100 Hot Holiday Dishes

Blackberry-Raspberry Truffle Cake Recipe

This top-rated cake got rave reviews from our users, who praise its flavor and presentation. The recipe starts with boxed cake mix, making it a holiday-friendly cake for times when every minute counts.

Endive Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Walnuts Recipe

This elegant first course showcases a marvelous partnership between slightly bitter endive, creamy goat cheese, and sweet orange juice. From pretty presentation to fantastic flavor, you can't go wrong with this simple appetizer.

Mocha-Pecan Mud Pie Recipe

Round out your meal with a slice of decadent mocha-pecan mud pie. This dessert is so rich, your guests will never know it was lightened.

Baked Potato Soup Recipe

All the flavors of a loaded baked potato come together in this rich, creamy baked potato soup recipe. It's one of our all-time favorites.

Double-Ginger Cookies Recipe

These simple cookies give just the right amount of sweet to satisfy your craving. Make a few batches, and freeze some to enjoy throughout the season.

Carrot Soufflé Recipe

Because this dish contains no beaten egg whites, it is not a true soufflé. The name, carrot soufflé, is derived from its light airy texture. Similar in color and flavor to sweet potato casserole, it pairs well with ham or turkey.

Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Nothing fancy here, just good, basic mashed potatoes that are great as is or topped with gravy. For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped chives.

Pecan and Date Pie Recipe

The unexpected addition of dates to this classic pie gives the filling more body and a smooth sweetness. Don't use packaged chopped dates, which are rolled in sugar. Instead, use moist and sticky whole dates. Coat your knife with cooking spray for easy chopping

Eggnog-Coffee Punch Recipe

This rich Southern favorite received our highest marks.

Chocolate Chunk Bread Puddings Recipe

Try not to chop the chocolate too finely for this bread pudding recipe so you'll have good-sized chunks to bite into. Hawaiian sweet bread is a soft, sweet bread found in the bakery section of most grocery stores. Leftovers are good for ham and Swiss sandwiches.

Raspberry-Almond Torte with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

A torte is a cake enriched with nuts and often layered with jam. Almond paste is a mixture of ground almonds and sugar. Look for it in the baking aisle of most supermarkets.

Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Treat yourself to a light version of peanut butter pie. It tastes like eating a peanut butter and chocolate candy bar, but lightened ingredients like reduced-fat peanut butter, fat-free condensed milk, and light cream cheese keep fat and calories in check without sacrificing any flavor. 

Brûléed Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Borrowing from the classic dessert crème brûlée, this dish has a hard candy topping, a crisp contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.

Hot Chocolate with Ginger Recipe

Ginger spices up the traditional snowy-night favorite. Serve it with marshmallows and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Roasted Cipollini Onions Recipe

Roasting brings out a rich, mellow flavor in these Cipollini, or wild, onions. Serve them as a side dish alongside roasted meats or with a vegetarian holiday menu.

Double-Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

Chocoholics, unite! We have found the official dessert of our sweet-tooth cause. This indulgent pie starts with a simple pie crust recipe, then fills it with the rich goodness of semisweet chocolate, unsweetened cocoa, and a hint of vanilla extract. Serve with coffee, red wine, or, better yet, a tall glass of milk.

Marbled-Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Give your standard banana bread recipe the boot and try this chocolate-swirled version. The presentation is stunning–toast and top with a spoonful of peanut butter, and this breakfast bread really shines.

Rich Chocolate Soufflé Cakes with Crème Anglaise Recipe

Unlike traditional soufflés, these don't need to be served immediately (although they can be). In fact, we loved their fudgy, dense texture when chilled. The crème anglaise is good warm or chilled, as well.

Croquant Recipe

Instead of high-fat pralines, toffee, or brittle, give croquant (French for "crisp")--a cream- and butter-free combination of caramelized sugar and almonds. Package in a paper-lined confection box or pretty bowl with a note to crumble over ice cream, layer into parfaits, or simply eat like brittle. Be careful not to burn yourself when pouring the hot mixture onto the jelly roll pan. The color of the sugar mixture (rather than temperature) is the best cue for doneness. The darker the color, the more bitter the candy--aim for a golden honey color. If your pan is too dark to gauge the color of the caramel, very carefully lift a small amount of the mixture with a spoon and drop it onto a piece of white paper--the level of caramelization will be evident.

Freezer Cinnamon-Fruit Rolls Recipe

These rolls are good for busy mornings--let them stand 30 minutes, then bake 20 minutes. Make in disposable foil pans for easy gift-giving, and present the glaze in a small jar or zip-top plastic bag with these instructions: Microwave at HIGH 15 to 30 seconds, stir or knead until smooth, and drizzle over warm rolls.

Ojai Roast Turkey with Rosemary, Lemon, and Garlic Recipe

This top-rated turkey recipe drew raves from our users, who proclaimed it "the best turkey ever". Fresh ingredients, including lemon, rosemary, and garlic, contribute to the mouthwatering flavor.

Mocha-Chocolate Shortbread Recipe

Chocolate-covered shortbread is the yummy end to a wonderful meal. You're likely to have all of the ingredients for this recipe stocked in the pantry.

Caramel-Cloaked Chocolate-Hazelnut Torte Recipe

Notes: Make chocolate ganache first; let it cool while you bake the cake. Prepare cake through step 5 before starting caramel cloak. An accurate candy or instant-read thermometer that registers high temperatures is crucial to making the caramel; to coat cake evenly, it must cool just enough to be thick but still pourable, about 150°. Assemble torte through step 5 up to 1 day ahead and chill filled cake airtight; pour caramel over cold cake. Or complete entire recipe up to 1 day ahead and chill airtight; bring cake to room temperature to serve, about 1 hour, and warm sauce as directed in step 7.

Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe

This elegant appetizer features toasted baguette slices topped with smoked salmon, fresh herbs, and creamy cheese spread.

Meringue and Streusel-Topped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

If you don't have a pastry bag, simply fill a zip-top plastic bag with the meringue, and snip a corner with kitchen shears. Personalize the meringue design any way you desire.

Joe's Molten Marshmallow-Chocolate Cakes Recipe

Thirteen-year-old Joe Kozal was impressed by a molten chocolate cake in a restaurant but thought he could do better. Instead of chocolate, Joe's cakes ooze melted marshmallow.

French Onion Soup Recipe

Once you try this French Onion Soup recipe, you'll never try another. Caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth onions, crusty bread, and melted cheese make for a hearty and rich soup that’s worth the wait. You’ll want to let it simmer the full two hours for the ultimate blending of flavors. Perfect for a cold day, this classic soup is comfort food at its best. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, this also works as a crock pot soup recipe! This recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner. 

Simple Baked Ham Recipe

This easy baked ham recipe makes a great starring entrée for holiday meals.

Cream Cheese-Coconut-Pecan Pound Cake Recipe

As if a cream cheese pound cake was not rich enough, this one goes over the top with the addition of shredded coconut and chopped pecans.  And don’t forget the sugar glaze that’s drizzled over the top. For a special holiday occasion, garnish the cake plate with sugared rosemary sprigs and sugared cranberries.

Classic Dry Martini Recipe

Unlike James Bond's favorite cocktail, this version is stirred, not shaken. Chill vodka in the freezer so it's as cold as possible.

Grand Marnier Meringue Torte Recipe

This grown-up birthday cake blends delicately crisp meringues, orange-scented cream, a hint of chocolate, and fresh fruit. Superfine sugar dissolves quickly into the beaten egg whites; if you can't find superfine sugar in your grocery store, make your own by processing granulated sugar in a food processor for about a minute. If you can't find clear vanilla extract, use regular vanilla extract; your meringue will be a little darker but just as delicious. Prepare the meringues up to three days ahead, and store at room temperature in an airtight container. Top with filling and fruit shortly before serving.

Peppermint-Marshmallow Ice Cream Pie Recipe

Brushing melted ice cream into the pie plate "glues" the crust into place. Crushed chocolate wafers create the crust, while whole cookies define the edges of the pie.

Fennel, Parsley, and Radicchio Salad with Pine Nuts and Raisins Recipe

Pale fennel, dark green parsley, and magenta radicchio glisten with the citrusy vinaigrette. Serve this salad with Butternut Squash Soup with Toasted Walnuts.

Dry-Cured Rosemary Turkey Recipe

Letting this turkey dry-cure in a home-ground mixture of salt, marjoram, thyme, juniper berries, peppercorns, and anise seeds gives it incredible, earthy flavor once it's roasted. 

Roasted Kabocha Squash Bowl with Autumn Vegetables Recipe

When Kristine Snyder saw kabocha squash on sale, she imagined a multicultural twist on the more common soup-in-a-squash bowl: She turned the kabocha into a sort of Moroccan tagine for fall vegetables and added an Asian-flavored sauce. The medley would also make a good vegetarian main course.

Spiked Pumpkin Soup Recipe

This silky, slightly sweet soup is a fitting starter for various holiday entrées, including roast turkey, ham, or pork tenderloin. Bourbon enhances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.

Roasted Beet, Avocado, and Watercress Salad Recipe

This dish features holiday colors and a variety of textures, from crisp watercress and crunchy pecans to juicy oranges and buttery avocados. To make the most of the presentation, use a combination of red and yellow beets. You can prepare the beets and dressing in advance, then just assemble the salad before serving.

Garlic and Herb Standing Rib Roast Recipe

A standing rib roast makes a grand statement at the table. You do not need to ask your butcher for a frenched roast (one that has had the meat stripped from the bones); a regular standing rib roast will work just as well.

Sourdough Stuffing with Pears and Sausage Recipe

Sourdough bread gives the stuffing a tangier flavor than French bread, but you can use the latter in a pinch.

Oven-Roasted Green Beans Recipe

This easy vegetable side dish adds color to the meal, and you can roast the green beans at the last minute while you finish setting the table.

Roasted Cauliflower with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Recipe

Use parmesan and any fresh herbs you have on hand for this roasted cauliflower dish. While parsley, tarragon, and thyme make a nice combination, you can also try sage, chives, and rosemary for this holiday recipe.

Sweet Challah Recipe

Allowing the dough to rise three times gives the yeast more time to develop, resulting in a rich, complex flavor. Although this bread is best eaten the day it's made, you can also bake it one day in advance. Cool the bread completely, wrap in plastic wrap, and then wrap in foil; store at room temperature. Leftovers make excellent bread pudding.

Flaky Dinner Rolls Recipe

These superlative rolls derive their texture and beautiful shape from employing a simple folding technique twice and allowing them to rise just once.

Eggnog and Dried Fruit Bread Pudding Recipe

This recipe calls for eight ounces of country white bread. Buy a rustic loaf that weighs 16 ounces; once you remove the crust you will have eight ounces. Day-old bread works well for bread puddings because it has lost moisture and, thus, absorbs more liquid.

Maple-Date Bars Recipe

Topped with a crumbly cookie topping, these bars are filled with gooey, fruity goodness and make a unique dessert for school parties. (Just be sure to save a few for yourself!)

Rossini Bellini Recipe

Strawberries take the place of peaches in this version of the classic Italian drink.

One-Bowl Chocolate Mocha Cream Cake Recipe

"Cake is my favorite dessert--especially frosted cake." -Anna Ginsberg, Austin, TX. We agree, Anna! This easy one-bowl cake recipe got rave reviews (and a top-rating) from our users who called it "moist, sweet, and absolutely delicious."

Chocolate Thumbprints Recipe

Kids of all ages will indulge in our sweet little butter cookies filled with chocolate ganache. Thankfully this recipe makes a big batch.

Ice-cream Crêpes Recipe

This recipe makes 3 crêpes to be shared by 6 people. Scoop ice cream into 1/3 cupfuls, and freeze on a baking sheet until ready to assemble.

Black Walnut French Toast Recipe

Take French toast to the next level by adding fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, and a sprinkle of nutmeg in addition to the traditional cinnamon. Kid-friendly and adult-approved, this breakfast-meets-dessert treat is great for all ages.

Oatmeal Pecan Pie Recipe

Rolled oats add heartiness to the filling of this classic Thanksgiving dessert. Make the pie up to a day ahead, but store it in the refrigerator if you do.

Marsala-Glazed Ham Recipe

Gorgeously roasted and nicely spiced, this ham is a fitting centerpiece for a large gathering. It feeds a crowd but still leaves plenty of leftovers for sandwiches. Garnish the platter with orange wedges and fresh herbs.

Herbed Yukon Gold Potato Latkes Recipe

Flavored with chives, parsley, rosemary, and thyme, these elegant latkes also make a great starter course or brunch entrée.

Mediterranean Salmon With White Beans Recipe

Any fish fillet may be substituted in this mediterranean salmon dish with white beans. However, the salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fats and has great flavor.

Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

Mississippi Mud Cake is a classic Southern sheet cake filled with marshmallows and chopped pecans and covered in a rich chocolate frosting.  This particular recipe offers a cupcake variation as well as a shortcut version.

Ham Steak With Orange Glaze Recipe

For a quick weeknight meal, dress up pan-seared ham steak with a simple sauce made with orange juice, canned pineapple, golden raisins, and Dijon mustard. Fancy as it sounds, this is a lightning fast meal that's suitable for family or company.

Apricot-Apple Cider Sipper Recipe

Make the perfect cool-weather party punch. This warm fruity sipper is sweet and spicy, and guaranteed to warm you from the toes up.

Maple-Cranberry Baked Apples Recipe

Tips: Use real maple syrup instead of pancake syrup. The flavor is worth the extra cost. Peel the top half of the apples, or they may explode in the oven. Use raisins in place of dried cranberries, if desired. Shave white chocolate with a vegetable peeler. Also, be sure to store the chocolate at room temperature because cold can make it crumble.

Layered Sun-dried-Tomato-and-Basil Spread Recipe

Make this festive top-rated holiday dip recipe up to 3 days before the party. The colorful layers make it a fun addition to any appetizer buffet.

Chocolate Fudge Brownies Recipe

This basic, but outstanding fudge brownie recipe offers endless dessert options you can add nuts or mix things up by turning them into cheesecake brownies. This brownie recipe is a must-have for your recipe box.

Peppermint Brownie Tarts Recipe

This delicious brownie tart recipe makes two tarts, so plan to share one with a friend or neighbor this Christmas season.

Sweet Potato Bundt Cake with Creamy Orange Glaze Recipe

This not-too-sweet cake is a great one to have on hand throughout the holidays, especially since you can serve it for breakfast or dessert.

Chocolate Lava Cakes with Pistachio Cream Recipe

These flourless chocolate cakes are as rich as a restaurant dessert, but they're made with a fraction of the fat and no dairy butter. When these cakes bake, the gooey filling causes the center to sink in.

Streuseled Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Sprinkle a buttery, brown sugar and pecan mixture over the top of the creamy potatoes in this sweet potato casserole that's sweet enough to be dessert.

Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail Recipe

Pomegranate champagne cocktails are a pretty and festive drink for any special occasion. Pomegranate juice is available in the refrigerated juice section or produce section of the grocery store. Turbinado is a raw, very coarse sugar with a mild brown sugar taste. Find it with other sugars. We found the rock candy stirrers at an import store that carries wines and specialty food items.

Savory Yogurt Cheesecake with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices. This appetizer provides about a fourth of the recommended daily amount of calcium. The yogurt for the filling drains overnight. Spread any leftover yogurt on whole wheat toast for breakfast. Prepare the onions while the crust bakes.

Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake Recipe

Chocoholics are sure to love this ultra-rich cheesecake, which features traditional cheesecake filling sandwiched between a chocolate-pecan brownie base and a thick, homemade chocolate glaze.

Cherry Chutney Cheese Torte Recipe

Prepare the chutney up to two days ahead so you can bake the torte the night before the party. Serve leftover chutney with ham, pork, or duck. You can also spread this slightly sweet cheesecake on crackers or gingersnaps.