Recipes We Can't Wait to Make This Christmas

5 Recipes We Can’t Wait to Make This Christmas

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This holiday season, we’re excited to share a delicious selection of christmas recipes. They’re perfect for a festive feast and making memories with loved ones. These five recipes will make your taste buds happy and fill your home with holiday scents.

Indulge in our homemade hot chocolate with a twist and classic Christmas eggnog thumbprint cookies. Also, try our slow cooker Italian sausage soup with ziti for a cozy treat. We’ll show you how to make French onion chicken meatballs and a cast iron rosemary chicken that will be a holiday favorite.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to try some traditional dishes for holiday cooking, these recipes will wow your guests. Let’s explore the perfect dishes to make this Christmas unforgettable.

Ultimate Holiday Recipe Guide: Setting the Festive Table

As the holiday season gets closer, it’s time to plan your Christmas menu. You can choose from traditional roasts to modern Italian dishes. A well-planned menu can make your holiday celebrations even better.

Planning Your Christmas Menu

When planning your menu, mix classic and new recipes. Start with a main dish like a roast turkey or ham. Then, add side dishes and desserts that match well. It’s a great chance to try new flavors and cooking methods.

Essential Kitchen Tools and Ingredients

  • Slow cooker: Great for easy dishes like Italian sausage soup or mulled wine.
  • Cast iron pan: Perfect for cooking dishes like rosemary chicken or searing meat.
  • Baking dishes: Needed for casseroles, gratins, and desserts.
  • High-quality spices and seasonings: Use fresh herbs, spices, and oils to enhance your cooking.

Time Management Tips for Holiday Cooking

Managing your time is key for stress-free holiday cooking. Make some dishes ahead, like breakfast casseroles or no-bake desserts. This saves oven space and reduces last-minute work. Plan your cooking schedule to ensure everything is ready on time.

RecipePreparation TimeCooking TimeTotal Time
Glazed Chocolate Gingerbread Cake15 minutes60 minutes75 minutes
Sour Cream Fruitcake30 minutes90 minutes120 minutes
Loaded Baked Potato Dinner Rolls20 minutes25 minutes45 minutes
Eggnog Cheesecake25 minutes60 minutes85 minutes

Plan your Christmas menu, get the right tools and ingredients, and manage your time well. This will help you create a memorable holiday feast that impresses your guests.

Traditional Homemade Hot Chocolate with a Twist

As winter comes and the holidays near, nothing beats a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate. It’s a classic treat that brings comfort and nostalgia. It’s perfect for enjoying while watching Christmas movies or with family and friends.

Using top-notch ingredients is key to amazing homemade hot chocolate. Choose the best cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and milk for a richer taste. The smell of simmering cocoa will make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.

But there’s more to it. You can customize your hot chocolate with various toppings and add-ins. Try marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon, or even a splash of liqueur. Get creative and find your favorite winter treat.

Whether you’re by the fireplace or hosting a holiday party, this hot chocolate recipe will be a hit. So, grab a mug, relax, and enjoy the warmth of homemade hot chocolate.

Italian-Style Hot Chocolate

For a richer hot chocolate, try the Italian-style version. It uses 70% dark chocolate and cornstarch for a smooth, velvety drink. This recipe is simple, with just five ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to make.

IngredientAmount
Milk2 cups
Cocoa powder2 tablespoons
Dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped4 ounces
Sugar2 tablespoons
Cornstarch1 teaspoon

To make the Italian-style hot chocolate, mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until smooth. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or cinnamon for extra indulgence.

Whether you prefer the classic or the Italian-style, homemade hot chocolate is a holiday favorite. So, grab a mug, get cozy, and enjoy this comforting treat.

Classic Christmas Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

The smell of freshly baked cookies is a holiday tradition. This year, we’re excited to share our Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies recipe. It’s a mix of holiday flavor in cookie form. These treats have been a family favorite since the early 2000s.

For the perfect texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much. Also, reshape the indentations while the cookies are warm to keep their shape.

Frosting and Decoration Techniques

The eggnog ganache filling is the magic of these cookies. It’s made with white chocolate and real eggnog. For a festive look, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

These cookies are great for busy holiday times. Store unfilled cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. The eggnog ganache can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Our Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday gatherings. So, preheat your oven and get ready to make these delicious cookies. Your family and friends will love them.

Recipes We Can’t Wait to Make This Christmas

As the holiday season gets closer, we’re looking forward to making our favorite Christmas dishes. This year, we’ll mix classic recipes with new ones. It promises to be a delicious holiday season.

One dish we’re excited about is the make-ahead breakfast casserole. It has over 1,500 five-star reviews. For a main course, the brisket recipe has more than 350 rave reviews. The Italian sausage soup and thumbprint eggnog cookies are also on our list.

We’re also eager to try some festive side dishes and appetizers. Ritz crackers are set to be a hit on cookie trays. The ground chicken and onion soup mix meatballs are perfect for holiday gatherings.

This Christmas, we’re ready to cook up a storm. Whether it’s a comforting casserole, a grand roast, or a rich dessert, it’s going to be a tasty journey.

christmas dinner ideas

RecipeReviews
Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole1,500 five-star reviews
BrisketOver 350 five-star reviews
Italian Sausage SoupMore than 200 five-star reviews
Thumbprint Eggnog CookiesConsistently the biggest request
Ground Chicken and Onion Soup Mix MeatballsFit for hosting guests

We’re excited for the holiday season, filled with Christmas dinner ideas and seasonal recipes. This year, we’ll enjoy a mix of old favorites and new dishes. It’s going to be a memorable holiday season.

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup with Ziti

As winter comes and holidays near, nothing warms the heart like Italian sausage soup. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for those who are always on the go. It’s quick to prepare and cooks while you’re busy, making it a delicious and easy meal.

Ingredient Selection Guide

The secret to this recipe’s success is in the ingredients. We use 1 pound of ground Italian turkey sausage for a rich flavor. We also add 3 large carrots, 1 medium onion, 2 ribs of celery, and 1 red bell pepper for a colorful mix of veggies. To boost the taste, we include 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

  1. In a large slow cooker, combine the sausage, carrots, onion, celery, and bell pepper.
  2. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt, and stir to combine.
  3. Pour in 7 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and stir again.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  5. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in 1 1/2 cups of Ditali or another small pasta. Allow the pasta to cook until al dente.
  6. Just before serving, stir in 1 cup of fresh, chopped spinach to add a pop of color and a nutritional boost.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker Italian sausage soup with ziti is perfect for a cold winter night. Serve it hot, topped with Parmesan cheese, and with crusty French bread on the side. It’s great for leftovers, keeping well in the fridge for 5 days or frozen for 3 months, making it ideal for meal prep or quick dinners.

Recipe DetailsValue
Recipe Rating5 out of 5 from 124 votes
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time36 minutes
Servings6 servings
Last UpdatedNovember 19, 2024
Calories per Serving431 cal

French Onion Chicken Meatballs for Festive Gatherings

This holiday season, surprise your guests with a unique twist on meatballs. Our French Onion Chicken Meatballs mix the flavors of French onion soup with ground chicken. They’re perfect as an appetizer or side dish for your gatherings.

These chicken meatballs are seasoned with onion soup mix and baked to perfection. Then, they’re smothered in a rich French onion sauce and topped with melted Gruyère cheese. The result is a dish that will have your guests wanting more.

Making these holiday appetizers is easy, with prep taking 25-30 minutes and cooking about 22 minutes. They’re great for busy hosts who want to impress without spending too much time cooking.

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 pounds of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 18-22 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
  5. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 thinly sliced onions and sauté until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Stir in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, then pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1/2 cup of dry white wine. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add the baked meatballs to the French onion sauce and stir to coat.
  8. Top the meatballs with shredded Gruyère cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve the French Onion Chicken Meatballs warm, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.

These chicken meatballs will be the highlight of your holiday gathering. The French onion flavor and melted cheese make them irresistible. Enjoy!

Cast Iron Rosemary Chicken: A Holiday Staple

As the holiday season nears, nothing beats the smell of a cast iron chicken with fresh rosemary. This holiday main course is a real showstopper. It brings together flavors that will impress your guests.

Seasoning and Marinade Tips

The secret to this cast iron rosemary chicken is in the prep. Start with salt, pepper, and dried herbs on the chicken. Then, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar for the marinade.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. Or, for even more flavor, do it for up to 24 hours.

Perfect Cooking Temperature Guide

Now, it’s time to cook. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Then, put the skillet in the oven. Roast until the chicken hits 165°F (74°C), about 25-30 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s temperature. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor.

Make this cast iron rosemary chicken the star of your holiday meal. Pair it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The mix of crispy skin, tender meat, and fragrant rosemary will make it a new family favorite.

Decadent Holiday Potato Gratin

As the holiday season comes, the potato gratin is a dish you must try. It’s a comforting side dish that adds luxury to your festive meals. It’s cozy and sure to impress your guests.

The secret to this potato gratin is the mix of peppery, nutty cheeses. It creates a crisp, golden edge. With an average rating of 4.27 out of 5 from 156 votes, it’s a favorite that everyone loves.

This cheesy potatoes dish is perfect with a juicy roast or other holiday side dishes. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes. The total time to make this delightful gratin is 1 hour and 20 minutes, serving up to 10 people.

Preparation TimeCooking TimeTotal TimeServingsCalories per Serving
15 minutes1 hour 5 minutes1 hour 20 minutes10 people370 kcal

The recipe includes butter, garlic, onion, thyme, kosher salt, pepper, heavy cream, chicken broth, Yukon gold potatoes, bay leaves, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh thyme is recommended for the best flavor. Yukon gold or russet potatoes are suggested for their starch content.

This potato gratin can be made ahead. It can be refrigerated for 4-5 days or frozen before baking. Then, bake it from frozen. This recipe is sure to become a favorite holiday dish on your table.

potato gratin

“The perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy – this potato gratin is an absolute must-try for any holiday feast!”

No-Bake Cannoli Pie for Christmas Dessert

This no-bake cannoli pie is the ultimate holiday treat. It’s a rich Italian dessert that’s easy to make. The filling is creamy, with a hint of citrus and crunchy pistachios.

It’s a five-star dish that’s loved by many. It’s perfect for holiday parties because you can make it ahead of time.

Filling Preparation Methods

The filling is what makes the pie so creamy. It’s made with cream cheese, ricotta cheese, vanilla, and lemon. You can make it in just 20 minutes.

For an extra treat, use 1 cup of mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese.

Garnishing Ideas

After the filling sets in the fridge for 4 hours, it’s time to decorate. Sprinkle chopped pistachios or candied cherries on top. These add color and flavor, making the pie a standout at your Christmas dinner.