10 Delicious Recipes for a Holiday Feast

A holiday feast is a wonderful opportunity to gather friends and family around the table and enjoy a delicious meal together. Whether you’re planning a traditional turkey dinner, a festive gathering of various cuisines, or a cozy holiday brunch, these 10 recipes will help you create an unforgettable holiday feast that delights all the senses.

  1. Herb-Roasted Turkey

Ingredients:

– 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

– 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped

– Salt and pepper

– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine the butter, herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently lift the turkey skin and spread the herb butter underneath it. Rub the remaining butter all over the turkey.
  3. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
  4. Roast for about 3-4 hours, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
  6. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Ingredients:

– 12 oz fresh cranberries

– 1 cup sugar

– 1 cup water

– Zest of 1 orange

– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil.
  2. Stir in cranberries and cook for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst.
  3. Add orange zest and cinnamon (if using). Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
  4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed

– 1/2 cup heavy cream

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/4 cup chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and return to the pot.
  2. Add heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
  3. Stir in chives if desired and serve warm.
  4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

– 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Salt and pepper

– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
  4. Honey-Glazed Carrots

Ingredients:

– 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
  2. Drizzle with honey, salt, and pepper, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until glazed.
  3. Stuffing with Sage and Sausage

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground sausage

– 1 onion, chopped

– 2 celery stalks, chopped

– 1 teaspoon dried sage

– 8 cups cubed bread (French or sourdough)

– 2 cups chicken broth

– Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened.
  2. In a large bowl, combine sausage mixture, bread, sage, broth, salt, and pepper.
  3. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
  4. Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

– 1 (9-inch) pie crust

– 1 3/4 cups canned pumpkin

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 3/4 cup brown sugar

– 3 eggs

– 1 teaspoon cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

– 1/2 teaspoon ginger

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin, cream, brown sugar, eggs, and spices until smooth.
  3. Pour into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes until set. Cool before serving.
  4. Green Bean Almondine

Ingredients:

– 1 lb green beans, trimmed

– 1/4 cup slivered almonds

– 2 tablespoons butter

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add almonds and toast for a few minutes.
  3. Stir in green beans, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Cheesy Potato Gratin

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced

– 2 cups heavy cream

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– Salt and pepper

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a greased baking dish, layer potatoes, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar.
  3. Pour cream over potatoes and top with Parmesan. Bake for 1 hour until golden brown and bubbly.
  4. Chocolate Fondue

Ingredients:

– 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

– 1 cup heavy cream

– Dippables: strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, bananas, or pound cake cubes

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat until warm, then add chopped chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth.
  2. Transfer to a fondue pot or heatproof bowl. Serve with assorted dippables.

Conclusion

These ten delicious holiday recipes are sure to elevate your feast and delight your guests. Whether you stick to traditional favorites or incorporate modern twists, a well-prepared holiday meal is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with loved ones. Enjoy your cooking and happy holidays!