, these snacks are easy to make and delicious.

Read it here: 25 Holiday Snacks That’ll Disappear Before You Know It

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