The festive season is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food! December 25th brings with it the perfect opportunity to whip up delightful dishes that bring everyone together.
Here are five awesome recipes that will make your holiday feast unforgettable.
1. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast
Few dishes say “celebration” quite like a prime rib roast. Rub a flavorful mixture of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil over a rib roast and let it slow-cook to perfection.
Serve it with horseradish cream or au jus for a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
2. Honey-Glazed Holiday Ham
A holiday classic, honey-glazed ham is both sweet and savory. Prepare a glaze using honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of orange juice.
Bake the ham until golden and caramelized, and serve it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
3. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Start your holiday meal with a warm and comforting bowl of butternut squash soup. Blend roasted butternut squash, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth until smooth, then add cream or coconut milk for richness.
Garnish with a drizzle of sage oil or toasted pumpkin seeds for an elegant touch.
4. Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing
Stuffing is a holiday staple, and this version with chestnuts and cranberries brings festive flair to the table.
Combine crusty bread cubes with sautéed onions, celery, chestnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs. Moisten with chicken or vegetable broth and bake until golden brown.
5. Chocolate Peppermint Bark
For dessert, nothing beats the simplicity and charm of chocolate peppermint bark. Melt dark and white chocolate, lay them in layers on a baking sheet, and sprinkle crushed candy canes.
Let it set in the refrigerator before breaking it into pieces to share.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a cozy gathering, these recipes will surely fill your home with holiday cheer.
They’re easy to prepare, full of festive flavors, and perfect for making memories around the table. Happy cooking, and may your December 25th season be delicious time!
Here’s a compilation of the five recipes along with their cooking methods:
1. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast
Ingredients:
- 1 prime rib roast (about 5-7 lbs)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub the mixture all over the prime rib.
- Place the roast on a roasting rack in a pan.
- Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Cook for 15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches your preferred doneness (135°F for medium-rare).
- Rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
2. Honey-Glazed Holiday Ham
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-cooked ham (spiral-cut, about 8-10 lbs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- Mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and orange juice in a saucepan and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Brush the glaze over the ham and cover loosely with foil.
- Bake for 1.5-2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last 20 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
3. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cream or coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the roasted squash and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in cream or coconut milk and adjust the seasoning.
4. Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 8 cups crusty bread, cubed
- 1 cup cooked chestnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onion and celery in butter until softened.
- Combine bread cubes, chestnuts, cranberries, parsley, and sautéed vegetables in a large bowl.
- Moisten with chicken or vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden on top.
5. Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Method:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently.
- Spread the melted chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool for 15 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate using the same method and spread it over the dark chocolate layer.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while the white chocolate is still soft.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or until fully set, then break into pieces.
Enjoy these recipes to make your December 25th celebration truly special!