The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and indulge in delicious food. Winter calls for recipes that are warm, hearty, and full of seasonal flavors to create that cozy holiday feeling. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a friends’ dinner, or simply looking for something comforting to cook at home, we’ve rounded up some of the best holiday recipes to try in 2024. From savory main courses to delightful desserts, these dishes will bring the flavors and warmth of the season right to your table.

1. Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Nothing says winter comfort like a warm bowl of soup. This roasted butternut squash and apple soup is creamy, flavorful, and packed with seasonal ingredients. It’s the perfect starter to any holiday meal or a light dinner on a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss the squash, apples, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
2. In a large pot, sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes, then add roasted vegetables.
3. Add vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth, then stir in coconut milk or cream.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme.

2. Classic Beef Bourguignon

A French classic, beef bourguignon is a rich, flavorful stew that’s perfect for cold winter nights. Made with tender beef, red wine, mushrooms, and carrots, it’s a hearty dish that’s sure to impress at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 4 cups red wine (Pinot Noir or Merlot)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the beef with salt and pepper. In a large pot, sear the beef until browned on all sides.
2. Remove beef, add onions, garlic, and carrots, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in tomato paste and flour, then add wine and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the beef back in, cover, and let simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours.
5. Add mushrooms during the last 30 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

3. Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham

A festive glazed ham is a holiday classic, and this cranberry-orange version adds a fresh, seasonal twist. The sweet-tart glaze makes for a beautiful presentation and an unforgettable flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked spiral ham (about 8-10 lbs)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Orange slices and fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place the ham on a roasting rack.
2. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, mustard, and rosemary. Cook until sugar dissolves.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham, covering it generously.
4. Bake the ham for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with more glaze.
5. Garnish with orange slices and cranberries before serving.

4. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Pecans

For a vegetarian option that’s as delicious as it is festive, stuffed acorn squash with quinoa, pecans, and cranberries is a great choice. It’s a nutrient-packed, hearty side or main dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub the squash halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast face-down for 30 minutes.
2. In a skillet, sauté the onion until soft, then add quinoa, pecans, and cranberries. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spoon the quinoa mixture into each squash half and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

5. Spiced Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and Marshmallows

No holiday meal is complete without a cozy drink. This spiced hot chocolate adds a twist to the classic with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Top it with whipped cream and marshmallows for an indulgent winter treat.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups milk of choice (whole, almond, or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
• Whipped cream and marshmallows for topping

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Heat over medium, stirring until warm, then add dark chocolate and whisk until melted.
3. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and marshmallows.

6. Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars

These gingerbread cheesecake bars combine two holiday favorites: gingerbread and cheesecake! With a spiced cookie crust and creamy cheesecake filling, they’re an irresistible treat for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• Crust: 1 cup gingersnap crumbs, 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Filling: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine gingersnap crumbs and melted butter, pressing into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan.
2. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla, ginger, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Pour over the crust and bake for 20-25 minutes until set. Cool, slice, and serve.

7. Classic Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Bread pudding is a comfort food staple that’s especially popular during the holiday season. Warm, custardy, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla sauce, this dessert is easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:

• Bread Pudding: 4 cups stale bread, cubed; 1.5 cups milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 3 eggs; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Vanilla Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla.
2. Pour over bread cubes and let soak for 10 minutes. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
3. For the sauce, heat cream and sugar, then add vanilla. Drizzle over warm bread pudding.

Conclusion: Enjoying a Cozy Holiday Season with Delicious Food

These holiday recipes are all about comfort, warmth, and seasonal flavors. From savory, hearty main dishes to sweet, indulgent desserts, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. This winter, bring the spirit of the season to your table with these delicious and festive recipes. Each dish is easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones, making your holiday gatherings feel extra cozy and special. Enjoy the magic of winter and create lasting memories with these delightful holiday recipes!