PREV
Drinks
The holidays are stressful enough, so I want to make sure what you’re cooking is simple, no fuss and delicious. Below you will find my favorite recipes that I serve every year around the holidays, from breakfast casserole to the main event. My advice is to keep the menu simple and practice what you plan on making at least once before you serve it to guests. Remember: hosting and cooking for loved ones should be FUN and never stressful! Happy Holidays!
Breakfast
Freezer Friendly Turkey Bacon Breakfast Sandwich: Make these in advance for your go-to during those jam-packed holiday mornings—delicious, customizable and only takes 30 minutes to prep!
Sweet Potato & Kale Frittata: Colorful, full of flavor and gluten-free! You seriously can’t go wrong with this one, it’s a guaranteed win.
The Brunchwrap Supreme: Not sure if this one even needs an introduction. My iconic remake of the fan favorite ‘Crunchwrap Supreme’ from Taco Bell but make it brunch…enough said? My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
The Best Effing Breakfast Sandwich: THE BEST. SERIOUSLY. It feels impossible for it to not be the best when there’s Aioli involved.
Healthified “McGriddle”: A comfort breakfast if I’ve ever heard of one. All the essentials wrapped in one—this McDonald’s remake hits the spot every time.
Perfect Crispy Oven Bacon: Everyone loves bacon on Christmas and this is the only way to make it, trust me! Mess free and perfectly crispy.
Everything Bagel Cheesy Hashbrown Egg Casserole: This casserole goes crazy. It has literally all the things you want for breakfast melted together into cozy, delicious perfection. My family lovvve the homemade pork breakfast sausage in this. You can make part of this one ahead of time as well!
Appetizers
Persimmon & Burrata Crostini: Sure to be a crowd pleaser, this remake from one of my fav restaurants, Felix, is a flavor combo that is simply irresistible. You can make this one with or without the Crostini depending on your preferences.
Greek Yogurt Dip With Sizzling Scallions: A dip that never fails you! And a major plus because it takes 10 minutes to make.
Sticky Apricot BBQ Turkey Meatballs: A dairy optional app that is lighter than most, but doesn’t lack in flavor. They’re perfect for keeping your guests satisfied, but still making sure they’re hungry for dinner. The sticky sauce is to die for!
Marinated Olives & Feta: For my olive lovers! Keep it simple with this app that you can make ahead of time, they actually taste better that way! Perfectly light and chic combo.
Brie Pull Apart Bread: Rosemary, Garlic + Honey: One of my all time favorite holiday appetizers. What could be better than melty brie and bread? Top it with some garlic, rosemary and honey and I am all in! Definitely a crowd pleaser and it’s too simple to make.
Addicting Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed mushrooms are extremely underrated. They are one of the best holiday apps and are perfectly poppable for entertaining guests. I can’t get enough!
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese & Honey: My dad requests these every year and I’m not mad about it. There’s a reason why bacon wrapped dates are so popular and the goat cheese stuffed in there just really takes them over the top. Don’t forget the honey drizzle too! Yum.
Mains
Red Wine Braised Beef Stew: I make this on Christmas Eve and it truly is the gift that keeps on giving. This one takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it for the flavor that is somehow even better the next day. Don’t forget the crusty bread to soak up all that yummy sauce!
Garlic Herb Prime Rib: This prime rib comes out so perfectly every time. It also makes great leftovers for sandwiches. It’s so easy to make and seriously impressive! Just make sure you have a meat thermometer to get that temperature perfect. I use the Yummly Smart Thermometer linked here.
Holiday Braised Brisket: You may not think brisket has a place on the holiday table, but this is the Jewish way that I grew up with and it is the BEST WAY! This is the main you fight over until the very last bite is gone.
Miso Braised Short Ribs With Japanese Sweet Potato Mash: The flavors in these short ribs are insane. You can keep this paired with the sweet potato mash or switch it out with any of the delicious potato centric sides on the menu. So cozy!
Homemade Pierogis: A labor of love, but absolutely worth it. I recommend making it a group activity and also making the potato filling the day before. For some, pierogis are enjoyed as part of the Christmas Eve dinner, known as Wigilia, where they symbolize good fortune and prosperity for the upcoming year.
“Ina-Inspired” Baked Cod With Garlic & Herb Ritz Crumbs: I made a few adjustments, but I have to give full credit to the queen Ina Garten on this one. Using a high quality olive oil for this recipe is essential! Brands I like are listed in the ingredients.
Marinated Halibut: One of my favorite ways to make white fish. Seriously so good! I recommend you replace the cauli mash with regular mash because…holidays, duh!
Sides
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: One of my favorite holiday dishes. They disappear so quickly! Insanely good and a classic.
Honey Butter House Rolls: I don’t want to be dramatic but these rolls will actually change your life. Yeast can be annoying so definitely use a thermometer to make sure your warm water is the right temp, but I swear that’s the only tricky part. They are SO worth it!!!
Cheddar Cheese Whipped Potatoes: Cheesy potatoes are a must on my holiday table. These whipped potatoes are always a hit and super simple to make. So delish!
Crispy Potatoes With Whipped Feta: A twist on your typical potato side dish. There is something so perfect about well seasoned, crispy potatoes paired with creamy whipped feta and this one is too easy not to make!
Green Goddess Wedge Salad: I adore a great wedge salad! I switched up the usual chunky blue cheese dressing for a killer Green Goddess dressing that’s simply irresistible.
Kale Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette: Let’s get some greens on your table! I am a huge kale lover and this recipe is meant to convert all into kale salad fanatics and the Lemon Vinaigrette is to die for.
Roasted Squash Kale Salad with Toasted Fennel and Hazelnuts: If you’re looking for the salad a rich Aunt would serve at Christmas look no further. This one looks like a lot of steps, but it’s so easy and has the best flavors + textures!
Dessert
No Bake Cranberry Curd Pie: I love a tangy dessert more than anything so I created a pie that gives holiday vibes, but isn’t overly sweet. Plus it’s no bake and better made the day before. Win!
Christmas Crunch Toffee Bark: It’s known as “Christmas Crack” for a reason! This addicting classic can be made ahead of time and munched on all throughout the week if you want to spread the festive feels out beyond just a post-dinner, sweet + salty treat.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Snickerdoodles: Everyone loves fresh cookies! Make the dough the day before and just pop them in the oven after dinner. Voila! Dessert is served.
Grain Free Glazed Lemon Loaf: Made this one as a shout out to my momma who loves lemon almost as much as I do. It is grain free, light, zesty and can be eaten as dessert or double as a brunch treat the next day. I love a loaf that can do both!
Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars: I love the Starbucks version, but I can’t stress enough how delicious these are when baked fresh and they are so fun to make! One of those deliciously versatile goodies perfect for gifting, holiday parties and, of course, post dinner dessert. See how I gifted these with other homemade treats on my instagram.
Cocktails
The Spicy Santa Margarita: A classic that some may consider basic, but this is a safe space. Embrace your inner basic bitch and make this cocktail for yourself and all your fellow bb’s proudly!
Chai Spiced Bourbon Prosecco Punch: Sweet, spicy and definitely boozy. The drink you can make ahead of time for guests to serve themselves as they arrive. A win-win!
The Grinch Cocktail: One of my favorite cocktails I have ever made and it’s legit healthy. A remake from the Villa Royale in Palm Springs that is the perfect Grinch Green, this is my kind of green juice!
Pear Smash: It may be over ice, but this cozy cocktail will warm you right up. You can use apples instead of pears, but either way it is absolutely smashing.
Spiked Hot Chocolate: Absolute HEAVEN!!! My nieces always want hot chocolate around the holidays and this spiked hot chocolate is a great way to enjoy a cup with them with an added buzz. It’s so chocolatey and delicious!
The Carajillo: My alternative for the espresso martini lovers and for those who have a hard time staying awake after your holiday dinner. It’s so simple to make and everyone will be obsessed!
Campari Gin Fizz Cocktail: These are not only delicious, but so pretty! Gin is so holiday coded to me and this is a great drinkable cocktail to loosen everyone up before dinner. Plus Campari is an apertif so this helps settle your stomach too.
Spiced Cranberry Margaritas: Kind of freaking out over how cute and yummy these are! If a pitcher of margaritas isn’t festive, I simply don’t know what is. You have the option to make these semi sweet or sweeter depending on your taste.
