25 Recipes to Make Your Christmas Feast a Little Wild

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The holidays are here, and it’s time to make your table unforgettable. Start with easy Christmas dinner beef tenderloin roast—a showstopping centerpiece—paired with a dollop of robust whipped horseradish cream for extra zing. Serve southern mashed potatoes with parmesan crust for a hearty side, and watch the sausage balls disappear in seconds. For dessert, try gingerbread stout bundt cake or add festive crunch with cranberry pistachio Christmas biscotti. Finish with peppermint bark or snowball cookies (Nutella stuffed) for a sweet finale. This collection brings warmth, flavor, and cheer to every holiday meal!

Easy Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast

Sliced roast beef on a wooden board with rosemary sprigs, raw cranberries, peppercorns, and caramelized onions in a small dish.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This easy Christmas Beef Tenderloin Roast is a hands-off showstopper that’s packed with flavor and easy-to-arrive-at temperatures for everybody—just a whole tenderloin delivering pure holiday magic in every bite.

Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Dinner Beef Tenderloin Roast

Robust Whipped Horseradish Cream

A small glass jar filled to the top with horseradish cream sauce and a spoon for serving.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Watch eyes widen and mouths water the moment you bring out Whipped Horseradish Cream—suddenly, your appetizers and beef tenderloin masterpieces are no longer meh, they’re showstoppers. This underrated little burst of zing is every party host’s secret weapon!

Get the Recipe: Robust Whipped Horseradish Cream

Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls in a decorative bowl, surrounded by a textured red candle and autumn decor, with a fork on the side.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a beloved dish across the Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and beyond. I learned this method by watching the women in my household prepare them for Christmas—because, let’s face it, they’re the perfect meal for feeding a crowd.

Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Southern Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan Crust

A red pot containing a baked dish with a browned, slightly charred top.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

This recipe for Parmesan Crusted Southern Mashed Potatoes takes mashed potatoes to a whole new level—trust me, they’re in a league of their own! Creamy potatoes whipped heavy cream, and a golden Parmesan crust make these a guaranteed showstopper.

Get the Recipe: Southern Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan Crust

Gingerbread Stout Bundt Cake

The image shows a chocolate bundt cake dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by pinecones and red berries.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The malty tang of stout and rich molasses make this Gingerbread Bundt Cake an undeniable holiday star. Bold, flavorful, and perfect for the season, it’ll steal the spotlight on your table—whether topped with a sweet stout glaze, an orange and beer caramel drizzle, or just a simple dusting of powdered sugar and sugared cranberries.

Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Stout Bundt Cake

Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Biscotti

The image features assorted biscotti topped with chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit, placed on parchment paper alongside a gold ribbon.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Biscotti is at the top of my holiday baking list—these crunchy, twice-baked cookies are perfectly sweet, and they’re just as good on their own or dipped in chocolate. While I’ve got my go-to cookies for the season, this biscotti recipe is one I make year-round, not just for the holidays!

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Biscotti

Deeply Southern Tea Cakes

A snowflake-shaped cookie is decorated with white icing and topped with blue and white snowflake accents while cooling on a rack.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This recipe for Southern Tea Cakes is a treasured family heirloom, passed down through generations. With deep roots in the African American community, it carries a rich history that makes each bite even more special.

Get the Recipe: Deeply Southern Tea Cakes

Buttery Whipped Shortbread Cookies – 4 Ingredients!

Assorted colorful thumbprint cookies with red and green jelly centers and sprinkles, arranged on a red platter with string lights.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

If your holiday baking is kicking off, make sure these delightfully imperfect Whipped Shortbread Cookies are on your list. With just four ingredients, they require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor!

Get the Recipe: Buttery Whipped Shortbread Cookies

3 Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe That Changes Everything

A brush, glaze, baked ham, metal baking tray.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

3 Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe That Changes Everything uses orange juice, mustard, and brown sugar to coat your ham in a glossy, tangy finish. It’s a no-fuss way to pack a ton of flavor into your holiday spread, ideal for fans of quick and easy Christmas recipes.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe That Changes Everything

Sausage Balls

Sausage Balls at its finest
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Sausage Balls are the perfect party appetizer for holidays and is perfectly paired with an Apricot Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce!
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Holiday Charcuterie Board

Scrumptious Holiday Charcuterie Board photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

I’ll show you how to make a holiday charcuterie board with lots of festive ideas, so you can have the best board for Christmas celebrations!
Get the Recipe: Holiday Charcuterie Board

Baked Brie

Baked Brie in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Baked Brie recipe pairs the soft cheese with apricot jam, thyme, pecans, and honey for a decadent appetizer that’s ready in 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Yummy Crockpot Hot Chocolate picture
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Follow this Crockpot hot chocolate recipe for an easy and hands-off way to make creamy hot cocoa for parties & chilly days!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Sauteed Green Beans

A bowl of sautéed green beans topped with chopped nuts, cranberries, and grated cheese.
Image Credit: Happy Foods Tube

Sauteed Green Beans mix bright lemon and tart cranberries with crisp green beans for a side dish that’s both fresh and festive. Quick to prepare, this dish shines during busy holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Green Beans

Beef Wellington

Tasty Beef Wellington on display
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Beef Wellington is a classic recipe around the holidays. This dish is also perfect to serve throughout the chilly seasons.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

A spoon rests in a bowl of cranberry sauce on a marble surface, accompanied by a light blue cloth.
Image Credit: Elle & Pear

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest delivers a citrusy punch that brightens up classic cranberry tartness. This bold and flavorful sauce is a must-have to balance hearty holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Boursin Mashed Potatoes

The image contains a bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped parsley, surrounded by fresh herbs and placed near a striped cloth.
Image Credit: Lemons & Zest

Boursin Mashed Potatoes blend buttery potatoes with garlicky, herb-packed cheese for a creamy holiday side. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy upgrade for festive meals or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

The image features a pan containing roasted Brussels sprouts, topped with pomegranate seeds, crumbled cheese, and bacon. A white serving spoon is positioned inside the pan.
Image Credit: Happy Foods Tube

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad combines caramelized sprouts with salty ham and creamy feta for a bold side dish. It’s a perfect way to highlight winter produce at Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

Best Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh rosemary and thyme on a serving platter.
Image Credit: The Fresh Cooky

Best Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe turns a spice-rubbed tenderloin into a juicy centerpiece in just 30 minutes. This hassle-free recipe is perfect for those who love quick and easy Christmas recipes that deliver big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Best Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Cranberry Fluff Salad

Cranberry Fluff Salad in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This fruity Cranberry Fluff Salad with marshmallows, cream cheese, and pineapple is the easiest side dish you’ll make this holiday season!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fluff Salad

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Mouthwatering Sticky Toffee Pudding
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a moist cake filled with dates and soaked in warm toffee sauce. It’s warm, tasty, and comforting!
Get the Recipe: Sticky Toffee Pudding

Peppermint Bark

A beautifully presented photo of Peppermint Bark
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This homemade chocolate peppermint bark recipe is easy to make with just 5 ingredients. Make a batch for Christmas gifts and holiday parties!
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Bark

Snowball Cookies (Nutella Stuffed)

A delightful Snowball Cookies (Nutella Stuffed)
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Stuff these snowball cookies with Nutella for a chocolatey twist on classic powdered sugar cookies. They’re perfect for Christmas!
Get the Recipe: Snowball Cookies (Nutella Stuffed)

Yule Log Recipe

Yule Log Recipe
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

This chocolate yule log recipe will make your whole holiday! Chocolate cake spiraled around a fluffy chocolate filling & frosted with whipped ganache.
Get the Recipe: Yule Log Recipe

Hershey Kiss Cookies

A delightful Hershey Kiss Cookies
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Hershey Kiss Cookies are a classic cookie recipe that’s easy and loved by all! These peanut butter kiss cookies are perfect for Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Hershey Kiss Cookies

Holiday Punch Recipe (Easy Christmas Punch)

Holiday Punch Recipe (Easy Christmas Punch) at its finest
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Holiday Punch is one of our favorite easy drink recipes for Christmas! You can make it with or without alcohol. So tasty!
Get the Recipe: Holiday Punch Recipe (Easy Christmas Punch)

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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