22 Delicious Christmas Food Ideas for Your Party This Year

Christmas Food Ideas

Are you planning a holiday party this year? Food is one of the best parts of the holiday season, and we have 22 delicious Christmas food ideas to make your party unforgettable. From appetizers to main dishes and desserts, we have recipe ideas for everyone.

Christmas Appetizers

1. Christmas Charcuterie Board

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Who doesn’t love a good charcuterie board? Here is an amazing board made by @boardsbycourtney we really like. It’s the perfect Christmas appetizer because you can add a little something for everyone. You can add whatever you want to your board, but here are some ideas:

• An assortment of cheeses
• Fruit (apples are a good seasonal choice)
• Something sweet
• Deli meats

To make your board more festive, add gingerbread cookies, sprigs of rosemary and cranberry dip.

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2. Fried Raviolis

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Fried raviolis are always a crowd pleaser, and these ones are made in an air fryer for a healthy twist. This vegetarian-friendly appetizer takes just a few minutes to prepare and only requires a few ingredients.

Whip up a quick marinara sauce to serve with these, and you’re ready to go.

Related: 15 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gift Ideas Everyone Will Love

Ingredients

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Cooking spray
• Frozen prepackaged ravioli
• Marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Make the coating – In a medium bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
2. Beat the eggs – Beat the eggs in a separate small bowl.
3. Prep the basket – Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
4. Bread the ravioli – Dip the ravioli in the egg, then coat in the crumb mixture. Arrange in a single layer in the basket.
5. Air-fry and serve – Air-fry at 350F for 15 minutes, flipping after 8 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce.

3. Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

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If you’re looking for easy Christmas food ideas that are absolutely delicious, these bacon wrapped dates should be on your list. It’s the perfect mix of salty, sweet and savory.

To make these bite-sized appetizers, just fill Medjool dates with your favorite goat cheese and wrap them in bacon. Secure with a toothpick and drizzle some honey on top before popping in the oven for about 20 minutes.

It’s a quick, easy and delicious appetizer your guests will love.

Ingredients

• 24 plump Medjool dates, pitted
• 6 oz creamy goat cheese
• 12 slices thinly sliced bacon, cut in half
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• Candied or toasted walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Split each date lengthwise without cutting through and remove the pit. Stuff with goat cheese and gently press closed. Wrap each with a half slice of bacon and set seam-side down on the pan.
3. Make the rosemary honey – Stir together the honey, rosemary, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle about half over the bacon-wrapped dates to coat.
4. Bake and serve – Bake 20–25 minutes, until the bacon is crisping. Serve warm or at room temperature with the remaining honey and walnuts, if desired.

4. Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

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Here’s an appetizer that’s easy to make, festive and delicious. Cranberries and green onions add holiday colors to your table and pair well with the cream cheese filling.

These pinwheels come together so quickly and easily, and you can make them ahead of time to save you time and stress on the day of your party.

Ingredients

• 1 tub (8.8 oz) spreadable cream cheese
• 2 to 3 tsp milk
• 1 package (6 oz) sweetened dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 4 large regular or spinach flour tortillas

Instructions

1. Make the filling – In a medium bowl, stir the cream cheese with the milk until loose and creamy. Stir in the cranberries, feta, and green onions.
2. Fill and roll – Divide the filling among the tortillas and spread evenly. Roll each one up tightly, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Slice – Using a serrated knife, cut each tortilla roll into 12 slices to serve.

5. Mini Cheese Ball Bites

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Ditch the classic cheese ball and give your guests something more finger-food-friendly. These mini cheese ball bites are easy to grab and eat. They pair well with most other appetizers, too.

What you’ll love most about these little bites is that they’re so easy to make. That means you can spend more time chatting with guests and less time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted and finely chopped
• 24 pretzel sticks

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, blue cheese, and dried cranberries until smooth. Dampen your hands to prevent sticking, then form about 24 tablespoon-sized balls. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, until firm.
2. Heat the oven to 350F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast 7–10 minutes, until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool, then finely chop.
3. Roll the chilled cheese balls in the chopped pecans, pressing so they stick. Keep refrigerated until serving. Right before serving, stick a pretzel into each ball.

6. Spiced Pear and Pomegranate Crostini

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Here’s something different for your Christmas apps – spiced pear and pomegranate crostini. Top slices of baguette with pear, pomegranate arils, cinnamon cream cheese and spiced syrup for an irresistible appetizer your guests are sure to rave about.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, thinly sliced, 1/2 inch thick
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
• 1 package Laughing Cow® Smooth Sensations Cinnamon Cream, or 6 oz cinnamon cream cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 large ripe but firm pears, peeled and diced
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup pomegranate arils

Instructions

1. Toast the crostini – Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast. Spread each with the cinnamon cream cheese and set aside.
2. Cook the pears – Melt the butter in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the pears, cinnamon, and maple syrup; saute for 3 minutes, until fragrant and warm.
3. Finish and assemble – Stir in the balsamic vinegar and pomegranate arils. Spoon the fruit onto the toasts with a slotted spoon, then lightly drizzle a little of the pan syrup over the tops. Serve immediately.

7. Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

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These cranberry BBQ meatballs are a little sweet and a little spicy – a perfect combination for your Christmas party. You can make this appetizer in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

If you want to save time, you can make these ahead of time. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Ingredients

• 14 oz whole cranberry sauce
• 18 oz spicy barbecue sauce
• 28 oz frozen meatballs, if using homemade, about 50 small or 30 medium size

Instructions

1. Make the sauce – In a large deep skillet over medium heat, stir together the cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce and cook until bubbling.
2. Cook the meatballs – Add the meatballs in a single layer and stir to coat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until heated through—15 to 20 minutes for frozen or about 10 minutes for fresh.
3. Reduce the sauce – Uncover and cook a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and coats the meatballs.
4. Serve – Serve as an appetizer or over rice.
5. Slow cooker method – Add both sauces to a slow cooker and stir. Add meatballs and stir to coat. Cover and cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours, until heated through. Stir before serving.

Christmas Mains / Side Dishes

8. Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

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Ham is a great main dish to serve at your Christmas party because it can easily feed a crowd. And this brown sugar glazed ham has just the right amount of sweetness. The sauce is easy to make and will caramelize as you cook your ham for a crispy, sweet crust.

Start cooking this ham just before your guests arrive, and it will be ready to serve after everyone has settled in and made themselves at home.

Related: 21 Mason Jar Gift Ideas for Christmas for Everyone On Your List

Ingredients

• 1 spiral cut ham (6 to 10 lb), bone-in, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

1. Heat oven and prep ham – Preheat to 350F and set a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Rinse the ham, pat dry, and place it on a large sheet of foil.
2. Make the glaze – In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Glaze and bake – Pour the glaze over each slice of the ham. Wrap the ham tightly in the foil, set it on the rack, and bake for 90 minutes.

9. Bacon Green Bean Bundles

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Green beans are the perfect Christmas side dish, and this recipe adds some salty goodness with bacon wraps. These bundles are baked in the oven, so you won’t have to babysit a pan in the kitchen while your guests are in the living room.

Use fresh green beans for this recipe. If you have vegetarian guests, you can wrap your green beans veggie bacon strips or even tempeh to give it a smoky flavor. Check out the full recipe here.  

10. Baked Ziti

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By the time Christmas parties start rolling around, people are usually sick of the usual turkey, ham and roast dishes. Why not serve something a little different as your main dish? This layered baked ziti recipe can easily serve a crowd and is the ultimate comfort food.

Go the extra mile and make your own sauce ahead of time. It’s worth the effort. Marcella Hazan’s famous tomato sauce uses just four ingredients and is as easy as it gets.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 32 oz tomato sauce

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F. Cook the ziti according to package directions; drain.
2. Make the cheese mixture – In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning until combined.
3. Start the pan – Spread half the tomato sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Assemble – Toss the drained pasta with the cheese mixture, then spread it in the dish. Top with the remaining sauce, then the other 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
5. Bake – Bake 35 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let rest 5 minutes.

11. Amish Potato Rolls

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No Christmas food ideas list is complete without at least one dinner rolls recipe. And these potato rolls are divine. They take a little effort, but they’re worth every second. You can make them the day before and warm them before serving your main dish.

Using potato flakes will save time and make it much easier to get the right consistency for your dough.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain mashed potatoes, cooled
• 3/4 cup warm whole milk
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing
• Flaky sea salt, optional

Instructions

1. Mix the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the mashed potatoes, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir in 3 1/2 cups flour, adding more as needed to make a soft, slightly sticky dough.
3. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled.
4. Divide into 12 balls and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown.
6. Brush the warm rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm.

12. Balsamic Herbed Pork Roast

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Pork roast is a great main dish for a Christmas party, and this recipe incorporates a cranberry relish glaze with balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs.

While this recipe has a fancy name, it’s not as complicated to make as it sounds. Cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar and Granny Smith apples give this roast a sweet and sour flavor. Some fresh thyme, sage, rosemary and cranberries add a punch of flavor and color to your roast.

You can feed a small crowd with this recipe, making it perfect for smaller dinner parties.

Ingredients

• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced
• 8 fresh rosemary sprigs
• 8 fresh sage leaves
• 8 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 boneless pork roast, 3 to 3 1/2 lb
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 can (15 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• Additional fresh herbs, for garnish, optional
• Fresh cranberries, for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425F. Scatter the sliced onion, apple, and some of the rosemary, sage, and thyme in the bottom of a roasting pan; reserve the rest.
2. Set the pork roast fat side up on top of the onions and apples. Pour the balsamic vinegar evenly over the roast and let it sit at least 20 minutes.
3. Season the roast with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add a few extra rosemary and thyme sprigs on top.
4. Roast on the center rack for 60 minutes.
5. Remove the roast and spread the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the top. Return to the oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 140F, about 30 minutes more.
6. Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and rest at least 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter, slice, and garnish with fresh herbs and cranberries if desired.

13. Stuffed Shells

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If you need pasta Christmas food ideas, these stuffed shells are a great choice. They’re easy to make and can feed a big crowd. Like ziti, stuffed shells are a great option if you’re having vegetarian guests (use vegan ricotta if you have vegan guests).

You can prepare these ahead of time and reheat them when your guests arrive to save time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 28 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
• 30 oz whipped cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
• 6 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
• 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped (about 8 to 10 leaves)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Prep the dish – Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half the marinara in the bottom and set aside.
2. Cook the shells – Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the kosher salt and pasta shells, and cook until 3 minutes shy of al dente, following package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water; set aside.
3. Make the filling – In a large bowl, combine the whipped cottage cheese, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble – Spoon the filling into the shells and place them in the prepared dish, nestling them into the sauce. Cover with the remaining marinara and sprinkle the mozzarella on top.
5. Bake – Bake 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Serve right away.

14. Roasted Leg of Lamb

For a more elegant main dish, try leg of lamb. This roasted leg of lamb recipe is easy to follow and uses fresh herbs. If you’ve been intimidated by lamb recipes in the past, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find this recipe fool-proof and fuss-free.

15. Maple Roasted Turkey Thighs

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Turkey thighs are a great option if you’re feeding a smaller crowd. This maple roasted thighs recipe is easy to prepare and delicious. Some fresh herbs, maple syrup, butter and mustard give these turkey thighs a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp rosemary, fresh, chopped
• 1 tsp thyme, fresh, chopped
• 2 turkey thighs, bone-in with skin, washed and dried, about 2 to 3 lb
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 cup water
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 5 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 5 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 sprigs rosemary
• 2 sprigs thyme

Instructions

1. Heat oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Make the glaze – Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, smoked paprika, dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
3. Season the turkey – Score the skin on the turkey thighs. Season all over with salt and pepper, then pour about half the maple-mustard mixture over them and toss to coat.
4. Set up the pan – Pour the water into a roasting pan and add the onion, celery, carrots, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs. Set a roasting rack over the vegetables.
5. Roast and rest – Place the thighs skin side up on the rack and brush with the remaining glaze. Roast 1 hour 30 minutes, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices, until the internal temperature is 170°F to 175°F. Tent with foil and rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Christmas Desserts

16. Mint Chocolate Torte

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This mint chocolate torte is perfect for the holidays. It features layers of creamy chocolate sandwiched between spongey layers of cake. Top with chunks of Andes mint candies or fresh mint chocolate chips for a festive presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz), plus ingredients listed on the box
• 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz)
• 2 cups cold milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 to 3 drops green food coloring
• 1 cup chocolate chunks or shavings

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Prepare the batter, divide between two greased 8-inch round cake pans, and bake according to the package directions. Cool completely.
2. Whisk the chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes. Refrigerate for 5 minutes until thickened.
3. Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and green food coloring until stiff peaks form.
4. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the chocolate pudding over it, followed by about one-third of the mint whipped cream. Add the second cake layer and cover the top with the remaining mint cream.
5. Decorate with chocolate chunks and shavings. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

17. Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

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If you’re looking for classic Christmas food ideas, add rice pudding to your list. This delicious, creamy dessert is satisfying and easy to make in big batches. It uses just a few ingredients and is sure to be loved by all of your guests.

Make sure that you use long-grain rice for this recipe. You can use sweetened condensed milk if you want a richer and sweeter taste.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups whole milk, divided
• 1/2 cup long grain white rice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon, optional

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine 5 1/2 cups milk with the sugar and salt. Heat over medium-high until boiling.
2. Stir in the rice. Reduce to low and adjust as needed to keep a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, 50 to 60 minutes, until as thick as yogurt.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Cool, then refrigerate.
4. Just before serving, stir in the remaining 1/2 cup milk. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.

18. Cherry Poke Cake

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Cakes are the perfect party dessert because they can feed a crowd, and everyone can grab their own slice to go. Poke cakes are really fun to make, and this cherry variation is so festive.

White cake mix will save you time. Don’t skimp on the fresh cherries for the topping and use a high-quality cherry pie filling (or make your own!).

Ingredients

For the cake

• 1 white cake mix
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract

For the gelatin

• 3.4 oz cherry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water

For the frosting

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
• 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For serving

• Additional whipped topping
• Fresh Cherries
• Cherry Pie Filling
• Sliced Almonds

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth. Spread in the dish and bake about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes.
2. Whisk the cherry gelatin into the boiling water for about 2 minutes until dissolved, then stir in the cold water.
3. Poke holes all over the cake about every 1/2 inch with a wooden skewer or large fork. Slowly pour the gelatin over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
4. Make the frosting – Beat the whipped topping, marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, almond extract, and vanilla until fluffy. Start with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and add up to 1/2 cup for a spreadable consistency.
5. Spread the frosting over the chilled cake. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
6. Serve with additional whipped topping, fresh cherries, cherry pie filling, and sliced almonds.

19. Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

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Here’s a dessert that will impress your guests and be the star of your table. This cake has all of your favorite holiday spices and a delicious eggnog buttercream frosting. It’s basically the holidays in a cake.

Top with fresh cinnamon sticks and dust with cinnamon.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground clove
• 1/4 tsp pure ground black pepper
• 1 3/4 cups light brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp unsulphered molasses
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened apple sauce
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp pure vanilla

For the eggnog buttercream

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
• 4 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 7 tbsp eggnog
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the white chocolate ganache

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Make the cake – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and black pepper. In a mixer, cream the brown sugar, vegetable oil, molasses, and apple sauce on medium until smooth and no sugar lumps remain. Add the eggs and vanilla; mix on low 1–2 minutes. Add the dry ingredients in 3 additions on low, scraping the bowl as needed. Divide batter among pans and bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
2. Make the buttercream – Beat the butter on medium-high until pale and fluffy. Reduce to low and slowly add the confectioner’s sugar, one cup at a time. Add the eggnog a tablespoon at a time, then add the ground nutmeg and beat 2 minutes. Reduce speed to add the heavy cream, then raise to medium-high and beat 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Make the ganache – Bring the heavy cream to a simmer in a small saucepan. Pour over the white chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and stir until smooth. Let sit 10–20 minutes until cool but still pourable.
4. Assemble – Frost each layer and the top and sides of the cooled cake. Lightly drip the cooled ganache over the sides, then pour some on top and gently smooth. Optional: once the ganache has set, lightly sprinkle the top with spices.

20. Eggnog Pudding

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You can’t talk about Christmas food ideas without mentioning at least one eggnog recipe. This homemade eggnog pudding is delightfully rich and can easily be scaled to feed a crowd.

Don’t be intimidated by homemade pudding – it’s easier than you think. You can serve your pudding in single-serving size cups topped with whipped cream and dusted with cinnamon.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Pinch salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 1/4 cups eggnog
• Cinnamon whipped cream, optional
• More ground cinnamon, optional

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk in the eggnog and egg yolks until smooth, then cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 5-8 minutes.
2. Pour into a bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface. Refrigerate 3 hours.
3. Divide into 4 small glasses. Top with cinnamon whipped cream and more ground cinnamon, if using, or use in desserts.

21. Cranberry White Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes

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These mini cheesecakes are adorable, especially when served in mini mason jars. They’re bite-sized, so everyone can grab their own jar and enjoy. Top with fresh frosted cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a pretty presentation.

Save the mini mason jars to make them again next year and make it a holiday party tradition.

Ingredients

For the cranberry layer

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the crust

• 1 cup graham cracker cookie crumbs (gluten-free, if needed)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar

For the white chocolate mixture

• 3 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup half & half cream

For the cheesecake filling

• 12 ounces cream cheese
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the sugared garnish

• 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup water
• A few sprigs of rosemary
• 36 cranberries

Instructions

1. Heat the oven – Preheat to 375F. Set twelve 1/2-cup canning jars in a roasting pan or baking dish.
2. Cook cranberries – Combine cranberries, sugar, water, and vanilla in a small pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool until warm.
3. Make crust and layer – Stir cookie crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Divide among the jars and press lightly. Spoon the warm cranberry mixture over the crust.
4. Melt white chocolate – Heat white chocolate and half & half in a small saucepan over medium until melted, then whisk smooth.
5. Make filling and assemble – Beat cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until smooth, about 5 minutes. Beat in the melted white chocolate. Divide batter among jars, leaving a 1/4-inch gap. Carefully pour water into the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the jars.
6. Bake and cool – Bake 25 minutes, until slightly puffed and the tops look dry and matte. Turn off the oven, open the door halfway, and let the cheesecakes sit inside for 30 minutes.
7. Make sugared garnish – In a small pan, heat 1/4 cup of the sugar with the water until dissolved; cool. Put the remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. Dip rosemary in the syrup, shake off, then coat in sugar; set on parchment. Repeat with the cranberries, tossing to coat. Let dry completely, then garnish the cheesecakes.

22. Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

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These sugar cookie bars transform the classic Christmas cookie recipe into bite-sized bars with thick layers of tasty frosting. This is a dessert recipe that’s easy to make for a crowd and so festive. Top your bars with red and green sprinkles for a pretty presentation.

Ingredients

For the bars

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract, optional
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
• holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease, or line with parchment paper.
2. Beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the vanilla, almond extract, and eggs.
3. Sift the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together. Mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in two additions.
4. Spoon the batter into the pan and press into an even layer with lightly greased hands. Bake 22–25 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
5. Make the frosting – Beat the butter until soft, then mix in the cream cheese. Add the salt and vanilla. Beat in the powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time until you reach the sweetness and thickness you like. Spread over the cooled bars and add holiday sprinkles.

Final Thoughts

These 22 Christmas food ideas are sure to be a hit at your holiday party. If you’re feeding a big crowd, pick multiple recipes from each category to give everyone a variety of foods to choose from.

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