25 simple Christmas recipes to try this holiday season

I don’t know about you, but my favorite appetizers include a variety of meats, cheeses, and finger foods. What better, more festive way to (easily) impress your guests than with a Christmas-tree-shaped charcuterie board? Follow this recipe from Delish for guidance on assembly and ingredients. 

Baked brie with cranberry—and puff pastry dough—sounds like a slice of heaven. This recipe from The Country Cook provides all the information needed to make this simple appetizer. Top it with some fresh rosemary, and you have yourself the perfect treat.

I might be biased, considering I grew up in an Italian-American family, but Christmas is not the same without stuffed mushrooms. You can’t go wrong with this recipe from Sip and Feast. It’s the perfect savory Christmas app.

Honey glazed ham is a staple at Christmas dinner. This recipe from Allrecipes, which includes sweet honey and aromatic cloves, is sure to yield great results. 

Opting for a roast chicken this Christmas? Spice it up by making your own orange-ginger glaze for the roast. Follow this recipe from Burrata and Bubbles for the perfect blend of sweet and savory.

Braised beef roast is one of the most comforting holiday dishes. This recipe from Sip + Sanity offers a budget-friendly yet delicious main dish for your holiday dinner. With juicy, flavorful chuck roast and aromatic herbs and cloves, you’ll be sure to wow your guests.

Do you and your loved ones prefer seafood for Christmas dinner? Don’t worry—knedir Recipes has you covered. With a sweet, tangy pomegranate glaze complementing a rich salmon flavor, you’ll elevate this traditional seafood dish.

Clams Posillipo is one of the most beloved Italian seafood dishes, consisting of fresh clams stewed in a garlic, tomato, and white wine sauce. This classic Italian dish is a must-have at any Italian Christmas Eve celebration. Mangia With Michele provides the perfect recipe for this comfort meal. 

Cranberry meatballs offer the ideal festive take on this traditional appetizer, combining cranberry sauce and chili sauce for a sweet, savory, and tangy experience. This recipe by 3IngredientsorLess is as simple as it gets. You can use pre-cooked meatballs or make your own at home—we’re not judging. 

Who said salads can’t be tasty and festive? This winter Christmas salad by Alrightwithme includes delicious ingredients like homemade candied nuts, avocados, pomegranate seeds, blue cheese, apples, and even a homemade honey mustard dressing.

What’s better than cheesy bread shaped like a Christmas tree? In my opinion, absolutely nothing. This recipe from A Gouda Life looks (and tastes) heavenly, and it doubles as festive decor.

Another carb- and cheese-heavy dish, stuffed shells with tomato sauce are the ultimate holiday dish. Try this rendition from Paula Recipes for a warm Christmas comfort meal. Not only is it a simple recipe, but its rich taste will have guests asking for seconds.

If you look up “comfort meal” in the dictionary, I’m pretty sure you’ll see a photo of corn casserole. This sweet and savory side dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats and other holiday recipes. The Cozy Cook has the perfect "dump and go" recipe for this classic side dish.

There’s nothing quite like cheesy scalloped potatoes during the holidays. Sims Home Kitchen has a great recipe for this hearty, delicious dish. They’re as addictive as they are simple to make. 

Do you and your family celebrate Italian Christmas Eve? If so, you’ll want to try this traditional  Italian baked stuffed clams oreganata recipe by Coley Cooks. Bonus: this recipe calls for limited ingredients, so you won’t break the bank.

Cranberries can make even the most basic recipe more festive. This cranberry cream cheese dip by MmmRecipes is super easy and quick to make. It’s the perfect appetizer or snack for your Christmas celebrations.

Another classic holiday dip is cranberry jalapeno dip. Sparrows + Lily has a simple recipe for this sweet, savory, and spicy dip. Pair it with buttery crackers or smear it on toasted baguette slices for a delicious tasting experience.

Baked brie is my absolute favorite holiday appetizer. Try Succulent Recipes' rendition of this fan-favorite app, which uses chopped pecans and maple syrup to elevate the dish. Since it’s cooked in a puff pastry, you can pull it apart and eat it on its own or pair it with crackers.

You can’t have Christmas without a shrimp cocktail. At least, that’s what my Italian pop-pop always says…Reference this recipe from Bon Appétit for juicy shrimp and a zingy sauce your guests won’t soon forget.

Raspberry thumbprint cookies with icing are basically Christmas in a cookie. This recipe from Finding Zest is a great one to follow. Not only are they ridiculously easy to bake, but they come out looking beautifully festive without much artistry required. 

Every Christmas season calls for sugar cookies. To elevate this classic holiday dessert, consider making sugar cookie bars, which are even more dense, soft, and chewy than actual sugar cookies. Just so Tasty has an incredible recipe to try this year.

You came here for simple, and simple is exactly what you’re getting. “Reindeer food” is basically a chocolatey, sugary trail mix that’s easy to make and positively addictive. This recipe from JoyFoodSunshine is both quick and scrumptious. 

Cookie lasagna sounds like something from the hilarious holiday movie Elf. However, this recipe by Spicy Yummy looks like the ultimate Christmas dessert. It includes layers like sugar cookie crust, cheesecake, pudding, and whipped cream topping.

Hot chocolate and cookies are the ultimate winter duo. But what if I told you you could combine these two beloved treats? Love From the Oven has an easy recipe for these sweet, cozy cookies.

If you’ve never paired salt, peppermint, and chocolate together, what are you even doing? Salted peppermint bark is arguably the best holiday candy you can easily make at home. This recipe from Julie Blanner is as simple yet delicious as it gets.