Heartwarming Breads

Fresh Thyme Popovers

Fresh thyme is the key to this fragrant, savory bread, which pairs perfectly with beef tenderloin. To get the fluffiest popovers, be sure that your milk and eggs are room temperature and do not open the oven door while baking.

Recipe: Fresh Thyme Popovers

Pecan Sticky Buns

Ooey-gooey sticky buns topped with pecan halves are a fun, festive treat during the holiday season. We've included instructions for "making it" (using frozen bread dough) or "faking it" (using brown-and-serve rolls).

Recipe: Pecan Sticky Buns

Flaky Dinner Rolls

These beautiful homemade dinner rolls are perfect for both first-time bakers and seasoned cooks. Reviewer Cookinnotwritin raves, "I've never made anything with yeast before in my life, but these made me feel like a pro! I made them for Thanksgiving last year, and I thought they looked so pretty."

Recipe: Flaky Dinner Rolls

Angel Biscuits

These light, fluffy biscuits are so good, you'll think they were sent straight from heaven. Angel Biscuits use a yeast dough, so be sure to set aside some extra time to let it chill in the fridge. Serve with honey and an assortment of jams so that guests can top them as they please.

Recipe: Angel Biscuits

Orange-Pecan Muffins

These muffins are wonderful way to start the day. Orange juice and toasted pecans lend delicious flavor. Bake and freeze these muffins ahead of time to get a jumpstart on holiday meal preparations.

Recipe: Orange-Pecan Muffins

Cranberry-Sweet Potato Quick Bread

This quick bread melds the seasonal flavors of cranberry and sweet potato into an irresistible treat. Just mix the batter, spoon into a loaf ban, and bake. It's a great way to use up leftover cranberries, orange juice, and canned sweet potato, too.

For more ways to cook with cranberries, check out Crazy for Cranberries.

Recipe: Cranberry-Sweet Potato Quick Bread

Mini Fruit and Sunflower Loaves

These mini-loaves make great Christmas gifts. Reviewer Cookingactivist raves, "This bread is outstanding. Sweet and mapley. More moist and sinful tasting than one would think from a light quick bread."

Recipe: Mini Fruit and Sunflower Loaves

Sweet Challah

Challah is a traditional Jewish yeast bread served at Hanukkah. However, its light and airy texture makes challah perfect for any holiday celebration table. "My family also made this for part of our Thanksgiving dinner," writes reviewer Kariobrion. "It was wonderful and actually looked just like the photo–that NEVER happens!"

Recipe: Sweet Challah

Pumpkin-Date Loaf with Cream Cheese Swirl

Try this top-rated twist on classic pumpkin bread. The dates add extra sweetness; if you prefer, substitute raisins or leave the dates out altogether. Reviewer Meussen was so enamored with this bread, she and her husband ate the whole loaf in less than 12 hours. She writes, "If you haven't tried this bread, you haven't lived."

Find more great ways to use pumpkin this season in the 7 Ways with Pumpkin recipe feature.

Recipe: Pumpkin-Date Loaf with Cream Cheese Swirl

Two-Seed Bread Knots

Go for delicious and beautiful with these tasty yeast rolls. The dough requires just 20 minutes to rise and doesn't have to be kneaded by hand. As reviewer Vdunigan1 points out, the short prep time makes these rolls "a great recipe for any night of the week." Southern Living Test Kitchen professional Sarah Krake Gordon recommends serving them with honey butter.

Recipe: Two-Seed Bread Knots

Sweet Potato Biscuits

This biscuit recipe incorporates leftover sweet potatoes, so you can–and should–keep making it after the holidays wind down. Reviewer GEMDOCTOR says that these are "much more flavorful than regular biscuits" and recommends making enough for second and third helpings. Plus, you'll get the extra nutritional benefits from the sweet potatoes, like vitamins A and C.

For more recipes that use sweet potatoes, see 7 Ways with Sweet Potatoes.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Biscuits

More Holiday Side Dishes

Update your menu of holiday favorites with a few fresh dishes from our holiday table.

• Festive Fruit Salads featuring Fresh Fruit with Lemon-Mint Sauce (left)
• Dress Up Your Stuffing
• Crazy for Cranberries
• On-the-Go Holiday Sides
• Cozy Holiday Casseroles