Holiday Eats & Drinks: 29 Seasonal Dishes Everyone Will Love

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Holiday Eats & Drinks: 29 Seasonal Dishes Everyone Will Love

Looking for new ways to make the holidays special? We’ve got you covered with 29 holiday recipes that are simple, flavorful, and perfect for festive gatherings. Enjoy meals packed with seasonal favorites, colorful ingredients, and delightful tastes that will leave everyone satisfied.

A blue martini with a cherry on top.
Whoville Martini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mistletoe Mule

A copper glass filled with mule and with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Mistletoe Mule. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about the Mistletoe Mule cocktail that just screams “Holiday!” A refreshing sip that is both potent and pleasing, it’s the ideal drink for your upcoming celebrations. While it might not be your average holiday drink, the Mistletoe Mule has been winning over holiday gatherers as they toast to memorable moments. Trust me, serve this at your next gathering, and you’ll see how quickly folks raise their glasses to toast each other.
Get the Recipe: Mistletoe Mule

Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney

A chunk of oozing brie with apple chutney on a board.
Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney is sure to elevate your holiday spread. The creamy brie and sweet, tangy chutney come together to create a unique flavor adventure. It’s great as an appetizer, served with crackers or bread. Baked Brie provides a beautiful presentation, and guests will love the unexpected combination of flavors. Give it a try this holiday season!
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney

Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy Mix

A mug of hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks and lemon slices.
Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy Mix. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On a cold winter evening, there’s nothing quite like cupping a Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy Mix in your hands. It’s warm, soothing, and bursting with flavors – the perfect antidote to the winter chill. With its spicy ginger kick and tart lemon freshness, this Hot Toddy Mix is more than just a drink, it’s an experience. And it isn’t just for individual enjoyment, it’s great for holiday get-togethers too. Imagine having everyone at your gathering enjoying this by the fireside.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy Mix

Christmas Morning Casserole

A closeup shot of breakfast casserole on a plate with berries.
Christmas Morning Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s nothing like a delicious Christmas Morning Casserole to start off your holiday celebrations. It’s a breakfast delight that brings the whole family together. Filled with seasonally-inspired ingredients, it’s a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. With minimal effort and a lot of flavor, it’s perfect for making your Christmas morning extra special without stressing over breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Morning Casserole

Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma

An  winter vanilla thyme vanilla paloma mocktailwith a sprig of thyme.
Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This isn’t just another cocktail. It’s a Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma! A delightful spin on a traditional Paloma, this version incorporates the sweet hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of fragrant thyme. Take a sip and you’ll instantly pick up the harmonious relationship of these unique flavors. Boasting a profile that is intriguing yet very thirst-quenching, it’s no wonder this has been the talk of many holiday celebrations. Why not be the next one to serve it at the festive table?
Get the Recipe: Winter Vanilla & Thyme Paloma

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet Potato Casserole is a holiday classic for a reason. The sweet potatoes, paired with the right mix of spices, create a dish that can make your taste buds dance. It complements other festive dishes and adds a touch of comfort to your holiday table. Gather around and enjoy this traditional favorite – it never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Hot Chocolate Board

A wooden platter with hot cocoa, candy canes, and marshmallows.
Hot Chocolate Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

What’s better than a cup of hot chocolate? A whole board devoted to it! Enter the Hot Chocolate Board—an interactive experience that allows everyone to customize their cup to their liking. It’s a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and a dessert, all in one. Just wait till you see the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they gather around your hot chocolate station. Next time you’re planning to entertain, remember, nothing says “holidays” like a hot chocolate board.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Board

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry on a counter.
Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You can’t beat Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry for a cozy, flavorful winter dish. The tender turkey and veggies, combined with the flaky puff pastry, make each bite a delight. This dish allows you to use leftover turkey in a new, delicious way. It’s best enjoyed with family and friends on a cold evening, as it brings warmth and togetherness to the table.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail

Two pomegranate mojito mocktails with a lemon on top of it.
Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a colorful addition to your holiday drink menu? Here’s the Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail. Not only does it stand out with its bright, beautiful color, it also delivers an exciting mix of flavors. It’s sweet yet tart, and the classic mojito elements make it a crowd-pleaser. This cocktail is just the right amount of festive to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Hand it round at your seasonal gathering and watch the holiday spirit blossom.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail

White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A jar of White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies next to lavender flowers.
White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. The sweetness of the white chocolate and the beautiful crinkle patterns look festive and enticing. They’re easy to share and everyone will love them. The cookies are versatile, fitting well with both formal parties and cozy family get-togethers. Make a batch and watch them go!
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Cider Sangria

Two glasses of cider sangria with cinnamon sticks.
Cider Sangria. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Gather round and raise your glasses to toast with the Cider Sangria! There’s just something about this drink that encapsulates the warm and festive holiday spirit. Picture the melding of sweet autumnal fruits with spiced cider—it tastes just like the holidays in a glass! A sip of this Sangria is enough to transport you to a cozy winter evening, surrounded by loved ones. Let the Cider Sangria become a holiday tradition in your family.
Get the Recipe: Cider Sangria

Bourbon Balls with White Chocolate

Bourbon balls with white chocolate and powdered sugar
Bourbon balls with White chocolate. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Get boozy this season with these no-bake Bourbon White Chocolate Boozy Balls – a little taste of heaven rolled in sugar!
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Balls with White chocolate

Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned

A glass of whiskey with cinnamon sticks on a brick wall.
Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned is a perfect drink to serve during the holiday season, as it takes the classic Old Fashioned and adds a cinnamon twist. The smoky aspect and hint of cinnamon work well with the season, giving it that cozy warmth you want in your holiday drinks. There’s just something about that combination of flavors that makes it perfect for a festive gathering. You and your guests will appreciate this fresh take on a timeless favorite, and it might just become your new holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned

Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Eggnog sugar cookies on a plate with santa claus figurines.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Eggnog Sugar Cookies definitely deserve a spot on your holiday menu. They’re sweet, subtly spiced, and ridiculously tasty. It takes the flavors of the season and packs them into a cookie, making them both festive and delicious. You’ll enjoy how easy they are to prepare, and everyone else will love how they taste. Make them part of your magic of the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Sugar Cookies

Whoville Martini

A blue martini with a cherry on top.
Whoville Martini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

What could be more festive than sipping on a Whoville Martini at your next holiday party? The drink’s bright colors are eye-catching, while the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors make each sip enjoyable. Drawing inspiration from a beloved holiday story, the Whoville Martini does more than just please your taste buds; it sparks conversation and adds a touch of holiday charm to your event. Give it a try this season, and we guarantee your guests will be talking about your creative holiday cocktail for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Whoville Martini

Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Red velvet Christmas truffles sprinkled with sugar.
Red Velvet Christmas Truffles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than with Red Velvet Christmas Truffles. The combination of rich red velvet cake and white chocolate for the coating makes it a dessert everyone will love. It perfectly captures the festive spirit within one single bite-sized treat. It’s a dessert that looks fancy but is simple to prepare, making it perfect for the busy holiday season. If you haven’t tried them yet, this is the season!
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Truffles

Christmas Mimosa

Two glasses of christmas mismosa with oranges and cranberries.
Christmas Mimosa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The Christmas Mimosa isn’t just your average mimosa; it’s a holiday version that brings cheer to any festive occasion. With its bright-red color and sweet, bubbly taste, it makes any gathering feel like a celebration. It’s time to switch up your regular holiday drink lineup and try something different, something that adds a little extra sophistication to your table. The Christmas Mimosa is a fun twist on a classic, and who knows, it might just become a new holiday favorite for you and your loved ones!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Mimosa

Sausage Stuffing

Sausage stuffing in a red pot.
Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re thinking about holiday comfort food, Sausage Stuffing should definitely come to mind. It’s hearty, filling, and oh-so satisfying. The savory sausage with the addition of the bread stuffing creates a side dish that’s hard to resist. It’s a classic dish for a reason, and you’ll love seeing everyone’s face when they see it on the table this holiday season. Don’t be surprised if you don’t have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Bailey’s Hot Chocolate with Baileys Marshmallow

Two glasses of Bailey's Hot Chocolate with marshmallows on the top of it.
Bailey’s Hot Chocolate with Baileys Marshmallow. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it’s chilly outside and snow is falling, there’s nothing like warming up with a mug of Bailey’s Hot Chocolate with Baileys Marshmallow in your hands. This creamy, indulgent concoction takes hot chocolate to a new level by adding that extra touch of Bailey’s, and the marshmallows flavored with the same irresistible liqueur really set it apart from the ordinary. It’s the ultimate comfort drink for winter evenings at home, or as a sweet treat served at your holiday gatherings. Make this festive season extra special with a drink that warms hearts and spirits alike.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Hot Chocolate with Baileys Marshmallow

Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

A sweet potato on a plate with a fork.
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Gone are the days of drowning in oil and all the hassle that comes with traditional frying. This holiday season, give your sweet potatoes the air fryer treatment, and the results will speak for themselves. Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, these sweet potatoes make the perfect side dish for your festive dinner table. They are easy to prepare and much healthier than their deep-fried counterparts, which means you can enjoy them guilt-free! The whole family will love these delicious, seasonally-inspired air-fried sweet potatoes, and they might just steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of cold crab dip with crackers and chives.
Cold Crab Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for an appetizer that embodies the spirit of shared feasts and laughter-filled gatherings, look no further than a bowl of Cold Crab Dip. With its tangy, savory flavor profile and tender crab meat, this dip soon becomes the centerpiece of any holiday spread. It’s rich and luxurious, but not excessively filling, which means you can enjoy it throughout the night without feeling guilty. Gather around the table, crackers in hand, and indulge in this irresistibly festive appetizer together with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Adding a twist to traditional dishes is a great way to make the holiday season more exciting, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with this Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon dish. The sharp bite of sauerkraut pairs beautifully with the sweetness of apples, which is further enhanced by the savory, smoky richness of bacon. This is a combination of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. Serve it up as a side dish during your festive meals, and watch as everyone at the table can’t help but ask for seconds—even thirds!
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema is a go-to for any festive gathering. The savory pork pairs perfectly with the citrusy tang of the lime crema; together, they create a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. It’s a crowd-pleaser especially for the cold season when everyone is looking for warm and inviting flavors that also bring a bit of excitement. You’ll love seeing it vanish from the table in no time because everyone will be reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These Chocolate Caramel Cookies have their special place on the holiday table. The richness of the chocolate balanced by the sweetness of the caramel makes for an unforgettable combination. You’ll find that these irresistible cookies will be a hit among both kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect comfort food for the season that no one can resist. Consider making a double batch – they’re popular!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels.
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If there is one appetizer that screams holiday party, it’s Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. The salty prosciutto wrapped in a flaky puff pastry is a classic flavor combination that everyone loves. It’s an appetizer that seems more than it is, being both elegant and familiar. Arguably, it’s the first dish to go at any gathering. Trust us, it’s worth making every season.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Spinach & Brie Dip

Spinach & Brie Dip in a casserole dish surrounded by pita wedges.
Spinach & Brie Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make room on your festive table for Spinach & Brie Dip. It’s a creamy, indulgent dip that pairs well with pretty much anything you put on the table. The richness of the brie combined with the earthy spinach is a combination that can’t be beaten. It’s one dish that adds that extra dose of comforting, homey feeling which is perfect for the season. You’ll find your guests taking a spoonful of it often.
Get the Recipe: Spinach & Brie Dip

Sauerkraut Balls

Sauerkraut Balls in a skillet on a white background.
Sauerkraut Balls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Seasonal and comforting, Sauerkraut Balls make a unique addition to your festive menu. Their tangy flavor balances perfectly the richness of the remaining holiday spread. Plus, they’re bite-sized, which only adds to their popularity among both kids and adults. It’s something different from the standard party fare, yet it’s also a dish that fits perfectly for the season.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites on a white plate with sauce in the middle.
Beef Wellington Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Everyone’s eyes light up at the sight of Beef Wellington Bites. It’s a festive twist on the classic dish, made bite-sized for easy serving. The juicy beef covered in the crispy pastry will make your taste buds sing. It’s a quintessential holiday dish that adds elegance to your table without stressing you out. Your guests will definitely impress with this on the holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Smoked Ribeye Roast

Sliced smoked ribeye beef on a cutting board.
Smoked Ribeye Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The Smoked Ribeye Roast is one of those dishes that say “holiday season” loud and clear. The rich flavors of the smoked ribeye roast perfectly capture the spirit of festive comfort food. It’s a dish that’s sure to gather everyone around the holiday table. While it’s definitely a show-stopper, it’s also something that everyone in the family can appreciate. That’s part of what makes the holiday season special, right?
Get the Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Roast

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