Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Real Cost of Healthy Food

      Today, more Americans than ever—a staggering 50 million people—are experiencing hunger. EatingWell examines the barriers to getting healthy food and what is being done to help. Read More Next
    • 5 Dinners on a Shoestring Budget

      We break down some common go-to meals, along with cost-conscious homemade options. Read More Next
    • 10 Cheap & Healthy Foods to Buy, According to a Dietitian

      We've compiled a list of 10 cheap and healthy foods to help you keep those grocery bills down. Read More Next
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Family Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Healthy Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Healthy Holiday & Occasion Recipes Chevron Right
  4. Healthy Christmas Holiday Recipes Chevron Right
  5. Best Holiday Recipes

Best Holiday Recipes

August 27, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Celebrate Christmas with our best holiday recipes for main dishes, side dishes and desserts—from traditional roasts and sides to vegetarian mains, fun cocktails and unique cookie ideas.
Start Slideshow

1 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make this simple festive appetizer for your holiday guests. Toasted baguette slices with creamy, melted brie are topped with an orange-cranberry-pomegranate mixture--each bite delivers an explosion of flavor and texture!

  • Watch Video

1 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Balsamic Berry Vinaigrette Winter Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This festive salad features colorful greens, fruit and cheese tossed with a light and zesty dressing.

  • Watch Video

2 of 55

3 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy recipe is a savory riff on the traditional brown-sugar-and-pecan-topped sweet potato casserole so often found on Thanksgiving tables. Crispy baby kale leaves make a stunning garnish, but any green or herb that suits you will look great, fried or not.

  • Watch Video

3 of 55

Advertisement

4 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes with Spinach

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Classic scalloped potatoes get a burst of color, heartier texture and a healthy update with the addition of chopped spinach. The greens in this side dish also create a nice contrast to the creamy, velvety potatoes.

4 of 55

5 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cranberry Meringue Pie

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you're a fan of lemon meringue pie, you'll love this festive cranberry meringue pie recipe. For the fluffiest meringue, set your eggs out at room temperature for about 15 minutes or submerge (in the shell) in a bowl of lukewarm water for 5 minutes before beating--egg whites at room temperature will gain more volume than cold whites.

5 of 55

6 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cranberry-Orange Punch

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This gorgeous fruity punch is perfect for any party--serve it on its own for a fun mocktail that will please kids and adults alike. Or, set out optional alcoholic mix-ins, like tequila and/or vodka, for a mix-your-own cocktail station.

6 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rib Roast with Dijon-Sour Cream Sauce

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This classic rib roast is seasoned with rosemary and marjoram and served with an incredibly simple--yet divine--mustard and sour cream sauce.

7 of 55

8 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate Cream Pie

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Chocolate cream pie isn't just a diner special--it's the perfect dessert for any celebration. We love the added flair of chocolate curls on top, but a pretty dollop of whipped cream on each piece would look just as elegant.

8 of 55

9 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Caramelized Pear Custard Pie

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This custard pie recipe elevates the simple pear to something heavenly. The pears are lightly caramelized, baked into vanilla custard, then topped with a cinnamon caramel sauce just before serving.

9 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cider-Brined Spatchcock Turkey

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Brining is a classic way to prep roast turkey for the oven. It infuses the meat with so much flavor from apple cider, celery, onion, oranges and fresh herbs. Spatchcocking is the technique of removing the backbone of a turkey or chicken and pressing the bird flat. It's a convenient way to speed up the roasting time and it results in evenly browned, moist turkey.

  • Watch Video

10 of 55

11 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fig & Walnut Wild Rice Dressing

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This gluten-free dressing (or stuffing, if you prefer) leans on a blend of brown and wild rice for a complex nutty flavor. Look for dried Mission figs in the bulk aisle or with the packaged dried fruit in your grocery store. You can swap in dried cherries or cranberries if you can't find dried figs.

11 of 55

12 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cranberry Coconut Trifle

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

No other dessert turns heads like a trifle. Festive in every way, this trifle recipe glows from within with scarlet layers of juicy cranberries. The filling is made from an astounding 6 cups of antioxidant-packed cranberries! We made the custard “skinny” with a combination of low-fat milk and light coconut milk. From-scratch brown-butter sponge cake, made with whole-wheat pastry flour, stands in for store-bought ladyfingers.

  • Watch Video

12 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Quinoa Salad with Oranges, Beets & Pomegranate

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasted beets and sweet dates, tangy oranges and juicy pomegranate seeds make this quinoa salad recipe festive. It pairs beautifully with turkey or roast pork.

  • Watch Video

13 of 55

14 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Marmalade-Horseradish-Rosemary Glazed Ham

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Orange marmalade, whole-grain mustard, and horseradish are combined with fresh rosemary to make a sensational glaze for this delicious ham. It's a perfect main dish for a holiday gathering or family reunion.

14 of 55

15 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Acorn Squash Bisque

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Rich in flavor and color, this squash bisque is a great choice to serve alongside other autumnal entrées such as roasted pork tenderloin, pork chops and turkey.

15 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Loaded Bread Stuffing

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This bread stuffing has more than your basic celery and onion--you'll love the unexpected addition of mushrooms, red pepper, carrots and water chestnuts! And while it's the perfect addition to your holiday menu, it's also a great choice for serving with chicken or fish any night of the week.

16 of 55

17 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Eggnog Pie with Cranberry Sauce

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy custard pie recipe combines the flavors of gingerbread and eggnog into a festive holiday dessert. An easy cranberry sauce balances the sweetness of the pie with a touch of tartness. To lighten the load of holiday baking, each element can be prepared up to 5 days ahead.

17 of 55

18 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Coconut oil stands in for butter in this dairy-free, eggless cookie recipe for completely mouthwatering gingerbread cut-outs. Decorate cookies with a simple vegan icing or sanding sugar.

18 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peppermint Pattie Pots de Creme

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We love York peppermint patties and the flavor of these festive pots de crème is a dead ringer for the candy. Unlike traditional über-rich custard recipes, this custard uses low-fat milk, only 3 egg yolks and 1/2 cup of half-and-half for its creamy richness. Just 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract in the custard gives plenty of minty flavor, but if you want that icy mountain-breeze sensation, add a whole teaspoon instead.

19 of 55

20 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roast Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This sweet-tart pomegranate molasses glaze is delicious combined with the citrusy sumac spice rub, and gives the roasted chicken a dark, ruby luster. Rub the chicken earlier in the day, or overnight, for the best flavor.

20 of 55

21 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Snowman Meringue Cookies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You've never made a snowman like this! These cute lightened-up cookies are awesome on their own, or float one in a cup of hot chocolate and watch it melt away. When making meringues, make sure that your bowl and beaters are clean and that there is not a trace of yolk in the egg white; the smallest amount of fat will prevent the egg whites from forming meringue. Depending on the humidity in your kitchen, the baking time might vary considerably. Check to make sure your cookies are crisp throughout before removing them from the oven.

  • Watch Video

21 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gingered Cranberry Sauce

Credit: Diabetic Living
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This maple syrup-sweetened sauce is the perfect side dish to your holiday bird. It cooks in less than 15 minutes and can be made several days ahead, freeing up time for you to prepare other dishes on the big day.

22 of 55

23 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sparkling Pomegranate-Chai Mocktail

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This nonalcoholic punch recipe tastes like a cocktail but doesn't include a hangover. Perfect for the holidays or a brunch.

23 of 55

24 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roasted Vegetable Antipasto

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A zesty vinaigrette makes these roasted Brussels sprouts, fennel, carrots and beets pop. If you can't find small carrots, halve larger ones crosswise then quarter lengthwise. Serve this vegetable antipasto as a side dish or appetizer.

  • Watch Video

24 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Creamed Spinach Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This creamy spinach casserole recipe is a more sophisticated cousin to creamed spinach. It's perfect for weekend entertaining or as a holiday side dish.

25 of 55

26 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spaghetti Squash with Pistachios & Sage

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this low-carb side dish with roast pork, roast chicken or a firm white fish, like halibut or cod. No microwave? Bake squash halves cut-side down at 400 degrees F until tender, 40 to 50 minutes.

26 of 55

27 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Honey Buzz Cocktail

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

While gin lets the grapefruit shine through, this punch recipe also works with bourbon. Using the Angostura bitters is optional, but the cinnamon-clove flavor gives this drink a bit of holiday-appropriate spice.

  • Watch Video

27 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peppermint Chocolate Tart

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This rich chocolate tart dessert recipe is low in sugar, making it a perfect healthy finish to a heavy holiday meal.

28 of 55

29 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roasted Carrots with Calimyrna Fig Dressing

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whole roasted carrots make quite a statement on the dinner table when they're topped with a port wine-and-fig dressing. In this recipe, we like dried Calimyrna figs because they're a tad less sweet than Mission figs and taste slightly nutty as well.

29 of 55

30 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Use any multicooker or electric pressure cooker to make this classic Thanksgiving side dish. The sweet potatoes get perfectly tender and almost caramelized while cooking under high pressure, plus using your multicooker saves stovetop and oven space.

30 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Balsamic Short Ribs

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Now here's a healthy beef short ribs slow-cooker recipe you can serve to company--even on a holiday. Serve with mashed celeriac or mashed potatoes, steamed green beans and a bold Italian red wine that has a touch of sweetness (think amarone or brunello).

  • Watch Video

31 of 55

32 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stained Glass Sugar Cookies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You won't believe how easy it is to make these seriously impressive cookies. Crushed ard candy melts in the center of these festive sugar cookies, making a gorgeous stained-glass effect. Use any shape cookie cutter you like, just make sure you have two--a big one for each cookie, and a slightly smaller one for the hole in the middle.

32 of 55

33 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Tenderloin

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This super-simple recipe covers beef tenderloin in a blend of cracked black, white and green peppercorns. Though it takes moments to prepare, since it's beef tenderloin it's perfect for a special occasion. Look for peppercorns in the bulk spice section so you can buy just what you need. The recipe will also work with black ones only.

33 of 55

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lemon-Dill Green Beans

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This lemon and dill vinaigrette is a natural complement to green beans. It's also great tossed with steamed asparagus or drizzled over sliced fresh tomatoes. To make this recipe serve 10, multiply all the ingredients by 2 1/2: Use 2 1/2 pounds green beans, 3 tablespoons dill, 2 1/2 tablespoons each shallot, oil and lemon juice, 2 1/2 teaspoons mustard and 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

  • Watch Video

34 of 55

35 of 55

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cranberry Crumble Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These cranberry-orange bars freeze well. Make a batch on a free afternoon and pop them in the freezer so you'll always have a healthy dessert on hand when company calls.

35 of 55