Every Essential Christmas Recipe to Make Your Menu Merry

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  60 min
• Ingredients:  13
• Servings:  16

There’s no better time than the holidays to pull out all the stops—and that applies to appetizers, too! Cheese-stuffed (and topped!) biscuits surround creamy spinach-artichoke dip in this ultra-decadent dip-and-dipper in one skillet. It’s guaranteed to be the most popular app at any gathering.

There’s no better time than the holidays to pull out all the stops—and that applies to appetizers, too! Cheese-stuffed (and topped!) biscuits surround creamy spinach-artichoke dip in this ultra-decadent dip-and-dipper in one skillet. It’s guaranteed to be the most popular app at any gathering.

• Prep:  40 min
• Total:  1 hr 10 min
• Ingredients:  9
• Servings:  30

Sweet, tangy and dressed up for the season with a cranberry on top, these meatballs are a party-perfect appetizer. Cranberry and chili sauces combine to make a kicky glaze that’s memorable and crowd-pleasing.

Sweet, tangy and dressed up for the season with a cranberry on top, these meatballs are a party-perfect appetizer. Cranberry and chili sauces combine to make a kicky glaze that’s memorable and crowd-pleasing.

• Prep:  30 min
• Total:  1 hr 55 min
• Ingredients:  10
• Servings:  12

This warm appetizer will get a warm welcome at any gathering. A full wheel of buttery brie gets topped with a made-from-scratch cranberry sauce and almonds, then wrapped inside puff pastry and baked until the cheese is meltingly soft and the pastry is golden and toasty. The end result is an appetizer that combines textures and flavors harmoniously and oh-so-deliciously.

This warm appetizer will get a warm welcome at any gathering. A full wheel of buttery brie gets topped with a made-from-scratch cranberry sauce and almonds, then wrapped inside puff pastry and baked until the cheese is meltingly soft and the pastry is golden and toasty. The end result is an appetizer that combines textures and flavors harmoniously and oh-so-deliciously.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  2 hr 20 min
• Ingredients:  7
• Servings:  64

A no-bake appetizer is a must for any Christmas party—and especially handy for those that come up on the spur of the moment. These savory roll-ups are filled with a cream cheese mixture that’s studded with roasted red peppers. When shaped into trees, they’re decked and ready to party!

A no-bake appetizer is a must for any Christmas party—and especially handy for those that come up on the spur of the moment. These savory roll-ups are filled with a cream cheese mixture that’s studded with roasted red peppers. When shaped into trees, they’re decked and ready to party!

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  4 hr 20 min
• Ingredients:  11
• Servings:  28

A cheese ball is a party staple that’s stood the test of time, and it’s easy to see why with this extra-festive version. Cream cheese flavored with savory ingredients like cheddar and pesto gets shaped into tree form, then rolled in parsley and decorated with nuts and peppers to complete the look. Serve with crackers at your festivities and watch them disappear!

A cheese ball is a party staple that’s stood the test of time, and it’s easy to see why with this extra-festive version. Cream cheese flavored with savory ingredients like cheddar and pesto gets shaped into tree form, then rolled in parsley and decorated with nuts and peppers to complete the look. Serve with crackers at your festivities and watch them disappear!

• Prep:  40 min
• Total:  40 min
• Ingredients:  11
• Servings:  8

Easy meets impressive in this deceptively simple seafood appetizer. A garlicky butter sauce does double duty in this recipe, flavoring both baguette slices and the shrimp, before they go under the broiler. The third element, an easy-to-make lemon aioli, is the finishing touch that can be a spread or a dip. It all comes together for an elegant recipe that’ll steal the show.

Easy meets impressive in this deceptively simple seafood appetizer. A garlicky butter sauce does double duty in this recipe, flavoring both baguette slices and the shrimp, before they go under the broiler. The third element, an easy-to-make lemon aioli, is the finishing touch that can be a spread or a dip. It all comes together for an elegant recipe that’ll steal the show.

• Prep:  15 min
• Total:  3 hr 5 min
• Ingredients:  4
• Servings:  16

A hearty appetizer that captures seasonal flavors for your Christmas party. A simple marinade sets these chicken wings apart from the usual apps—and all it takes is three ingredients! Tangy, smoky and a little bit fruity, these memorable wings will fly off the appetizer table.

A hearty appetizer that captures seasonal flavors for your Christmas party. A simple marinade sets these chicken wings apart from the usual apps—and all it takes is three ingredients! Tangy, smoky and a little bit fruity, these memorable wings will fly off the appetizer table.

• Prep:  15 min
• Total:  35 min
• Ingredients:  10
• Servings:  20

Few things are as welcome during a winter party as a hot, cheesy dip, and this is a recipe that you’ll want to have on hand for any such occasion. Crab and a mixture of cheeses give this appetizer an indulgent feel, so it’s perfect for Christmas and New Year’s.

Few things are as welcome during a winter party as a hot, cheesy dip, and this is a recipe that you’ll want to have on hand for any such occasion. Crab and a mixture of cheeses give this appetizer an indulgent feel, so it’s perfect for Christmas and New Year’s.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  45 min
• Ingredients:  15
• Servings:  36

Christmas dinner calls for special recipes from start to finish, and these mini crab cakes are a decadent appetizer that suits the occasion. Crab meat, bread crumbs, herbs and spices are folded together and shaped into bite-sized snacks that’ll wow the whole crowd.

Christmas dinner calls for special recipes from start to finish, and these mini crab cakes are a decadent appetizer that suits the occasion. Crab meat, bread crumbs, herbs and spices are folded together and shaped into bite-sized snacks that’ll wow the whole crowd.

• Prep:  40 min
• Total:  60 min
• Ingredients:  9
• Servings:  40

As classic as appetizers get, these mini sausages deserve a place at every gathering. They’re wrapped in bacon and broiled to crispness, then coated in a sweet-and-savory glaze that’s nothing short of addictive. And with a yield of 40 servings, there’s plenty to go around!

As classic as appetizers get, these mini sausages deserve a place at every gathering. They’re wrapped in bacon and broiled to crispness, then coated in a sweet-and-savory glaze that’s nothing short of addictive. And with a yield of 40 servings, there’s plenty to go around!

• Prep:  30 min
• Total:  10 hr 30 min
• Ingredients:  11
• Servings:  15

Your slow cooker was made to caramelize onions—and this recipe totally proves it! Golden brown caramel-y onions are mixed with cream cheese and a few secret ingredients to make a dip worthy of any holiday party.

Your slow cooker was made to caramelize onions—and this recipe totally proves it! Golden brown caramel-y onions are mixed with cream cheese and a few secret ingredients to make a dip worthy of any holiday party.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  72 hr 0 min
• Ingredients:  9
• Servings:  16

This make-ahead app is as simple as putting all the ingredients in a jar, popping it in the fridge and letting the flavors do the rest of the work. Lemon and fresh herbs are the perfect way to bring out the briny bits of feta!

This make-ahead app is as simple as putting all the ingredients in a jar, popping it in the fridge and letting the flavors do the rest of the work. Lemon and fresh herbs are the perfect way to bring out the briny bits of feta!

• Prep:  25 min
• Total:  25 min
• Ingredients:  11
• Servings:  16

Consider this the only pimiento cheese recipe you’ll ever need! Creamy, cheesy and packed with tons of flavor, this spread is best served with buttery crackers for a party app that truly can’t be beat.

Consider this the only pimiento cheese recipe you’ll ever need! Creamy, cheesy and packed with tons of flavor, this spread is best served with buttery crackers for a party app that truly can’t be beat.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  45 min
• Ingredients:  11
• Servings:  24

We didn’t think seven-layer dip could get any better—we were wrong. This hot and melty version brings this beloved dip to new heights. Serve with corn or tortilla chips for maximum dipping capabilities!

We didn’t think seven-layer dip could get any better—we were wrong. This hot and melty version brings this beloved dip to new heights. Serve with corn or tortilla chips for maximum dipping capabilities!

• Prep:  40 min
• Total:  1 hr 20 min
• Ingredients:  7
• Servings:  8

The potato shakes off its humble reputation in this standout side dish. True, it’s a French classic, but you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to achieve. We’ve dialed up the flavor of the dish with garlic-thyme butter and some Parmesan cheese for a dish that’ll truly steal the show.

The potato shakes off its humble reputation in this standout side dish. True, it’s a French classic, but you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to achieve. We’ve dialed up the flavor of the dish with garlic-thyme butter and some Parmesan cheese for a dish that’ll truly steal the show.

• Prep:  5 min
• Total:  30 min
• Ingredients:  4
• Servings:  8

It’s just not the holidays without Green Bean Casserole—simple as that. This is the most classic, universally loved version that generations of home cooks have relied on to feed their families at every special feast of the year. Don’t leave it off your menu!

It’s just not the holidays without Green Bean Casserole—simple as that. This is the most classic, universally loved version that generations of home cooks have relied on to feed their families at every special feast of the year. Don’t leave it off your menu!

• Prep:  15 min
• Total:  60 min
• Ingredients:  8
• Servings:  10

Simple, herby and hearty, stuffing is another non-negotiable side that should grace every holiday table. When it’s time for Christmas dinner, make sure there’s room in the oven for this staple side dish.

Simple, herby and hearty, stuffing is another non-negotiable side that should grace every holiday table. When it’s time for Christmas dinner, make sure there’s room in the oven for this staple side dish.

• Prep:  40 min
• Total:  1 hr 40 min
• Ingredients:  13
• Servings:  6

The genius of this dish isn’t just its rich, savory flavor, although there’s a lot to be said about that. During holiday feast preparation when oven space is at a premium, this dish is done on the stovetop from start to finish. It also makes a great gluten-free alternative to traditional stuffing!

The genius of this dish isn’t just its rich, savory flavor, although there’s a lot to be said about that. During holiday feast preparation when oven space is at a premium, this dish is done on the stovetop from start to finish. It also makes a great gluten-free alternative to traditional stuffing!

• Prep:  35 min
• Total:  35 min
• Ingredients:  9
• Servings:  6

A steakhouse classic comes to your home kitchen! This surprisingly simple dish elevates humble spinach to a luxurious side that will earn raves from everyone at the table. The inclusion of a bit of nutmeg is the secret to giving the dish dimension, and the finishing touch of toasted panko bread crumbs brings a extra crunch that we love.

A steakhouse classic comes to your home kitchen! This surprisingly simple dish elevates humble spinach to a luxurious side that will earn raves from everyone at the table. The inclusion of a bit of nutmeg is the secret to giving the dish dimension, and the finishing touch of toasted panko bread crumbs brings a extra crunch that we love.

• Prep:  15 min
• Total:  1 hr 10 min
• Ingredients:  6
• Servings:  4

These sweet potatoes always get oohs and aahs, thanks to the hasselback slicing method. But the cuts aren’t just for looks! They allow the flavors of butter, maple and bacon to infuse all the way through so that each bite is over-the-top delicious.

These sweet potatoes always get oohs and aahs, thanks to the hasselback slicing method. But the cuts aren’t just for looks! They allow the flavors of butter, maple and bacon to infuse all the way through so that each bite is over-the-top delicious.

• Prep:  50 min
• Total:  2 hr 15 min
• Ingredients:  12
• Servings:  10

This creamy side dish goes a step beyond the usual scalloped potatoes. The combination of potatoes and mushrooms is a match made in heaven, pairing potatoes’ comforting creaminess with the earthiness of mushrooms, all in a cheesy, creamy sauce.

This creamy side dish goes a step beyond the usual scalloped potatoes. The combination of potatoes and mushrooms is a match made in heaven, pairing potatoes’ comforting creaminess with the earthiness of mushrooms, all in a cheesy, creamy sauce.

• Prep:  25 min
• Total:  60 min
• Ingredients:  8
• Servings:  8

This recipe will be all it takes to convince you that roasting is the ultimate way to cook your Brussels sprouts! And when they’re combined with bacon and shallots—two ideal ingredients that bring richness, a hit of salt and a little sweetness—they become irresistible.

This recipe will be all it takes to convince you that roasting is the ultimate way to cook your Brussels sprouts! And when they’re combined with bacon and shallots—two ideal ingredients that bring richness, a hit of salt and a little sweetness—they become irresistible.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  50 min
• Ingredients:  7
• Servings:  10

We’re not saying that there’s anything wrong with classic mashed potatoes—but there is so much right about this loaded casserole version. All of your favorite baked potato fixings—cheese, bacon, green onions and more—are stirred into mashed potatoes, and then added again on top for good measure.

We’re not saying that there’s anything wrong with classic mashed potatoes—but there is so much right about this loaded casserole version. All of your favorite baked potato fixings—cheese, bacon, green onions and more—are stirred into mashed potatoes, and then added again on top for good measure.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  50 min
• Ingredients:  9
• Servings:  10

Fresh broccoli is the base for this hearty, cheesy casserole side dish. Tossed with a creamy and cheesy ranch sauce, the veggie you know and love becomes decadent and ultra-flavorful. A topping of crushed Ritz™ crackers gives it a crunchy, buttery finish.

Fresh broccoli is the base for this hearty, cheesy casserole side dish. Tossed with a creamy and cheesy ranch sauce, the veggie you know and love becomes decadent and ultra-flavorful. A topping of crushed Ritz™ crackers gives it a crunchy, buttery finish.

• Prep:  60 min
• Total:  1 hr 50 min
• Ingredients:  12
• Servings:  8

Looking for a sweet potato recipe that leaves the marshmallows behind and focuses on this superfood’s savory side? This is the one! This baked dish balances sweet and savory flavors, silky and crunchy textures and ends up as a scene-stealing side perfect for Christmas dinner.

Looking for a sweet potato recipe that leaves the marshmallows behind and focuses on this superfood’s savory side? This is the one! This baked dish balances sweet and savory flavors, silky and crunchy textures and ends up as a scene-stealing side perfect for Christmas dinner.

• Prep:  25 min
• Total:  25 min
• Ingredients:  9
• Servings:  8

Here’s a little secret: Even if there are no vegans coming to your Christmas dinner, this is a dish you’ll want to serve! And if there are, they’ll appreciate you making this rich and flavorful side that features fragrant coconut milk as a stand-in for the usual cream.

Here’s a little secret: Even if there are no vegans coming to your Christmas dinner, this is a dish you’ll want to serve! And if there are, they’ll appreciate you making this rich and flavorful side that features fragrant coconut milk as a stand-in for the usual cream.

• Prep:  25 min
• Total:  1 hr 45 min
• Ingredients:  4
• Servings:  8

Move over mashed potatoes, there’s a new spud side in town! Deliciously sweet, this traditional Danish recipe is a must-try for the holidays. Coated in butter and sugar creating a homemade caramel-like sauce for a sweet take on a classic side dish.

Move over mashed potatoes, there’s a new spud side in town! Deliciously sweet, this traditional Danish recipe is a must-try for the holidays. Coated in butter and sugar creating a homemade caramel-like sauce for a sweet take on a classic side dish.

• Prep:  30 min
• Total:  4 hr 30 min
• Ingredients:  9
• Servings:  8

You’ll never look at greens the same way again! Slow cooked and delightfully tender, these collard greens are somehow savory, salty, tangy and slightly sweet all at the same time—talk about umami!

You’ll never look at greens the same way again! Slow cooked and delightfully tender, these collard greens are somehow savory, salty, tangy and slightly sweet all at the same time—talk about umami!

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  1 hr 5 min
• Ingredients:  10
• Servings:  8

Butternut squash made in a multicooker is just about the most genius idea the Betty Crocker Kitchens ever dreamed up. Make this creamy, easy side dish and everyone at your holiday table will surely swoon!

Butternut squash made in a multicooker is just about the most genius idea the Betty Crocker Kitchens ever dreamed up. Make this creamy, easy side dish and everyone at your holiday table will surely swoon!

• Prep:  40 min
• Total:  1 hr 45 min
• Ingredients:  11
• Servings:  10

Fair warning, you’re going to want to make two pans of this reinvented sweet potato casserole. These thinly sliced taters are tender yet crispy and topped with buttery bread crumbs and fresh herbs—it’ll be everyone’s new favorite side.

Fair warning, you’re going to want to make two pans of this reinvented sweet potato casserole. These thinly sliced taters are tender yet crispy and topped with buttery bread crumbs and fresh herbs—it’ll be everyone’s new favorite side.

• Prep:  30 min
• Total:  4 hr 0 min
• Ingredients:  13
• Servings:  8

Christmas dinner calls for a centerpiece dish that pulls out all the stops. A hearty prime rib roast, or standing rib roast, is hard to beat for flavor and impressiveness—a guaranteed “wow”-getter if ever there was one. We’ve made this impressive cut of meat foolproof to cook with a slow-cooker method that leaves your roast juicy, tender and succulent.

Christmas dinner calls for a centerpiece dish that pulls out all the stops. A hearty prime rib roast, or standing rib roast, is hard to beat for flavor and impressiveness—a guaranteed “wow”-getter if ever there was one. We’ve made this impressive cut of meat foolproof to cook with a slow-cooker method that leaves your roast juicy, tender and succulent.

• Prep:  30 min
• Total:  48 hr 0 min
• Ingredients:  10
• Servings:  12

Want to ensure that your turkey turns out moist and tender, but with a crispy skin, every time? Dry-brining is your secret weapon. Rubbing your bird down with salt and seasonings a few days before it goes into the oven helps to seal in juices and impart savory flavor.

Want to ensure that your turkey turns out moist and tender, but with a crispy skin, every time? Dry-brining is your secret weapon. Rubbing your bird down with salt and seasonings a few days before it goes into the oven helps to seal in juices and impart savory flavor.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  2 hr 5 min
• Ingredients:  10
• Servings:  6

For a smaller Christmas feast, this classic roast chicken recipe provides a main dish that’s just the right size. An herby, lemony olive oil mixture that gets brushed on the chicken and vegetables infuses the whole dish with fragrant flavors that develop during roasting. It’ll make your house smell amazing and have everyone rushing for their spot at the dinner table.

For a smaller Christmas feast, this classic roast chicken recipe provides a main dish that’s just the right size. An herby, lemony olive oil mixture that gets brushed on the chicken and vegetables infuses the whole dish with fragrant flavors that develop during roasting. It’ll make your house smell amazing and have everyone rushing for their spot at the dinner table.

• Prep:  10 min
• Total:  35 min
• Ingredients:  8
• Servings:  4

The best recipes are the ones that look and taste like a million dollars, but cost you very little in time and effort—and this salmon meets those criteria in style. A large fillet, lightly brushed with butter, gets topped with a lemon-Parmesan bread crumb crust and baked until tender and flaky. This beautiful fish would be a welcome addition to any holiday table.

The best recipes are the ones that look and taste like a million dollars, but cost you very little in time and effort—and this salmon meets those criteria in style. A large fillet, lightly brushed with butter, gets topped with a lemon-Parmesan bread crumb crust and baked until tender and flaky. This beautiful fish would be a welcome addition to any holiday table.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  4 hr 0 min
• Ingredients:  8
• Servings:  8

A luxurious beef roast is a main dish that will always bring a smile to guests’ faces. And with this recipe, you get to bring a little something extra to the table—Yorkshire pudding. This English classic is a bit like a popover, but instead of being made in individual portions, it’s made in a larger pan. The batter is made with drippings from the roast, so you know it’ll be succulent! Serve up a slice along with each plated portion of the roast.

A luxurious beef roast is a main dish that will always bring a smile to guests’ faces. And with this recipe, you get to bring a little something extra to the table—Yorkshire pudding. This English classic is a bit like a popover, but instead of being made in individual portions, it’s made in a larger pan. The batter is made with drippings from the roast, so you know it’ll be succulent! Serve up a slice along with each plated portion of the roast.

• Prep:  10 min
• Total:  2 hr 50 min
• Ingredients:  5
• Servings:  12

A gorgeous, clove-studded ham is as classic as Christmas dinner can be. But this beauty has more than just looks to recommend it—a honey-mustard glaze brings a sweet, savory, slightly zingy flavor to the roast. For a showstopping main dish, this one is hard to beat!

A gorgeous, clove-studded ham is as classic as Christmas dinner can be. But this beauty has more than just looks to recommend it—a honey-mustard glaze brings a sweet, savory, slightly zingy flavor to the roast. For a showstopping main dish, this one is hard to beat!

• Prep:  40 min
• Total:  4 hr 45 min
• Ingredients:  11
• Servings:  4

Hosting a smaller crowd for Christmas dinner? This dry-brined turkey breast is sized just right for serving everyone without leaving you with more leftovers than you can handle. Dry-brining ensures that this dish turns out juicy on the inside, with a crispy skin on the outside. As a finishing touch, this recipe includes steps for an easy pan gravy that’s made in the same skillet where the turkey is seared.

Hosting a smaller crowd for Christmas dinner? This dry-brined turkey breast is sized just right for serving everyone without leaving you with more leftovers than you can handle. Dry-brining ensures that this dish turns out juicy on the inside, with a crispy skin on the outside. As a finishing touch, this recipe includes steps for an easy pan gravy that’s made in the same skillet where the turkey is seared.

• Prep:  10 min
• Total:  35 min
• Ingredients:  7
• Servings:  4

If a relaxed and cozy Christmas dinner sounds right for your household, consider making classic New England Clam Chowder for a hearty and warming main. This creamy soup feels luxurious and comforting at the same time—perfect for a wintry evening.

If a relaxed and cozy Christmas dinner sounds right for your household, consider making classic New England Clam Chowder for a hearty and warming main. This creamy soup feels luxurious and comforting at the same time—perfect for a wintry evening.

• Prep:  10 min
• Total:  2 hr 25 min
• Ingredients:  12
• Servings:  8

This beautiful roast has all the makings of an annual Christmas dinner tradition. It’s indulgent, impressive and sumptuously full of flavor—the perfect centerpiece to your feast meal. Serve it alongside a peppery horseradish sauce, and you’ll have a new holiday tradition to treasure.

This beautiful roast has all the makings of an annual Christmas dinner tradition. It’s indulgent, impressive and sumptuously full of flavor—the perfect centerpiece to your feast meal. Serve it alongside a peppery horseradish sauce, and you’ll have a new holiday tradition to treasure.

• Prep:  15 min
• Total:  2 hr 40 min
• Ingredients:  6
• Servings:  12

Ham is the perfect medium for playing with sweet and savory flavors, and this recipe proves it! Ham’s saltiness is balanced out perfectly with a glaze made brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and mustard. It’s a perfect compliment to so many classic Christmas dinner sides, so prepare to have a full plate!

Ham is the perfect medium for playing with sweet and savory flavors, and this recipe proves it! Ham’s saltiness is balanced out perfectly with a glaze made brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and mustard. It’s a perfect compliment to so many classic Christmas dinner sides, so prepare to have a full plate!

• Prep:  10 min
• Total:  1 hr 15 min
• Ingredients:  5
• Servings:  6

One of the finest cuts of beef available is the tenderloin. The name alone tells the most important part of the story: this is the ultimate choice for a tender roast. It also has rich flavor, so a simple rub with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs, is all you need. For a refined Christmas dinner, there’s no better choice than this.

One of the finest cuts of beef available is the tenderloin. The name alone tells the most important part of the story: this is the ultimate choice for a tender roast. It also has rich flavor, so a simple rub with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs, is all you need. For a refined Christmas dinner, there’s no better choice than this.

• Prep:  15 min
• Total:  12 hr 30 min
• Ingredients:  8
• Servings:  14

Tender, succulent and never—ever—dry: that’s the kind of turkey you’ll get when you follow this foolproof recipe. A saltwater brine infuses extra flavor into the turkey, and basting with butter and pan drippings during roasting only adds to the savoriness. Turn to this recipe whenever you need a turkey that wows.

Tender, succulent and never—ever—dry: that’s the kind of turkey you’ll get when you follow this foolproof recipe. A saltwater brine infuses extra flavor into the turkey, and basting with butter and pan drippings during roasting only adds to the savoriness. Turn to this recipe whenever you need a turkey that wows.

• Prep:  50 min
• Total:  1 hr 20 min
• Ingredients:  22
• Servings:  2

When it’s just the two of you at Christmas dinner, that good reason to make something exceptional. Beef Wellington is an English classic, and shorthand for a dinner that’s meant to impress. Tenderloin steaks are surrounded first by a savory mushroom and shallot mixture, and then wrapped inside puff pastry that bakes to a beautiful golden brown. Served with a timeless brandy sauce, this will be a meal you’ll remember for years to come!

When it’s just the two of you at Christmas dinner, that good reason to make something exceptional. Beef Wellington is an English classic, and shorthand for a dinner that’s meant to impress. Tenderloin steaks are surrounded first by a savory mushroom and shallot mixture, and then wrapped inside puff pastry that bakes to a beautiful golden brown. Served with a timeless brandy sauce, this will be a meal you’ll remember for years to come!

• Prep:  60 min
• Total:  39 hr 0 min
• Ingredients:  10
• Servings:  12

Consider this the only holiday turkey recipe you’ll ever need. Richly flavored and browned to perfection thanks to the soy sauce, this soy-and-butter basted turkey will easily become your family’s new favorite.

Consider this the only holiday turkey recipe you’ll ever need. Richly flavored and browned to perfection thanks to the soy sauce, this soy-and-butter basted turkey will easily become your family’s new favorite.

• Prep:  15 min
• Total:  45 min
• Ingredients:  7
• Servings:  4

Holiday ham in an instant? Count us in. This tasty recipe can be on the table in as little at 45 minutes—and this easier and quicker version won’t be sacrificing flavor. Classic ingredients like butter, brown sugar and Dijon mustard make this ham taste like it was cooking all day.

Holiday ham in an instant? Count us in. This tasty recipe can be on the table in as little at 45 minutes—and this easier and quicker version won’t be sacrificing flavor. Classic ingredients like butter, brown sugar and Dijon mustard make this ham taste like it was cooking all day.

• Prep:  60 min
• Total:  4 hr 40 min
• Ingredients:  12
• Servings:  12

Elegant and easy to make, this cake is tailor-made for Christmas dinner. Tender chocolate cake is frosted with a marshmallow buttercream and beautiful sugared cranberries (which are a surprisingly addictive nibble). It’ll be the crowning glory for your holiday feast!

Elegant and easy to make, this cake is tailor-made for Christmas dinner. Tender chocolate cake is frosted with a marshmallow buttercream and beautiful sugared cranberries (which are a surprisingly addictive nibble). It’ll be the crowning glory for your holiday feast!

• Prep:  40 min
• Total:  5 hr 45 min
• Ingredients:  7
• Servings:  15

The old-school Baked Alaska is truly a work of art and theatrics—and a real time commitment. We wanted to capture the appeal of the legendary dessert, but do it in a dessert that was easier and no less impressive. This layered brownie-ice cream-and-meringue dessert, made in a 13x9, is the end result, and we know it’ll be an heirloom recipe for many Christmas dinners to come.

The old-school Baked Alaska is truly a work of art and theatrics—and a real time commitment. We wanted to capture the appeal of the legendary dessert, but do it in a dessert that was easier and no less impressive. This layered brownie-ice cream-and-meringue dessert, made in a 13x9, is the end result, and we know it’ll be an heirloom recipe for many Christmas dinners to come.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  2 hr 45 min
• Ingredients:  13
• Servings:  15

Everyone’s favorite Christmas tipple is the inspiration—and key flavor—in this moist and tender cake. Tres leches cake is a Mexican classic that uses three kinds of milk to achieve a singularly moist texture. We used condensed milk, regular milk and whipping cream spiked with bourbon and nutmeg (the ingredients that give eggnog its flavor) to make this taste perfect for Christmas dinner.

Everyone’s favorite Christmas tipple is the inspiration—and key flavor—in this moist and tender cake. Tres leches cake is a Mexican classic that uses three kinds of milk to achieve a singularly moist texture. We used condensed milk, regular milk and whipping cream spiked with bourbon and nutmeg (the ingredients that give eggnog its flavor) to make this taste perfect for Christmas dinner.

• Prep:  30 min
• Total:  4 hr 10 min
• Ingredients:  9
• Servings:  16

Expect every bite of this tart to be the ultimate in indulgence. With a triple chocolate cookie crust, caramel filling and a glossy ganache on top (with a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness), it’d be hard to find a more luxurious finish for Christmas dinner.

Expect every bite of this tart to be the ultimate in indulgence. With a triple chocolate cookie crust, caramel filling and a glossy ganache on top (with a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness), it’d be hard to find a more luxurious finish for Christmas dinner.

• Prep:  25 min
• Total:  3 hr 45 min
• Ingredients:  11
• Servings:  8

We’d say this tart is too beautiful to eat, but it just tastes too good to leave it alone! Linzersterne, the classic star-shaped Austrian sandwich cookies, were the inspiration for this tart that pairs a lemony-almond cookie with a filling of sweetened cream cheese and ruby-red raspberry jam.

We’d say this tart is too beautiful to eat, but it just tastes too good to leave it alone! Linzersterne, the classic star-shaped Austrian sandwich cookies, were the inspiration for this tart that pairs a lemony-almond cookie with a filling of sweetened cream cheese and ruby-red raspberry jam.

• Prep:  60 min
• Total:  2 hr 55 min
• Ingredients:  11
• Servings:  16

Forget the little packaged treats—this is what a Swiss roll is really all about! This gorgeous rolled cake is richly chocolatey and filled with a billowy buttercream filling before being cloaked in silky ganache. The rolling technique is refreshingly easy to master, and you’ll be asked to do it year after year when you bring this old-world classic to the table.

Forget the little packaged treats—this is what a Swiss roll is really all about! This gorgeous rolled cake is richly chocolatey and filled with a billowy buttercream filling before being cloaked in silky ganache. The rolling technique is refreshingly easy to master, and you’ll be asked to do it year after year when you bring this old-world classic to the table.

• Prep:  1 hr 10 min
• Total:  5 hr 10 min
• Ingredients:  9
• Servings:  24

This playful dessert is full to the brim with Christmas flavor! Lushes are our favorite layered desserts, starting with a cookie base and layering on whipped cream cheese, pudding and whipped topping. We based this recipe on the cooling mint sweetness of candy canes, and added them in to the layer—and on top!

This playful dessert is full to the brim with Christmas flavor! Lushes are our favorite layered desserts, starting with a cookie base and layering on whipped cream cheese, pudding and whipped topping. We based this recipe on the cooling mint sweetness of candy canes, and added them in to the layer—and on top!

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  2 hr 25 min
• Ingredients:  11
• Servings:  16

This beautiful bundt is infused with the flavors of eggnog, thanks to the inclusion of nutmeg and bourbon (which means you can make it even if you don’t have eggnog on hand!). The rich and tender cake gets a glaze of nutmeg icing for a finish touch of spiced sweetness.

This beautiful bundt is infused with the flavors of eggnog, thanks to the inclusion of nutmeg and bourbon (which means you can make it even if you don’t have eggnog on hand!). The rich and tender cake gets a glaze of nutmeg icing for a finish touch of spiced sweetness.

• Prep:  25 min
• Total:  4 hr 30 min
• Ingredients:  6
• Servings:  32

These dressed-up slice-and-bake sugar cookies, flavored with almonds, dark chocolate and orange zest, are special enough to grace the Christmas dinner smorgasbord. The edges of the cookies are rolled in coarse sugar for extra crunch, sweetness and sparkle.

These dressed-up slice-and-bake sugar cookies, flavored with almonds, dark chocolate and orange zest, are special enough to grace the Christmas dinner smorgasbord. The edges of the cookies are rolled in coarse sugar for extra crunch, sweetness and sparkle.

• Prep:  15 min
• Total:  1 hr 15 min
• Ingredients:  10
• Servings:  8

Tart cranberries—truly the fruit of the season—get a sweeter touch in this gooey upside-down cake. We’ve switched out the traditional pineapple in this classic cake, but kept the important step of placing melted butter and brown sugar in the pan first, before adding the berries and batter. Those ingredients form the caramel that sweetens the berries and soaks into the cake as it bakes, and when it’s flipped upside-down for serving.

Tart cranberries—truly the fruit of the season—get a sweeter touch in this gooey upside-down cake. We’ve switched out the traditional pineapple in this classic cake, but kept the important step of placing melted butter and brown sugar in the pan first, before adding the berries and batter. Those ingredients form the caramel that sweetens the berries and soaks into the cake as it bakes, and when it’s flipped upside-down for serving.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  1 hr 20 min
• Ingredients:  5
• Servings:  28

Chocolate chunks and dried cranberries make these much more than your average sugar cookies. Make a batch—and maybe two—to share around the Christmas dinner table, because everyone’s going to want some!

Chocolate chunks and dried cranberries make these much more than your average sugar cookies. Make a batch—and maybe two—to share around the Christmas dinner table, because everyone’s going to want some!

• Prep:  25 min
• Total:  5 hr 25 min
• Ingredients:  7
• Servings:  36

These swirled and marshmallow-topped hot-cocoa-flavored treats are as lovable as a hot cup of the beverage that inspired them. Meringue cookies are light yet flavorful, and they’re perfect for households with cookie lovers on special diets—these little delights are gluten-free!

These swirled and marshmallow-topped hot-cocoa-flavored treats are as lovable as a hot cup of the beverage that inspired them. Meringue cookies are light yet flavorful, and they’re perfect for households with cookie lovers on special diets—these little delights are gluten-free!

• Prep:  40 min
• Total:  2 hr 30 min
• Ingredients:  10
• Servings:  12

A rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor profile and creative construction make for a cake that wouldn’t be out of place in a gourmet bakery—but this one is easy enough to make in your own kitchen. With rich chocolate cake, crisp meringue and a Nutella-whipped cream topping, this cake gets more delicious, layer by layer.

A rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor profile and creative construction make for a cake that wouldn’t be out of place in a gourmet bakery—but this one is easy enough to make in your own kitchen. With rich chocolate cake, crisp meringue and a Nutella-whipped cream topping, this cake gets more delicious, layer by layer.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  2 hr 20 min
• Ingredients:  8
• Servings:  12

Some classics never go out of style. This heritage bundt cake recipe is flavored with peppermint extract and made decorative with a swirl of red coloring inside. A snowy drizzle of vanilla icing and crushed candy canes put the finishing touches on this cake you’ll be proud to bring to Christmas dinner.

Some classics never go out of style. This heritage bundt cake recipe is flavored with peppermint extract and made decorative with a swirl of red coloring inside. A snowy drizzle of vanilla icing and crushed candy canes put the finishing touches on this cake you’ll be proud to bring to Christmas dinner.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  2 hr 0 min
• Ingredients:  5
• Servings:  12

If your family is all about fun and festivity, this is the Christmas cake you need. Boldly colored with red, green and white inside and out, this eye-catching bundt is the cheeriest way to eat Christmas dessert.

If your family is all about fun and festivity, this is the Christmas cake you need. Boldly colored with red, green and white inside and out, this eye-catching bundt is the cheeriest way to eat Christmas dessert.

• Prep:  15 min
• Total:  1 hr 15 min
• Ingredients:  7
• Servings:  6

A rustic tart, like a galette, is one of the easiest ways to make an impressive dessert. More free-form than a pie or a tart, a galette has an unfussy beauty all its own—especially when it’s filled with sweet and juicy pears and finished with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

A rustic tart, like a galette, is one of the easiest ways to make an impressive dessert. More free-form than a pie or a tart, a galette has an unfussy beauty all its own—especially when it’s filled with sweet and juicy pears and finished with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

• Prep:  60 min
• Total:  4 hr 40 min
• Ingredients:  8
• Servings:  8

Impressive but easy—that's the motto when it comes to this recipe. Made with Pillsbury™ pie crust, a three-ingredient filling and a from-scratch meringue, this pie is bound to turn heads once it’s golden brown and perfectly peaked!

Impressive but easy—that's the motto when it comes to this recipe. Made with Pillsbury™ pie crust, a three-ingredient filling and a from-scratch meringue, this pie is bound to turn heads once it’s golden brown and perfectly peaked!

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  2 hr 0 min
• Ingredients:  8
• Servings:  12

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! This rich and deeply decadent recipe will be the dessert no one wants to willingly stop eating. Pile high with homemade whipped cream for a special occasion cake that’s totally worth the calories.

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! This rich and deeply decadent recipe will be the dessert no one wants to willingly stop eating. Pile high with homemade whipped cream for a special occasion cake that’s totally worth the calories.

• Prep:  45 min
• Total:  9 hr 20 min
• Ingredients:  14
• Servings:  16

Hot chocolate + cheesecake? We think we’ve found a match made in dessert heaven. Silky-smooth chocolate cheesecake meets homemade marshmallow whipped cream and festive toppings like crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips and tiny marshmallows, mimicking the perfect cup of hot cocoa.

Hot chocolate + cheesecake? We think we’ve found a match made in dessert heaven. Silky-smooth chocolate cheesecake meets homemade marshmallow whipped cream and festive toppings like crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips and tiny marshmallows, mimicking the perfect cup of hot cocoa.

• Prep:  20 min
• Total:  4 hr 10 min
• Ingredients:  13
• Servings:  12

Bring the fancy restaurant to your very own home with this take on Crème brûlée. Using your tart pan and a handful of basic ingredients you can create a showstopping dessert that’s worthy of a five-star review.

Bring the fancy restaurant to your very own home with this take on Crème brûlée. Using your tart pan and a handful of basic ingredients you can create a showstopping dessert that’s worthy of a five-star review.