Holidays are those days when anyone can enjoy the company of loved ones, having fun, and indulging in good food. Whether you conduct a formal dinner, have a small family get-together or just have a big party, the food served will play an important role in setting the mood and memory of the celebration. How about elevating your holiday menu this year by preparing a collection of festive dishes that combine some of the classic ingredients of winter, old-fashioned recipes, and some contemporary twists? As part of our food blog, here are ten festive dishes to prepare for your guests this holiday season to make your meals as memorable as the celebrations themselves.
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Roast Prime Rib with Herb Garlic Butter
Nothing is more exciting than a perfect roast prime rib at the holiday table. Just think of this rich, tender beef, surrounded by a crispy, flavorful crust, as the center of attention in your gathering. To add a real touch of indulgence, coat it in a fragrant herb and garlic butter just before cooking. It deepens the flavor of the meat with added buttery richness and creates a golden, crispy exterior, which juxtaposes the juicy interior. Serve with red wine jus or horseradish sauce for even more flavor. It doesn’t matter if the dinner is on Christmas Eve or the New Year; everyone will talk about this for days.
Watch this video to see how to make it:
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Maple-Glazed Carrots
Maple-glazed carrots are, perhaps, one of the most exciting festive twists on an old-time side dish. They display the earthy sweetness that comes from the root vegetable itself and infuse this with the richest tones of maple syrup. The dish is simple and hardly flamboyant. It is a striking image of bright orange carrots glazed in a syrupy concoction of maple, buttery, and herb, the hint of thyme thrown for good measure.
Watch this video to learn how to make it:
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Traditional Premium Gold Gefilte Fish
A Premium Gold Gefilte Fish by brands like Manischewitz, for example, can bring a unique, elegant twist to your traditional holiday appetizer. Using the best fish like whitefish and pike, this superior gefilte fish is made with fine precision. It is delicate and smooth in texture, while flavor is evenly balanced between rich and mild.
Traditionally served cold with horseradish as an accouterment, it embodies a holiday spirit not only with its taste but also with its elegance at the table. Its light, savory flavor, and delicate seasoning complement fresh challah bread or crisp salad, making it an excellent Kickstarter to celebrate meals. On any holiday occasion, whether Hanukkah or not, it will captivate the guests with its gourmet quality and classic flavor.
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Stuffing with Sausage and Cranberries
Holiday meals are never complete without stuffing, and this sausage- and the cranberry-stuffed wonder is sure to please everyone. The savory sausage adds richness, and depth, while the dried cranberries give a tangy sweetness that complements the herbs and breadcrumbs wonderfully. Sourdough and whole-grain bread can be used together with cornbread to make the foundation. For an even more decadent stuffing, add a handful of chopped nuts or drizzle some gravy on top. Whether served beside turkey, roast chicken, or as a stand-alone side, this stuffing will be treasured by all guests.
Watch this video to learn more:
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Honey-Glazed Ham with Mustard Sauce
A honey-glazed ham is a holiday classic that never goes out of fashion. The sweet and sticky glaze-delicately made of honey, Dijon mustard, and just a touch of brown creates a caramelized exterior enhancing the ham’s inherent richness. Combined with a tangy mustard sauce that cuts through this sweetness, the result is ham, so tender and juicy, that it marries well with any occasion where this is served, whole or spiral-cut slices. It is a rather uncomplicated yet impressive piece for your top-table setting and promises to deliver a festive air at your gathering.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
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Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Starting any kind of holiday meal with a warm creamy soup is ideal but, butternut squash soup is the right one for the season. Its sweetness, combined with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, makes it so cozy and comforting. A splash of cream or coconut milk adds a velvety texture to the soup, while a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy sage leaves on top adds a delightful crunch. With a light salad, it is perfect since it can also be eaten alone with crusty bread for dipping.
Watch this to get a glimpse:
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Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Brusse sprouts have had a bad reputation for most of their short history, but they make a gorgeous show-stopping side dish when cooked well. Deep-frying adds just the right touch of crispiness which brings out a rich, nutty flavor and the nuts’ sweetness. A balsamic glaze gives the dish a tangy finish right where it needs it. There is sophistication attached to this glaze, adding a classy note to an already festive holiday spread. Parmesan shards, brown, however, can provide extra flavor. Bacon bits, toasted almonds, or some sprigs of fresh rosemary can be tossed with the sprouts right before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
Watch this to learn more:
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Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce
Rich and indulgent as they are, braised short ribs in red wine sauce are one of the finest dishes ever to surprise your guests. Short ribs are stewed in a broth made of red wine, beef stock, and aromatics, resulting in an almost fall-off-the-bone tender meat. The red wine sauce makes a luxurious finish, resulting in a deep, savory dish fit for a special occasion. Enjoy the ribs with some mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, and you are all set for the comfort of a hearty main course perfect for impressing people.
Watch this video to learn more:
Final Remarks
From savory roasted meats and decadent sides to rich soups and indulgent desserts, the above festive dishes will have something for everyone. For guests who are accustomed to experiencing hearty holidays, the dishes will surely make fine memories. Holidays are for being happy; what better happiness than a feast that warms your home, fills it with flavor, and creates love? So, get your arms bared, step into the kitchen, and build the ambiance of the holiday around these lovely dishes.
