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    Home » Christmas » Best Christmas Recipes and Menu

    Best Christmas Recipes and Menu

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    The best Christmas recipes and menu for the season is here! It looks like the holidays is looking very different for many of us this year. Most of us are planning a small and intimate dinner for our immediate family, some might be planning a virtual celebration, or some might still be cooking up a huge feast and boxing it up for family and friends.

    The best Christmas recipes and menu includes appetizers, main course, side dishes, soup and salad, bread, dessert and drinks for a festive holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    However you are celebrating this year, let me make it easy by sharing lots of options for planning out the best Christmas recipes and menu, including everything from appetizers, the main course, side dishes, soup and salad, bread, dessert and festive drinks. I even share some recipes for all those delicious Christmas dinner leftovers.

    Christmas Appetizers

    Before we dig into our epic Christmas dinner feast, we need something to snack on. Try a classic holiday charcuterie board with creamy hummus and sourdough crackers, quick and easy classic deviled eggs, or bite-sized crostini like tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze or curried white bean crostini.

    Pick one to three of the following starters to feature on your Christmas dinner menu:

    Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms are a delicious, flavorful, healthy, and nutritious appetizer. Plus, quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes including prep! | aheadofthyme.com

    Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

    This baked spinach artichoke dip is quick, easy, creamy, flavorful, and delicious. This warm dip is baked in the oven and served with bread or crackers. | aheadofthyme.com

    Spinach Artichoke Dip

    Enjoy street vendor roasted chestnuts at home in three different ways — roast in the oven, cook over the stove, or in the air fryer. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Chestnuts (Three Ways)

    Bacon wrapped chicken bites are one of the best appys ever — well seasoned tender juicy chicken is wrapped in bacon and oven-baked to crisp perfection. | aheadofthyme.com

    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    This easy charcuterie board is the perfect appetizer to impress with minimal effort— made with cheese, cured meats, crackers, dips, olives, fruit, and nuts. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make a Charcuterie Board

    Pigs in a blanket from scratch are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack to make for your next party or gathering — juicy, cheesy, flaky, and buttery. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pigs in a Blanket

    Antipasto skewers with tortellini are a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer with the best parts of a traditional antipasto platter but easier to eat. | aheadofthyme.com

    Antipasto Skewers

    Mashed potato balls are a delicious appetizer that is crisp on the outside and soft, tender, and cheesy inside. Best way to use leftover mashed potatoes! | aheadofthyme.com

    Mashed Potato Balls

    Olive tapenade is a delicious, flavorful, easy dip that comes together in minutes, made with the perfect combination of sharp, tangy, salty, and savory. | aheadofthyme.com

    Olive Tapenade

    This homemade veggie tray is a quick easy healthy snack or appetizer to make for your next party, with a variety of colorful vegetables and delicious dips. | aheadofthyme.com

    Veggie Tray

    Whipped feta crostini with a herby olive topping is quick and easy snack or appetizer that is ready in less than 20 minutes — or 10 minutes if you’re fast. | aheadofthyme.com

    Whipped Feta Crostini

    Cranberry baked brie is a sweet and savory appetizer you need to try this holiday season. It's quick and easy, melty and gooey, and so delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Baked Brie

    Bacon cheddar cheese ball is an easy to make appetizer and delicious showstopper at holiday parties or game day. It's creamy, cheesy, and nutty. | aheadofthyme.com

    Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

    Candied pecans are a delicious, crunchy, and sweet snack during the holidays or great topped on salads and more. Made with five pantry staple in 10 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Candied Pecans

    Whipped feta is light, airy, and fluffy. It's an easy yet impressive recipe that takes only 5 minutes to make in a blender with 3 simple ingredients. | aheadofthyme.com

    Whipped Feta

    Marinated mozzarella balls is a delicious and simple yet stunning appetizer, made with fresh bocconcini soaked in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. | aheadofthyme.com

    Marinated Mozzarella Balls

    Caramelized onion dip is creamy, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This easy appetizer is perfect for entertaining, on game day, or for a snack. | aheadofthyme.com

    Caramelized Onion Dip

    Fig crostini topped sweet, juicy figs, tangy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios is flavourful, delicious, and perfect for snacking on or entertaining. | aheadofthyme.com

    Fig Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pistachios

    Potato galette with arugula and crème fraîche is a rich, light, and delicious savoury tart to serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A total crowd-pleaser. | aheadofthyme.com

    Potato Galette with Arugula and Crème Fraîche

    Spinach and feta quiche is healthy and gluten-free with a keto cauliflower crust and savoury vegetarian filling. Serve for breakfast, lunch or dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Spinach and Feta Quiche with Cauliflower Crust

    Smooth and creamy pesto hummus is a healthy, delicious and flavourful dip that is easy to make in just 5 minutes. It's vegan and gluten-free. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pesto Hummus

    Tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze is an easy Italian appetizer topped with tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil and olive oil. Delicious, fresh and simple. | aheadofthyme.com

    Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

    Light and airy, whipped ricotta dip is so easy to make in just 5 minutes with a few fresh ingredients including fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, and honey. | aheadofthyme.com

    Whipped Ricotta Dip

    Whipped ricotta crostini is a fancy easy appetizer to make in just minutes or prepare in advance and assemble before serving. A total crowd pleaser. | aheadofthyme.com

    Whipped Ricotta Crostini

    Homemade tater tots with bacon are golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender inside. They're packed with flavour and a total family favourite. | aheadofthyme.com

    Homemade Tater Tots with Bacon

    Warm, rich, creamy baked spinach dip is a delicious and easy appetizer that is baked until warm and melty. Easy to make ahead and a total crowd pleaser. | aheadofthyme.com

    Baked Spinach Dip

    Fried mac and cheese balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and have the perfect crunch. Best way to use leftover mac and cheese. | aheadofthyme.com

    Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

    Make creamy pumpkin hummus in under 5 minutes with a few pantry staples including canned pumpkin. It's the best healthy and delicious fall snack or appy. | aheadofthyme.com

    Creamy Pumpkin Hummus

    One-ingredient homemade baked apple chips are healthy, light, crispy and so addictive. They contain no added sugar and are so easy to make at home. | aheadofthyme.com

    Baked Apple Chips

    Quick and easy sourdough discard crackers are thin, crispy, crunchy and flavoured with sesame seeds, dried herbs and flaked salt. They are so addictive. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sourdough Discard Crackers with Sesame Seeds

    Crisp apples, peppery arugula, crunchy pecans and warm, melty aged cheddar cheese ... you seriously cannot go wrong with apple and arugula flatbread. | aheadofthyme.com

    Apple and Arugula Flatbread

    Curried white bean crostini with toasted pepitas is the perfect, sophisticated holiday appetizer that is ready to serve in under 15 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Curried White Bean Crostini with Toasted Pepitas

    This butternut squash galette (free-form tart) is the perfect meal any time of day! Serve it with a fried egg for breakfast or alongside a big salad for lunch or dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Butternut Squash Galette (Free-Form Tart)

    Get ready for spring with this impressive appetizer, crostini with ricotta, peas and mint! The way creamy ricotta pairs with fresh English peas and mint is unparalleled! Trust me, SO delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Crostini with Ricotta, Peas and Mint

    Smoked salmon and cream cheese cracker bites are topped with cucumber and argula to make the perfect bite-size snacks. | aheadofthyme.com

    Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Cracker Bites

    Looking for the perfect appetizer or light lunch? Try a tomato and mozzarella tart topped with basil and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses! | aheadofthyme.com

    Tomato and Mozzarella Tart

    See all Christmas appetizers.

    Christmas Main Course

    The main course entree for Christmas dinner has to be a showstopper. You can't go wrong with a classic holiday glazed baked ham or whole roast turkey (that requires no brining tender). Or opt for a smaller dish like tender herb-crusted rack of lamb or a juicy roasted turkey breast or slow cooker turkey breast.

    Pick one of the following mains to feature on your Christmas dinner menu:

    Instant pot whole turkey is a tender, juicy, and delicious holiday main. Ready in under 2 hours, it's the fastest and easiest way to cook a whole turkey! | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Whole Turkey

    Instant pot osso buco is a delicious, classic Italian recipe with braised veal shanks stewed with vegetables in a thick, savory red wine and tomato sauce. | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Osso Buco

    Homemade roast beef is roasted on high heat and slow cooked on low heat for the best texture — browned crust on the outside and tender, moist, juicy inside. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roast Beef

    Pesto whole chicken baked over a bed of vegetables is the juiciest and most flavorful chicken you’ll ever taste. Quick and easy to prep and pop in the oven. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pesto Whole Chicken

    Quick easy roasted pork tenderloin with sauce is juicy, tender, and flavorful. Ready in 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Pork Tenderloin

    Instant pot turkey roast with homemade gravy is easy to prepare in minutes, the fastest way to cook turkey, and delivers flavorful, juicy, tender turkey. | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Turkey Roast

    Instant pot cranberry chicken is sweet, tart, savory, and delicious. Make this chicken dinner in the pressure cooker in just 30 minutes. So quick and easy! | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Cranberry Chicken

    Instant pot turkey thighs are tender, juicy, and delicious. Perfect for a small holiday dinner or weeknight dinner with little effort and 10 minutes prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Turkey Thighs

    Instant pot turkey breast is the most tender and juicy turkey you’ll ever try. It's so easy to make in the pressure cooker and requires little prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Turkey Breast

    Instant pot whole chicken with gravy is tender, juicy, and flavorful. It's the fastest way to cook a whole rotisserie chicken for dinner in just 40 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Whole Chicken

    Harissa spatchcock chicken (butterflied chicken) is juicy and tender, has the crispiest skin, and is packed with flavor from red pepper harissa paste. | aheadofthyme.com

    Harissa Spatchcock Chicken

    Tender juicy Asian sesame soy turkey roast is a creative take on a holiday classic, packed with sweet, salty, and savoury umami flavours in every bite. | aheadofthyme.com

    Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast

    Sheet pan lamb chops with vegetables are healthy and delicious, easy to make, and easier to clean up. Perfect for busy weeknights or a holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sheet Pan Lamb Chops

    Sweet and savoury pineapple glazed ham slices are perfect for a holiday dinner. With a caramelized glaze, this ham is dressed to impress. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pineapple Glazed Ham Slices

    Easy Mediterranean slow cooker leg of lamb with vegetables is succulent, tender, juicy, and flavourful, seasoned with fresh herbs. Prep the crockpot in just 15 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb with Vegetables

    This delicious garlic and herb-crusted rack of lamb is tender, juicy, and flavourful. It is surprisingly quick and easy to make at home in about 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

    Asian five-spice roast turkey is tender and juicy, marinated with a delicious flavourful Asian rub and has a crispy brown skin. The perfect holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Asian Five-Spice Roast Turkey

    Easy holiday glazed baked ham is juicy, succulent and flavourful, coated in a brown sugar honey glaze with and baked until caramelized and golden brown. | aheadofthyme.com

    Holiday Glazed Baked Ham

    Quick and easy, glazed honey balsamic pork chops are tender and juicy, seared in thyme and coated with a honey balsamic sauce. Make it in under 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Glazed Honey Balsamic Pork Chops

    Easy Greek lemon garlic whole roast chicken is tender, juicy and succulent with the crispiest skin. Prep this flavourful one pan meal in just 15 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Greek Lemon Garlic Whole Roast Chicken

    Roasted balsamic chicken with cranberries is a quick and easy 30-minute weeknight dinner made with tender chicken thighs in a sweet and tangy marinade. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries

    Easy one pan honey glazed roast pork is moist, tender, and juicy, coated with an irresistible honey glaze and packed with potatoes, green beans and apples. | aheadofthyme.com

    Honey Glazed Roast Pork with Vegetables

    Easy roast lamb with vegetables is tender, juicy, and succulent and packed incredible flavour. This fancy holiday dinner is easy to prep in just 15 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Roast Lamb with Vegetables

    Tender, succulent and flavourful, easy roasted turkey legs with crispy skin and vegetables is a complete wholesome turkey dinner and family favourite. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Turkey Legs with Vegetables

    Soy glazed braised turkey breast with Asian five-spice is moist, tender, succulent and the juiciest turkey ever with browned and crispy skin. So flavourful. | aheadofthyme.com

    Soy Glazed Braised Turkey Breast with Five-Spice

    Slow cooker whole chicken is soft and tender and literally falls off the bone. It is the easiest way to cook a rotisserie chicken with a few minutes prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

    Soft, tender and juicy slow cooker turkey breast with the crispiest skin and fresh fall herbs is the easiest way to cook a turkey this holiday season. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

    Quick and easy roasted spatchcock chicken (butterflied chicken) seasoned with garlic and thyme is juicy, tender, delicious and flavourful with minimal prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Spatchcock Chicken (Butterflied Chicken)

    Ground beef meat pie with a flaky puff pastry double crust pie is filled with ground beef cooked with vegetables and seasonings. The ultimate comfort food. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ground Beef Meat Pie

    Easy Dutch oven whole roast chicken with the crispiest golden skin is juicy, tender and succulent and packed with flavour. Just takes 15 minutes to prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Dutch Oven Whole Roast Chicken

    Easy juicy roasted turkey breast is the PERFECT holiday dinner, minus the headache...tender meat, crispy skin, and a layer of roasted onions. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast

    Make Thanksgiving easier with the best and juiciest roast turkey ever! It cooks faster and requires NO brining! | aheadofthyme.com

    The Best and Juiciest Roast Turkey Ever

    Ready in under 30 minutes, juicy and tender garlic rosemary rack of lamb is an exquisite dish bursting with incredible flavours in each and every bite. | aheadofthyme.com

    Garlic Rosemary Rack of Lamb

    See all Christmas main courses.

    Christmas Sides

    Once you have figured out the main dish that you will be serving, it's time to think about the sides. From creamy and cheesy casseroles, to fresh and light seasonal salads, to vegetable side dishes, and more, there are so many best Christmas recipes to choose from. Some of my favourites are creamy potatoes au gratin, hasselback potatoes with garlic herb butter, and creamy brussels sprouts bake.

    Pick two to four of the following sides to feature on your Christmas dinner menu:

    Easy Cornbread Muffins are moist, fluffy, tender, and sweet. They're the perfect side dish to serve with a Southern barbecue or Thanksgiving holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cornbread Muffins

    Oven-roasted corn on the cob with homemade garlic butter is buttery, juicy, crunchy, and perfectly charred on the outside — without a grill. | aheadofthyme.com

    Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

    These crispy smashed potatoes are the perfect side dish. They’re easy to make, crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, and so flavorful. | aheadofthyme.com

    Crispy Smashed Potatoes

    Parmesan crusted Brussels sprouts are a quick, easy, delicious side dish that's perfectly crispy outside and soft and tender inside. Ready in 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts

    Vegetarian mushroom gravy is creamy, savory and thick, easy to make, loaded with flavor, and pairs well with everything! Make it vegan and dairy-free too. | aheadofthyme.com

    Mushroom Gravy

    Mashed red potatoes are a simple and easy side dish with elegant flavor and plenty of nutrition. They are creamy, comforting, and have the best texture. | aheadofthyme.com

    Mashed Red Potatoes

    Easy honey balsamic Brussels sprouts are a sweet savory side dish that's roasted until tender and caramelized, and coated in a delicious flavourful glaze. | aheadofthyme.com

    Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

    Scalloped potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, indulgent side dish that will make cheese lovers swoon. Every bite is savory, rich, comforting, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Scalloped Potatoes

    Pesto green beans is a simple side dish that is quick and easy to make in under 10 minutes, tossed in buttery toasted walnuts and pesto. So delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pesto Green Beans

    Classic baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and cozy, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It's quick and easy too. | aheadofthyme.com

    Baked Mac and Cheese

    Spinach gratin is a rich and creamy side dish with a layer of crispy melty cheese on top. This fancy side is easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly. | aheadofthyme.com

    Spinach Gratin

    Creamy corn casserole is a comforting side dish that is creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and filling — a classic and traditional Thanksgiving holiday side. | aheadofthyme.com

    Corn Casserole

    Butternut squash salad is a light meal that's loaded with fall flavors — roasted butternut squash, baby kale, walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta. | aheadofthyme.com

    Butternut Squash Salad

    Green bean casserole is a classic holiday side dish packed with fresh green beans in a delicious creamy mushroom sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions. | aheadofthyme.com

    Green Bean Casserole

    Air fryer butternut squash is a healthy side dish that is crispy on the outside and soft inside. It's faster than roasting in the oven and needs less oil. | aheadofthyme.com

    Air Fryer Butternut Squash

    Creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and delicious side dish to make this fall. Easy to make ahead and reheats well — perfect for Thanksgiving holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Creamed Spinach

    Creamy garlic mushrooms are a simple, delicious, and easy side dish. This comforting family favorite that is quick and easy to make in just 15 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Creamy Garlic Mushrooms

    Quick and easy air fryer broccoli is a healthy side dish that takes just six minutes to cook in the air fryer. It's crispy, delicious, and flavorful. | aheadofthyme.com

    Air Fryer Broccoli

    Honey roasted carrots are a sweet, savoury, and salty side dish that pairs well with almost any entree. With these flavours, everyone will want seconds. | aheadofthyme.com

    Honey Roasted Carrots

    Roasted spring vegetables are an easy sheet pan side dish packed with all our favourite veggies of the season. Plus, it's so easy to prep and make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Spring Vegetables

    Crispy leaf potatoes are a delicious potato side dish made with layers of buttery, sliced potatoes that crisp up when baked. The perfect side dish. | aheadofthyme.com

    Crispy Leaf Potatoes

    Quick and easy Greek lemon roasted baby potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender inside, packed with a Greek flavour blend of lemon, garlic and herbs. | aheadofthyme.com

    Greek Lemon Roasted Baby Potatoes

    Flaky cornmeal cheddar biscuits are simple, buttery, cheesy, and so delicious. These savoury biscuits with perfect golden tops are quick and easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits

    Easy creamy ham and potatoes au gratin is a great way to use leftover ham with tender sliced potatoes and a cheesy béchamel sauce. The best comfort food. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ham and Potatoes au Gratin

    Browse the top 50 most popular best Christmas side dishes recipes for the holidays from potatoes, cheesy casseroles, vegetable sides, fresh salads and more. | aheadofthyme.com

    50 Best Christmas Side Dishes

    Quick and easy, creamy stovetop mac and cheese with white cheddar is a delicious and comforting one pot 20-minute meal packed with three types of cheese. | aheadofthyme.com

    Stovetop Mac and Cheese with White Cheddar

    Cranberry pumpkin steamed buns (baozi) are light, spongy, and fluffy Chinese buns packed with colourful cranberries and pumpkin puree for the best flavour. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Pumpkin Steamed Buns

    Quick and easy roasted garlic Parmesan baby potatoes are crispy on the edges and tender inside. They are delicious, flavourful and bakes in just 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

    Take the stress out of the holidays and prepare easy make-ahead cranberry sauce days before Thanksgiving dinner in 15 minutes with just 3 ingredients. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce

    Quick easy roasted garlic green beans are tangy, sour, savoury, and sweet, with a tender and crunchy texture. Make them in the oven or air fryer in minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Garlic Green Beans (Air Fryer or Oven)

    Healthy mashed potatoes are velvety, creamy, and delicious, with a fraction of the calories. Substitute with low-fat milk, Greek yogurt and chicken stock. | aheadofthyme.com

    Healthy Mashed Potatoes

    Crispy and tender, easy air fryer baby potatoes are a healthier take on a classic side dish without compromising taste or texture. Cooks in just 20 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

    Craving a big serving of mashed potatoes but with a quarter of the calories? Now you can with creamy garlic mashed cauliflower. Ready in just 20 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

    Soft and tender, easy roasted pumpkin wedges with Parmesan cheese is the easiest and most delicious side dishes to make this fall. Prep it in just minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Pumpkin Wedges with Parmesan Cheese

    Velvety and smooth, garlic mashed potatoes with sour cream are the best, flavourful make-ahead side dish ever. Garlicky, buttery, creamy, and pure comfort. | aheadofthyme.com

    Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

    Delicious, garlicky, cheesy and creamy brussels sprouts bake is the ultimate comfort food side dish. So flavourful and the best way to eat brussels sprouts. | aheadofthyme.com

    Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake

    Creamy, buttery, and delicious, this is the best and creamiest mashed potatoes recipe you will ever find. It's velvety, smooth, and melts in your mouth. | aheadofthyme.com

    The Best and Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

    Sweet potato casserole with pecans packed with tender sweet potatoes and a buttery crunchy pecan topping is the best fall side dish for Thanksgiving dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

    This silky smooth and delicious, easy 2-ingredient turkey gravy takes less than 10 minutes to prepare using turkey drippings and no turkey stock. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy 2-Ingredient Turkey Gravy

    Buttery sautéed garlic green beans is a simple side dish that is quick, easy and delicious. Make these vibrant, crispy and tender green beans in 10 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sautéed Garlic Green Beans

    Easy vegetarian cornbread stuffing is the perfect make-ahead side dish to serve this Thanksgiving. So flavourful, moist and soft, yet crispy golden on top. | aheadofthyme.com

    Vegetarian Cornbread Stuffing

    Buttery sautéed garlic mushrooms are silky smooth with an incredible caramelization and earthy rich flavour. A simple side dish in under 15 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms

    Delicious, easy pumpkin focaccia bread with fresh herbs is soft, fluffy, and springy, yet so crispy on the outside. Just 15 minutes of actual prep required. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pumpkin Focaccia with Fresh Herbs

    Wholesome, hearty, curried chickpea stuffed acorn squash with curry flavours is the perfect vegan and gluten-free fall comfort food for your holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Curried Chickpea Stuffed Acorn Squash

    Quick and easy pumpkin dinner rolls are soft and fluffy, flaky and butter, and perfect to serve alongside a warm and cozy fall meal or Thanksgiving dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

    Healthy hearty and wholesome stuffed butternut squash with wild rice and mushrooms is an easy cozy vegetarian fall dinner or side. The best comfort food. | aheadofthyme.com

    Stuffed Butternut Squash with Wild Rice

    Sweet and savoury, buttery rosemary cornbread is soft and moist with golden crispy edges, flavourful and delicious, and so easy to make this holiday season. | aheadofthyme.com

    Rosemary Cornbread

    One pan roasted harvest vegetables with butternut squash, brussels sprouts and baby potatoes is the best fall side dish. So easy to prep in just minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    One Pan Roasted Harvest Vegetables

    Roasted butternut squash is the easiest vegan side dish you need this fall. It has a ton of flavour with just a few simple pantry staples. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Butternut Squash

    Quick and easy roasted cauliflower is a delicious, flavourful side dish that you throw on a sheet pan and into the oven. Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Roasted Cauliflower

    No knead, easy rosemary garlic focaccia bread is thick with a perfect golden and crispy texture on the outside, but soft, fluffy and tender inside. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread

    Rich and creamy potatoes au gratin is the ultimate comfort food made with sliced potatoes, cheese, and milk. It's the perfect side dish for the holidays. | aheadofthyme.com

    Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin

    Velvety, smooth, and creamy, this savoury mashed sweet potatoes dish is quick and easy and can be made ahead of time -- it is the perfect side for your holiday meal. | aheadofthyme.com

    Savoury Mashed Sweet Potatoes

    With only a few ingredients, it is amazing how much flavour these 10-minute nutty green beans produce. Earthy green beans perfectly balance with crunchy pecans, and coated with smooth buttery goodness. | aheadofthyme.com

    10-Minute Nutty Green Beans

    Tender and crispy roasted air fryer brussels sprouts cooks in less than 12 minutes with very little oil. It is a holiday table game changer. | aheadofthyme.com

    Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

    These maple roasted carrots with yogurt sauce are not only stunning, but they get all caramelized and crispy around the sides from the maple syrup... pure perfection! | aheadofthyme.com

    Maple Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Sauce

    Cranberry walnut bread paired with sautéed apples, onions and rosemary is exactly what your holiday table needs! Hello cranberry walnut apple stuffing! | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Walnut Apple Stuffing

    Hasselback potatoes with garlic herb butter are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and buttery on the inside, infused with garlic and rosemary. | aheadofthyme.com

    Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter

    Take the stress out of entertaining with this easy, one-pan maple roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash side dish, filled with flavour in every bite. | aheadofthyme.com

    Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash

    Crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside, these flavourful, herb-roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect addition to your holiday table. | aheadofthyme.com

    Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

    Sweet and flavourful easy garlic and herb roasted carrots is the perfect side dish to your holiday (Easter) or everyday dinner! | aheadofthyme.com

    Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots

    Thanksgiving is not the same without thick and delicious, classic homemade turkey gravy made using leftover drippings and homemade turkey stock. | aheadofthyme.com

    Classic Homemade Turkey Gravy

    Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tender and caramelized, easy roasted brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic vinegar and honey is a classic household favourite to serve on your holiday table. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    See all Christmas sides.

    Christmas Soup & Salads

    I like to start Christmas dinners with a bowl of warm soup, whether that's a creamy cauliflower and garlic soup, roasted butternut squash soup, or creamy ham and potato soup. Soup is easy to make even a few days ahead, and leftovers last for up to 5 days. I also throw in a seasonal salad on the dinner menu like a winter kale salad with apple cider vinaigrette or apple walnut salad with balsamic vinaigrette. It balances out all the heavy comforting dishes quite nicely.

    Pick one soup and/or one salad to feature on your Christmas menu:

    Fall harvest salad with roasted butternut squash and apple is the only salad recipe you need this fall or winter. It's healthy, wholesome, and nourishing. | aheadofthyme.com

    Fall Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash and Apple

    Instant pot butternut squash soup is the perfect fall dish to cook in your pressure cooker — warm, cozy, comforting, and creamy. Make in 15 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

    Arugula salad with apple and pecan is a quick and easy fall salad made with fresh seasonal ingredients in just minutes. Perfect for a holiday dinner table. | aheadofthyme.com

    Arugula Salad with Apple and Pecan

    Mandarin orange salad is fresh, vibrant, tangy, and sweet, bursting with flavour, and topped with a delicious orange salad dressing. | aheadofthyme.com

    Mandarin Orange Salad

    Healthy and light, goat cheese and tangelo winter salad with creamy caesar dressing is flavourful, crunchy and takes just minutes to prepare. | aheadofthyme.com

    Goat Cheese and Tangelo Winter Salad

    Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: This delicious roasted butternut squash soup sums up the taste of the holidays in one spoon. Rosemary, sage and thyme, need I say more? | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

    Cozy winter kale salad with apple cider vinaigrette is easy to make with crispy apples, tangy goat cheese and crunchy spiced pecans in under 10 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Winter Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette and Spiced Pecans

    Easy butternut squash and apple soup with toasted croutons and pancetta is simple yet packed with flavour. It's healthy, warm, cozy and pure comfort food. | aheadofthyme.com

    Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Toasted Croutons

    Quick and easy 30-minute butternut squash soup is simple yet packed with flavour, is naturally vegan and gluten-free, and can be made ahead of time. | aheadofthyme.com

    30-Minute Butternut Squash Soup

    Creamy roasted butternut squash and cauliflower soup has all the fall feels and is vegan and gluten-free. Plus, it's super easy to make in a sheet pan. | aheadofthyme.com

    Roasted Butternut Squash and Cauliflower Soup

    Bursting with flavor, this comforting, vegetarian carrot pumpkin soup is wholesome, nutritious and perfect to feed a whole family on a lazy night. | aheadofthyme.com

    Carrot Pumpkin Soup

    Have an apple today and keep the doctor away with this fresh, fall favourite -- apple walnut salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Throw together crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries for a taste of the holidays. | aheadofthyme.com

    Apple Walnut Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Coconut curry pumpkin soup is a bowl of comfort with a kick. This soup comes together in less than 30 minutes using a handful of ingredients! | aheadofthyme.com

    Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup

    See all Christmas soup and salad.

    Christmas Bread

    We always have a bread basket with an assortment of bread on our Christmas table. Some of my favourites to serve during the holidays are rosemary cornbread, cheesy garlic dinner rolls, simple homemade biscuits, and easy rosemary garlic focaccia bread. You can make bread ahead of time and store it at room temperature for a couple of days or in the refrigerator for longer. You could even freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply let it thaw overnight and reheat when ready to serve.

    Pick one or two of the following bread to feature on your Christmas menu:

    Easy Cornbread Muffins are moist, fluffy, tender, and sweet. They're the perfect side dish to serve with a Southern barbecue or Thanksgiving holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cornbread Muffins

    Flaky Garlic Cheddar Biscuits are a simple but delicious and flavorful no yeast bread that is ready for the oven with less than 15 minutes prep. | aheadofthyme.com

    Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

    Pesto babka is a showstopping loaf of bread that is savory, delicious, and flavorful with beautiful twists and turns. Plus, it is surprisingly easy to make! | aheadofthyme.com

    Pesto Babka

    Garlic knots are fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and topped with delicious savory garlic herbed butter that will have you begging for more. | aheadofthyme.com

    Garlic Knots

    Soft garlic breadsticks are fluffy, airy, buttery, and delicious. They're an easy recipe that is perfect for beginners at baking bread. | aheadofthyme.com

    Garlic Breadsticks

    Brioche bread is a buttery, soft and pillowy pastry-like bread rich in flavour with a beautiful golden brown crust. Made with 20 minutes of prep work. | aheadofthyme.com

    Brioche Bread

    No knead sesame bread is chewy, springy and airy with the perfect crunchy crust coated with sesame seeds. Easy to make with 10 minutes prep and no kneading. | aheadofthyme.com

    No Knead Sesame Bread

    Flaky cornmeal cheddar biscuits are simple, buttery, cheesy, and so delicious. These savoury biscuits with perfect golden tops are quick and easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits

    Sweet cinnamon raisin challah bread is airy, soft and fluffy with a beautiful golden crust coated with almonds. It is braided and baked in a loaf pan. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cinnamon Raisin Challah Bread with Almonds

    Whole wheat cranberry bread is chewy, fluffy and airy, packed with dried cranberries and seeds, and has a perfect crunchy crust topped with oats and seeds. | aheadofthyme.com

    Whole Wheat Cranberry Bread

    Beautiful three-strand braided loaves of easy challah bread are light, soft and fluffy, with a golden brown crust. Rich in flavour and slightly sweet. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Challah Bread

    Quick and easy, 90-minute cheesy garlic dinner rolls are soft and fluffy, buttery and garlicky, and full of cheese inside. The perfect side for dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls

    Delicious, easy pumpkin focaccia bread with fresh herbs is soft, fluffy, and springy, yet so crispy on the outside. Just 15 minutes of actual prep required. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pumpkin Focaccia with Fresh Herbs

    Quick and easy pumpkin dinner rolls are soft and fluffy, flaky and butter, and perfect to serve alongside a warm and cozy fall meal or Thanksgiving dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

    Sweet and savoury, buttery rosemary cornbread is soft and moist with golden crispy edges, flavourful and delicious, and so easy to make this holiday season. | aheadofthyme.com

    Rosemary Cornbread

    Easy no knead tomato focaccia is so flavourful, packed with olive oil, tomatoes and fresh herbs. It's crispy and golden outside, fluffy and pillowy inside. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy No Knead Tomato Focaccia

    Soft and fluffy, quick dinner bread rolls are loaded with green onions and topped with flaked sea salt and sesame seeds. Ready in just 1.5 hours. | aheadofthyme.com

    Quick Dinner Bread Rolls with Green Onions

    Artisan green olive sourdough bread is airy and chewy, has a signature crispy crust, and is loaded with tangy green olives for a Mediterranean flair. | aheadofthyme.com

    Artisan Green Olive Sourdough Bread

    Small batch sourdough bread is airy and chewy with a crisp crust and a mild flavour. It takes less than 15 minutes of actual prep and requires no kneading. | aheadofthyme.com

    Small Batch Sourdough Bread

    Quick and easy butter croissants are flaky, buttery, airy, and authentic, and are made in the fraction of the time using a special simplified technique. | aheadofthyme.com

    Quick and Easy Butter Croissants

    No knead, easy rosemary garlic focaccia bread is thick with a perfect golden and crispy texture on the outside, but soft, fluffy and tender inside. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread

    These homemade no knead French baguettes are just what bread dreams are made of -- light, tender and airy crumb inside, and a crispy, crunchy crust outside. | aheadofthyme.com

    Homemade No Knead French Baguettes

    Easy small batch ciabatta rolls are fluffy and airy with a perfect crunchy, crackly crust. They take only 10 minutes to prepare and require no kneading. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Small Batch Ciabatta Rolls

    If you have never made bread before, then homemade, fluffy and airy small batch no-knead bread with a perfect crust is the best artisan bread to start with. | aheadofthyme.com

    Small Batch No-Knead Bread

    Flaky, fluffy, buttery, and soft, these easy homemade biscuits come together with only a handful of ingredients you already have at home! | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Homemade Biscuits

    Pull apart garlic bread is fluffy, buttery, flavourful, melts in your mouth, and tears easily for optimal sharing. You don't need any other bread at the dinner table. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pull Apart Garlic Bread

    These fluffy, quick and easy dinner rolls will melt in your mouth, making them the only bread recipe you’ll need to complement any meal! | aheadofthyme.com

    Quick and Easy Skillet Dinner Rolls

    See all Christmas bread.

    Christmas Dessert

    There is always room for dessert, no matter how filling your Christmas dinner is. Our most popular Christmas desserts are are gingerbread bundt cake with maple cinnamon glaze, holiday yule log cake, and cranberry-apple cobbler with biscuits. Oh and don't forget the cookies! Try making an epic holiday cookie box or platter and gift the extras to family and friends.

    Pick one or two (or as many as you like!) of the following desserts to feature on your Christmas menu:

    Sugar Cookie Bars are soft and chewy with homemade buttercream frosting on top. They're the easiest way to make sugar cookies with no cookie cutters! | aheadofthyme.com

    Sugar Cookie Bars

    No bake banana pudding parfaits are creamy, delicious, and sweet, with layers of homemade vanilla pudding, freshly sliced bananas, and wafer cookies. | aheadofthyme.com

    Banana Pudding

    Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie bars are a quick, easy, and lazy version of classic chocolate chip cookies that take half the prep time. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

    Easy French macarons with vanilla buttercream filling are sweet, light, airy, and delicate cookies that melt in your mouth. Beginners can make them too! | aheadofthyme.com

    French Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Filling

    Carrot cake muffins are moist, light, chewy and full of carrots which means breakfast this week is healthy! Carrot muffins are great for meal prep too. | aheadofthyme.com

    Carrot Cake Muffins

    Italian rainbow cookies are delicious, colorful, fluffy, and gorgeous, made with three cake layers sandwiched in between jam and covered in chocolate. | aheadofthyme.com

    Italian Rainbow Cookies

    Nutella mousse cups are rich, creamy, airy, and delicious. No bake and whipped together in just minutes with a few ingredients before it's ready to chill. | aheadofthyme.com

    Nutella Mousse Cups

    This fudgy double chocolate loaf cake is delicious, moist, and rich. It's easy to make with a quick one-bowl batter that's ready for the oven in 10 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Double Chocolate Loaf Cake

    Chocolate and vanilla marble cake is delicious, moist, fluffy with the perfect golden brown crust. With two classic cake flavors, this loaf cake has it all. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cake

    Dark chocolate raspberry truffles are so much easier to make than you think. It's as simple as combining quality chocolate, cream, raspberry jam, and cocoa. | aheadofthyme.com

    Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

    No bake gingerbread truffles with white chocolate are easy to make with just 3 simple ingredients including leftover gingersnaps. Perfect for the holidays. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Truffles

    Cake mix cookies are the easiest cookies to bake with just three simple ingredients in 20 minutes! Mix and match different cake mix flavors and add-ins. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cake Mix Cookies

    Thin crispy gingersnaps are a classic holiday cookie loaded with festive spices and molasses flavor. It's a no chill recipe that is quick and easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingersnaps

    Candy cane cookies are fun, festive holiday cookies with a red and white twist, buttery, crumbly, and sugary with peppermint for a classic Christmas flavor. | aheadofthyme.com

    Candy Cane Cookies

    M&M cookie bars are soft and chewy, have crisp edges with a gooey center, and are loaded with M&M's and chocolate chips. The easiest way to bake cookies! | aheadofthyme.com

    M&M Cookie Bars

    Gingerbread biscotti have the best crunchy and crumbly texture, are loaded with festive holiday spices, are easy to make, and stores well for weeks. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Biscotti

    This gingerbread house recipe with template is easy to make, fun to decorate, and delicious — soft and chewy, yet crunchy and sturdy with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread House

    Stained glass window cookies with a soft crisp sugar cookie base and smooth jolly rancher hard candy center are the prettiest holiday cookies and easy too. | aheadofthyme.com

    Stained Glass Window Cookies

    Cut out shortbread cookies are soft, buttery, and melt in your mouth. Made with a simple 5-ingredient cookie dough and decorated with optional royal icing. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cut Out Shortbread Cookies

    Peppermint snowball cookies are a buttery, nutty, shortbread holiday cookie that is topped with white chocolate and crushed candy canes. So festive! | aheadofthyme.com

    Peppermint Snowball Cookies

    Caramel brownies are rich, moist, and decadent. Baked from the thickest and indulgent chocolate batter and topped with a homemade creamy caramel sauce. | aheadofthyme.com

    Caramel Brownies

    Soft and chewy white chocolate cranberry cookies are golden brown with crisp edges, quick and easy, and freeze well — the perfect holiday cookie. | aheadofthyme.com

    Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

    Sugar cookies are golden brown with crispy edges and soft and thick on the inside. They are buttery and sweet, easy to make in one bowl, and freeze well. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sugar Cookies

    Cranberry sauce swirl cheesecake is creamy, smooth, and indulgent. With a gorgeous red swirl on top, it's the perfect holiday dessert for your next party. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Sauce Swirl Cheesecake

    Snickerdoodles are a classic holiday cookie that are soft, puffy, and chewy with crisp edges and a cinnamon-sugar coating. Easy to make and easy to eat. | aheadofthyme.com

    Snickerdoodles

    Pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese icing is a perfect fall dessert to serve this year — super moist inside, with a perfect golden brown crumby crust. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pumpkin Bundt Cake

    Sweet potato pie is warm and cozy, spiced with classic fall flavors, and delicious. Easy to make with cooked sweet potatoes or canned sweet potato puree. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sweet Potato Pie

    Pumpkin bread is fluffy, moist, and delicious. This classic fall loaf cake is loaded with real pumpkin and seasonal spices like cinnamon and ginger. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pumpkin Bread

    No bake pumpkin cheesecake is the easiest cheesecake to make this fall. It's light, smooth, creamy, and loaded with fall flavors like pumpkin and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com

    No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

    Pecan pie bars are the best and easiest way to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie but with half the effort and in a handheld bite-sized form. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pecan Pie Bars

    Apple crisp with tender cinnamon-sugar apples and crispy oat topping is sweet, tart, and just as delicious as an apple pie but takes a lot less effort. | aheadofthyme.com

    Apple Crisp

    Homemade salted caramel sauce is sweet, salty, and buttery. It's so simple and easy to make at home in just 10 minutes with 4 basic ingredients. | aheadofthyme.com

    Salted Caramel Sauce

    Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate buttercream frosting and sprinkles, are a chocolate triple threat. They're rich, decadent, sweet, and easy. | aheadofthyme.com

    Moist Chocolate Cupcakes

    Carrot cake biscotti is crunchy, crumbly, and satisfies all your carrot cake cravings. Enjoy these Italian cookies as is or with white chocolate. | aheadofthyme.com

    Carrot Cake Biscotti

    Carrot cake shortbread cookies are sweet and buttery, packed with carrots and walnuts, and spiced like your favourite carrot cake. A total treat. | aheadofthyme.com

    Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies

    Cute raspberry and white chocolate heart-shaped shortbread cookies literally melt in your mouth. They are the perfect Valentine's Day treat. | aheadofthyme.com

    Raspberry and White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

    Molten chocolate lava cakes are rich and fudgy with a classic gooey chocolate center that flows out like lava. So simple and easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

    Chocolate covered strawberries are fancy, decadent, bite-sized treats that are loved by all. They are so simple and easy to make at home. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    Easy slice and bake pecan shortbread cookies are sweet, nutty and buttery shortbread cookies packed with finely chopped pecans that melt in your mouth. | aheadofthyme.com

    Slice and Bake Pecan Shortbread Cookies

    Sweet and nutty pecan snowball cookies (Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are little melt-in-your-mouth balls of buttery shortbread with nuts. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pecan Snowball Cookies

    Complete how-to guide to make the best holiday cookie box with the top Christmas holiday cookies including recipes and tips. It's the best Christmas gift. | aheadofthyme.com

    The Best Holiday Cookie Box

    Browse the top 30 most popular best Christmas cookies to add to your holiday baking list, from sugar cookies to gingerbread men to shortbread and more. | aheadofthyme.com

    30 Best Christmas Cookies

    Gingerbread Cookies | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Cookies

    Festive white chocolate peppermint gingerbread cookies are soft and chewy, dipped in white chocolate, with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy canes. | aheadofthyme.com

    White Chocolate Peppermint Gingerbread Cookies

    Sweet and tart cranberry-apple cobbler with biscuits is packed with fresh fruit and a buttery biscuit topping. This holiday favourite is easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry-Apple Cobbler with Biscuits

    Festive red and green M&M Christmas cookies are super soft and chewy with the crispiest edges. Quick and easy to make in 20 minutes with no chill time. | aheadofthyme.com

    M&M Christmas Cookies

    Browse the top 30 most popular best Christmas dessert recipes from cookies to festive cakes and more, there is always room for dessert during the holidays. | aheadofthyme.com

    30 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes

    Christmas sugar cookies with royal icing are golden brown and crisp on the outside, but soft and tender inside. The best and festive gourmet holiday cookie. | aheadofthyme.com

    Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

    Funfetti Christmas shortbread cookie bites are little bites of buttery melt-in-your-mouth shortbread packed with festive sprinkles for a fun holiday treat. | aheadofthyme.com

    Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

    Cranberry orange shortbread cookies are bursting with flavour from dried cranberries and fresh orange zest. These easy cookies are rolled, sliced and baked. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

    Holiday yule log cake (Bûche de Noël) with a chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream filling, and whipped chocolate ganache coating is a Christmas classic. | aheadofthyme.com

    Holiday Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)

    Soft and warmly spiced gingerbread linzer cookies with white chocolate ganache and dusted with confectioners' sugar is a delicious Christmas holiday cookie. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Linzer Cookies with White Chocolate

    Cranberry Sauce Oat Bars

    Melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter thumbprint cookies with raspberry jam and a drizzle of maple cinnamon glaze are the best holiday cookies and easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

    Don't throw away leftover cranberry sauce, instead create leftover cranberry sauce muffins with an oat streusel topping and enjoy for breakfast or dessert! | aheadofthyme.com

    Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins with Oat Streusel Topping

    Festive gingerbread muffins with vanilla bean glaze are light, airy and fluffy with warm fragrant festive spices and rich molasses. A perfect holiday treat. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Muffins with Vanilla Bean Glaze

    Soft chewy peanut butter blossoms topped with a chocolate kiss are a classic Christmas cookie that is easy to make during the holidays or any time of year. | aheadofthyme.com

    Peanut Butter Blossoms

    Sweet buttery linzer cookies are a classic Christmas cookie with flaky shortbread and fruit jam. The perfect festive holiday treat that melts in your mouth. | aheadofthyme.com

    Linzer Cookies

    Soft tender chewy chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic Christmas cookie that tastes like a rich fudgy brownie with a crackly crust and coated in sugar. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

    Festive cranberry pistachio biscotti are crunchy, delicious, and perfect for dunking. This Italian cookie is easy to make with warm holiday flavours. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

    Soft chewy ginger cookies packed with ginger, molasses, and cinnamon spice is the most warm and cozy cookie ever. These holiday cookies stay soft for days. | aheadofthyme.com

    Soft and Chewy Ginger Cookies

    This showstopping festive gingerbread bundt cake with maple cinnamon glaze and pecans is moist, soft, and fluffy, and packed with warm holiday spices. | aheadofthyme.com

    Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Maple Cinnamon Glaze

    Buttery, soft and moist, cranberry yogurt muffins are packed with tarty and sweet cranberries in every single bite. Great for breakfast, snack or dessert. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Yogurt Muffins

    Leftover cranberry sauce swirl pound cake is moist and tender with swirls of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy burst of flavour. So easy and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Sauce Swirl Pound Cake

    Decadent caramel pecan pie cheesecake bars with a graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling, and caramel pecan topping is perfect for Thanksgiving this fall. | aheadofthyme.com

    Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

    Thick, fluffy, chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is when pumpkin bread meets chocolate chip cookies. These no chill cookies are ready in under 20 mins. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Soft and fluffy, pumpkin cinnamon rolls are packed with pumpkin, layered with pumpkin spice, and topped with cream cheese icing. Best fall treat ever. | aheadofthyme.com

    Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

    Quick and easy Starbucks inspired mini glazed pumpkin scones are the perfect little fall treat packed with pumpkin flavour and topped with two sweet glazes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Mini Glazed Pumpkin Scones

    Easy no crust burnt Basque cheesecake is the easiest one bowl recipe. It is perfectly caramelized on the top and edges and creamy yet firm on the inside. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy No Crust Burnt Basque Cheesecake

    Flaky buttery easy puff pastry pie dough is the only recipe you will need this season. Make it in just 15 minutes for the best pie crust with flaky layers. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Puff Pastry Pie Dough

    These perfectly soft, chewy and a little crumby chocolate chunk peanut butter cookies literally melts in your mouth. Make them in under 20 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies

    These melt-in-your-mouth, homemade baked jelly donuts, coated in sugar and filled with sweet strawberry jam, are so soft, fluffy, spongy and airy. | aheadofthyme.com

    Baked Jelly Donuts with Strawberry Jam

    Small batch almond biscotti are crunchy, crumbly and packed with almonds, perfect for dunking into tea or coffee, and they are super easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Small Batch Almond Biscotti

    Soft and fluffy sourdough cinnamon roll twist bread is buttery and layered with cinnamon sugar. Prep it the night before and freshly bake it for breakfast. | aheadofthyme.com

    Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Twist Bread

    Brown butter oatmeal chocolate chip banana bread cookie bites are thick, fluffy, pillowy, cake-like little bites of banana bread heaven. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies

    Inspired by Starbucks lemon loaf, this moist, homemade lemon loaf with lemon glaze has the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, and so so flavourful. | aheadofthyme.com

    The Best Lemon Loaf with Lemon Glaze (Starbucks Copycat)

    Grab a tall glass of milk and start dipping the best homemade, soft-centered, chewy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies you will ever try! | aheadofthyme.com

    The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

    Super moist and perfectly spiced carrot cake with a creamy cheesecake topping is flavourful, comforting, and the perfect homemade spring dessert. | aheadofthyme.com

    Carrot Cake with Cheesecake Topping

    The cutest bite-sized treat to serve at any event are vanilla cake pops from scratch -- luckily, they are actually simple and easy to make! | aheadofthyme.com

    Vanilla Cake Pops from Scratch

    Any level baker can make a beautiful, decadent, thick and fluffy, classic New York cheesecake without any cracks using this easy to follow recipe. | aheadofthyme.com

    Classic New York Cheesecake

    A light, tender and flakey cranberry scone, drizzled with a sweet orange glaze is the perfect winter breakfast. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Scones with Orange Glaze

    Perfect for the holidays, this super moist and tender, festive yogurt fruitcake is loaded with dried fruits and nuts for a burst of flavour in every bite. | aheadofthyme.com

    Yogurt Fruitcake

    Make yourself a festive holiday drink in 5 minutes by combining creamy milk, chocolate, and minty candy canes for a cup of easy peppermint hot chocolate. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate

    Decadent and light, homemade healthier caramel apple fall cheesecake is made with a graham cracker crust, topped with caramel apples and caramel sauce. It's fall heaven. | aheadofthyme.com

    Healthier Caramel Apple Fall Cheesecake

    Easy homemade apple hand pies are the perfect fall treat -- stuffed with tender apples and cinnamon and wrapped in crispy, flakey, buttery crust. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Homemade Apple Hand Pies

    Spiced apple oatmeal muffins with crumb topping are packed with fresh apples, fall spices, and oats, to make the perfect breakfast, lunch or snack! | aheadofthyme.com

    Spiced Apple Oatmeal Muffins with Crumb Topping

    When you combine walnuts, raisins and dried fruit in a nutty banana bread, the result is a tender and moist loaf that is truly irresistible. | aheadofthyme.com

    Nutty Banana Bread

    Caramel cheesecake brownies are totally indulgent and worth the effort, so toss that prepared brownie mix away and bake this with a few easy ingredients! | aheadofthyme.com

    Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

    Celebrate love this Valentine's Day with adorable chocolate-dipped shortbread heart cookies for your hunny. Try and just have one! | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Heart Cookies

    No one will be able to resist this perfectly sweet and moist, glazed brown sugar bundt cake. Made with Greek yogurt for major decadence and richness! | aheadofthyme.com

    Glazed Brown Sugar Bundt Cake

    Soft, buttery, melt-in-your mouth jam-filled thumbprint cookies with almond glaze are the cutest, festive treat to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Jam-Filled Thumbprint Cookies with Almond Glaze

    Looking for a showstopper at your next holiday party? Incorporate the minty taste of candy canes into this gorgeous, festive candy cane layered cake! | aheadofthyme.com

    Candy Cane Layered Cake

    Apple cardamom cake with caramel pecan butter frosting is the perfect fall cake and is made by combining all your favourite fall flavours together. | aheadofthyme.com

    Apple Cardamom Cake with Caramel Pecan Butter Frosting

    Chocolate and Peppermint Christmas Bark: Chocolate and peppermint Christmas bark is the perfect treat this holiday season to wow your family and friends. | aheadofthyme.com

    Chocolate and Peppermint Christmas Bark

    The Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies: What is better than classic, soft and chewy peanut butter cookies? Umm... not a whole lot comes to mind. Get ready to fall in love with a cookie | aheadofthyme.com

    The Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

    See all Christmas desserts.

    Christmas Drinks

    And let's not forget fun and festive drinks that the whole family can enjoy. Try creamy, thick and smooth homemade non-alcoholic eggnog and you will never look back at storebought eggnog again. And end the night with a nice hot cup of peppermint hot chocolate to serve alongside dessert.

    Take one sip of this non-alcoholic homemade eggnog and you'll never look back at store-bought versions! It's creamy, thick and smooth! | aheadofthyme.com

    Non-Alcoholic Homemade Eggnog

    Make yourself a festive holiday drink in 5 minutes by combining creamy milk, chocolate, and minty candy canes for a cup of easy peppermint hot chocolate. | aheadofthyme.com

    Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate

    Christmas Dinner Leftovers

    Christmas leftovers might actually be one of the best parts of Christmas dinner. Which is also a very good reason to make a big holiday glazed baked ham or whole roast turkey even for a small intimate group. Think of the easy ham and potatoes au gratin or creamy ham and potato soup that you can make. Or how about a big pot of leftover turkey wild rice soup or some leftover turkey fried rice. And the cranberry sauce? Always make extra and bake up a storm. It's usually cranberry sauce oat bars or cranberry sauce muffins over here.

    Coconut turkey curry is creamy, rich, and flavorful. This delicious curry is the perfect recipe to make when you have turkey leftovers, ready in 30 minutes! | aheadofthyme.com

    Coconut Turkey Curry

    Leftover cranberry sauce smoothie is the perfect drink to make with holiday leftovers. Plus, this sweet and refreshing winter smoothie in ready in minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Sauce Smoothie

    Over 50 best Christmas leftovers recipes for leftover ham, turkey, roast beef, chicken, and leftover sides like cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and more! | aheadofthyme.com

    50 Best Christmas Leftovers Recipes

    Creamy turkey gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, rich, and delicious, made with good carbs, clean protein, and veggies in 25 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

    Cranberry sauce swirl cheesecake is creamy, smooth, and indulgent. With a gorgeous red swirl on top, it's the perfect holiday dessert for your next party. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Sauce Swirl Cheesecake

    Mashed potato soup is one of the best ways to use up leftover mashed potatoes. It’s creamy, cheesy, delicious, and ready in under 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Mashed Potato Soup

    Over 15 best most popular leftover cranberry sauce recipes including muffins, baked goods, sandwiches, smoothies, chicken dinner, and more! | aheadofthyme.com

    15 Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes

    Cranberry baked brie is a sweet and savory appetizer you need to try this holiday season. It's quick and easy, melty and gooey, and so delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Baked Brie

    Over 15 of our best and most popular leftover turkey recipes to transform those turkey leftovers into soups, pasta, rice, sandwiches, and more! | aheadofthyme.com

    15 Leftover Turkey Recipes

    Leftover turkey potato chowder is a creamy, savory, and delicious soup that is loaded with holiday leftovers. Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Turkey Potato Chowder

    Mashed potato cakes are light and fluffy inside, crispy golden outside, and so delicious and flavorful. The best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! | aheadofthyme.com

    Mashed Potato Cakes

    Creamy ham and potato soup is hearty, filling, and so flavourful. This warm and cozy one pot meal is the easiest weeknight meal to make in just 25 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

    Easy creamy ham and potatoes au gratin is a great way to use leftover ham with tender sliced potatoes and a cheesy béchamel sauce. The best comfort food. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ham and Potatoes au Gratin

    Cranberry Sauce Oat Bars

    Fried mac and cheese balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and have the perfect crunch. Best way to use leftover mac and cheese. | aheadofthyme.com

    Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

    Don't throw away leftover cranberry sauce, instead create leftover cranberry sauce muffins with an oat streusel topping and enjoy for breakfast or dessert! | aheadofthyme.com

    Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins with Oat Streusel Topping

    Leftover cranberry sauce swirl pound cake is moist and tender with swirls of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy burst of flavour. So easy and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cranberry Sauce Swirl Pound Cake

    Wholesome hearty one pot leftover turkey wild rice soup is the most comforting way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving turkey dinner. So easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

    Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup

    Leftover turkey fried rice with turkey, fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, vegetables, and classic Asian seasonings is a one skillet meal made in just 10 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

    Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

    Creamy and hearty Chinese-style borscht soup is loaded with carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and ham AND is both gluten-free and dairy-free. | aheadofthyme.com

    Creamy Chinese-Style Borscht Soup

    Baked mashed potato spring rolls combines the comforting flavours and textures of creamy mashed potatoes with a crisp crunchy layer of spring roll heaven. | aheadofthyme.com

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    Looking for comfort food in a hand-held serving? Well, put those holiday leftovers to good use and make leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce! | aheadofthyme.com

    Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce

    See all Christmas leftovers.

    Tips for Planning the Best Christmas Dinner Menu

    1. Plan your menu ahead of time. This will make your grocery runs go so much more smoothly, when you know exactly what you are preparing far in advance. Plus, you can even start preparing some of these Christmas dishes ahead of time. Some can be frozen and reheated from frozen, others can be made and stored in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature or in the refrigerator, according to recipe directions.
      • Make your main course fresh on the day of serving.
      • Some sides should also be made fresh on the day of serving, but there are many that can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator and reheated. Some easy make ahead sides are creamy mashed potatoes, stovetop mac and cheese with white cheddar, creamy garlic mashed cauliflower, and easy make ahead cranberry sauce.
      • All soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
      • Salads can be prepared in advance (chopping vegetables and mixing the dressing ingredients together), and assembled before serving. 
      • Most dessert can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the refrigerator . Some can even be made weeks in advance, frozen, and reheated in the oven.
    2. You can mix homemade and storebought. There is nothing wrong with getting some help by incorporating storebought items into your menu. If baking something for Christmas dessert is stressing you out, then just pick up a cake from the store instead.
    3. Prep your ingredients as much as possible. Once you have decided on the dishes to serve, prepare as much as you can in advance. Whether that is chopping vegetables, beating eggs, or preparing salad dressings. You can store all your prepared ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
    4. Set the table the night before. Take out the fancy dinnerware, flatware, glasses, placemats, and napkins and set the table the night before. Don't forget any special decorations and centrepieces. It's one less thing to worry about on Christmas.

    Did You Make Any of These Christmas Dinner Recipes?

    Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this easy Christmas dinner menu. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.

    Print
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    The best Christmas recipes and menu includes appetizers, main course, side dishes, soup and salad, bread, dessert and drinks for a festive holiday dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

    Best Christmas Recipes and Menu


    ★★★★★

    5 from 2 reviews

    • Author: Sam | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 6 hours
    • Yield: 4-8
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    The best Christmas recipes and menu includes appetizers, main course, side dishes, soup and salad, bread, dessert and drinks for a festive holiday dinner. 


    Ingredients

    • 1-3 appetizers
    • 1 main course
    • 2-4 sides
    • 1 soup and/or salad
    • 1-2 bread
    • 1-2 desserts
    • 1 holiday drink

    Instructions

    1. Plan your menu ahead of time. This will make your grocery runs go so much more smoothly, when you know exactly what you are preparing far in advance. Plus, you can even start preparing some of these Christmas dishes ahead of time. Some can be frozen and reheated from frozen, others can be made and stored in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature or in the refrigerator, according to recipe directions.
      • Make your main course fresh on the day of serving.
      • Some sides should also be made fresh on the day of serving, but there are many that can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator and reheated. Some easy make ahead sides are creamy mashed potatoes, stovetop mac and cheese with white cheddar, creamy garlic mashed cauliflower, and easy make ahead cranberry sauce.
      • All soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
      • Salads can be prepared in advance (chopping vegetables and mixing the dressing ingredients together), and assembled before serving.
      • Most dessert can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the refrigerator . Some can even be made weeks in advance, frozen, and reheated in the oven.
    2. You can mix homemade and storebought. There is nothing wrong with getting some help by incorporating storebought items into your menu. If baking Christmas dessert is stressing you out, then just pick up a cake from the store instead.
    3. Prep your ingredients as much as possible. Once you have decided on the dishes to serve, prepare as much as you can in advance. Whether that is chopping vegetables, beating eggs, or preparing salad dressings. You can store all your prepared ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
    4. Set the table the night before. Take out the fancy dinnerware, flatware, glasses, placemats, and napkins and set the table the night before. Don't forget any special decorations and centrepieces. It's one less thing to worry about on Christmas.
    • Prep Time: 3 hours
    • Cook Time: 3 hours
    • Category: Christmas
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Calories: 500

    Keywords: best christmas recipes and dinner menu, christmas dinner menu, christmas recipes, christmas menu, christmas dinner recipes, holiday dinner menu

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Best Christmas Recipes and Menu
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Hina Munawar says

      December 20, 2021 at 5:26 am

      I love yule cake, I always follow my mother's recipe to make it. This time I will follow yours because it's quite simple and easy.

      Reply
    2. Tami Price says

      December 23, 2019 at 9:38 am

      This recipe was everything I needed for my family dinner. From start to finish this recipe was absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        December 27, 2019 at 11:26 am

        Awesome!! So glad you used the Christmas menu for your dinner 🙂

        Reply
    3. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

      December 23, 2019 at 7:05 am

      What an absolutely brilliant post! I LOVE the fact that you covered all of Christmas day from breakfast to drinks! Those Orange Cranberry Scones are totally calling my name!

      Merry Christmas!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        December 27, 2019 at 11:26 am

        Thank you! Let me know if you make them! 🙂

        Reply

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