Global Holiday Recipes: Betty’s Easy Winter Traditions

The winter season is marked by more than just cold weather and cozy nights in—for everyone around the world it’s a time of celebration that brings people together over the flavors they love. Whether it's the spicy aroma of tamales from Mexico or the sweetness of a bûche de Noël from France, each global culture has its own rich heritage of winter holiday foods. And these dishes are more than just meals—they’re traditions passed down through generations. If you’re ready to embrace new flavors and welcome a little of these cultural customs to your own table, Betty’s here to help! With these simple recipes, twists, and tips, you can easily recreate these cherished favorites in your own kitchen, and maybe even start a few new traditions along the way.

Tamales are a beloved holiday dish in Mexico, especially for Las Posadas and Christmas holidays. Traditionally made with masa dough, these flavorful treats are filled with meats, vegetables, or sweet fillings, and then wrapped in corn husks before being steamed. Making tamales is often a family affair, with everyone gathering together to assemble and cook, making it both a festive and meaningful activity.

Bring the flavor of tamales to your table with Betty’s twist: Chicken Tamale Pie. It’s a savory casserole that layers your favorite tamale ingredients—chicken, cheese, and spices—topped with a golden corn batter. This easy twist captures all the flavors of tamales without the need to individually wrap each one, making it perfect for even the busiest cooks. Don’t have a good pie plate on hand? Now’s a good time to pick one up! This pie plate is a perfect fit for this recipe, and it is as functional as it is presentable. Plus, it will come in handy for Thanksgiving recipes for many years to come. Serve your tamale pie with salsa, guacamole, and a side of Mexican rice for a complete, festive meal.

Believe it or not, in Japan, Christmas Eve means one thing for many families: Kentucky Fried Chicken. What started as a clever marketing campaign in the 1970s has become a beloved holiday tradition, with families pre-ordering their “party barrels” weeks in advance.

You don’t have to head to KFC to enjoy this holiday favorite. Betty’s Copycat KFC™ Original-Style Chicken recipe gives you the secret to achieving that crispy, flavorful fried chicken right at home. It’s the perfect main dish to bring a bit of Japanese holiday spirit to your own winter feast.

Betty’s Tip

Serve your homemade KFC chicken alongside Japanese-inspired sides like pickled vegetables and rice for a fun cultural fusion. Or, keep it classic with mashed potatoes and coleslaw for a more familiar holiday spread.

In France, the bûche de Noël, or Yule log, is a stunning centerpiece dessert during holiday celebrations. This decadent dessert is a rolled chocolate sponge cake filled with buttercream and often decorated with meringue mushrooms and powdered sugar to resemble a snowy log.

For a simplified yet elegant version of the traditional dish, Betty’s Yule Log Cake uses a cake mix and easy frosting techniques to recreate the beauty and flavor of this French dessert. The rich chocolate cake and creamy filling will impress your guests without the stress.

Betty’s Tip

For an extra festive touch, brush fresh cranberries with water and roll them in coarse white or gold sugar to create a frosted garnish. Add fresh mint leaves for a beautiful, holiday-themed display.

In Peru, chocolatada, or spiced hot chocolate, is a must-have during winter holiday gatherings. This rich, flavorful drink is made with dark chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes a dash of chili for an extra kick. It's a warming treat enjoyed during the holidays, and often served alongside traditional sweet breads.

Betty’s warm and spicy Cinnamon Hot Chocolate brings the flavors of Peru into your home with just four ingredients and three simple steps. This quick and easy recipe can be customized with spices like cinnamon or cayenne to capture the essence of a Peruvian chocolatada.

Betty’s Tip

Have some fun and set up a hot chocolate bar at your holiday gathering, complete with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and chili powder, so guests can create their own customized cups of cocoa.

During Hanukkah, latkes, or potato pancakes, are a traditional dish fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the Hanukkah oil lasting for eight days. These crispy, golden pancakes are typically served with applesauce or sour cream and have become a beloved staple during the holiday season.

Betty’s Potato Latkes keep things simple, offering an easy-to-make recipe that lets the flavors shine. Whether you’re observing Hanukkah or simply looking to enjoy a comforting winter dish, these crispy latkes are so simple and so delicious.

Betty’s Tip

You can elevate your latkes with fun toppings like avocado, smoked salmon, or even a poached egg for a contemporary spin. Or keep things classic by serving them with a side of applesauce or sour cream.

Roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy is a centerpiece of both American Thanksgiving and Irish Christmas dinners. This comforting, hearty meal brings families together for an absolutely epic feast.

Betty’s step-by-step Roast Turkey recipe takes the stress out of roasting the perfect bird. With clear instructions and an easy-to-follow video (and helpful gear like this roasting pan and meat thermometer) even first-time cooks can create a delicious holiday meal.

Betty’s Tip

Make the most of your leftovers with Betty’s Best Leftover Turkey Recipes featuring tasty meals like turkey pot pies or turkey casseroles. These dishes let you keep the festivities going for days after the main event.

In Australia, Christmas falls during the summer, and outdoor BBQs are a popular way to celebrate the holiday. Grilled shrimp and pavlova, a light meringue dessert topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, are holiday favorites down under.

Betty’s Party Barbecued Shrimps that summer BBQ flavor to your winter celebrations, with easy-to-make shrimp skewers that can be grilled indoors. And for dessert, Betty’s meringue recipe has a simple spin on the traditional meringue-making process, so you can enjoy this light and airy treat without the hassle.

Betty’s Tip

For those in colder climates, you can easily recreate an Aussie-style BBQ by using a grill pan indoors and serving refreshing sides like fruit salads. Pavlova can be topped with seasonal fruits like pomegranates or citrus for a festive holiday twist.

Red borscht is a cherished beet soup served on Christmas Eve in Poland. Known for its deep, earthy flavors and vibrant red color, borscht is often served with dumplings or bread and is a warm, comforting dish perfect for winter.

Our easy Borscht makes this traditional soup easy to prepare at home, even if you’re new to Polish cuisine. Made with basic ingredients and cooked slowly to develop rich flavors, it’s a beautiful dish to share with loved ones.

Betty’s Tip

You can make this borscht recipe even easier by using a slow cooker to let the flavors meld over several hours, hands free. Serve with sour cream and fresh dill for a traditional Polish touch.

In Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a multi-course meal served on Christmas Eve, featuring a variety of seafood dishes. From fried calamari to baked fish, this feast is a celebration of abundance and family.

For a more approachable version of this Italian tradition, Betty’s Baked Fish Fillets offer a simple yet flavorful main course.

Betty’s Tip

If you want to add another dish to your seafood spread, we have More Fish & Seafood Recipes to try. Pair them with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, and this delicious mail order panettone for your own elegant, seafood feast.

Stollen, a dense fruit bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan, is a traditional German holiday treat. This spiced bread is often enjoyed for breakfast or dessert and is dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Our Stollen recipe simplifies the process of making this rich holiday treat so you can enjoy the flavors of Germany at home. The addition of marzipan and dried fruits creates a deliciously sweet loaf that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea for a cozy winter treat.

Betty’s Tip

You can save yourself a little time by skipping the glaze and sprinkling the top of the stollen with powdered sugar instead.

Mince pies, filled with spiced fruit, are a beloved holiday staple in the UK. These small, pastry-filled pies are often served during Christmas celebrations, either warm from the oven or at room temperature.

Betty’s Apricot Mince Pie recipe is a quicker version of this British classic that uses store-bought mincemeat and dried apricots for added sweetness. It’s an easy way to bring a taste of the UK to your holiday table.

Betty’s Tip

Go ahead and personalize your mince pies by adding a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. Or, use mini pie pans to create individual servings for your guests.

With Betty’s easy-to-make recipes and helpful tips, you don’t have to be a culinary expert to bring these amazing dishes to your table. Whether you're baking a Yule log, frying latkes, or whipping up a tamale pie, Betty’s got your back, making your holiday season delicious, memorable, and stress-free. Want more helpful ideas and holiday inspiration? Be sure to follow @BettyCrocker on social media. And don’t forget to leave a comment or question if you need help perfecting your next global-inspired dish!