Prepare the Best Christmas Recipes for 2025!
🎄 The Best Christmas Recipes for A Warm and Memorable holiday season
Every year when December rolls around, I find myself heading into the kitchen a little more than usual (with the exception of vacation!). There’s something about the cold weather (especially here in Canada!), the bright lights from Christmas decorations, and the excitement of the holidays that makes cooking feel even more meaningful. I always think back to the best Christmas recipes I’ve experienced (though to be fair I’ve only celebrated Christmas since 2013 when I came to Canada!) — the aroma of slow braises filling the house, fresh bread warming on the counter, and everyone sneaking tastes long before dinner was ready.
Those memories are a big part of why I cook the way I do today. To me, Christmas cooking is all about recipes that bring comfort, warmth, and a sense of togetherness. Over the years, I’ve shared many of my favourite holiday recipes here on the blog, and each one comes with its own story, its own inspiration, and its own place at the table.
This year, I wanted to bring all of those festive favourites together in one place by compiling this list of the best Christmas recipes for you to try out for a memorable Christmas! We’ve got slow-simmered classics to soft and fluffy breads to sweet treats that make the whole house smell like Christmas. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or cooking an intimate meal at home, I hope the dishes presented in this list of the best Christmas recipes bring as much satisfaction and joy to your holiday table as they do to mine.
The Best Christmas Recipes - Breakfast
1.Overnight French Toast Casserole
Make a Sunday brunch that your family will never forget! This Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole is easy to prep the night before and bakes effortlessly in the morning! Have your family wake up to the incredible scents of cinnamon and brown sugar to this fabulous treat!
2. Eggnog Pancakes
Want to wake up to the best Christmas morning? You need to treat your family to these amazing fluffy pancakes with eggnog! Christmas in a pancake, what more could you ask for!
3. Chocolate Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding
Brioche Bread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel Sauce is the perfect dessert to serve a crowd and not to waste brioche bread! This soft and warm bread pudding is topped with chocolate chips, and it’s paired with ice cream and a drizzle of homemade whiskey caramel sauce!
4. Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Need the best banana bread ever to wake up to on Christmas morning? This Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe is absolutely moist and fresh, packed with chocolate chips and the warm flavours of gingerbread all in one! Enjoy a slice warm or cold with a glass of milk to kickstart the holidays!
5. Sugar Cookie Waffles
These Festive Waffles are the perfect treat for any occasion! Whether you want an extra special start to your day or a fantastic dessert, these waffles bring together a classic sugar cookie in waffle form!
🍲The Best Christmas Recipes - Soups & Starters
1. Carrot and Ginger Soup
Make a super easy and ultra nutritious soup by preparing this Carrot and Ginger Soup with Coconut Milk! This wholesome soup is packed with vitamins and immunity-boosting goodness that will get you through the cold weather, and the best part is that it’s ready in just one pot! Enjoy it as part of your holiday dinners or on a cold night in!
2. French Onion Soup
No need to search any further for the most comforting start to your holiday events! This French Onion Soup is definitely the greatest one! Featuring a rich onion broth and sweet caramelized onions, soft and crusty bread, and melty gooey cheese on top, your guests will wish there were seconds!
3. Soft Holiday Dinner Rolls
Make any meal extra special by enjoying this Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls recipe! They’re amazing to accompany your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but also pair perfectly with saucy pasta, a wholesome soup, or any dish with sauce that needs to be scooped up!
4. Buttery Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
The holidays are going to be absolutely memorable with an exciting twist to mashed potatoes! These Buttery Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes deliver with three fresh herbs and garlic and butter goodness!
5. The Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Easy creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect side to go with comforting main dishes at any time of the year! Christmas, Thanksgiving, these simple mashed potatoes are going to blow you away!
6. Savory Sweet Mashed Potatoes
Enhance your Thanksgiving meal with these quick and comforting Savory Sweet Mashed Potatoes! While they're a fall staple, you can certainly make them any time of the year!
7. Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
The perfect stress-free appetizers for the holidays that will keep your guests talking! Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket only require 2 main ingredients and they air fry in a flash! They look and taste like you’ve put in loads of time and effort, but they’re amazing whether you’re hosting your first dinner party or fiftieth!
8. Mini Air Fryer Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
You’re about to discover the best appetizer ever! These Sausage Rolls in the Air Fryer are made with flaky buttery puff pastry and a flavourful homemade pork & bacon sausage! Serve these with a quick tomato sauce and get your party started!
9. Crisp and Cheesy Fried Mini Mozzarella Balls
Fried Mini Mozzarella Balls are going to be your new favourite appetizer! Perfectly crunchy outside with a warm, gooey inside. They’ll transform your snack scenes and they are bound to be loved at your parties!
The Best Christmas Recipes - Main Dishes
1.Handheld Canadian Tourtiere
Make Christmas memorable by baking this hearty and tempting handheld Tourtiere recipe! These handheld French Canadian meat pies are packed with juiciness inside all wrapped with a deliciously crispy homemade pie crust. These Tourtière Turnovers have the essence of the French Canadian classic that can be enjoyed with your hands for a unique Christmas experience!
2. Coq au Vin
If you’re in search of a dish that will scream “romance” then this Chicken Coq au Vin is the truest gesture of love! A French stew of braised chicken with mushrooms and bacon, served with tagliatelle pasta.
3. Hearty Gravy from Scratch
An essential for a cozy holiday meal! This is the Best Gravy Recipe from Drippings! Save the juicy goodness from your chicken or turkey roast and use it in this hearty gravy to top your protein, potatoes and more!
4. Indian-Fusion Chicken Bolognese
Looking for a hearty holiday meal? Treat your family to an innovative Bolognese pasta - Indian-style!! This Indian-Style Chicken Bolognese Pasta features a hearty Bolognese sauce that has the base of a traditional Bolognese, with minced chicken and aromatic Indian spices. Serve your royal sauce over some campanelle pasta and you’ve got a memorable winter dinner!
5. Chicken Nargisi Kofta
Want to impress your family for the holidays? This Chicken Nargisi Kofta Curry is an Indian take on scotch eggs! Hard boiled eggs enveloped in a mouthwatering chicken mince, fried to perfection and added into a royal tomato gravy, this Nargisi Kofta Curry is a spectacular holiday meal!
6. Gluten-Free Croatian Zagorkski Strukli
Zagorski Strukli is an extra special cheese-filled pastry, comparable to a lasagna. If you want a Croatian twist to your Christmas dinner this year, then this recipe is for you! What makes this strukli recipe extra special is that it’s gluten-free and lactose-free so that all of your guests can have a slice (or two!)
7. Beef Bourguignon
Celebrate the holidays with a lavish Beef Bourguignon! This recipe is sure to please the entire family for the holidays, with incredibly rich flavours from red wine, bacon, and tender slow-cooked beef. Everyone will certainly demand seconds!
Christmas Desserts
1. Homemade Pie Crust
If you need the perfect easy homemade pie crust recipe, then you’ve come to the right place! This homemade pie crust is so simple to make with only 3 ingredients, and it’s multipurpose making this pie crust excellent for both sweet and savory pies!
2. No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
An indulgent cream pie featuring a crust made with both graham crackers and Oreo, a smooth and creamy peanut butter cream cheese filling, topped with chopped peanuts, homemade chocolate sauce, a peanut butter drizzle and homemade whipped cream! Ready in just a few easy steps, this No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is the ultimate treat for the holidays to complement a hot and hearty meal!
3. Espresso Brownies with Peppermint Mocha Cream Cheese Glaze
Espresso, chocolate, and a peppermint mocha cream cheese topping… All bundled up together into decadent fudgy brownies! Ring in the new year in the most amazing way with these Peppermint Mocha Brownies!
4. Apple Pie Spiced Caramelized Bananas
These bananas look so special that you wouldn’t believe they take just about 10 minutes from start to finish! These Apple Spiced Caramelized Bananas feature a warm homemade Apple Pie Spice that enhances buttery brown sugar pan-fried bananas! This is the holiday treat you can cook up again and again with minimal preparation and planning!
5. Chocolate Mousse
If you’re a chocolate lover, you can’t go wrong with the Best Chocolate Mousse! This chocolate mousse recipe only needs 4 basic ingredients and it’s ready in a flash!
6. Eggnog Creme Brulee
Make an unforgettable dessert this holiday season! This Festive Gingerbread Eggnog Creme Brûlée is fancy but easy to make and only needs a couple of ingredients! This creme brûlée recipe is sure to impress your guests at your special gatherings!
7. Canadian Beavertails
Beavertails are a hallmark of Canada! No, they’re not ACTUAL tails of beavers! This beavertails recipe involves fried dough shaped like a beaver’s tail. They are puffy, hot, and crispy yet soft, and the topping possibilities are endless! No need to stand out in the Canadian cold to enjoy Beavertails - now you can enjoy them anywhere in the world right in the comfort of your own kitchen!
8. NYC Huge Black and White Cookies
Black and White Cookies are a popular treat in New York bakeries! Soft and cakey cookies topped with vanilla and chocolate frosting for when you can’t decide which one you want, and they’ll be HUGE cookies to be the ultimate treat!
9. Air Fryer Mini Cinnamon Rolls with Crescent Rolls
Soft and fluffy with a rich vanilla icing, these Air Fryer Crescent Roll Baby Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect solution to your holiday parties! Made with canned crescent rolls paired with homemade cinnamon sugar and vanilla icing, these mini cinnamon rolls taste as amazing as they small - ready in no time for those busy nights!
The Best Christmas Recipes - Winter-themed Drinks
1. Sugar Cookie Latte
Enjoy the goodness of a baked sugar cookie in a cup! This holiday Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte features a 4-ingredient easy-to-make sugar cookie syrup, brewed coffee, and sweet and creamy steamed milk! Don’t rely on the seasonal menu to sip this cookie delight any time!
2. Starbucks Gingerbread Latte
Celebrate the holidays with one of the coziest drinks around! This Starbucks Gingerbread Latte recipe is made with gingerbread syrup made from scratch, accompanied with a hearty dose of fresh whipped cream and aromatic gingerbread spice. Leaving the house is not required for this comforting latte!
3. Bailey’s Whipped Hot Chocolate
Get warm this winter with an exciting new hot chocolate experience by curling up with this Baileys Hot Chocolate! This TikTok Baileys hot chocolate recipe features rich and fluffy whipped cream over Baileys-infused warm milk. All you need is 10 minutes!
4. Starbucks Eggnog Latte
Bring the Eggnog Latte to your home in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients at a highly reduced cost! This holiday classic is creamy, warm, and really easy to make!
5. Starbucks White hot Chocolate
If you’re looking for a new twist to your classic hot chocolate, then you’ll love this Decadent White Hot Chocolate! It looks like a fresh coat of snow, and trust me, it totally tastes as good as it looks! Mix and match with your favourite toppings!
6. Maple Bourbon Latte
This Maple Bourbon Latte is sure to be your new favourite caffeinated beverage! Featuring a homemade maple bourbon sauce, brewed coffee, and steamed milk, this maple latte is an incredible way to warm up in winter!
Using Your leftovers From the Best Christmas Recipes!
1. Air Fryer Mashed Potato Pinwheels
Mashed potatoes are a staple for the holidays, but what if you made too much? These Air Fryer Mashed Potato Pinwheels with Crescent Rolls are ready in a flash if you’ve got extra mash from your holiday gathering, and the crescent rolls make these pinwheels that much easier! Enjoy these for a stress-free snack or for a last-minute appetizer!
2. Leftover Mashed Potato Samosas
Got some extra mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner If you’re in a pinch for an appetizer? This Mashed Potato Samosa recipe is for you! If you need a quick and delicious Christmas appetizer or just want a tasty snack, you gotta try this exciting fusion samosa recipe!
3. Leftover Dinner Roll Smash Burger Sliders
Got extra dinner rolls from your holiday gathering? Your leftovers don’t have to be boring! These Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Roll Smash Burger Sliders feature extra homemade dinner rolls as tasty and soft burger buns to hold your juicy and crisp smash burger patty! Add your favourite toppings and enjoy leftovers in a new way!
4. Crispy Mashed Potato Spring Rolls
To impress your guests this holiday season, you need to try this Super Crispy Mashed Potato Spring Rolls recipe! Not only is this appetizer a great way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes, but it’s a restaurant favourite recreated at home with so much deliciousness! I guarantee they’ll disappear off the plate before your eyes!
🛒 Products I Recommend to Make the Best Christmas Recipes:
Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right tools and ingredients can make holiday cooking so much easier — and more enjoyable. Here are some of my favourite products that I use every Christmas:
1. Quality Chef’s Knife
A high quality knife that’s sharp is key not only for efficiency but for safety!
2. Cutting Board
Essential to cut your meats and veggies!
3. Digital Meat Thermometer
A must-have for perfect roasts every time — prevents overcooking and guarantees juicy chicken.
4. Roasting Pan with Rack
A great tool to roast your chicken in the oven, and have the drippings neatly fall into the pan.
5. Stainless Steel Pan
This is actually my alternative to the roasting pan as you’ll see from my No-Fail Roast Chicken recipe! Stainless steel is oven-safe.
6. Basting Brush
Ideal for applying butter, drippings, or marinade to make your chicken or meat juicy. I also use my basting brush over pastries to get a golden brown crust!
7. Instant Pot
I like my instant pot to boil my potatoes for mashed potatoes. You can see how to do that here!
8. Pots and Pans
If you choose to boil potatoes over the stove.
9. Potato Masher
I never use this for my mashed potatoes, actually! But I do recommend using a potato masher for veggie patties for appetizers.
10. Mandoline Slicer
Perfect for evenly sliced potatoes for scalloped potatoes or au gratin dishes. Alternatively, use a waffle cutter.
11. Cheese Grater
Essential to grate cheese that may go into your potatoes and appetizers!
12. Cast Iron Skillet
Amazing to cook meats and even to sauté veggies. You can have a large one if you have plenty of components that need to cook at once, or use a smaller one.
13. Non-Stick Pan
A must-have for any occasion! I recommend having a set of pans in multiple sizes depending on what you need. I often have 2 non-stick pans out at once!
14. Immersion Blender
Key for smooth soups and stews!
🥐 Baking Essentials
15. Kitchen Scale
Baking is a science for sure, so you need to be precise and weigh out all your ingredients!
16. Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixer
Helps knead dough and it’s much more efficient than to do it by hand!
17. Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups
To help measure your ingredients.
18. Parchment Paper sheets
Great for appetizers like pinwheels and tarts — keep a box in the freezer for easy entertaining.
19. Pie Dish
Essential for your deep dish pumpkin pie and banana cream pie.
20. Rolling Pin
A staple for pie dough, pastries, and flattening dough evenly.
21. Air Fryer
An alternative to the oven! I love to use the air fryer for appetizers and cooking veggies quickly. This helps save some space on the stove too!
22. Mixing Bowl
To add all your ingredients together.
23. Muffin Pan
If you turn my Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Banana Bread into muffins for gifting or easy serving, a sturdy non-stick muffin pan is a must. It helps the muffins bake evenly and release cleanly.
🍽️ Serving Essentials
24. Ladle
To serve soups and stews.
25. Soup Bowl
Ceramic keeps your soups and stews warm. These are oven-safe and the handles make it easy to grip!
26. Bread Basket
Keeps your dinner rolls soft and warm through the meal.
27. Serving Platters
Perfect for showcasing all of your hard work!
28. Gravy Boat
A classic addition to any holiday table — makes serving homemade gravy easy and elegant.
Desserts
Whipped Cream Dispenser
To add a professional topping to your desserts!
Cake Cutter
To slice pies and cakes.
Icing Spatula
Helps to spread a frosting over your dessert.
Piping Kit
To top cupcakes and other small desserts with precision!
Trifle Dish
To serve the chocolate mousse.
Baking Cups
For muffins and cupcakes.
☕ Bonus: Extras To Give Your Kitchen a Christmas Vibe!
✅ Final thoughts on the Best Christmas Recipes
A special Christmas doesn’t require anything to be complicated at all! In my opinion, Christmas is a time to pause from the day-to-day routine and to fill the kitchen with comforting aromas, and the most important part is to share food that brings people together. Whether you make one dish from this list or build your entire Christmas gathering around it, I hope these recipes help you create a meal that feels warm, memorable, and puts your heart on a plate!
If you try any of these recipes this holiday season, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and/or post your creations on social media and tag it with #cookingwithanadi and mention me @cooking.with.anadi. Thank you!
Important Tip! Many of these dishes can be made ahead, which makes Christmas Day so much more relaxed, plus you can just focus on prioritizing dishes that need to be finished up hot and fresh. I always recommend prepping as much as you can early so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones!🎄